2020-5 What a World we Live in

2020-4

What a World we Live in

Campground: BLM Big River. Boondocking. Dry camping, dispersed sites. California side but very close to Parker Az. (2^nd week)

Campground: Craggy Wash BLM 14 day free camping. Site is at the north end of the Lake Havasu Airport and one mile into Craggy Wash Canyon.

Craggy Wash, BLM free dispersed camping
north end of Lake Havasu AZ

Parker Arizona

It’s the middle of April and the temperatures are very moderate. Mid 70’s to 80 during the day and cool evenings in the 50’s. I’ve driven up from Parker to Lake Havasu to pick up some eye drops for my glaucoma. Good Lord are they getting expensive. I’m on 4 different eye drops and the two I picked up today cost $134.00 and 132.59. Without insurance they would have been $326.99 and $716.99. If that isn’t a sign that we need universal health care I don’t know what is.

Keeping in mind that at present, I have not paid any camping fees for the last couple of weeks and expect to continue this way throughout the summer. Living off the grid should save me considerable money this summer.

More good news, my ROKU stock is going back up and I’ve recovered a bit of the loss I’ve had since the Corona virus outbreak destroyed the markets. Sure wish I still owned Dollar General stock as well as it continues to go up in value. Two great stocks to purchase and hold onto.

And on top of all that good news, I’ve received the $1,200 relief check from the Federal Government today. Though I can’t imagine how we as a country are going to be able to pay it all back.

Distance Traveled: 53 miles
Lake Havasu Arizona

London Bridge Canal, opening onto Lake Havasu 

super nice walking path along the canal and the London Bridge

Eucalyptus trees

doesn't look like fun to me, having to stand up
and paddle ?

these guys were loud talkers
caring on a conversation with other boaters
and folks along the shoreline

Lake Havasu has miniature lighthouses all along the
lake shoreline 

Today's travel from my site on the other side of the Colorado River/Parker AZ to Lake Havasu and of course I’ll be heading back tomorrow to continue my stay in place during the pandemic. Though both Parker and Lake Havasu have not had all that many cases. I just feel safer in the smaller town of Parker before heading north eventually.

Lake Havasu has 4 or 5 dispersed BLM camping areas south of Lake Havasu with the closest one right next the large Lake Havasu sign leading into town on the south end. I’m on the north end, outside of town at Craggy Wash BLM. It boarders the northern end of the airport, but is about one mile into the canyon. And what a pretty canyon it is. Lots of campers, many of the older variety and many of the sites are not overly level, but still quite doable. The one long dirt road is ok and should not pose any problems for just about any size camper.

The rugged canyon walls, with many rock outcropping poking out at various angles. Wild flowers dot the valley floor and up the sides of the canyon walls. Just opposite my camp site is a sign indicating that the are is considered wilderness beyond the campground area and only foot traffic is permitted. I took a short hike up one of the paths leading into the wilderness, which sounds so primitive. Taking lots of close up shots of the spring wildflowers.

Craggy Wash BLM, free camping

One mile in from highway, next to Lake Havasu
Airport, north end of town

had to take a second look, didn't you

you know your a full time RV-er
living off the grid, the best you can

awesome canyon, but many sites were crowded
when I was here.

a bit too crowded for me

pygmy poppies in the desert 

In the morning before heading back to Parker, I got a hearty breakfast at Denny’s (take out of course) and then drove over the London Bridge and over to the park for a pleasant walk along the canal and Lake Havasu. Lots of dog walkers, boaters, fishermen and a couple paddle boarders. Something that just doesn’t look all that enjoyable to me. Having to stand up on the board, balance one self, and paddle all at the same time.

Coming back to Parker, I stopped in the Safeway Grocery store and was pleased to see all workers in the store are now required to wear a face mask. This was not the case when I went into the Walgreen's in Lake Havasu, as all the workers including the 4 or 5 working in the pharmacy. None had on face masks and could be spreading Covid all around. I would normally have gone through the drive thru window but needed to pick up a few other things besides my eye drops. Kind of scary.

Rv notes:

The Class C Solera motor home recently got 13.75 mpg not bad for driving around in ones home. The Mercedes diesel engine and drive train are awesome. It is so smooth switching between gears I don’t even notice when it is shifting while in cruise control mode going up hills. That and how cool is it that the turning radius is identical to your Chevy Silverado extended cab. Making it easy to make turns and go around corners, back into a parking spot and it actually fits in a basic parking spot.

The fridge is a bit smaller than the one I have in the 5^th wheel camper, but I’m able to get everything tucked in. At least with everything is so snugly packed in I don’t have to worry about anything bouncing around when traveling down the road.

Since the camper is a smaller footprint, when using the furnace at night to take the desert chill off, the furnace only has to run a short time to warm up the camper. Small spaces, less propane used. Haven’t had to turn on the a/c yet. As temps increase gradually, and as long as there is a breeze, all is well.

Camper Tip: 

 For those folks doing lots of boondocking, I found a solution for using my laptop without needing to use an inverter for electricity. Go online and purchase a DC plug compatible with your laptop. Note, my HP laptop has a blue tip on the end that plugs into the laptop. Since your laptop actually runs on DC power, (your regular A/C plug actually connects to an A/C outlet, then it converts back to DC power going into the laptop.) I purchase mine online as well as a DC extension cord.

DC power cord for HP Laptop
ordered online

Note to self: you did good kid getting the fully self contained Class C camper. It’s been super easy to travel in. handles well, and is perfect for this epidemic we are experiencing. Which by the way wasn’t even on the radar when you started to look into getting the smaller camper. Being able to self quarantine away from the general public is a blessing. A different type of camping than you’re used to, but you’re doing well and adjusting easily to this new lifestyle. You may miss your friends, but thank goodness for the internet and phone you are able to stay in contact.

I think I’m going to enjoy this new type of camping for many years to come. Praying for everyone’s safety and good health.

More Photos:

Lake Havasu, Craggy Wash BLM land

2020-3 Self Quarantine, RV style, Parker Arizona

2020-3

Self Quarantine, RV style
2^nd Week on the Road.

Campground: BLM Big River. Boondocking. Dry camping, dispersed sites. California side but very close to Parker Az.  $.00

Campground:  Buckeye State Park, AZ.  $15 to use their dump station and fill tank with fresh water.

Big River BLM, approx 4 miles from Parker AZ

Distance Traveled: 45 miles.

I’m going on my second full week of boondocking. It’s my way to self quarantine. Remaining as best I can by stay away from folks during this spring/summer of Corona virus concerns.

My camper, Zippy is performing beyond my expectations. My fresh water holding tank looks like it will easily go for a good 2+ weeks before I will need to fill it up. With that, the gray tank and black water tank will obviously last that long before needing to use a dump station.

My power needs are being met sharply with the two 100 amp hour lithium Ion batteries recently installed. And now that I have two 200 watt solar panels to charge them daily, they provide all the basic power I need with plenty of power remaining at the start of each day. The monitor screens usually indicate that I have between 76 and 80% power remaining each morning. Which will be very helpful on those days when the skies are overcast or raining out.

The on board generator provides all the a/c power I need to operate the coffee pot, toaster, and microwave when ever I need too. It’s also capable running the air-conditioner as well. With the fuel source being the diesel fuel, also used to run Mercedes engine up front, I have plenty of fuel to run it as often as I like.

Because I am doing my best to stay in place, even with the ability to travel, my plans are to remain in each location for at lease two weeks before moving on to the next dispersed campsite. I was surprised to find out that Arizona’s state parks are still open, but have no plans to use them presently. Except as a place to use their dump station and fill fresh water.

With Easter only a few days away, instead of finding Easter Eggs, I've been finding painted rocks. I might have to start a new craft project and do something similar while on the road.

back side indicates who put the rock
to be found

I contacted the artist to let
her know I was keeping this one

left this one in place to other to remind
folks "leaving it cleaner than you found it"

Life is definitely different for the whole world. I am noticing that in many places, many people are still not getting the need to keep their distance. Or take this virus seriously.

So what are my days like so far. Well, having always enjoyed going out to lunch. That is off the books for the most part. I have loaded a few phone apps for ordering food for take out. But am still concerned about who touches the packaging and hands it to me. So will be limiting that procedure for now. McDonald's is the easiest to order curbside and having them bring out to the camper, with payment being done electronically so no sharing of germs handling money.

I’m going for morning walks daily with an evening walk as well. Not as much exercise as I need, but it will have to do for now.

little finds along my daily walks

already gone to seed, but pretty none the less

a rock garden

cactus flowers in bloom, did you know they only last one day

I continue to learn more about the camper and it’s workings. The motor homes radio/navigation unit are working to a certain degree, but I will need to replace it down the road when time and current events permit. I don’t actually use the navigation, as I use google maps on my cell phone and have for years. The stereo unit doesn’t always function properly. I can have it on a radio station and suddenly it will begin scrolling through all the stations for no reason at all. Coming back to the selected station and starting all over again. I do have nice overhead speakers throughout the coach providing nice surround sound. Occasionally the whole unit will go to a screen that I’m unable to change and I have to use a pin to select the hidden reset button. But like I said, I’ll replace the unit once current circumstances permit.

The size of the camper if quite sufficient for my needs though I believe I’ll eventually remove the dinette set and put in a comfy lounge chair and table. That again will be on down the road.

I am really pleased with the way the Solera motor home handles. I have driven it on the highway a couple of times going 65 mph with gusty winds and except for a few stronger gusts of wind, it handles quite well and is pretty stable driving in those conditions. I get a consistent 12-13 mpg. Which is equivalent to what I was averaging with the Chevy truck, even without towing anything.

Boondocking Community

I’ve been here at Big River BLM site for a little over a week now and in the past couple of days, neighbors in my area have begun to stop by and say hi. Steven is a divorced guy and has been doing this for about 12 years now, traveling in a 5^th wheel camper and Ford 350 truck. A avid fly fisherman, which I could tell immediately as he was wearing a fishing vest. He plans to head up to Montana for the summer where he does much of his fly fishing. We had a nice chat regarding the safety of being in a dispersed camp setting. 

The next day a couple in a motor home, motorcycle hitched on the front and towing a small truck w/cab over the bed. They’ve been doing this for 12 years as well. 4 large solar panels on the roof. Today they had a visitor who’s been staying here at Big River probably longer than I have. Indicating that many of the full-time Rvers eventually get to know each other. The next day, chilly as it was, I went for my walk, have these fine folks came out to have a chat with me.  So nice to have warm friendly neighbors, even if we have to talk from a distance.  

Fixed Laptop.

Well after a couple of years having major issues with the touch pad on my HP laptop, I finally figured one was to completely disable it. I placed 5 index cards over the touch-pad and controls with tape. Now it only recognizes my portable mouse. No longer does the mouse and screen jump around every time I get near the touch pad. Little victories, but one I really appreciate.

my not so elegant solution to stop
the touch screen from making the pointer
jump all over the screen.  I use a mouse instead 

Face Masks.

My dear friends Martha and Jerry were kind enough to think of me and insisted on sending me a couple of home made face masks. Really well done. Already feel safer when needing to go into a store for supplies. To have such caring friends during this time is almost overwhelming.

The BLM land I am currently on is normally only a 14 day stay site. However, talking to a couple of other campers, they indicate that the BLM staff are permitting us to stay longer for self isolation reasons. I feel comfortable at this site. At least until it starts to heat up Currently temps are in the low 70’s daytime and around 50 degrees at night. The couple days it hit the 80’s, it’s been very comfortable on the shady side of the camper and with a few windows open, there’s enough of a breeze to keep the inside of the camper pleasantly comfortable as well.

Not much to take pictures of since I'm not driving around during this time of recommending us all to stay in place.  But I found this neat abandon building at a crossroads on my way to and from the campsite.

Well, I think that’s enough small talk for now. Be safe, stay healthy and I’ll do likewise and one day we will almost be back to normal. Most indications are that we will have to be in this mode for at least 8 months. Don’t let up your guard too soon.

2020-2 A New Adventure Begins ((Self Quarantine in a Class C)

2020-2

A Roving Report

Vehicle: Solara by Forest River

Quartzsite BLM land

A New Adventure has Begun

Campground: Empire Ranch, Sonoita Az. Free dispersed campsites. Water available near historic Ranch Houses

Campground: Hi-Jolly BLM campground, free, dispersed campsites. 1 mile north of Quartzsite AZ.

Distance Traveled: 56 miles

Empire Ranch.  one of my favorite places
only stayed a few days, was cold and windy

Welcome back to my 16^th year of summer travels. Not even counting the effort it has taken to get to this point, we full-time RV-ers have an added concern with the closure of many State and Federal campground closures due to the Corona virus. This report will follow some of my efforts to get to this point and the concerns you, I and the whole world are facing in the coming months.

My previous report mentioned the months I took attempting to find the right Small Class C camper. I needed it be be small enough that I could park it just about anywhere, as I would not be towing a small tow vehicle behind it. A slide out was a top priority but I could have done ok without it if the unit was good overall. Diesel engine for best gas mileage, and must be fully contained. Generator, solar, good battery backup. And most of all it had to be within my budget.

I settled on the Solara 24ft Class C. Mercedes diesel engine. A few improvements were added. I could only afford One 200 watt solar panel and two lithium Ion batteries, which was a really smart move as they retain tons of backup power and almost everything in the new camper runs off of D.C. power including the two TV’s. A small 200 watt inverter (may need to upgrade to 400 watt) for the few times I need a/c power works fine. And I had to replace the water pump and the sacrificial rod in the water heater.

Enough electronics to keep me connected.
Verizon cell phone and Tablet have hotspot connections
ROKU keeps me connected to TV, movies, YouTube

Ready to Head Out

That being said, I was ready to head out. Well not quite. Transferring my clothes, food, toiletries, and every electronic device in the world to keep me connected with you and the world had to be done over a week or two. The final push was Wednesday when I finished up transferring the food in the refrigerator, and closing up the 5^th wheel for the foreseeable future. That included putting aluminum insulation on windows and filling buckets of water to be staged throughout the camper. As it’s being stored in the desert with the usual very dry 100 degree weather.

Along with making arrangements for someone to drive my truck a couple of days a week during the summer, paying storage fees upfront, finalizing lease agreements on one of my RV lots in Florida, which almost fell through at the last minute, and the continuing saga of trying to get the title properly signed and forwarded to Florida so I can get the Class C camper license plates, my head was swimming in a pool of way too much mental exercise for someone who’s been retired for going on 16 years.

The corona virus has put a new kink on things as well. With so many camp closures would I be able to find a place to camp. Fortunately as things have a way of working out, with the need to distance ourselves for the public, friends and family, the boondocking aspects of the Solara camper fits perfectly into that need to stay a goodly distance away for folks. My goal at this time is to stay only at boondocking, or dispersed campsite.

As I’ve mentioned the Class C camper is fully self contained so that I don’t need to be connected to electric, water or sewer for up to about two weeks. I can get diesel fuel, propane, water and in some cases even dump at a bigger gas station. Having many phone apps to find those resources makes it pretty easy.

desert flowers always give hope
for renewed life

Distance Traveled: 288 miles

First Stop, Empire Ranch to Quartzsite AZ

I left the beautiful Empire Ranch, which at a few thousand feet higher than Tucson, was going to be around 30 degrees at night and windy over the weekend. So, with the thought that I really did need two solar panels instead of the one, I’m returning to Solar Bill’s in Quartzsite to have a second one installed. Since they are about to close for the season, I needed to get up here quickly.

On Monday, the extra panel was installed and it is working it’s magic. The two Lithium Ion batteries are very powerful and I can have the radio/tv on in the day or evening hours, lights on (LED’s) and have the furnace run at night when needed. After all it gets pretty cold in the desert at night. So with lots of power and of course the generator when I need it for the kitchen appliances and during hot summer days it will be able to run the a/c as needed, I’m all set to remain in dispersed campsites for the travel season. Though travel will be at a much slower pace and little tourist type activities since all those places are closed for the foreseeable future.

Although I am solo in my travels I do not feel alone. Currently, while at Hi-Jolly, I have many fellow campers within view, but with plenty of space between. I can have a conversation with anyone sitting outdoors from a more than safe distance. So needless to say the stress levels are going down.

Having the internet for communications, texting, phone, FB communities to share with and temporarily Verizon has supposedly added an additional 15 gig of hot-spot access to my phone and tablet. Providing more than enough to use my ROKU for Tv access even when no over-the-air Tv signals are available. I even get many news broadcasts including channel 9 from Orlando Fl. So I can keep up with the latest goings on in what I consider my home area. I lived in Orlando for over 35 years.

Next stop Parker Az, about 44 miles north of here, as I slowly continue my trek north. Plan B is always to head back to Desert Trails in Tucson if need be. Hoping to continue on my solo journey with safety in mind.

Take care, be safe, keep your distance….

Till next time… dougp

Notes on safety procedures:

• go grocery shopping no more than once a week, attempt to go only every other week.
• Gas station, pay outside. Use spray bottle with bleach water on pump and key pad. wash hands after. Do not go inside gas station.
• Laundry.  Wait at least 10 days, to two weeks to do laundry.  Don't go in if crowded.
• McDonalds and other fast-food ok only if using app to order and pay, pick up curb side. Remove food from bag/wrappings, wash had immediately. wipe drink cup with bleach/water.

note: need to find something to use for face mask...

2020-1 A New Begining, Tucson, Quartsite AZ

2020-1

2020 my 16th year on the road
join me on this new journey

A new adventure is about to begin

well it is almost time to begin our summer travels which will start near the end of March of 2020.

but before we start our adventures together I need to fill you in on my winter stay in Tucson Arizona at Desert Trails RV park and all the happenings that have occurred throughout the winter.

as usual with a certain age one visits their doctors and I was no exception starting with a general physician slight changes to my cholesterol and blood pressure medications.

next were multiple trips to my glaucoma specialist for initial exams pressure readings setup for a third laser eye procedure on my left eye. good results so far indicating I may not have the need for further surgeries on my eyes or at least a year or more. and on my final visit of the season I received the awesome news that my eye pressures are 12 and 13.  it couldn't be better.

the last doctor I visited was of course my dermatologist with the usual attending to a few spots that were dually frozen and taken care of.

those items out of the way, I have been free to enjoy my stay with fellow RV campers dear friends I have acquired throughout the years. spending much time at Desert trails preparing for the weekly RV Travel Club which I have led for a number of years. it is a ton of work but very enjoyable. I have been experimenting with a couple of different formats for the presentations and have discovered that folks really enjoy when I add personal stories along with the various places we visit along the way.

A NEW BEGINNING and a Different mode of travel

what led to the second phase of my travels

Zippy, my new mode of transportation
Summer travels here we come

as my regular readers may realize I have been traveling in various fifth wheels being towed by a three-quarter ton truck for the past 15 years. as I begin my 16th year, at the age of 70, I have decided it would be more enjoyable to continue my travels less encumbered by a larger RV and truck. to that end I've been doing my research on small Class C RVs and B+ Rvs.

with lots of research online for RVs that would fit the bill as well as visiting numerous RV dealerships looking at used Class C RVs.  Without going through the details, it was a long and drawn out affair.

talk about a sign
my new camper came
with my name already on it!

One day, my friends Kathy and Randy came along to look at the unit I thought would be the one.  As we arrived in Appachie Junction, that 1st unit, a Solara model was in horrid shape.  We decided to go to lunch and along the way we saw two others similar units on differant RV lots.  After a fine and filling lunch, we checked both out and of course it was the third Solara that was perfect.  To the point that a name tag with the previous owners was on the side of the camper, Missy and Doug.  We all looked at it as a sign, having my name already on it.  Missy could easily be removed (grin)....

It's a 2013 model, with one large slide

lots of storage

the passenger seat swivels around, lots of floor space

the table slides down and forms a day bed, nice

very comfy corner bed and bathroom

the new controls next to the microwave are
for the solar panels and lithium Ion batteries

my 1st night camping on BLM (free camping) site

QUARTSITE AZ

distance traveled: 256 miles

It's been a month and I've had my first venture out with the new Class C camper I've nicknamed Zippy, as I think I'll be zipping along all those back-roads and byways.

Every adventure takes preparation to do it right and this one is no exception.  A water pump needs to be replaced in a few days (it's on order).  On my way to Quartsite I had to go back to the dealer in Apache Junction to get him to sign the back of the title before I can get my Florida tags.  Stop and go traffic through Phoenix finally brought me to Quartsite later in the day, where I've just had one solar panel, two lithium Ion batteries and controllers installed.

One solar panel installed along with two lithium Ion batteries
equivalent to 4 deep cycle batteries, and a controller
It's all I could afford at this time

This was important to me as I wanted to have enough overnight power to run the furnace in cold weather.  I can tell you from last nights experience, the batteries held up well enabling me to have the furnace come on multiple times throughout the night and barely putting a dent in the battery storage.

I'll be returning to Desert Trails in a couple of days as I need to check out the systems on board and ensure everything is working fine.  I'll then begin to close up the 5th wheel camper and truck and leaving it in the desert for the summer and my return next fall.

poppies, it's springtime in the desert

trip to Tubac iwth friends

Tom and Chris, wonderful day touring Tubac AZ

Add caption

a celebration of friends at Ironwood picnic area
and open house for the new Class C camper

thanks to everyone who were able to join us

Tucson Az

evening setting in over Desert Trails Rv park
Tucson AZ