Saturday, March 15
After breakfast the crew and I set out on a walk around the area of our new camp near Bouse, Arizona.
“Camp Bouse”
These days I can’t be sure how Bridget and Spike will respond to the suggestion of a walk. Sometimes Bridget plops her behind down and refuses to leave camp. When I walk off without her, she sits, stubborn and unmoving, staring at me until I return.
Spike loves walks.
However, sadly, there are times when arthritis takes the fun out of walking for him and he chooses to remain in camp. This morning both Bridget and Spike are rarin’ to go!
The rocky ground doesn’t seem to bother the crew. Spikey reaches the crest of the hill; Bridget waits beside me.
It’s more fun with Bridget and Spike along.
This morning they want to explore as much as I do. On the Benchmark map for Arizona, this area is marked as Bureau of Land Management land.
We come across a post supported by a pile of rocks.
From a distance it looks like a cross.
I assume it’s a memorial — not an uncommon sight in the desert — or possibly the grave of a pet. Upon closer inspection I see it’s not a cross, but four posts lashed together. Each post has a small bottle sticking out horizontally, held by their caps which are screwed onto the posts.
Hmm . . . Each jar has a rolled-up paper inside.
The shadow of a cross . . .
Curious, I unscrew one of the jars.
The paper is an official State of Arizona form for a mining claim, complete with diagram. Well, I wonder if I’m camping on a claim . . . .
I’m not concerned. Obvious campsites with fire rings are scattered all about. No apparent signs of any mining activity. If someone says we have to move, we’ll move.
I replace the paper and we continue our walk.
Our camp is the furthest one out which means no one driving by.
The crew and I follow the two-track “road” that brought us here. We stop occasionally to let Spike leave his messages. Both Bridget and Spike are in great spirits, enjoying an excursion in the fresh air of this desert morning.
The crew is undaunted by how far we stray from home!
The only sound is the crunch of rocks with each step.
No flowers right now in this part of the desert. Not much wildlife either. Very few rodent burrows. As much as I enjoy seeing wildlife, I’m glad.
No wildlife can be a good thing.
Few or no rabbits mean few or no coyotes, few or no rodents mean few or no snakes. I’ve seen one chipmunk since we’ve been here and heard the strident call of one flicker in the ironwood tree at our camp.
And, of course, there are those ubiquitous black birds that float on air currents. Seems no matter where we camp… from Arizona to South Dakota to Washington and all the states in between, a pair of big, black birds circle above. Slim pickins’ below . . .
No talking, no engines, no radios or tvs . . . simply silence . . . ahhh . . .
On the way back to camp I stop a few times to pet and scratch Spike and Bridget to give them encouragement. It works! Off they go with renewed energy!
Bridget figures out a short-cut and soon we’re back at camp, the crew slurping from the water bowl.
I thought I’d drive into Bouse today.
You know, kind of look around, check it out, take some photos. It may seem crazy to anyone reading this, but I have to work up the ambition to re-enter civilization, if one can affix such a grand term to the tiny desert town of Bouse.
The clean, dry air, the sunshine, the silence except for the whoosh of breezes through the ironwoods, my pals napping on the folded quilts on the ground. . . all of it anchors me securely and happily in place.
Maybe we’ll go tomorrow . . .
rvsue
I APPRECIATE YOU SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Here are some interesting and useful items purchased by readers recently:
Old Smokey Charcoal Grill #14 (Small)
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RoadPro 12V 12′ Extension Cord with Cigarette Lighter Plug
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“FLASHBACK”
Bridget and the Spikester play in the Tieton River — Willows Campground west of Naches, Washington — Summer of 2013
NOTE REGARDING WILSON ANTENNA AND MILLENICOM INTERNET . . .
I added a link (provided by Mick, my friend and technical advisor) on the Internet Antenna page accessed from the header. If you scroll down, you will see a link for an external antenna adapter cable for Millenicom Pantech Jetpack, as discussed in comments under the previous post.
It’s my understanding that mining claims are good for whatever is under the ground and not the surface. You’ll need to do your own research on that though.
So that means I get to keep the silver or gold nuggets I find while walking about. 🙂
Numbah 1!!!!!
Oh, not so fast!
Silence is golden!
In today’s world, it’s priceless!
Okay Numbah 2.
Sometimes these old bones take a bit longer to loosen up! Sounds like you all enjoyed your day!
That mining stake was neat! Never heard of that before!
Have a great evening!
Hi, Cinandjules,
A lazy day means a lazy post… 🙂 You have a great evening, too. Cuddle AO for me!
Shoot, I even had to go find my password to log in!
What a wonderful campsite you have found! Quiet is a rare commodity…Spike and Bridget look like they love it too..
Good times ….:)) !!!!
Hi, Betty-Shea,
When I drove up the road to this place during the hottest part of the day, the desert looked drab and desolate. The next morning I step outside to a completely different impression… a fresh and lovely camp. I find the longer I stay at a camp, usually the more I fall in love with it!
I am so ready. We have sold so much stuff already. Our first garage sale is next weekend. We completed the plaster repair and painting on the front bedroom today. Things are moving along but still seems glacial. I have the motorcycle up for sale and the house will go on the market June 1.
I want to pat you on the back and scratch you behind the ears, John — like I do to encourage the crew! LOL!
Keep getting things done like you are and you’ll reach your goal. Thanks for the update. Love it!
Ok, but no raw meat tyvm!
Oh, I meant to make a comment on the last post, but never got around to it….during the time I’ve been following various full-timing/RV traveling blogs, I’ve learned that Quartzsite, Yuma, Mission/McAllen TX, are big RVing areas, at least in the winter. But never heard anyone mention Parker AZ. Is it really a big-time RVing area?
Hi, Ladybug,
I don’t know. You can boondock around Parker. Something about the place doesn’t seem inviting to me. I’ll probably get someone mad at me writing this… The town doesn’t have much character. Both times I’ve been there, it’s been hectic, lots of RVers getting things done there and leaving as fast as they arrived… Even the desert seems kind of boring around there… and that’s something, coming from a desert-lover like myself.
A disclaimer though — I really haven’t seen much around Parker so what do I know . . . .
Parker is not that big, only a couple campgrounds. It is an overflow for Lake Havasu which is the main attraction in that area.
Ah yes! The wonderful presence of silence is a gift one provides for the self! Out on the AZ deserts there is beauty to enjoy along with the soft silence.
At my current years in life, there is sound no matter how silent the area,the “ringing” in my ears….
Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove that constant ear noise? The
only thing I know to do is fill my ears with music I play on my awesome keyboard, or Clyde’s soothing purring!
Your new place near Bouse is perfect! I am wondering just which way your rig is
“pointing”…… like the hitch end? My memories of being there tell me that in the
picture of Spikey “cresting the top of the hill”, that the RV’s ? in the valley behind him
are along Plomosa Rd north of the big Q??? That would mean that your Casita is pointing “southish” if memory serves me???
Anyway…. enjoy your lovely quiet place until you are ready to move along…. Wish I could be in the same area….. tho not of course, where we would have to look at each
other’s rigs!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I’m keeping my location vague on purpose as I don’t want any visitors. I will tell you the hitch is pointing to the west, slightly north.
I wish I knew a way to stop the tinnitus. My father had it and he hated it. Sometimes it’s caused by allergies, I believe. I’m glad you are a music-lover so you can mask it with melodies.
Anyone know of a remedy for ear noise for Elizabeth?
So much for my memory of that area! My inner knowing told me those mountains were on the wrong side! Oh well…so I am
wrong…. so what!
When I play my music I do go to a whole other universe. That works really well!
Thanks for the fan suggestion Linda May….. Bet your son is not
82+ years old!
Elizabeth… Scroll down to Strelsi’s comment to find a link for suggestions re: tinnitus.
Elizabeth, my son turns on a fan and that helps him with the ringing in his ears.
Hope that helps, Linda
Sue if you don’t mind me asking, is that a town or other campers in the background of the picture with Spike at the top of the hill?
Are you usually out there all alone or can you typically see other people boondocking?.
Sometimes when I’m camping in the national forest and I’m the only one out there by the river I get a little scared. It’s not really the bears I’m afraid of it’ s crazy people that worry me more.
My little dogs are so old they are not exactly the best guard dogs, but great to cuddle with. Henry the pug can’t see or hear very well, and Chipper the terrier has no teeth. So I am their protection.
I’ve got my pepper spray and a hatchet.
But i get to see that beautiful view of the moon on the river and that’s why i go there.
I bet you get a spectacular view of the stars at night.
Riley in NC, You are so right, respect all nature but beware of the occassional crazy human. If you are far enough in the woods, not as much to worry about because a crazy seems to like easy access.
Hi, Riley,
That’s the town of Bouse. The photo makes it look closer than it actually is. There are a few campers closer to town than we are, on this same road. I can see two RVs from where I’m at.
To tell the truth, I don’t worry about other people, crazy or not, as I try to keep distance between me and them. I’d actually prefer not to have anyone in sight. Most of the problems I’ve experienced in my life have originated with people. That’s why I’m always amazed that fearful people want to be around other people. Doesn’t compute in my mind.
I’ve camped in areas with no one around for miles in any direction and felt wonderfully secure. Yet there are people who, if in the same place, would become terrified.
Do whatever makes you comfortable, Riley. If I had to camp with pepper spray and a hatchet at hand, I wouldn’t want to camp.
You know, Sue, I’ve been curious about your gun. I wasn’t sure why you got it, and I’m wondering if you have ever had any call to use it, or even think about it?
DesertGinger, from earlier post. Look at Mesquite NV, Hurricane UT, Moab UT and Truth Or Consequences NM as possible areas to settle in.
Thanks Alan. Since I already bought my park model, and it’s near Tucson, I can’t go too far as it is expensive to move. Just to move it into Tucson proper is about 2k. I am, however, considering Nevada and I have been to Mesquite. The only park model community I know there is Desert Skies, which is very pricey. But I will research for others.
yeah, Park models present a problem in some areas. Just east of Mesquite along I15 there are several campgrounds that might be obliging.
Hi, DesertGinger,
No, I haven’t had cause to use my gun. It’s there if I need it and I hope I never do. I don’t think about it.
We are back and forth on whether to get one or not. Have you ever not gone to a place because of your gun?
No. I don’t think of the gun. I say… Rather than make the decision based on data or reasoning, do what makes you feel comfortable.
If everyone told you a gun is unnecessary but you would feel vulnerable without one, then get the gun. On the other hand, if everyone told you to definitely get a gun but you would feel uncomfortable having one around, then don’t get one. 🙂
Another gun opinion….years ago my boyfriend purchased a gun to take to work as a taxi driver in a major city. Once he had the gun he felt safer to pick up questionable people, and to take fares to questionable areas. Within a month he was robbed at gunpoint, and they stole the gun too. Before he had the gun he had driven for 5 years with no problems. Guns give people a false sense if security. I would rather have a can of mace, a barking dog and a working cell phone,
John K,
Having a gun in your possession doesn’t make you safer per se. Having common sense and the ability to adapt to a situation is the key.
My suggestion is if you already don’t have one….you don’t need to waiver on the decision to get one! IMHO-it’s not a good idea.
Every state has it’s own laws pertaining to firearms. Google RVing with a firearm. There ARE places that firearms are prohibited.
Then there comes the training…don’t think you can take a course in firearms and be proficient. It’s muscle memory..something you won’t have when the SHTF. Someone’s going to get hurt or worse…and it might be you or your other half.
And that’s better advice than what I doled out!
That makes sense. We’ve been quite a few places and lived pretty active lives and never felt the need for or had any experience that a gun would have fixed. Well, one maybe when I was held up at gun point while taking the garbage out one night here at my house! That was pretty scary.
In that circumstance..even if you had a gun…the minute you went to access it…you would have been in trouble.
Property can be replaced and although it feels like you’ve been violated…it’s not worth dying for.
Hi Sue,
Glad you’re back! 🙂
What a great post. Very up lifting & ooohhh the peace & quite. Just what I needed today.
Love your new camp, dang! I love all your campsites. You always find the best ones. Thanks for sharing about Benchmark maps. I’m learning from you on how to read them. Lots of studying. 😐
I feel better.
Thanks Sue!
Hi, Vicki,
You’ll probably find, as I did, that the more you refer to the Benchmark map and to the real world represented by it, you’ll get more and more out of both. I’ve used them enough that now I can almost picture what a place looks like by studying the Benchmark, even though I’ve never been there.
Sounds so peaceful there. I was glad the pups were up to the walk. When you say it’s hard to go into civilization, it makes me remember my backpacking days. Weeks in the woods alone but with a great dog, the only sounds were your footsteps, an animal, a creek. just natural sounds. How surprised I was when at trails end how high I jumped at the sound of the Interstate Highway…Startling. Enjoy the peace and take Care.
I believe you, Diane! A period of quiet will make you super-sensitive to sounds.
reluctant to enter civilization,using creative ways to find nutrition in the sparse fridge and cupboards,innumerable times the only reason I did go was because the pets food needed replenishment.Knowing I might not feel differently any time soon,I stocked up on everything again…Society at it’s best can offer wonderful and profound pleasures,
the joy of having important things in common,true empathy,love.Were this the norm I’d be out there in a flash all the time.Alas,these encounters are rare treasures that I have indeed been blessed with.Ordinarily,however, most of life’s paths are filled with people only eager to discuss the frivolous subjects that take no thought,reveal nothing and so keep them safe behind their plastic faces.I call those conversations”playing in the shallow water”,spaces with no real air,I avoid it as much as possible.
If only they knew that being real would make them attractive and not rejected as they fear…All this to say I understand,even applaud your postponing trips to the local centers of commerce and population,you’ve chosen the mutual affection of animals,bloggers and the Lord ,superlative decision I’d say
Hi, weather,
Yes, a lot of interaction is very superficial. Maybe we are that way with people we meet as a form of defense until trust is developed.
I am fortunate to have the means to go off by myself with my crew and only return to the hub-bub when necessary or when desired.
thank you for your thoughtful response.Seldom being enthusiastic about fully engaging,selfishly being unwilling to help people come out of their shells- these are recently acquired and thankfully diminishing traits I’ve developed.Honestly,being critical and negative is unlike me ordinarily.The day I wrote that would have been my wedding anniversary,but my husband recently passed away-while I was still in love with him!In real life sometimes now I just don’t want to go out and play because my best friend isn’t here to go with me.I’m deeply grateful to have had an ineffably wonderful relationship for all the years we were given,and now I’m regaining my enthusiasm for the next horizon the wind is pulling me to. Please consider that first comment as an anomaly,it was a strange and difficult day.
Your delightful writing,photos and blog are among the beautiful things this world holds that keep me a smiling reader
I’m very sorry for the loss you are suffering. It sounds like you had an exceptionally warm and loving relationship with your husband. This must be a difficult time for you.
I’m glad to read that you are “regaining your enthusiasm for the next horizon.” No doubt your husband would want you to do that.
God bless you.
When Rusty said the residents of Bouse weren’t all that friendly, I wondered why. Now I know, they are largely prospectors, and are suspicious of outsiders. There are other locations in Arizona with the same reputation, the town of Young in central Az for one, and the area south of Crown King is another. I know you won’t take any advice to leave, and you really shouldn’t, but of all the places you have been, your are in the most danger where you are at right now.Not a lot, just be careful and don’t do anything that might be interpreted as prospecting of any kind. I have been in such areas several times, usually by mistake, but prospectors with the fever are very protective of their claims, and no it isn’t only under ground. Don’t misunderstand me I am not trying to scare you, I doubt that any thing will happen, just please be careful. The old west still lives in some areas of AZ.
Okay, Alan. Thank you.
It is kinda funny, I have been all over AZ and everyone has always been very open and friendly. The only places I have encountered otherwise is around mining and prospecting areas. Not really unfriendly, guarded would be more accurate. I know you can take care of yourself, I just would hate for anything to happen. I do so enjoy reading about your adventures.
My best to you and the crew.
I do remember that crabby prospector at Dome Rock at Quartzsite. No hello, just a snotty remark about the crew.
I have spent a fair amount of time in and near Young AZ and Haigler Creek area and found the people there to be very friendly and nice! Never had a problem!
I think gender has a lot to do with our interactions. A male prospector may be more apt to get territorial in the presence of another male. Everyone knows we females don’t know how to use a pick or a shovel. 😉
Back in my day…… The only things women were suited for was to be wives & mothers first and foremost! Then being librarians & teachers became okay for those who were
unmarried. Oh, secretaries too! Come on Hillary! Break that “glass ceiling”!!!!!!
If she could only control Bill. 🙂
But, get a mallet involved and WATCH OUT! 🙂
Most of my experiences in Az where in the 80’s. I think the state has evolved a bit since then. I remember when Phoenix was up for their first Super Bowl. A sports caster convinced the NFL to make passing of the referendum for a Martin Luther King holiday as a prerequisite to get the SB. It was amazing, people came out of the woods, down from the mountains, and out of the desert to vote down the holiday. They didn’t care a twit about the MLK holiday, it was the idea that outsiders would try and control the outcome of the vote. It wasn’t racial because the next year it passed without incidence with half the turnout.. 🙂
I’m happy to see you camped here. I boondocked here and loved the solitude. General pistol packin Patton used this area as his training area for tank warfare back in WW ll. There are still a couple of old tanks sitting right beside the highway in the middle of town. It can be a dusty area when the wind blows just right but mostly where you are it is not that dusty. Are you using Fresh Cab under the hood of your PTV to ward off the rodents? The little packets last for about 3 months. You can buy them on Amazon for $13.00 and you get four packets in the box. Don’t put them near your battery. Rest in peace knowing you are protected from the little varmits eating your wires all up. Parker is a depressed little town that appears to be falling into disrepair. The depression has taken its toll in this area. The Safeway market is a good place to go grocerie shopping and right across the street is Walmart. I can’t reccomend a nice clean restaurant in town but the Indian Casino might be a good place but I never go into them. Bouse looks like a broken down old town that is one day away from being a Ghost Town. The people are friendly enough but poor. The little rv town of Brenda on Hwy 60 has the best cafe around. The Black Rock Cafe is clean and the food is good with prices that are resonable. No Shootin Irons are allowed inside the cafe. For those that don’t know…people pack pistols down here for snake protection.
Hi, Joe,
I will drive to Brenda one of these days so I appreciate the recommendation re the Black Rock Cafe.
No, I don’t have any protection against rodents in the PTV’s engine area right now. I should do something about that.
Sue,
My experience at the Black Rock Cafe was OK but I would not drive from Bouse to have the experience again. If you are going there for some other reason then a meal at the Black Rock Cafe could be an additional treat.
That’s my intent. I rarely eat out, and, when I do, I don’t usually drive out of my way to a restaurant.
I remember my dad’s stories about tank maneuvers during WWII there in the desert in the heat of the summer also up toward Needles, CA. training for Africa. He said the heat was terrific—they sent him to Germany in the winter?!?
If I recall correctly, “The Slabs” is another area where Patton’s troop were trained
for their WWII “activities.”
The Slabs, former Camp Dunlap, was a Marine artillery training base. General Patton trained his tank troops in the desert northeast of Riverside.
I agree that the town of Parker doesn’t seem to have much character. We have spent a couple of months in the area and enjoy it, though, because it is on the Colorado River and there is a casino there (the reason DH likes to stay there). There are many, many RV parks right on the river and we really enjoy the water.
Hi, Nancy,
I see a lot of campgrounds and RV parks along the Colorado from looking at my map. Like I said in a previous response, I really don’t know the area very well.
First time posting, but have followed your adventures for awhile now. Wanted to mentioned that I have also “listened” to silence… it is one of the sweetest sounds on this earth. A cherish moment in time if you will.
Nice to hear from you, Melinda! And you didn’t make a sound. . . 🙂
Rattlesnake Joe wrote what I’d just thought – a gun in the desert is for snakes. Although now that I think of it in this world there are snakes and then there are snakes. If you get my drift? But I did picture the ground crawling kind first.
Hi, Pat,
If I see a ground-crawling snake, my course of action will be to go the other way. Any other kind of snake, well, that would depend upon what the snake does.
Hi Sue, I’m a long time reader of rvsue & crew , but first time poster.
It’s perfectly fine for you to camp on a mining claim . One of my favorite sites related to mining claims is http://www.goldrushexpeditions.com/ and AZ information is
at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/mining/requirements.html.
I hope you and the crew enjoy the wonderful camp site and thank you for the great blog.
You’re welcome, Troy,
Good to see you here! I do appreciate the information and links regarding mining claims and camping. As the old saying goes… It’s news I can use! I haven’t looked at the links yet. . . will do that as soon as I catch up on comments.
Oh Sue, sounds of silence, so nice…
I will share one time I was riding in the Sierra Nevada mountains with a three of my lady friends…we were riding up to a lake to swim and have a picnic. One of my friends said ‘shhhhhh’ listen’….we we stopped talking…all we could hear was the horse’s foot falls, the wind in the pines, birds…the creaking of the saddles…we rode for a long time just soaking up the silence…
We were camped at the trail head into the Emigrant Wilderness off Dodge Ridge Road…
Boondocker paradise..as I remember the only ‘people’ that passed our camp was a couple of wranglers leading a pack string taking gear and supplies to a camp, brief ‘howdy’ and they walked past, leading a sting of mules.
We did a lot of shhhhhhhhh listening after that day.
Thanks for the memory…
Hi, Lee,
Wonderful memory! You took me to that quiet place. Now I have to look up the Emigrant Wilderness on my map .. .
Haven’t posted in a while. Working, commute and elderly parents taking up my time. Check in for the first time in a while and now there are hundreds of comments to catch up on. I miss your virtual community Sue.
Now the reason of my post – the Emigrant Wilderness, my “back yard”. Great area for hikers and horse packers – few places to get away from folks in a trailer in the Emigrant. Absolutely beautiful and wonderful destination. There a few places to get away for people lower down the mountain, but they lack the rugged beauty of the Emigrant. The lower sites have been discovered by people from the central valley and San Francisco Bay Area. Us locals who boondock in the lower areas have found a few pockets where we can be along on our weekend escapes, but is getting harder.
We take our trailers (yes two-one at a time though) over the Sierras for our remote camping to experience the silence you crave. Our off road trailer (think tiny cargo trailer) can make it over Sonora Pass above the Emigrant. All other trailers and larger RV’s would be advised to take another route.
Good to have you back, SFM! Missed you!
Thanks for the information on the Emigrant Wilderness.
Life sure is good:) Glad to see the crew doing so well.
I’m glad, too. Never like to leave one of them behind.
It is not only the beauty of silence captured here, but of simplicity. A good pair of shoes, a sturdy hat, and a couple four-legged pals make for a perfect day in the fresh air. We need so little to be truly happy.
Thanks (again) for the reminder :-). Enjoy.
You’re welcome… We’re living on less and enjoying life more!
It is a dreary, rainy and windy morning here.
Wishing you sunshine and still winds! 🙂
Hi, Edie,
I don’t know where “here” is… Wherever it is, I hope the weather clears for you!
I am a bit late to read this week, but if Elizabeth might find this link useful for her Tinnitus.
http://dremilykane.com/2002/05/10/top-five-remedies-for-tinnitus/
I’ve been studying herbal medicine for some decades now and do my best to try what I recommend out on myself before suggesting it to others. What works for one might not for another, but most herbal remedies will do no harm at the very least.
Strelsi
Thank you very much, Strelsi. I’m sure Elizabeth will appreciate the link.
STRELSI! Many thanks for pointing to the very interesting
article on help for tinnitus. Holistic health is definitely an
area of long-time interest…. The opening page is now in my
long list of “Favorites” where frequent visits occur……
It would be great if RV Sue give you my e-dress so that should
you choose to contact me….. you could! hint hint hint ……
Sue
I have had plenty of experience with ears ringing, in 1968 I was in the wrong place at the right time and when they blew an ammo dump close to me it busted both eardrums .I have had it so long that it doesn’t bother me much any more but what does bother me is every once in a while it will quit,complete silence ,it drives me nutts when that happen, I guess the ringing is the norm for me. I found out a couple years ago my ear drums had healed,I didnt know that was possible.
I have a favor or maybe a suggestion would be a better way to put it.A lot of folks are in the process of going down the fulltime lane. There are a few things I would like to know from a pro (you) that does it for a long time
Do you use your water tank
Cooking inside as you seem to do most of the time have you noticed any staining or bad effects on the rat fur inside the camper
How much drinking water do you go through in 14 days
You list your grocery cost but I would love to have a detailed list of your meals for 14 days , how would a little section with a pic of your meals each day. You tell us what the crew eats Lol
I know you think this would be boring and to dull ,but those kind of things really help us plan our own adventures.
Ron
PS Others may have questions also
Hi, Ron,
Yes, I use my water tank for washing hands, for bathing, and for flushing the toilet. I do not drink the water from the tank. The crew and I drink water stored in one-gallon jugs filled at water dispensers or at spigots marked “potable water.”
No, the carpeting on the walls has not darkened or stained from cooking. In the Liberty Deluxe model of Casita the stove is next to the bathroom wall (at the front). That wall next to the stove is covered with a fiberglass panel. (The fiberglass extends across the back of the sink and stove, wrapping around the latter.) The location of the stove is one of the reasons I chose the Liberty model.
My meals are erratic, often uninspired, and sometimes weird. I don’t know what can be learned from them other than RVSue needs nutritional guidance… Haha!
I’m not proud of my meals . . . a bowl of Progresso soup . . . weird creations like lima beans with fried onions and red pepper spice . . . cheese on crackers with an avocado on the side. Normal people don’t eat meals like I do nor would they want to!
Some things are better for people to figure out for themselves anyway. More fun that way!
Ron in TX….. On using the water from the rig holding tank if my 30 years FT RV’ng
will qualify as a “pro” in your opinion…….
Yes…. a provisional Yes… Providing that the tank is given frequent treatments of some (1 or 2 TBLspoons of clorox to a full tank) depending on the size of the tank of course. However, like Sue and probably the majority of FT RV’rs, keeping several gallon jugs of fresh water for drinking and cooking has been my preference. Water in the holding tank for showers and whatever else…..
The main thing about FT RV’ng (IMO) is to do what you want to do when you want to do what you want to do! Be All YOU Are…. Be Yourself…. Everyone Else Is Taken!
Great advice, Elizabeth! Nothing quite as good as the voice of experience . . . 🙂
Elizabeth and Sue
I dont think any of us is normal . HA HA and we all have our quirks about eating. But getting ideals and then modifying them to your own usage is part of being yourself.
Easy quick meals or just snacks that work on the ft lifestyle is interesting and informative.
I started camping over 50 years ago with an 80 year old man that taught me a lot . I also do a lot of multi day kayak trips where you are just camping on islands and river banks, now that kind of meal planning and water usage and equipment I know forward and backwards.
Rving ft is a little different and I tend to want to really pick the pros brains ,sometime it is a lot easier to learn than reinvent the wheel.
Ron
Ron,
If you know meal planning and water usage for a multi-day kayak trip then you know how to do it in a RV. You might get a little more creative in the RV as time goes by but it need not be all that different. The only difference that I have found is that I am eating healthier but I may have accomplished that while in a sticks-n-bricks also – it was time.
I was thinking the same thing, Ed. And when you camp in an RV with a kitchen, meal planning and preparation isn’t much different than in a regular house. I have less refrigerator/freezer room and no oven, but the rest is the same.
Why is it that almost everything tastes better when your are in the great outdoors?
I have to be very careful because I can chug down three beers in a matter of minutes when I’m camping, but rarely drink when I’m at home.
Wish i still had all those brain cells i destroyed years ago partying.
I know what you mean. I eat almost all my meals outside. That’s one reason why I got camp chairs with the attached side tables.
Searching, searching….I remember when you got them but not specifically. I tried a search but it doesn’t seem to bring up the right post.
Here you go:
http://rvsueandcrew.net/new-casita-decor-and-disappointing-news-about-ajo-boondocking-area/
That’s the episode where she got her side tables for the chairs and there is a picture of that, but nothing about the actual chair (unless I scrolled right over it). Thanks for the assist though.
Ah hah…. No picture just a link.
http://rvsueandcrew.net/its-the-little-things-i-love-about-the-vagabond-life/
You must have been in Investigations during your career. You do know how to find stuff!
Ditto. Thanks for that!
“blogorino” 😉
Hey Sue, do you know you’re boondocking in a place that’s currently in the news? Front page of today’s (Sunday) AZ Republic has a story about a small town gearing up to fight a power company (SRP) that wants to build a nuclear or gas powered power plant there some time in the future. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the story was posted from Bouse – what a coincidence as we had just finished reading your latest post during breakfast. We’re still enjoying your posts and look forward to every one. We’ve also now started following the Bayfield Bunch, Travels in Therapy and Wheeling It – of course all RV bloggers that feature their 4 legged traveling companions in their posts. We’ll never be RVers outselves, but sure do enjoy living vicariously thru all of your travels. Thanks for sharing, Linda and Gerry
Hi, Linda and Gerry,
Well, I had absolutely no idea. We rolled through town and immediately rambled out into the desert. Little Bouse against a power company? Sounds like David and Goliath . . .
I loaned the Dogtripping book by Rosenfeldt that you gave me to my friends, Bill and Ann, and they enjoyed it very much.
Gee, it’s great to hear from you and to know that you still follow along with me and the crew. You’ve chosen some great blogs to follow…
Hope all is well with you and yours .. .
Hi Sue,
Well of course we still follow you – never miss a post. We especially enjoyed your posts about your adventures in Mexico to see the dentist and get glasses. And we found a couple of those other bloggers that I mentioned thru references in your posts.
We’re doing well, thanks. I’ve been busy planting tomatoes so that we can get a good crop before the terrible heat of summer sets in and fries the plants. Was happy to see that you recovered from your unpleasantness quickly. We worried for a day or so because after that post you didn’t write for a few days and of course we thought the worst – “Oh no, Sue must have had a relapse.”
There was actually a second article in the paper about Bouse today – in the business section. Apparently there’s a large jojoba farm out there that produces the expensive oil that goes in high end cosmetics. And they’re located in the area where the power plant is looking to acquire land.
Take care and stay safe. Linda
Interesting! Saw jojoba growing wild in and around Kofa. Good luck with your ‘maters! I used to hurry them into the ground in my garden in Georgia for the same reason. Same with the cukes so the heat wouldn’t make them bitter .. .
One thing I really like about camping in the middle of the desert: No one can sneak up on you. You either hear them or you see the dust heralding their arrival. 🙂
Excellent point, mockturtle. I do like being able to see who’s coming our way from a long way off.
It’s on my bucket list-to camp in the desert. No deserts here in NC.
My only camping experiences include the mountains of NC and wooded campgrounds by the neuse river.
What kind of sounds do you hear camping in the desert?
I love listening to the frogs, insects, owls and Lord knows what else out in the woods.
Do any of you that camp in the desert think you have a false sense of security because you don’t think crazies are out there?
Hi, Riley,
One thing I’ve learned since coming to the West is the many of kinds of desert, sometimes not far apart from each other.
Sounds? I’ve heard owls, coyotes (of course), ravens or grackles (whatever those black birds are), the zippity-zoom sound of courting hummingbirds, the click-clack of grasshoppers, the laughing call of quail, cooing doves, the whooshing of breeze through palo verde and ironwood trees, booms from the military, roar of fighter jets, wail of a distant train . . .
I was led to believe that the crazies gravitate to the desert. Well, I’m here. 🙂
Maybe that’s why I’ve always been drawn to the desert…
I think crazies can be anywhere there are people. Lately it seems like the real crazies have been in cities and at schools. I can’t give energy to worrying about. I choose not to live my life in fear.
Smart choice, Marilu!
Wow so out in the desert you are subjected to the roar of military planes? I live near a military base and talk about ringing in your ears!
I think i would love the natural desert sounds.
One thing I’m still waiting to hear out in the woods—what does the fox say?
Sorry but i love that corny song.
The military aircraft aren’t heard all over the desert, only near places like Yuma Proving Grounds (heard at Kofa, in the distance) or the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range (occasionally heard at Ajo). It isn’t like camping next to an airport… Don’t want to give that impression.
Jet fighters? I live within 10 miles of Luke AF Base. It is where every fighter pilot since WW2 has trained. For years now it’s been the F-16s but now we are getting the F35. It is the most advanced fighter in the world. Noise, hell yes but here we call it “the sound of freedom”. You get used to the noise after while and it is common when talking to a neighbor to pause in the middle of a statement and then resume when the planes are gone.
As peaceful as it is up here….it is also the training area for jet fighters. They fly so low you can see the pilots…you can hear them approaching but that’s too late to cover your ears! Rocks the house and scares the “kids”.
We refer to it as “the boys playing with their toys”.
Pics of the pups on the Tieton brought back my memory of first catching your blog. This afternoon we landed in the Quechan casino rv parking lot and haven’t stopped visiting with folks from Texas and Wisconsin. Love this rv road life!
I can tell! 🙂
Ah yes. Silence.
Brings back a memory of mine last night. Wife & I are laying in bed, watching some loud movie, when I stole the remote and said, “Hang on a sec.. need to do something..”
The sound of the evening’s soft rain came through the window, with the pit-pattering of the fat drops as they ran off the roof and hit the mud under the window.
“Bliss.. pure bliss.”
We stayed like that for some time – the TV on mute, listening to the rain.
Sometimes the world is just too dang loud.
Hi, Taranis and Wife,
YES! “Sometimes the world is just too dang loud.” Reminds me of a walk with the crew along the bank of the Rogue River in Oregon. Lots of ferns and moss. Birds singing. Rushing water. Sunbeams through the tree tops. Exquisite! Along come three people on the opposite bank… yakkity, yakkity… I heard them coming from a long way off and I heard them going a long way off… over the sound of the rushing Rogue River! Needless to say, we had different experiences. They could have been walking on a sidewalk in a city for all they knew.
Enjoyed your mini-tale of trading television for the sound of raindrops. 🙂
Hello Sue n crew. That pic reminds me. I bet Spike is ready for one of his “soaks”!!! LOL Glad his rumatiz is not acting up too!
I do enjoy watching my boy soak. He loves it so. He’s had two limber days. I hope it continues. Always nice to hear from you, Bill.
Hi Sue! I really loved your post today about silence especially since I just posted one about how much the noise of airboats on the Withlacoochee River in central Florida ruined a gorgeous kayak paddle for me. I really need to get out there in the boonies where you are. And I’d head out there this minute if I were able to get internet solidly like you do. But I have trouble here in Florida for goodness sake so what chance would I have out there in the desert. I see your mifi schematic but am wondering if you have a booster or an amplifier on your air card and which card you are using. I think I just want to get whatever you have that works before I come out and hide from all the noise here. Many thanks to you and the crew for wonderful adventures and great information. Sherry
Hi, Sherry,
It always amazes me how people throw noise around the way people used to throw around litter… no concern how it effects others (people, wildlife, environment). Sorry the peace of your kayaking was ruined. Noise is one reason I left Florida (traffic, behavior of tourists).
Our campsite here near Bouse is in a slight depression, low “berms” all around. It’s great against the wind. However, it means only one bar on the air card. I put up the Wilson antenna, connected it to the air card, and now I have three bars.
I have a Verizon air card and a Wilson antenna. The two are connected with a cable and at the end of that cable, an adapter in order to fit in the slot on the side of the air card. (air card = hotspot = Mifi). Click on Internet Antenna in the header (There are 2 pages with explanations, diagrams, illustration, and links to parts).
BTW, if you prefer Millenicom for internet, a link has been added for obtaining the adapter cable from Amazon that is compatible with Millenicom’s air card.
Sue
I smiled when I read your MENU, I live in a condo and I also will have a bowl of Progresso soup or maybe grilled cheese sandwich…whatever I want…it’s nice to have the freedom to just eat a fresh tomato with a piece of cheese. Nothing special but delicious.
Right now I am up in Cave Creek Az on the top of a mountain listening to the birds singing and that special sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, sitting with a good cup of coffee, feeling for the moment peaceful. Today I head back home to my snug little condo where it is important to me to keep peaceful also, except when my two beautiful grandsons walk in the door then the party begins, Popsicles all around and popcorn popping…..that also is beautiful to me.
Love to the crew and you Sue, keep doing what your’e doing I love to read about your journey.
Hi, Willow,
You must be enjoying a brisk morning on top of a mountain today. Fresh, mountain air… can’t be beat! Well, fresh, desert air is nice, too. 🙂
You are fortunate to have received so many blessings. Have fun spoiling your grandchildren . . . That’s what grandma’s are for, you know. They grow up too quickly and the memories you make now will become very precious.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! It’s a big celebration here in the larger towns of MT. Parades and 5K’s abound. The Irish played a big part in the state’s history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The “big” Irish “city” is Butte, off from I-90. If you ever get near there again, stop in at Gamer’s downtown and order a pasty. The crew would love one, too! Luck of the Irish to you, Sue and Crew!
Hi, Diann,
I didn’t know Butte was a big Irish town…. Have a great time.
I assume you don’t want me to order a pasty (to wear), but rather a pastry! 😉
I am sure the Irish patrons of Gamer’s would love to see you in a pasty! HAHAHAHA
Can I at least wear two?
Enjoy your desert silence as we are just across that mountain. It is supposed to be a hot one today!
Yeah, Nan, same to you!
Creeping up into the high 80s and then down to 79 tomorrow!
I know in English pubs you order a “pasty” to eat. Not sure about the Irish, but it is probably the same. They are delicious.
Ahhh…the sound of silence…