May
Monument Valley, northeastern Arizona
See the tiny vehicle on the road? What can I say about Monument Valley? Unforgettable!
Goosenecks State Park, southeastern Utah
From our Goosenecks camp we visited Valley of the Gods
The San Juan River way below our camp
One of many unique rock formations at Valley of the Gods
Sand Island Campground, Bluff Utah
I watched rafters float the San Juan River from our site at Sand Island Campground. Friends, Chuck and Geri,and their canine crew met up with us at Sand Island and at Cadillac RV Park in Bluff. Great times!
Red Rock Country, Utah
This day’s drive was the most breathtaking I’ve ever experienced. The photo doesn’t begin to show how astonishing the landscapes.
Dirty Devil River Camp, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Hite, Utah
This boondock had the most dramatic scenery yet! The Colorado River flows in a huge gorge in front of the site.
San Rafael Reef between Hanksville and Green River, Utah
The crew and I had fun climbing the rocks and walking the canyon. I found several different kinds of flowers . . A great camp!
Goblin Valley State Park, Route 24, Utah
The crew and I boondocked near the state park in a canyon of the San Rafael Reef (previous photo).
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
One of my favorite photos . . . What a fun day!
Sunglow Campground, Bicknell, Utah
Our first campsite at Sunglow
Our second campsite at Sunglow
This is the second entry posted today. More 2013 in review to come . . .
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS,
FOR MAKING MY FIRST YEAR AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE A SUCCESS!
NOTE on another subject:
Rusty has received and enjoyed cards and letters from his friends who read this blog. He feels bad that he cannot send replies, as he appreciates the mail very much. (The tremors in his hands and arms make it too difficult for him to write letters.) I promised Rusty that I would express his appreciation here on his behalf.
I may be first. I have read the post. Beautiful pictures and memories.
Hi, Jean,
You’re the first on the last post of the year!
Happy New Year, Sue. Beautiful pictures. I really like the ones of Ajo.
Hi, Neighbors! Happy New Year!
Although Casita probably doesn’t need the promotion, they should pay you for the photos of the BLT showing up all over the western United States. Happy New Year, Sue and crew from windy Colorado.
Hi, Mary,
I did receive $200 because a lady named Margaret said I was the reason she chose to buy a new Casita. That was a sweet surprise in the mail! Happy New Year! (Thanks for including your location. Turn up the heat!)
Dear Sue,
I just wanted to send you a New Year’s thank-you note for all the inspiration you have given me this year. I don’t comment a lot, but I follow your every post, as well as all the many comments and answers. I used to sign “katydid, south of Chicago.” More recently I sign comments, “katydid in Chicago.” That doesn’t seem like much of a change but we have gone from a sprawling 5 bedroom, 4 bath house in the suburbs to a 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in the city.
Downsizing was quite the task! It might have been daunting if not for your example. Going on the road full-time in 2 years will be so much easier after this first transition. It was so freeing to get rid of “stuff” and think about what we really need. The subtitle of your blog, “Living on Less and Enjoying it More” became my mantra this year.
My husband and I are now just 2 blocks from his work, 2 blocks from the grocery store, and in the middle of a little Italian neighborhood. I think of it as our jumping off point. Every item I buy is considered in the light of whether or not I will need it on the road in 2016.
You write about your ups and downs, amazing explorations and every-day tasks. That helps me envision the reality of life on the road. I love when you talk about going outdoors and sitting in your camp chair to do dishes. I want to be able to do that too. The photos of this past year are awesome. You are a great inspiration.
Thank You Sue, from one of your readers, katydid in Chicago
Hi, katydid,
You’re welcome. Your comment reads like a short story. I had a catch in my throat as you described moving from a very large home to a one-bedroom apt. I can’t quite comprehend that my blog has such an impact on people and their decisions for their lives.
I imagine daily life is much simpler for you now and, thus, less stressful with the necessities close by. I know I was tremendously relieved when my house sold. Not only because it meant I was free to travel, but also because I no longer had the worry of replacing the roof, painting, mowing, etc.
Reading your comment, I see that you are one that will delight in the simple tasks of daily life performed in the peaceful, natural settings that RVing provides. For me it’s a delightful way to live and I hope you and your husband discover the same for you.
You remind me of myself when you wrote “Every item I buy is considered in the light of whether or not I will need it on the road in 2016.” I was the same way for about seven years! That kind of thinking halts the accumulation of unnecessary stuff, keeps one’s focus on the goal, and gives one the feeling of “Yes! I’m going to make this dream come true!”
Best wishes to you both for the new year and beyond. Thanks for writing.
Sue, this post brought me to tears. The photos are so gorgeous. What a wonderful lifestyle. Your camp at Sunglow – the first campsite – I used as my desktop photo for quite a while.
Things are a bit up in the air for now, but one day I will know what my journey is to be.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
wags and woofs,
Jool in N. Texas (Weatherford)
Hi, Jool,
That Sunglow site was littered with little bits of plastic, paper, metal pull-tabs, wood chips, cigarette butts, etc. I remember what a lovely day it was and how much I enjoyed raking it clean and putting out the rug and chairs — making it my home. You can see by clicking on the photo how neat it is.
I used to stare at a desktop photo of a Casita while at work in order to remind myself that one day I would be free from the insanity and free to roam.
“… one day I will know what my journey is to be.” May you find what’s right for your life, Jool. Happy New Year!
Hi Sue………..Finally finished your blog from the begining……what a wonderful writer you are …….I have really enjoyed reading all about your adventures and especially the adventures of Spike and Bridgett…….I think they could have their own following like Grumpy Cat. I wish you a very Happy New Years and my thank you for your Great Blog. Happy New Years to all of your readers……..what a nice bunch of ppl they seem to be!!!!!!!!
Hi, Margaret,
Yes, like I always say, I have the best readers! Congratulations for reading my blog from the beginning. That’s quite an accomplishment! Thank you for the compliment on my writing. Happy New Year to you!
Awesome pictures Sue! As usual I have questions if you don’t mind. When will you leave the area you Winter in and where is your favorite area or areas for the Summer months? I have allergies and am curious as to how they would be in Arizona in the areas where you prefer to camp? Any experience with allergies?
I hope you and the pups have a very happy new year and I am looking forward to your future blogs! Dex
Hi, Dex,
When will we leave the area we winter in? Well, that’s hard to say since we do move around in the winter, although less frequently than the rest of the year. The two photo essays of 2013 show my typical timing. The weather keeps me in Arizona until May and I stay in southern Arizona/low elevations until March or April, gradually moving northward. By that time of year I’m “chomping at the bit” to explore the states that are too cold in winter and early spring.
I’ve often counted as one of my blessings that I don’t have respiratory allergies (I do have some food allergies, penicillin, sulfa drugs). Therefore, I’m not qualified to answer your question.
MESSAGE TO READERS: I invite those of you who have allergies and who live and/or travel the Southwest to share your experience.
Happy New Year, Dex! I’m delighted to see you dropping in here frequently.
Hi Sue,
2 great posts. Love the photos and the inspiration for us to get out there more and wander.
Happy New Year to you and the crew from Geordie and me!
Hi, Fortuna Robert,
Putting together these photo essays inspire me to wander, too! I love the slow pace of winter in southern Arizona, but I do get anxious for spring and new places. Best wishes for a safe and happy 2014 for you and Geordie!
I just love the photos of your campsites for the past year. Can’t wait to see where you will travel in 2014. Happy New year to you and the crew. Be safe and enjoy.!!!
Thank you for the wish (and for posting your location)! I browse my Benchmark maps often, dreaming of the places we haven’t been and the ones I want to experience again. Have a wonderful 2014, Karen! Nice to know you’ll be traveling with me and the crew . . .
HAPPY NEW YEAR MISS SUE!
As always, Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Happy New Year and Hugs to you, Miss Barbara!
What beautiful pictures especially in series like that, it creates such a yearning to be on the road. (Fall 2014.)
Q: Could you have gotten to all your camp sites in a 22′ trailer?
Sending blessings your way for 2014.
Hi, Cherylyn,
It’s fun for me, remembering the year’s highlights while putting these photo essays together. I’m glad you enjoy them.
Could a 22′ trailer go to all the same places? I’ve never hauled a 22-footer and I don’t know how long or powerful your tow vehicle is. Having stated that, I do believe you’d be okay with the camps I’ve shown in the two photo essays.
The BLT and PTV have a combined length of 34 feet. That’s over the limit suggested for Navajo National Monument (28 ft), which didn’t register with me as I drove up the road (too dumbstruck by the scenery, I guess!).
The San Rafael Reef camp had some tight and narrow corners going through the canyon. I did see a long fifth wheel in there, but not as far into the canyon as our campsite.
The bigger and longer your rig, the more careful you need to be when looking for a new boondock. Walking the road ahead (or exploring with a toad vehicle) is often necessary to avoid scratches and undercarriage scraping, to check depth of washes, ruts, and gullies, place to turn around, and so forth. After a while on the road you become aware of what you can and can’t do, you know your turning radius, your clearance, and such.
In short, to answer your question, overall I’d say yes, you can do those camps… but don’t rely on my guess!
Here’s wishing you a happy, healthful new year!
What a lovely way to show your travels in general this year!!
Nice to update on Rusty and his pal, Timber too…wonder how they are doing at times.
Glad they are in more comfortable place to live now.
Still downsizing too…had all our stuff in a 10 by 20 storage unit, lots gone, lots more to go through. We hope to cut it way down and looks like this year we will still be storing stuff…maybe at some point we will know where we are headed, well, more so at least. We know we have to go west again ere long to help our daughter again. The rest of the year?? We keep up with your blog and travels…just in case we too try out that lifestyle.
Blessings on your year to come,
Elizabeth in NC for awhile
Blessings to you, too, Elizabeth. I hope 2014 is wonderful or you and your husband in more ways than you can imagine.
I hope you will stay with me and the crew during the new year. Good job with the downsizing. It isn’t easy!
Hi Sue,
Great way to take one last look at 2013. Your blog with all the wonderful pictures kept me inspired and focused all year on my dream; it did the job well. Thank you! I wish you All the Best for 2014. I will continue to look forward to every one of your posts and try to follow your example.
Cheers,
Ilse
Hi, Ilse,
You give my blog credit that you deserve yourself. You kept focused on your dream and did an excellent job making it happen! Happy new year to you and Max! May that pretty LazyDaze take you safely wherever you decide to go.
We live in such a beautiful country! My favorites of your camping spots are in Utah, and I never realized how pretty that state is.
Happy New Year!
Hi, Linda,
Same with me… I was very surprised with Utah. As a lifelong Easterner, I had a picture in my mind of Utah being red rock and that’s about it. What an interesting state with its diverse and spectacular landscapes. The next photo essay will show more of the Utah I had no idea existed.
Happy New Year to you, too!
Wow, very enjoyable year in review. I had forgotten some of those beautiful spots.
What a great “RV Sue & Crew” calendar those pics would make. Happy New Year to you, the crew and all of your readers.
Hi, Val,
I’m making these photo essays for my readers to enjoy, it’s true. I’m also making them for my own enjoyment and as a memory reference. Quite a year! It’s been fun sharing it with you and all my readers.
Happy New Year! I appreciate the times you stop by with a comment . . .
Simply amazing to see the beautiful places we have in this country. Your year in review is great!
Thanks, Lisa. I’m fascinated by the vastness of the West, the variety of landforms, vegetation, lakes, rivers, streams, meadows . . . on and on… It’s also fun to see the regional and local differences in architecture and lifestyles.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. Have a wonderful 2014!
Gorgeous photos, Sue! And I wish you a very happy New Year! God bless.
Thanks. God bless you, too, mockturtle, with good health and happiness in 2014! I hope you will continue to travel with me and the crew.
Happy new year Sue and Crew! I plan to make 2014 the year of getting closer to the road! Thank you for all your posts and wisdom – what a gift to all of us. May 2014 bring you great boondocking, free dumping, and great health for you and the crew.
Free dumping! Yay! You know what’s important, Kellee. LOL!
Best wishes moving toward your goal and for the new year!
Happy New Year Sue, Bridget, and Spike! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos and amazing travel experiences, I eagerly look forward to each one. Wishing you all the best in the new year!
Hi, Linda,
And I eagerly look forward to reading responses to my blog posts. Thanks for writing. Happy New Year . . . Hope all is good and warm in Austin!
All of that was May? I’d forgotten how busy you were traveling during the summer! And I know it must be hard narrowing things down to 1-3 picture per camp. And so far, not a pic of Spike taking a soak….
Yep, that was May… and I didn’t include many of the day trips of that month! Like Mesa Verde, for one!
Picking only one or a few photos to represent these places is difficult. That’s why I’m always happy to hear from a reader that they went back to the beginning and read up to the present. And even then, the experience was a lot more than anything I can write!
Have a great year, Ladybug. Always good to hear from you!
Thank you again Sue, for sharing. As I sit here, feet planted firmly in my sticks & bricks, I enjoy your every post as you explore and appreciate your surroundings. Thanks to you and the Crew, we get to enjoy it with you. Best Wishes for continued happiness in your 2014 travels!
Lacy
I’m glad you’re with us, Lacy… I enjoy hearing from you. May your new year be all you hope for and more!
What a great year!! Such a beautiful country.
Happy New Year!! I wish you and the crew a wonderful 2014:)
Thank you, and the same to you, Pam. We are fortunate to live in this country. Your photos of Florida with it’s lush palm fronds and white sand beaches are evidence of that! Always nice to hear from you . . .
Outstanding photos!
Have you considered creating a photobook? There are a bunch of web sites where you can download software to create your photobook. For example:
http://www.blurb.com/create-photo-books
Hi, Geri,
That’s what I need! Another ongoing, online project! Haha! Thanks for the link. I may not use it, but I’m happy you shared it with my readers.
Dear Sue and Spike and Bridget: I can not add any words to what has already been said….your readers are so wonderfully expressive of their gratitude..and so please join my thoughts with all of their’s and May God Bless you in 2014 as you have blessed your readership!! Hugs!!
Hugs to you, too, Sheri. Thanks for your sweet message. Have a wonderful, blessed new year!
Happy New Year, ,,,,Rusty ,,,,,,Ruuuffffff Gerrrrruffff errrufff,,,,,,,Timber,,,,,,,To All. a great one ,, see ya next year
Happy New Year Rusty and Timber!
May the new year bring you joy and happiness!!
Hi Edie, Timber n’ I thank you ,,, and may he bless you and keep you safe, always :+)
Thanks, Rusty. Happy New Year to you and Timber!
Happy NEWYEAR from Me and Swedish Vallhund Odie who I’m owned by to Sue, Bridget and Spike. I so enjoy your blog and todays photos are fabulous. May your coming year be as great as the last one, I look forward to your adventures!
Happy New Year to you, MK, and to Odie, too, from me and the crew!
Happy New Year, Sue and cuddly crew!
May 2014 be filled with continued inspirations and fantastic discoveries!
Thanks for the vicarious adventures, dear blog friend!
Diann
You’re welcome, Diann (in one of my favorite states) . . . I’m pleased to have you travel with me and the crew in the new year. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Sue! And thanks, as always, for the beautiful pictures, stories and inspiration. I can’t say it any better than it has been said. 🙂
Just taking the time to write a few words is appreciated, Edie. You were one of the new names to appear here during 2013 and I’m glad you continue to stop in to say hello.
Let’s have a fantastic 2014!
Sue, thanks for the beautiful pictures of your campsites. They look especially appealing to me as it is really cold here in MN, and of course it is a dream of mine to make it to those dessert places. Hope you and your pups have a great 2014 with lots of happy travels. thanks so much for the blogs.
Hi, Darlene,
You’re welcome. I wish I could send some warmth your way. It’s been several years since I’ve lived through a northern winter, but the memory remains (in nightmares). If my blog can help you dream of the desert with its warm, dry air, I’m truly glad.
May 2014 be a good year for you. . . with a mild winter and early spring!
You’ve taken us to some beautiful places this year. So much fun to look back. And thanks for the update on Rusty, good to know he and Timber are doing well! Tell him not to worry about answering all the mail! We understand!
Hi, Dawn,
Rusty is relieved to know you understand why he doesn’t respond to mail.
I wasn’t sure whether readers would want to see this retrospective of 2013. I’m happy with the response. It’s fun for me, too!
Thank you for being a loyal reader, Dawn. Have a great, new year!
I don’t want to make Rusty upset by writing…but I also enjoy writing letters and I know they’re fun to get…I don’t expect him to write back…but it is good on occasion to know he’s OK. So hopefully it’s OK to continue to write to him once in awhile.
I’m sure he enjoys hearing from you, Dawn. I’ll let everyone know how he and Timber are doing ever so often (with Rusty’s permission, of course), plus Rusty comments here.
Sue, you picked a lot of our favorites also. You and the crew have the BEST in the New Year 2014. And thank you.
You’re welcome, Chuck. You and Geri gave me a fun time in Bluff last May. I’d love to share another one of those pizzas with you, take another tour of the Fort, and go to Mesa Verde with you again. Ah, good times . . .
Happy New Year!
I’m not sure if you received my message, so, I’ll try leaving it on your latest blog. Forgive me for redundancy, if you’ve already read this.
Trying to figure out the appropriate place to ask this. I’m heading up to Quartzsite for Bob’s RTR….just this once…ha ha! Would it be possible to meet for a short visit? Tea? Dog walk? I have a very lovable pooch named Rochelle Claire. She’s a fox terrier mix and is a good girl. I’m now at Mittry Lake for New Year’s eve, then Kofa perhaps by Wednesday or Thursday before heading to Quartzsite. If not, no problem and happy trails! I’m with you on not just showing up in camp unannounced and uninvited. Gloria
Hi, Gloria,
I guess I missed your previous message. I’m not sure when I’ll be in camp. I’ve put off going to the laundromat and the grocery store, and having a propane tank filled for several days. Now I’m busy putting together these photo essays so I probably won’t go to Quartzsite until Thursday. I can’t put it off much longer. Maybe a few days from now we’ll both know better where we will be and when we’re free to meet.
I hope you are enjoying Mittry Lake and that it’s not too busy or crazy over the holiday. Welcome to Kofa!
MESSAGE TO READERS: I’m beginning to get nervous about publicly inviting people to my camp because hordes of RVers are coming into the area this month (like thousands!) and several of them will be readers of this blog. If I get too many requests to meet me and the crew, I won’t be able to do that with everyone and I’m afraid people will be offended when I have to say no. Please understand.
Hey Sue……
Just a thought: you MIGHT want to post this note in your main message, as not everyone reads down through all the comments. (Just want you to stay safe and comfortable) 😀
Good idea. I may do that soon, although I don’t know if I will while posting these photo essays.
Yes, I totally understand and totally, no problem. I certainly don’t want to put any pressure on meeting. It will happen when it happens, if it happens. It’s one of my fears of feeling crowded and sought after if I ever reach any level of fame, since I too crave peace, quiet, privacy and solitude. Warm wishes to you, Sue. You have my email if the universe tugs at your sleeve. I won’t be a pest.
On a different note, I’ve lucked out at Mittry Lake. I’m at what I believe is Betty’s Lookout. I spent the night in the parking lot about a 100 yards from a quiet couple. Whew! I was grateful to even get this spot. Pretty much all of the prime “loner” type spots were taken up around the Mittry Lake part. I can live with camping fairly close to folks so long as they’re quiet and keep to themselves. We were a good match, though we only waved. That’s all either of us wanted. Heh hey! Now I’m on my way toward Kofa. If I happen to see you , I’ll just wave. I hope to find some solitude there or maybe Crystal Hill before Bob’s biggie event. Happiest New Year! Gloria
You are a dear, Gloria, for understanding my situation. I’d be delighted if we “bumped” into each other (figuratively speaking, of course!). So make that a big wave!
I think you mean Betty’s Kitchen? I had a feeling Mittry might get crowded between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It’s so close to Yuma and handy for its residents. Plus RVSue had to go and blab about it all over the dang internet. 🙂
What a year you have had! Thanks for bringing us along with you.
You’re welcome, Allison. Hope it’s warm and not windy in Tucson. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all!
On behalf of my readers, the crew, and myself, may you look back at 2014 and say it was a very good year!
I just saw my cell phone calendar change from 2013 to 2014 so it’s officially a new year in AZ and rocky mountain time zone. Happy New Year RVSue and crew!!! I am hoping for a good year with discovery of cures for many diseases, peace on Earth, favorable weather for crops, animals, and ourselves, good health, happiness, etc…..the list goes on and on and of course safe travels for all of us no matter what mode of transportation.
Hi, Rita,
Wouldn’t that make for a fantastic year if all your hopes (and ours) came true. I wish you the best for the new year!
Happy New Year Sue from our home to yours.
Was struggling with this sciatia today and set down to watch some TV and there they were on House Hunters,,,,in Atlanta and with a dog that I swear could have been Spike and Bridget’s Sister.Even had to call Lisa in to look so I knew I wasn’t crazy,lol.
Love the phot essay and thanks so much for sharing.
Ooh, sciatica… not fun. Sorry you suffer with that.
Yeah, there are a lot of Spike and Bridget look-alikes roaming around, trying to be as cute and crazy, but they all FAIL! lol!
Glad you enjoyed the photos. Happy New Year!
Rusty is truly blessed to have a friend like you Sue. We here at As Time Goes…..Bye wish you & the crew a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!
Hi, Gayle,
And I’m blessed to have Rusty as a friend. Thank you for the new year’s wish. Same to you!
Happy New Year, Sue and Crew. Thank you for being such an inspiration and sharing your adventures so freely.
Hi, Page,
You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure to show you my life with my crew as we travel around. I’m happy you get something out of it! Have a great year!
What a great year 2013 was for you and your crew. Friendship, Adventure, Beauty and blessings. You have made some great memories for you and your followers. Wishing you a wonderful new adventure in 2014.
Thank you, Gary. Nice comment. My followers have enriched my life by taking the time to write and share here.
That’s quite a nice-looking fifth wheel you have on order! Looks like you’re getting set up for an adventurous, exciting new year. Best wishes for happy, safe travels!
Happy NEW YEAR to RVSue and the crew, and to all the followers. This is a great place to be.
Been in the RV for a month now, no major issues. Can’t wait for the House to sell so I can hit the road.
Hi, Alan,
Good to hear the RV is working out fine for you with no big problems. That house will sell one of these days and then it’s “watch out world, here comes Alan!”
Best wishes for the new year! I hope you stay with us and let us know your own adventures in 2014.
Happy New Year to you and the crew from West Texas. Hope you have a blessed year and any troubles be small ones.
Thank you, Donna. I like your hope for us. Troubles are always appearing in our lives… That’s okay as long as we can keep them small, right? Have a wonderful year!
Happy New Year RVSue, Bridget and Spike. Thank you for letting us have a window into your lives. Happy travels in 2014!
Marilu
The same to you, Marilu! I’ve enjoyed hearing from you this past year. I hope you continue to ride along with me and the crew!
Dear RVSue and Fuzz Babies….All the best in 2014 !! I so love reading your blog..Thank you!
We have a brand new year to fill with wonderful adventures …May the wind be always at our backs and the Sun always shine gently on our faces!
Hi, Betty-Shea,
Yes, each new year is a gift — the best of gifts when we can make it into what we want! Thank you for the Irish blessing. . . May the wind always be at your back, too, giving you good gas mileage.
Happy New Year!