The crew barks, signaling that we have company.
It’s Chuck and Geri! They want me to meet them at Wildcat Willie’s for dinner so I can order the tequila-lime-garlic shrimp. They tell me it is fabulous! What’s great is it’s not going to wreck my diet. I’m looking forward to a dinner out with these two good friends.
What to do with Bridget and Spike?
The Memorial Day weekend people have left, so we’re alone here at this BLM camping area. I don’t want to leave Bridget and Spike in the BLT with no one around. They’ll have to wait for me in the PTV in the restaurant’s parking lot. If it’s hot, I’ll plug in my 12-volt fan and go out to check on them. I’ve noticed the PTV is well-insulated. The upholstered panels affixed to the walls and ceiling really do a good job of keeping it from heating up.
Going to a restaurant will be a good antidote to my hermitic tendencies, plus it’s always fun to be around Chuck and Geri!
That ages-old question pops up.
Hmmm . . . What shall I wear? With all the dust and playing around at the campsite, my wardrobe is in tough shape. Aha! My new-to-me shirt from the thrift store! I pull it out of the BLT “closet” and find that it’s badly wrinkled. What to do. I know! I take it down to the creek and dip it in the water until soaked. Then I put it on a hanger and hang it from a nail that someone put into the tree at our camp. The breeze flutters it about. In less than a half hour, it’s dry and almost wrinkle-free. Good enough!
One of the many things I love about my Best Little Trailer is its size.
Because a Casita is so compact, I find myself outside a lot. If it weren’t for blogging, editing photos, and keeping up with emails, the crew and I would probably be outside all day. As it is, we’re out a lot. It’s not a hardship or inconvenience. Days in the outdoors add richness to life, in my opinion.
I’d better stop for now.
Spike soaked in the creek again and he’s covered with sand. I need to dip him in the creek to wash off the sand, immediately dry him, and put him inside where he won’t get himself dirty again. Geri and Chuck could call at any time and say, “C’mon over to Wildcat Willie’s! The shrimp is on the barbie!”
Later at Wildcat Willie’s . . .
The shrimp is excellent! And the conversation is always fun with Geri and Chuck. Chuck says, “Sue, you have to hike the Narrows.” He describes wading in the river and how the light changes on the rocks, the beautiful colors, and so forth. “But what would I do with the crew?” I cannot leave them in the BLT for the major portion of a day.
We discuss putting Bridget and Spike in the Doggie Dude Ranch.
“That way you’d have all day to hike or do whatever,” Chuck explains. “You have to do it, Sue. You can’t drive through Zion and leave without hiking up to the Narrows.”
I’m already experiencing separation anxiety.
Fortunately, I hear “You must be rvsue!” and I’m distracted from the possibility of abandoning the crew for a day. It’s Dianne and Roger from Travel with Whippets!http://travelwithwhippets.blogspot.com/ (Read their recent blog post about exploring Zion!) Learning of my hesitation to leave the crew, they give a rave review of the Doggie Dude Ranch which their dogs love. I smile while imagining Spike ripping the face off some poor innocent little dog, and Bridget crying her eyes out all day.
Before Chuck, Geri, and I leave the restaurant, we have a solution!
Chuck and I will hike Zion on Monday and Geri will babysit Bridget and Spike. Geri says she plans to stay home with The Hound Herd anyway in order to work on her blog. I’m more comfortable with that arrangement. I know, I know . . . I’m too protective of the crew!
How did Bridget and Spike do out in the PTV while we were inside Wildcat Willie’s?
They survived just fine. I’m going to be okay, too.[slideshow]
rvsue
Oh , how I’d like to scritch Spike’s tummy. He is just so asking for a good belly rub. That water looks wonderful.
I’m sure Spike would be happy to oblige, Pat!
The water was wonderful today. I held Bridget in my lap while sitting in the camp chair in the stream. Then I lowered her into the water while still holding her. She stood in pretty deep water (for her) and enjoyed it. The photos show her leaving me when she’d had enough!
A wonderful solution.
What are river shoes?
Is that the same Pete that visited Chuck and Geri recently?
River shoes are like rubber slippers that also support your ankles and keep you from slipping on the rocks.
Yes, Pete knows Chuck & Geri.
I wish I were there! It’s so beautiful, and you sound like you’re having a wonderful time. You reminded me of a visit I made some time ago…
http://spotted-dog-ranch.blogspot.com/2010/01/doggie-dude-kind-of-doggone-good-day.html
I wish you were here,, too, Chinle,, instead of “laid up” with an injured back. The three of us were thinking about you while at the restaurant. You would make a fantastic hiking companion. Then I wouldn’t have to borrow a husband!
Thanks for the link. I’d go look at it right now but I may never return, the way my computer’s been acting lately. I will when I have, oh, maybe an HOUR to navigate over to it.
Except I have the same dog “problem” – if they can’t go, I don’t go. 🙂
So lovely of your friends to generously help both you and the doggies enjoy getting to do something special!! I feel so much better that a man will be hiking WITH YOU!! Or at least another person…you know, you are in good shape…but we are not young chicks anymore…and it is just so much better to do certain things WITH another person!! Have fun…looking forward to the photos. Your doggies are so funny…glad you share them doing what they do!!
I’m going to give Geri another chance to change her mind and hike with us. I’m starting to feel guilty about running off with her husband while she babysits my “kids!” What’s wrong with this picture, eh? Plus Geri is a topnotch photographer. It seems a shame for her to stay home!
Been there done that…. you just go and have a good time and quit yer worrying!
Oh so hard making choices, isn’t it?? Well, they would not have offered unless they wanted to do this. Surely.
Nice chair in the creek idea:))
Good living . . . It’s all about simple pleasures.
Love reading your blog – writing is fresh and funny. John and I are new owners of a 2009 T@DA trailer, which is Retirement Plan A. Our dog Jezzy can’t wait to hit the road with us. Would you tell me where your Zion campsite it? We camped in the park before, but love being out by ourselves. Looking forward to our life on the road – taking tips from you. John wants your solar system!
The boondocking spot is Mosquito Cove….I think .
Nope. Nice try.
Hi, Judy!
I’m happy to tell you where I’m camping so you can be out by yourselves. Of course, you realize once I tell you it probably won’t be “out by yourselves” anymore. Not because my blog is that popular, but a few readers here each tell a few people and then they tell and, well, there goes being “out by yourselves.”
But I don’t own the place so here it is! Take Hwy 9 west to the sign for Kolob Reservoir. Soon past the sign is a 2-lane paved road to the right. The street sign says Kolob Terrace Road. Follow that road past the recycling, past the BMX track sign, until you are about at creek level (1.7 miles). You’ll see to your right the cottonwoods that grow along the creek.
Dirt roads just wide enough for a vehicle take you to creekside. They have low dips and rocks sticking up and sandy spots, so walk it first. The first area is BLM and free. As you continue up Kolob Terrace Road, you’ll see a crudely painted sign “Private by donation.” I think those sites (adjacent to BLM area) might be in better shape due to less use, and the creek is just as nice.
I was talking with some tenters who had camped further up at the reservoir. They said it was very nice but they froze (this is May). I don’t know if RVs can camp there. It’s probably very pleasant in the heat of summer. Enjoy!
P.S. to everybody . . . If you happen to be in the Zion area before I leave, please don’t drop in on me. I don’t want to be rude. I want to be me. If you haven’t read “about rvsue,” please do. Thanks a lot.
Tell John he can’t have my solar system!
Sounds like a great dinner and good conversation. Really glad you are going to get to see the narrows. I understand your hesitation about doggie day care, mine have to be separated from other dogs as they do not know how to play well with others. My dream is for them to be running around in a herd with other pups, but it will never happen. We will have to find good day care places for them when we want to do day hikes. They do survive!
I have mixed feelings about the crew at doggie daycare. On the one hand, Spike might love it. They have a dog pool at the Doggie Dude Ranch and Spike seeks out the company of other dogs. On the other hand, he might want to claim the pool as HIS territory to the exclusion of everyone else. You should see how he takes ownership of the water dish at Chuck and Geri’s place! It’s hard for me to imagine Bridget enjoying herself. She’s the type to sit in the corner, overwhelmed by it all, and showing her teeth at any dog that tries to be friends.
It would be good for them and me if they could enjoy it.
We were so excited to meet you! It truly IS a small world, isn’t it? Glad you found a solution for your “kids.” Enjoy the narrows!
Dianne . . . And I was excited to meet you both! I felt badly that I wasn’t up on reading your blog (which is wonderful BTW). The past few months my computer has been deteriorating to the point where I can’t zip around the web to read blogs the way I used to. Sometimes I go lie down and take a little rest while waiting for a page to open or my photos to load! If I took the time to go to all the blogs I want to see, I’d never see the sun! LOL
Have fun making lasting memories with your daughter at Zion!
I love reading about your solutions to everyday situations…”ironing” your blouse; the chair in the creek. True simplicity.
Thanks for telling me. I’ll try to include that sort of thing in future posts.
Hmmm…now I’m having a tough time commenting. The place you are at is lovely, although the way you write about them makes every place you’ve been seem lovely. I too like reading about your solutions for every day things. Thanks for sharing your days with us.
You’re welcome, Teri. Did you have a tough time commenting because of WordPress? If so, I’m so sorry and I’m so annoyed with WordPress! I hate to think of all the comments that were never posted because of that problem.
Thanks for not letting it deter you from posting your comment.
Yes…it’s strange. Usually when I read your blog my name and email address are already filled in if I go to comment. But now they aren’t, and when I try to fill them in it knocks me off your blog. But I just kept trying (they do not know who they are messing with) and finally I was able to comment. I think there is something strange going on because it also gives me some error message about compatibility view being changed or something.
Oh what joy Spike is expressing with his roll in the turf!! What looks happier than seeing an animal roll over to scratch their back on the ground? i’ve seen horses do it too. Don’t think cows do it though. Zion sounds just fabulous. Thanks for telling us all about it. i laughed at your poke at yourself and your hermit tendicies. I too, tend to be too much of a hermit sometimes. But, if i’m happy – so what? ~pam.
Hi,, Pam . . . “If I’m happy — so what?” Great comeback line the next time someone tells me “You need to get out more.”
It’s going to be fun reporting on the hike to the Narrows. I’ll definitely have my camera fully charged and ready to bring back photos.
I know exactly where you’re at! I’m going to Google Earth and see if I can see your Casita. LOL
BTW, the Narrows will be packed this time of year, but is worth it, but be prepared. When you get up this way I’ll show you some slots that you’ll never see another soul in, well, unless you count wild burros and mountain lions.
Oh Chinle I want to see too. Being a loner, Places with out another soul are restorative to me. Only wild burros sounds great. I adopted two wild burros and love them. Mountain lions well….. I love them too but at a much further distance. I didn’t get to do the Narrows even though I was there for a week in June of last year. The water was too high the entire time. I love that you get to go Sue. I can’t wait for your pictures. Hope there aren’t TOO many people and the water isn’t TOO cold.
Sherry
http://www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com
Love the camping chair in the stream!!!!! I so enjoy your pictures. I know you are having a great time. So glad you got to have some time with your friends
Hi. Pauline!
It isn’t the Battenkill but it’ll do!
You made me look up Battenkill…sheeeeeeeee. The next thing you’ll do is reference a Herman Hess novel! You have to underline words you’ve never heard (about 10 a page)! (re Stefenwolf, Glass Bead game) You never read themt, it’s in the backpack in the old college days to impress!
WordPress doesn’t have spellcheck- correction…It’s Herman Hesse, books-Steppenwolf, Glass Bead Game, forgot Siddhartha !OOPS br (GBG is this german/swiss authors Pulitzer prize winner)!
So fess up, what did you indulge in at Wildcat Willie’s? I broke diet Monday (Memorial Day) at a friend’s BBQ – but was very good about my portion sizes. And pop, is way to sugar syrupy for me now.
I have two witnesses. All I had was unsugared iced tea and the tequila-lime-garlic shrimp! I didn’t eat the bread and I didn’t eat any side orders. I made sure I didn’t go to the restaurant super hungry. Not to be competitive or anything . . . LOL
Tha’s the truth, the whole truth and not a paid testimonial !
About Blog service, check out the photo slide show at Chuck & Geri’s http://www.phunnyfarm.blogspot.com/
Just click on a photo and you go into the slide show mode … very nice!
Mick
Really??? I didn’t know it did that! Thanks for telling me Mick! Wow!
WordPress sent out an email alerting people to their new features. It explained how to do a gallery very easily, too.
I love the chair in the creek! That looks so refreshing… Your lifestyle is so laid-back and lovely, but even though I am kind of a loner too (but not totally, have a spouse) I think I might get lonely.
Hi, Theresa,
If you think you might get lonely, then you’re not a loner. Loners don’t know what lonely is.
The chair in the creek was part of my survival tactic today. It was extremely hot this afternoon!
Sue
You have been traveling and camping FT awhile now ,anything you would change or ad to your egg and anything you miss about not being in one place?
Thanks
Ron
Hi, Ron!
There’s nothing, absolutely nothing, I miss. Honestly. I thought surely there’d be something, but there isn’t so far.
I’m happy with all the decisions I made when ordering the BLT from the Casita factory. I’m told having an electric jack on the hitch is great, but I don’t mind the manual jack. I can always add that at a later date. I figure it’s one less thing for me to break! Nope, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Well, folks, I worked really hard to make another post. The heat has me sapped! My computer is being ornery these days and takes FOREVER to post photos. I’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning. I hate skipping a day when I’ve already written the entry!
Your campsite looks fabulous! The water looks so cool & refreshing, love the idea of plunking a chair right into the stream! I thought your idea of dunking your blouse & hanging it was quite clever too. If no stream is available, you might like a product from Downy called Wrinkle Releaser. It’s a spray that you spray on your clothes & the wrinkles fall out. “Iron” is a 4 letter word to me, so if I need to get rid of wrinkles, I just use the Downy. Dryel has a similar product called Dryel 3-in-1 Touch Up Spray. It works well too. You can get either at Walmart. But I have to admit, the stream idea sounds like more fun. 🙂
When I leave Cali inside my Toyota Dolphin and it’s warm I turn on the ceiling fan, another 12-volt box fan on the floor, leave her lots of water, and use one of those neck things that you dip in water and they swell up to keep you cool. (Works for human type animals too!)
can’t wait until late August when we go to Zion!!!! Looks like some great hiking and sites to see.
I look forward to your posts and slide shows- I am living thru your adventures.
I am curious about what tools you take to fix any problems you might have with the Casita. Any suggestions for a traveling tool kit???/