Sunday, October 23
“You know, Reg? This would be a good time to go to Mesquite.”
Entrance road to I-15 South from Cedar Pocket, Virgin River Gorge, Arizona
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “I LOVE driving through Virgin River Gorge!”
Imagine yourself riding in one of those cars in the scene above.
When you reach the place where the road disappears in the photo, you glide down into an enormous canyon while at the same time the cliffs on both sides rise far above you. You curve to the left and to the right, again and again, down to 2,000 feet. Suddenly the rock walls disappear and you’re flying across an expansive, desert plain.
I probably could’ve waited to go to the store. What I couldn’t wait for is another ride through the gorge!
The distance from Cedar Pocket Campground to Mesquite is only 18 miles.
The speed limit, once you’re out of the gorge, is 75 mph, and the interstate is straight across flat ground.. Usually the Perfect Tow Vehicle hums along at 58-60 mph.
Okay, sweetheart. Let’s see what you can do . . . . I press the accelerator.
We pass the exit for Littlefield and Beaver Dam and cross into Nevada at Mesquite. I take the first exit and pull into the gas station across the road from the Virgin River Casino.
At the propane tank I wait my turn behind a big fifth wheel having its two large tanks filled. Propane is $2.48 a gallon. I notice there’s a dump station here with a $7 fee.
I also notice that the area behind the gas station has parking spaces (just painted lines on asphalt) and signs all around say, “Paid parking.” A parking lot!
Well, if you drive across the desert to hit the casino and there’s no place to park . . . .
Taking the next exit, Reggie and I roll into Wal-Mart.
I’m grateful for the overcast sky.
If it were a sunny day it might be too hot for Reggie to wait while I shop.
I give him a brief walk-around which delights him to no end and pop him back into the PTV. I set the water dish on the passenger seat for easy access, bring the windows down a few inches, and lock the doors.
I snuggle Reggie’s face.
“I’ll be back soon, little guy. I promise!”
Reggie doesn’t whine or fuss.
Charlie (our neighbor with Sadie, the German Shepherd) suggested I give Reggie “Dream Bones” instead of rawhide chews.
I’ve never felt good about giving rawhide chews to my crew, so I’m eager to try this alternative. I find “Dream Bones” right away. They have an exterior made of vegetables. Inside is peanut butter.
I hope Reggie likes these . . . .
More canine encounters!
In the previous post, Reggie meets Beau, the miniature Australian Shepherd, and the two dogs play with abandon, chasing and tackling each other in the campground lane. Their antics attract people.
Among the group is a Jack Russell Terrier, eager to meet “The Dog That Flies” aka Reggie.
Reggie makes several canine acquaintances at this camp!
Here’s Reg showing Ted, the black Shih Tzu with a hair cut, how fast he can zoom.
Reggie tries to make friends out of the two cute terriers in the photo below — a Jack Russell and a mix — but the JRT becomes agitated, and before the three dogs have a chance to settle down and enjoy each other, the owner becomes agitated and she pulls the dogs back to the other side of their motor home, which, of course, means the JRT will continue this behavior because he didn’t receive the reward of play for being nice.
(Okay, that’s a run-on sentence. Nobody cares.)
On the return to the Best Little Trailer, we pass Charlie’s and Sadie’s campsite.
They have visitors! More dogs! Two chihuahuas! Oh, wow-wow!
“Look, Reg! They’re the same size as you!”
In the photo above, the guy in the back is Cuz, and the chunky lady in the foreground, nose-to-nose with Reg, is Scruffy.
“Scruffy?” I respond without thinking. “She doesn’t look scruffy.”
The owner explains. “She was named by a child.”
Cuz (below) is the daddy to Scruffy. This is need-to-know information for all my readers, I’m sure. Thus I post it here for you.
Since this initial get-together, Scruffy and Cuz make a few visits to our campsite, much to Reggie’s delight. Timidly they sneak over here, play briefly, do their business, and leave.
Conditions at Cedar Pocket Campground
The weekend passes quietly, even though the campground fills up and there are children running around. After a few hot days — sunny and in the 80s — clouds move in, cooling us somewhat.
I talk with Larry who is a full-time van dweller.
I met Larry the last time we were at Cedar Pocket. He’s in his 80s and has been coming to Cedar Pocket for 40 years, camping in various rigs over that time. He wishes it would rain to bring the air temperature down further.
(I like it warm, but I don’t say so.)
“I can’t take the heat and cold the way I used to,” he says. ” I think I need to get something that has an air conditioner and furnace and stay where there are hook-ups.”
In other news . . . .
Well, I don’t know that it’s news. More rumor than anything. Someone sighted a rattlesnake inside the campground. Of course, when I hear this my immediate question is “WHERE inside the campground?” as if that’s relevant because “Uh, RVSue? Snakes can move, you know.”
Anyway . . . . I’m extra careful when stepping outside after dark and when walking Reggie Man.
Bit of a water problem at the campground.
I haven’t tried to pump water yet, because we arrived here with several gallons. Word has it that the pump isn’t working. Water is stored in a large, above-ground tank. Of course, campers hope the pump is fixed before the tank empties!
That’s it for now!
I’m thinking Reg and I will break camp soon. This is a great camp and it’s inexpensive. Even so, I’m feeling a growing urge to move and I don’t know where to . . . yet.
rvsue
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First? Maybe?
OH MY! LORI’S FIRST! CONGRATULATIONS!
First. Second or third…
SECOND PLACE GOES TO KIM! WOW!
1st?
DAWN TIES SECOND PLACE WITH KIM! HOW EXCITING!
Hi
KAT AND COOKIE DOG COME IN THIRD! WHAT A RACE!
I hope Reggie loves the new treats. I’ve been loving all the doggie pictures!
Hi, Dawn…. I’ve given Reggie one of the Dream Bones. He was hesitant at first but did chew it up. He’ll learn to love them, no doubt. Glad you like the dog photos!
I happened to be on my lunch break and researching how others planned their downsizing and transitioning to full-time RVing when lo and behold: a notice of a new post on my favorite blog! I pounced with Reggieman swiftness.
Honestly, I like knowing details like the relationship between dogs.
Hey, I would have wanted to know where the snake was spotted! In general, if a rattlesnack can find everything it needs within 10 yards of its den, it won’t travel further. So if it was spotted a distance away, it might not come near your camp. But it’s also good to know in case that location is on your walking path. Then you’ll know to try and give it a 10 yard berth.
Hi again, Lori…
Cute beginning to your comment. 🙂
The rattlesnake was seen entering the campground from the north side (up the embankment from the river) and heading south toward the center of the campground. To envision the lay-out of Cedar Pocket, imagine one road in a large circle with two parallel roads going across it. The snake was going into the campground along one of those roads going across. This was two days ago. No word of it since then.
Am I in the first 100?
YES, YOU ARE, JANISP! CONGRATULATIONS!
Boy Reggie is becoming quite the social butterfly! Are rattlesnakes nocturnal?? I didn’t know that, but I am house-sitting for friends in Asheville, NC and they have been seeing record numbers of copperheads, which are nocturnal. Have to be really careful when walking Princess Roxie at night!
Thanks for the heads up! Don’t pay that close attention to our back 40. Freyja doesn’t go out at night, but you never know. I wonder if it’s because we’ve gotten so little rain this summer?
Janis… I don’t think rattlesnakes are strictly nocturnal. They can be out and about any time during the day, although in hot weather they try to keep cool under rocks and bushes.
I mentioned being extra careful at night because one does not want to surprise a rattler.
We are really enjoying the pictures of Reg with his new friends. So glad you are trying to keep him from missing his best buddy too much. That first picture is amazing. I added it to my bucket list of “to see places” when I finally get a camper/vehicle. Thank you for all your wonderful posts and pictures!
Hi again, Kat and Cookie Dog… and you’re welcome.
As you know, dogs live in the moment. I don’t think Reggie is sad about Bridget. Every day is a brand new start with him. He’s full of cheer and joy at being alive.
Thanks re the first photo. I was very pleased when I opened it up on my laptop. Entrance ramps to interstates aren’t usually that photogenic. 🙂
Last time I drove through that Gorge, I was pulling a 35′ fifth wheel. I’ve been through it several times before, but not with the trailer. It was a bit white-knuckle as I was headed downhill and the semi-trucks sure seemed to fly past me. I much prefer that Gorge in a non-towing capacity! But it is beautiful, to be sure.
I can understand the white knuckles, Kristi! Especially if there are a lot of trucks. I was able to enjoy without the BLT, which is no comparison to a 35 foot fifth wheel. Ha!
Reggie sure looks like he is enjoying his NEW friends. Love seeing him have a good time!
Hi, Gail… Yes, Reggie manages to have a good time every day. Right now a storm is moving in with thunder and lightning (Larry will be glad!). I’m going to take my lunch and Reggie out to the shelter to watch.
Be back later!
That first photo is the inspiration I need to get on the road. I just came in from putting water in the tank. The refrigerator is plugged in to cool down and I’ve started loading the van and Casita. I’ve had a couple of long weekends over the past few months, but have not managed to get out of the driveway. Today starts my 2 week vacation and whether I’m ready or not we’ll leave tomorrow.
Unfortunately I’m going to have to go into deprivation mode again with the blog. I have no data plan, so except for any Wifi I find, it will be no internet for me. We’ll be traveling the old fashioned way with an atlas and paper maps.
I let the dogs in the Casita for the first time last week. My big girl Bree immediately took over one of the benches. My old dog Rudy needed a butt boost to get up the step. I’ll have to lift him into the van. His back end is pretty weak now that he is almost 14. He’s not terribly heavy to lift at 50 lbs and I could never leave him behind. Grace is my smallest dog at 40 lbs and is a mess. She was bouncing off the walls.
I needed a direction to head; so I picked Big Bend National Park. I’ve never been there. It’s a long trip and we may not make it, but at least it’s a goal.
Thanks for the inspiration and guidance you provide here. I know I’ll think of you as we travel down the highway. Pat
How exciting, Pat! Enjoy your vacation and enjoy being unplugged for a while. I’m jealous.
Hi, Pat,
Tomorrow you’re off! That’s great! I’ve never been to Big Bend so I’ll be curious what your experience is. Maybe you could look up a place between KY and Big Bend if you find you don’t want to drive that far… Whatever you do, wherever you go, you and your canine crew — have a wonderful time!
Enjoy Pat…I’m actually envious of you being unplugged! Big Bend is a beautiful area. Your crew will love it I’m sure. And, if you don’t get there – well, as I think you already have in mind, it’s a an adventure no matter. Happy happy joy joy!
We loved Big Bend.Spent 3 days there which ain’t enough.Going back in March for 10 days on our way back from Arizona and will meet our neighbors there and tag team back to PA.It is also a bird lover’s paradise.All kinds of unusual birds there. Cool town on the west side of the park called Terlingua.
Your post is just the escape I needed today!! Thank you! I am going to get some Dream Bones for my pups, I don’t like giving them rawhide chews and this sounds great alternative.
Hi, Gingerita,
I haven’t researched the Dream Bones. I’m going by what Charlie said about them and the fact that they’re made out of vegetables and peanut butter. I was a little disappointed that they don’t give the chewing challenge of rawhides. Can’t have everything, I guess.
I hope my blog is your go-to escape!
It sure is Sue! I check your blog daily. That is disappointing about the dream bones. Oh well, I will give them a whirl and see how they go over with the pups.
You might want to check out Himalayan Dog Chews. They’re made from dried yak milk and lime (honest!) Very tough like a real bone. I buy the medium size for my 5 pound Maltese and it lasts a good long time. They sell them on Amazon, don’t know about Walmart.
Love your photos! 🙂
Hi, Suzan… I found them at Amazon:
Himalayan Dog Chew, Small (contains 3-4 pieces)
Might want to consider the medium size for Reg. I get medium for my little fluff, as I’m afraid of the smaller pieces. JMO. 🙂
Red Rocks should be nice for a few days.
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/red-rock-canyon-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74978
The Kyle Canyon Campground has 25 campsites for tents or trailers. Six of the campsites are double sites for group camping. Nine of the campsites are handicap accessible. Drinking water and three vault toilets are located at this campground. This campground is located on Mt. Charleston at the elevation of 6,900 feet. Kyle Canyon Campground is open seasonally from April to October.
Should be a lot cooler for you-all.
Just down the road is Callville Bay Campgrounds Lake Mead NRA and a bit further, Boulder Beach. MAy be a bit ‘busy’ for your tastes, but spent many a weekend at BB with the Scouts…..
Good luck.
Hi, Don,
I’ll try to reply without indicating whether we will camp at any of the places you suggested. I don’t like to give our camp locations “away” in advance. Rather, I like to pretend that I’m introducing a new camp when I write, even though folks may have already camped there.
In a post I wrote one of the times when we camped at Las Vegas Bay Campground I included photos of Collville Bay and Boulder Beach Campgrounds. You’re right. Too many people for us… There’s Stewart’s Point, Poverty Flats, and Grandfather Wash, plus places south of Mesquite for free camping. Don’t know if we will go that way.
My closing paragraph sounds like I’m looking for suggestions. I’m not. I have this quirky nature if someone makes a suggestion on where to camp I tend not to go there. Totally confused? Ha!
Thanks, Don. Hope I brought back good memories from your scouting days.
Gotcha. Won’t do that again. Sorry.
Hahaha! Oh dear, I did come off like I was scolding you. No need to apologize, Don. 🙂 I just didn’t want a thread to grow with oodles of suggestions… That’s happened before.
Hi Sue and Reggie. I am still lurking out here. I don’t always have time to post or even read ALL the comments when there are so many, but I love where you are now. I really like the tree in the last picture with the BLT in the distance to the right. I know you have shown these before, but they are interesting and pretty. I am so glad you and Reggie are having a good time in the campground and that you are having good weather. It is great weather here, perfect temperature, not too hot and not too cool. Can sit in the sun or shade and be comfortable. I love the fall. Be safe and happy.
Hi, Jean,
That tree in the last photo is a Joshua Tree… of national park fame. 🙂 There are several at Cedar Pocket. When I see Joshua Trees and creosote bushes, I know we’re close to a winter home.
I’m glad you’re enjoying good weather with perfect temperatures. I understand if you can’t comment all the time…. 🙂 Do remind us, when you can, that you’re still riding along with us! I enjoy hearing from you.
Wow what a social butterfly! I hope there isn’t a test on the dog names! Glad they had fun! Hope they fix the water pump soon!
Probably good that you found treats other than rawhides! Depending on how they chew it…pieces have been known to cause blockages! Again…personal preferences. Since Gracie Pup broke her molar….nylabones are non existent in this household!
Well it’s that time of year again…we are off to Sin City or Lost wages as Rusty calls it…for Jules 50th birthday! The Mirage is flying the ladies from London (friend choked and died) last year and us back for the week. We are all going to dinner. Should be fun!
Not bringing my iPad so I’ll be off da grid for a moment! Didn’t want you wondering!
Have a great day!
Gosh, free round trips to Vegas from the Mirage! How nice! I’m guessing your generosity toward the women after the tragic death of their friend made the news and brought publicity to the Mirage. (Cinandjules made it possible for the women to fly home to London with their friend’s body… if I remember correctly.)
Happy 50th birthday to Jules! Have fun at your dinner and don’t keep what happens in Vegas in Vegas! We want to know!
Not the news or any publicity. Our “host” while talking to us let us know what was happening. We just made their situation a little less stressful. It was Rebecca, our host, who planned this get together. She’s having dinner with us also!
That is so neat. And it’s Jules’ birthday. Good karma!
Hi Sue. Great post with pics. Reggie looks very lean and fit. All of that zooming is good for his physique! My Toby is also a very social dog and has done more to help me meet new people then I could have ever imagined. He’s never met a stranger that’s for sure. Nice to know that social opportunities for our canine friends exist on the road. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Stephanie. There’s no shortage of dogs in the world of RVing.
I’m trying to increase my exercise. Reggie keeps stopping us to meet people and pups that I doubt my heart rate goes up much. I thought about hiking a trail and postponed that plan… too hot for hiking. Need the snakes to go underground for a long winter’s nap!
Thanks re the photos.
Oh Sue, that first picture looked like a painting to me before I scrolled down far enough to see the road. Your description of the Canyon is enticing….I would love to drive that stretch someday. And…more pup antics…they ARE entertaining. I don’t think my little Gabe (Chihuahua) would be as adventurous as the visitors you and Reggie have had.
Hi, Millie,
The rocks are being “re-painted” by the rain as I type this. Early this morning I stepped out to find the mountains highlighted by sunrise, very dramatic… Of course I’ll be posting pics of that. 🙂
I don’t know about Gabe. If he were to be approached by Reggie, he might be enticed into playing. Reggie does that to dogs. 🙂
I enjoy seeing all the dogs, Sue. Thank you for sharing. I also found it interesting on the lesson you gave on dog behavior. I hadn’t thought of that and will have to remember that I don’t do the same as the JRT’s owner. I try to be calm when walking our little terrier and much to my surprise, she likes other dogs! I say that because she has been known to be somewhat scary in her approach. So when I relax and let her sniff, she calms down.
You gave the key — “….when I relax and let her sniff, she calms down.”
With excitable dogs who slip into territorial/protective mode very quickly, there is a moment or two when the owner needs to trust. I think the JRT was on a long chain. (Not sure if it was dragging or attached to something.)
I had Reggie on a tether so if the JRT became aggressive, all Reg and I would have to do is back away. But the JRT never had a chance to calm down (and let Reggie work his charm). The owner hovered too closely giving off nervousness. That’s why the only photo I have of the JRT is him being held back by his owner.
Instead of the JRT learning to play and have fun with a new dog, he’s removed as if he’s being bad.
Sometimes this behavior is taught during puppyhood when the owner removes the pup protectively instead of letting the pup interact with a new dog, even when the new dog’s owner says there’s no danger.
Thank you for the additional feedback, Sue. It’s very helpful. Out little Mica, our Rat Terrier, is excitable. I have to watch carefully that she doesn’t bound out the front door. I “used to” get excited and chase after her. Well, you know what happened, right? She runs faster. Dave told me to calm down and act nonchalant and she’ll come back. Guess what? She does. So now when the grandkids come over and everyone is at the door all excited greeting one another, she’s in the midst, and runs down the front sidewalk, back to us, down the front sidewalk again, back to us again, and in the house following the kids! When she runs off when we are camping, we quietly follow her, calmly call her to us, when she comes back, I scoop her up and give her lots of loving and praise, and it works!
I have to add that Mica is strictly on a leash when we are camping for her protection, and I’ve learned to be proactive with that. Our other dog, Maggie is better until she catches scent of a ground squirrel, then all bets are off and she doesn’t hear us. That means she’s also strictly on a leash in that kind of environment.
Lots of sound advice in your comments, Renee. You do a wonderful job loving and protecting your crew.
🙂
Should one always have treats ready incase one is visited by four legged visitors?
Hi, LoupGarou,
Readers may have different opinions on that from mine. I say no, absolutely not. Once you introduce food, competition can arise between dogs. I always turn down treats offered to my dogs.
Even if there’s only one dog that happens to pass by one’s campsite, offering a treat isn’t a good idea for several reasons… dogs on special diet, possible digestive upset for sensitive dogs, owner wondering if the treat is okay (there are sickos out there), etc.
Affection is all you need to hand out and the dog will love you. 🙂
Virgin River Gorge is really something. We were on the way to Utah to all the national parks there, west to east. Flat desert for miles then entered the gorge and wow. I wasn’t expecting that, took us by surprise.
I smile at your comment, Dave. That’s part of what I love — the surprise! Whether you enter the gorge from the northeast or from the southwest, it makes you go “Wow!” and then you go on the magic carpet ride. 🙂
Hi Missy. I used to go through Mesquite from time to time. The town was at one time a speed trap. They quickly dropped speed about 10 MPH and had a radar officer right there so unless you hit the brakes fast the radar got ya. It’s probably grown since then. The towering red walls of the Virgin River Gorge is amazing. Reggie seems to be having a ball. Thanks for the post!
Hi, Jim,
No doubt Mesquite has grown. My Benchmark atlas shows two exits at Mesquite and there presently are three.
Yes, Reggie is having a great time here. Right now he’s curled up in his bed for a nap beside me. It’s a rainy day and a few minutes ago thunder and lightning started up, coming close. I’d better pull the plugs on my electronics.
I’m wanting to lie down and listen to the rain on the roof… Hoping to hear you can kick that cast to the curb soon. Well, maybe you’d better not KICK… 🙂
There was a study recently published in the Washington Post showing that dogs respond to praise more than treats. I met a Staffordshire terrier (I prefer that name to “pit bull) being walked on a leash and after “oh what a good dog, so beautiful, good girl, I love you, what a good girl , she wanted to climb into my wheelchair (80 #’s of puppy). I’ll be getting out of rehab soon. I still can only walk with a walker and the staff is satisfied with that. I’m not, but I will learn to walk on my own. Seems all they’re good for is tossing big balls with geriatrics. Although I haven’t commented much lately I’m still riding along and anticipate every post. Love me some Zoomie!
Hi, Chey,
That’s interesting about dogs preferring praise over treats. Says a lot about the heart of dogs. They want love and appreciate approval and affection.
Your determined spirit is amazing! Usually one hears about folks in rehab not wanting to go as far as the rehab staff push them to try; you have resolved to go beyond that. You are a can-do woman! 🙂
Love hearing from you, Chey, and knowing you are in the passenger seat.
Love watching Reggie and his new friends. He makes friends wherever he goes. That ride through the gorge sounds like a great ride. The mountains out there are so majestic and so unlike what I am used to. The colors and striations are so interesting.
Lots of love to you and Reggie.
Hi, Pauline… Lots of love to you and all the family, both people and dogs.
First photo is a beauty. I can’t help but smile the whole time I am reading your post. Reggie just makes me smile. I love how he is enjoying meeting so many new friends.
There are rattlesnakes in the area of Ontario where my daughter lives. She had two in her driveway not too long ago. I hope I see one sometime when I’m over there. We don’t
have them in my area.
Hi, Val R.,
Reggie does make people smile. We’ll be walking along and someone approaches us. Serious face, not interested in us. Reggie sees the person and bolts forward, pulling me along behind. Goes up to the person and dances around his/her feet, wiggling and being so dang cheerful the person’s demeanor changes completely. Fun to see that happen.
My little Mica is like that too! She loves people. Most of the time she’s greeted with affection, but every once in awhile, she’s ignored and it’s heartbreaking to see the look of disappointment on her face.
Aww… It’s sad that some people miss out, too.
Yes they do! I just give her extra affection when that happens and a “pooey” to those non dog people.
Hi-It is a canine palooza! What a wonderful thing. Thank God for dogs-what would we do without them? A happy and delightful post. Thanks for that!
You’re welcome, Linda. I don’t know what I’d do without a canine crew!
Lovely post sue. Really like that area. Can’t wait to get back down there again on way to anzo borrego in march with new escape. I liked red rocks also.
Those dream bones are like crack cocaine to my pups. They demand them at 5pm each nite!
Oh dear, what have I started? Molly and Gizmo live well.
I bought two packages of Dream Bones. One bag has the tiny “bones” with tied ends. The other bag are sticks which I plan to cut in half because they are too much for Reggie.
I didn’t find the vegetable and peanut butter dream bones at Amazon. Did find these:
DreamBone Chicken Dog Chew, Mini, 24 pieces/pack
I did just check and Dream Bones are made in China! The dogs may love them but the chances that dogs, especially small dogs, might have a problem is too high for me to take the chance. I always look for the made in the USA label. Just my opinion of course.
HI, BLOGORINOS!
I hope you are having a lovely evening wherever you are. Very rainy here at Cedar Pocket.
I want to draw your attention to a blog post written by Rachel who is a blogorino you may recognize. I wrote about Rachel and her sweet little dog, Macha, a while back. That was the story about a dog who suffered an attack from the dreaded cholla; “Canine Calamities”
Macha is celebrating her 11 year birthday. This event inspired Rachel to write about the unconditional love we receive from dogs and her admiration and love for Macha. At the conclusion she pays tribute to Bridget and another dog who passed recently, Gabriel.
I encourage you to go to https://racheldls.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/a-tribute-to-unconditional-love/
Hi Sue,
How kind of you to post about my little blog. I am still so grateful for the help you gave us that day! Oh my! I hope that is only time we will ever have to Tangle with that nasty cactus!
I hope your Blogorinos enjoy my story about our wonderful canine companions. I will be working on the story of how Macha and I met next. I hope to get it out soon, but moving day is coming up, plus some work on the van, so who knows! The only thing I do know, is that my little Macha Girle is a bundle of Joy! Just like your Reggie is for you! 🙂
I was about to ask you how hot it was there right now. I am making plans for next summer, fall, and winter and, unfortunately, I am one of those people who can’t handle the heat. It sounds like October is a bit early for that part of Arizona. I am in the Florida Keys right now and it is DEFINITELY too early for me to be here. Temps have been in the upper 80s with lows in the upper 70, but the worst thing is the very high humidity. I have electric and run my AC, but am planning on doing some no-hookups next winter in cooler places.
Hi, Judy,
Are you able to read the sidebar on the device you use to read my blog? The weather widget is produced by wunderground which I have found to be better than most weather forecasters. I have it set for Mesquite right now. St. George is probably a bit cooler. We’re in between the two.
It’s not the state that determines temperatures, although latitude does have an influence. As you know, it’s elevation. There are parts of Arizona that are cold right now. That’s why we hurried away from Alpine and the mountains in western AZ. Yes, as you say, “October is a bit early for that part of Arizona” (meaning the northwest corner, I presume) if you don’t like temps in the 80s. Humidity is very low which makes this ideal for me.
The pursuit of perfect weather is one of the things I enjoy as a full timer. You should have no problem keeping cool, Judy.
I meant to add… If you can’t see the weather widget, our temps are low to mid-80s during the day, in the 60s at night. Today is unusual — heavy rain.
Just a quick note/comment on the Dream Bones. I have never heard of them before – not surprising – but I am so super careful to not give treats made in China! Especially to the little guys like my boys, or the Reggie Man.
Not knocking WalMart but they seem to have a lot of treats made in China.
Also not fond of rawhide chews – elk antlers and hooves from the USA are great chewers.
I will now climb down off my soapbox. 😄
You bring up the problem of Made in China. The problem is not confined to chew bones, as everyone knows. We can knock WalMart for selling products from China, but it IS a business. The vast majority of products aren’t made in America anymore. We are dangerously dependent upon other countries, some hostile to us.
Your diligence over chew bones is admirable, Susan. My wish is that everyone would care as much about MADE IN AMERICA when it comes to buying cars, air conditioners, clothes, furniture, electronics, steel, health items, and any other number of products. We trust our lives and the lives of those we love to products made outside our country. The problem is much larger than chew bones for dogs.
The shelves of our stores are loaded with products from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, etc. This is not acceptable to me! Why has this happened? Because of trade deals made by a certain crime family (we should all know who that is and we have proof now) that have sent manufacturing elsewhere, gutted our economy, crippled families, and laid waste to communities that once were thriving.
I’m not directing this at you, Susan. I’m writing to anyone who cares about our precious way of life.
If you get your information from CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS, ABC, NPR, NYTimes, WaPost, etc. you are being fed misinformation and slander as truth in order to continue the destruction of our nation. Twenty thousand people were at a rally last night. As people learn the truth, the crowds have grown massively all across the country, yet this phenomenon is ignored, for the most part, by the mainstream media. Why? We now know the “news” people are working for (and make personal donations even!) to one candidate against another. So much for a free press! This fact alone should alarm every citizen!
I don’t like politics on my blog. I don’t like unpleasantness either. However, I write this because our country is dying from corruption at the highest levels of government and too many Americans are unaware, uninterested, duped by the press, preoccupied with nonsense, or too lazy to learn what is going on. We’re on a countdown to the most important election of our lives. Making wise choices when one shops is important (although there’s little choice any more). Vastly more important is to become an informed voter so one can vote wisely!
“The Speech To Save A Nation”
Good Morning! I agree with what you wrote. I try to NEVER talk politics. What is America coming to? Not good. I am reading Porter Stansberry’s “America 2020” The Survival Blueprint. Great read…scary but true.
Love the photos of all the pups doing their “meet and greets”! Also love the ones of Reggie zooming. I sure wish I could muster up that amount of energy…yeah right.
I am having my first dinner party since buying my house. Turning out to be a bit of a challenge. I like to use cloth placemats and napkins. I am having 7 people and when I sold everything to go on the road I held out 2 place setting for all the holidays. Now what do I do??? I had to use all the holiday settings to set the table. Looks hilarious but it works! One person will be using a “snack table”. Ya do what you gotta do!! Have a great day. 🙂
Sounds like fun, Krystina.
Sue, thank you for your comments and I agree with you too.
I think maybe I was not clear about my objection to dog treats, chews, food, etc made in China, or many other countries for that matter. Not feeding them to my little dogs has nothing to do with politics. My objection, and many veterinarians agree, has to do with the way they are processed. And what is used in the manufacturing process. Most larger dogs can tolerate the ingredients that are used in making the various treats, or processing hides for dog chews. Many little dogs cannot.
You were clear, Susan. I think everyone understood why you wrote words of caution. You weren’t being political at all.
The election is on my mind these days and I spun off your comment into another direction.
Glad to see your rant! You have held your tongue for way longer then I could have. Went to the Prescott Valley Rally, it was great! Twice as many people that couldn’t get in then did. We barely did. Your blog is a breath of fresh air that gives me some relief from all the lies.
Lucky you, Gloria! Not only to go to a rally, but you actually got inside!
About “relief from all the lies”… I keep my sanity by going to “The Last Refuge” to find the real news, watch the rallies, read the transcripts of speeches, Wikileaks emails, and so forth. Great analysis in the posts and also by commenters. I bet you already go there for truth and inspiration. MAGA!
“Watch the Rallies”? I didn’t think you had enough data to do videos. When we are traveling we watch our videos at McDonalds, or Visitor Centers. We also like zerohedge, Freedomain Radio with Stefan Molyneaux (he has really changed a lot of our thinking) and also Real News from Greg Hunter-USA watchdog. Greg had a really interesting guest on today, Clif High, who has a computer program that indicates Trump will win in a Landslide. Anyway we like videos because we can do other things while we listen.
I don’t stream videos. I watch the short clips and read the quotes that readers post during the rally…
Good early morning, Sue!
I was awoken at 2AM to the sound of Gracie getting sick. Poor thing emptied her gut onto her blankie, with excess rolling down the side of her wire crate, onto the kitchen floor. Considering that she ate dinner at 5PM yesterday it was nasty! The liquid vomit had me gagging as I was trying to clean her and her crate. The blankets got pitched and even I took them out to the trash can. Poor thing! I don’t know what upset her tummy. After I took care of her, I did lose my cookies a bit, too. Ugh.
This incident made me think of you. I know you have dealt with the rare potty accidents. Has the Crew ever gotten sick in the BLT? Despite cleaning with the enzyme cleaner and dousing the floor and Gracie’s crate with Lysol, it still reeks. Have you had to deal with such an incident?
Now to try to get back to sleep. Gotta get up at 5:30 to get ready for work….
Sending love and hugs to you and Reggie from me and Gracie pup! Safe travels! xxxooo 🙂
Poor Gracie! That’s terrible, Denise. It sounds like she had a major upset. I don’t expect you to receive an update from you right away because you need to get ready for work. Is she drinking water? Is she listless? Are her eyes bright?
I’m typing this at 2 a.m. in AZ time zone. I don’t know why I’m on this computer at this hour. I open up the laptop and read about Gracie pup being sick!
You asked how I deal with stinky vomit. Most times that it’s happened, the mess is on the comforter which is why I keep a clean spare. I’ve thrown a messed up comforter out the door to keep the smell out and to deal with it in the morning. The BLT’s floor is vinyl which makes clean up a lot easier than on carpet. I don’t have any advice on what to do other than what you’ve already done. Sometimes you have to throw things away. I threw a comforter in a dumpster once, rather than have it hanging around until laundry day.
Sending Gracie pup hugs, kisses, and a big “Get Well” wish. I look forward to hearing how she is, when you have time.
I hope Gracie is going to be ok. Poor thing.
Thanks everyone for the well wishes on our maiden voyage. Finally everything is loaded. I’ll probably spend the next 2 weeks trying to find where I put stuff. So it’s really going to happen….a combination of excitement and nervousness. The dogs know something is up. Take care everyone, Pat (Kit and Kaboodle)
BON VOYAGE, PAT! We’re excited along with you! 🙂
Blogerino’s, I apologize for not reading everyone’s comments, but it’s been one of those days! I just can’t seem to get organized! However I had to tell you Sue, I really enjoy the social butterflies you and Reggie have been the past few camps! I have really enjoyed meeting your neighbors and Reggie’s new friends! Somehow Chuck and I missed Virgin River Gorge while we were in Utah and your photos make me sorry we did. DoogieBowser is still with us but I have a feeling he will be visiting with Bridget very soon. 🙁
Hi Geri,
You continue to be upbeat in spite of DoogieBowser’s decline. That’s the Geri I love!
<3
well darn! that was supposed to be a heart! LOL! Doogie is doing much better, he started eating again yesterday and again today. Only God knows! But he was pretty alert today and actually wanted to go on a car ride when I went down to get the mail. He lay in the front seat and actually looked happy!
Super glad to hear that, Geri!
That is great news!!!
Had ultrasound this am. Not scar tissue, which I had prayed for. Not cancer mass, I had also prayed not to be there. Valves on implants had provided two weeks of scare. Jumping and dancing for joy!! 😂
Now continuing on my 15 year cancer free journey. 😊
HOORAY FOR YOU, VIRGINIA! That’s fantastic news!
😆
Thank you, Sue, for your blog. I usually learn something.
Happy travels.
Pamelab in Estero, FL now and soon to be in Missouri City, TX
Thank you, Pamelab, and “happy travels” to you, too, on your way from Florida to Texas. I’m glad you find value in my blog.