Making it to Canada...and for a very special reason!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13   

After a two-day stay at the KOA in Cloquet, MN (near Duluth), Navidad and I were ready this morning to aim our sights on Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.  I had plenty of time at the KOA to plan the route from here to there and pick out the RV Park stops along the way.  The plan is to cross the border into Ontario at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan - tomorrow!  The primary purpose of this trip has been a long time coming – a visit with Lee-Ann Pugin and her family, whom I have never met!  I’ll get to that momentarily… 

Heading out, we got back on I-35 N towards Duluth and then got on Rt. 2 E which took us through Wisconsin into Upper Michigan.  After several hours of driving, I stopped in Michigamme, MI and got a site at the Michigamme Shores Campground.  It was cool and cloudy but I did have a partial view of Lake Michigamme.  Navidad didn’t even notice but other sounds outside did get his attention for awhile.

Inside the camper this evening, I quickly deduced, based on recent observation, that something was definitely amiss with the camper.  It’s been just a little over a week now since the mechanical problem with my truck [in Nevada] and I’m now apparently having some sort of problem with the camper’s batteries.  This is quite concerning because the batteries are essential to overall camper function and both of mine are brand new.  At the last two RV Parks, I had noticed, immediately after plugging the camper to shore power, a distinct “burning” odor coming from beneath the kitchen sink.  I texted David, who sold me my camper (Galaxy Campers, Ontario, CA – wonderful guy, fantastic staff!), about the unusual odor, which did dissipate after awhile both times, and he suggested that I keep an eye on it (or, rather, my nose).

At my site tonight, there was no odor, BUT the status monitor for the batteries indicated battery power to be “weak,” even while plugged to shore power.  Pretty soon, the panel on the camper’s fridge continuously flashed “Lo DC” and other stuff started happening, such as dim lights.  After more texting with David, he concluded that the camper’s charger unit (which is indeed in the vicinity of “that odor”) had quit working and I should go to an RV repair place.

It was late, 10:00 p.m. or so, and this ole gal was tired, but I got on my iPad, did a search, found an RV dealership and service facility (Christie’s RV) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and sent an email announcing that I was going to be there around 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.  Then I went to bed.  Battery problems notwithstanding the heat worked fine, fortunately! 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

I got up this morning at 6:30 a.m. with a great idea.  Since Christie’s RV had a toll-free number I texted David and asked if he could please call them and give them a heads-up that I will be there around 1:00 p.m. today.  That he did.  It was still dark outside but I was ready to go.  Navidad begged to differ – he really doesn’t like spending hours in his carrier in the truck.  As soon as it was light enough we left the RV Park, turned back onto Rt. 2 E and encountered -- fog!  I couldn’t see anything in front of me and could just barely make out the yellow divider lines on my left.  I can’t remember when I last drove in thick fog but adrenalin and determination - and probably a bit of a Taurus attitude - all kicked in and…soon… the fog lifted.  Visibility was nice and clear for that four-hour or so drive to the border. 

We made good time, reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan via I-75 N, stopped for fuel, and then took the International Bridge across the St. Mary’s River to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.  The lady at the border was satisfied with my Passport and Navidad’s rabies certificate and I was told to go and enjoy my visit.

It was 12:30 p.m. when I walked into the Christie’s RV service unit and met Kevin, the guy who received and responded to my email and who also spoke with David earlier that morning.  Learning that the techs were all at lunch at the moment, I took that opportunity to transfer Navidad from truck to camper so he could use his litter box and have access to some water and dry food.  Ralph, my tech, soon came for the keys and as he drove the truck around to an empty bay I thought, ooops, the sensation of that unrestrained motion inside the camper must be weird for Navidad!  Before Ralph got to work I put Navidad in the bathroom and closed the door.

David’s initial diagnosis was spot on – the camper’s power converter (charger) was burnt out and I needed a new one.  Being that Christie’s sells Jayco trailers and services large RVs, it was extremely lucky for me, according to Ralph, that they had just one of my type of power converter in stock.  New converter in place, Ralph said that my batteries should fully charge overnight after I plug the camper to shore power.  I thanked Ralph and Kevin for assisting me – especially since I didn’t have an appointment – drove just a few miles to the Glenview Cottages & Campground, got my site, plugged into the shore power, and felt like I had hit on some good fortune and could finally relax.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

With the heat on during the night (set on low 68), Navidad and I were fairly comfortable.  Then, in the wee hours of the morning, a squirming motion from Navidad woke me up and I saw that he had found a way to get under the sleeping bag.  “Great discovery, Baby Boy!”  He sure was warm to the touch when I reached for him under there.   

Around 9:15 a.m. I was ready to get going, get on Hwy. 17 E (the Trans-Canada Highway), and put another four-hour drive behind me, heading for Sturgeon Bay.  By chance this morning – or by Divine Grace, most likely - I stowed away the shore power cord before realizing that I had forgotten to close the slide-out.  Not a problem…battery power will do it.  It’s a bit of a stretch for 5’1” me but, standing on my tiptoes, I can just reach the slide-out “in” button and when I pressed it, nothing happened.  I stood stock still, on my tiptoes still, and tried again.  The slide-out remained where it was.  I turned to the status monitor panel only to find all the lights were not lit up in any of the assorted green, yellow, orange, and red colors.  The little green “on” light for the fridge wasn’t lit up either.  Nothing was on inside the camper!  The batteries!  They’re not working!  Why??

Divine Grace again – I had picked an RV Park just a few miles from Christie’s RV and they open at 9:00 a.m.  Moving quickly, I plugged into shore power again, closed the slide-out, stowed the cord again, and went straight back to Christie’s, to Kevin, to Ralph.  I had to wait for maybe 15 minutes but Ralph soon came out, looking all puzzled and concerned.  Within five minutes, he found the problem.  The two batteries, which rest on a sliding tray, are located inside a compartment on one side of the camper.  There’s a push-in/pull-out knob inside that compartment that activates and deactivates the batteries.  When Ralph slid that tray back in the compartment yesterday, he accidently pushed the knob to the off position.  Pulling it back out, he tested everything again and said all was good.

Finally on our way by 10:30 a.m., we didn’t arrive at the Sturgeon Falls KOA until just before 4:00 p.m.  We drove through a string of small towns and encountered several road construction delays, the longest wait being around 20 minutes.  Before getting on Hwy. 17 earlier this morning, to make sure I stayed within the posted km/h speed limits, I jotted down on a piece of paper the mph equivalents.  I didn’t see any wildlife (despite moose and deer warning signs), but I did see, just a little bit ahead on the shoulder of my lane, a horse-drawn open buggy (Amish or Mennonite?).  Drawing closer I saw the horse, the reins, and the couple on the seat.  At the last moment, as I slowed down and veered to the left, I was surprised to see the faces of the two little boys strapped to the lower rear seat.  That must be quite a view they have from there!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Navidad has decided that he really likes to sleep under the sleeping bag…and I don’t blame him!  After I fed him this morning, he squirmed right back under, hoping to hide, too, I’m sure.  With apologies to this dear boy, I uncovered the layers covering him, picked him up, gave him his medication, put him in his carrier, and carried him out to the truck.  I closed the slide-out and then went back outside to unplug the shore power cord.  Did the batteries recharge overnight as they’re supposed to?  Checking the monitor -- they did!  Seems everything is hunky-dory now!  Thank you, Divine Grace!

Needing fuel first, I took care of that and then, by 9:30 a.m., we were back on Hwy. 17 E heading for Renfrew, Ontario.  We made excellent time and arrived at the Renfrew KOA just before 1:00 p.m.  I spent the afternoon updating my travel records and reviewing my route for tomorrow.  Tomorrow is the highlight of this trip – the day I finally meet Lee-Ann Pugin!  And her family, in Gatineau, Quebec.  Lee-Ann and me, this is our story -- 

Some seven or eight years ago, I received an email from Lee-Ann.  She introduced herself and said her husband’s name was Richard Pugin and that they lived in Gatineau, Quebec.  She found my name and email address and expressed interest in finding out if my family might be related to Richard’s. 

I forwarded her email to my older brother Welby, who was then, and still is now, the sole researcher of our family’s ancestry [on the English side].  Although I understood at the time that we were unable to confirm any kinship with Richard Pugin, Lee-Ann and I continued to stay in touch, exchanging birthday/Christmas greetings and sharing family news. 

Despite DNA testing, between Richard and Welby, and later between my brother Bill and Pierre, one of Lee-Ann’s sons, there is still no conclusive evidence that we are related.  The Pugin name, from both the French (theirs) and British (ours) lineages, is rather uncommon and it is a long story how we could and might be related. 

Lee-Ann, having followed my camper travel blogs over the past several years, asked me when I was going to head up their way and visit.  What a great idea and a most heartwarming invitation!  So, that’s tomorrow! 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

It started to rain when Navidad and I left the KOA at 11:00 a.m.  I took Hwy. 17 back west to the town of Pembroke where we then got on Hwy. 148 E and crossed a couple of bridges over the Ottawa River into Rte. 148, Quebec.  Despite the rain, it was a nice hour or so drive through the countryside, with glimpses of the Ottawa River on my right.  Being that Quebec is a French-speaking province, all the road signs were in French but I knew to stay straight on Rte. 148 until it ended in the Aylmer section of Gatineau.

I soon arrived at the home of Pierre, Lee-Ann Pugin’s son.  He came outside just as I parked on the street and we greeted each other and exchanged hugs.  He then directed me as I backed in to a grassy space behind his driveway.  And then there was Lee-Ann!  She came up to me and gave me a warm hug, a warm welcome, and we both were just so delighted to finally meet each other!  After taking a few minutes to plug the camper into an exterior outlet and transfer Navidad from truck to camper, I entered the home where I met Pierre’s wife, Sylvie, Sabina, their 18-year-old daughter (I later met Marianne, their 12-year-old), Merlin, their Australian Shepherd, and Tasha, their cat.  Pierre showed me a framed wall photograph of him astride Tuff, his pure Canadian horse.  I would have loved to meet him, too!

Sitting at the dining table, we all began to get to know each other.  Lee-Ann and I had much to talk about and the family vibe sure felt very strong.  Feeling very comfortable with each other, the conversation flowed easily.  Although French is their primary language, Lee-Ann, Pierre, and Sylvie all speak fluent English as well.  Every now and then I’d have to ask them to repeat themselves or, since I came prepared with notebook and pen, they’d write down whatever I wasn’t understanding. 

I told Pierre that I thought his name was pronounced “pee-ree” and when I said it that way in a conversation with my sister Evelyn earlier this summer, she corrected me and said it’s like “pea-air.”  I learned from Pierre that Marianne’s name is not pronounced like mine and that the French and English pronunciations of the name “Pugin” are also not the same.

Lee-Ann’s husband, Richard, the patriarch of this family, passed away in 2014.  They had five children – Michel, Denis, Rachel, Pierre, and Lynn.  Denis and Rachel also live in the area and they soon arrived with their spouses, Helene (Denis) and Alain (Rachel).  Michel lives in Florida and Lynn passed away also a few years ago.

It was a lively family affair at the dinner table and I found it interesting to observe everybody interact and converse with each other.  I’d been taking pictures and video throughout the day and took a few more after dessert.  By 8:00 p.m., we all called it a night and I went back to the camper. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

I joined the family for breakfast and lingered for a while longer so I could continue my visit with Lee-Ann.  We talked about her family and mine.  Marianne was interested in my background as a Deaf person and while she was tinkering around with her mobile, she found an image of the hand alphabet.  That led me to tell them about the historical significance of Laurent Clerc, the Deaf Frenchman, and how Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet met him in England and brought him to America.  

Soon it was time for me to leave.  We said our “good-byes” and I told Lee-Ann that I was very hopeful we will meet again. 

Crossing a bridge over the Ottawa River, Navidad and I were back in Ontario.  Some miles later we reached the border and crossed into Ogdensburg, New York.  After a few hours on I-81 S, we arrived at the Oneida Pines Campground in North Bay, NY.

Lee-Ann Pugin, you are a most endearing and lovely lady!  I am so happy and honored that I have finally met you and your loving family!  Thank you for your warm hospitality!

Denis, Lee-Ann, Rachel, and Pierre.

Back - Denis, Pierre, and Alain.
Front - Helene, Sylvie, Sabina, Lee-Ann, and Rachel.

Helene and Denis.

Alain and Rachel.

Sylvie and Pierre.

Lee-Ann and me.

Pierre and Merlin.

Tasha.

Lee-Ann is holding a page from People magazine.  The
picture on the bottom right show my brother Bill
interpreting for Elizabeth Taylor.  This was taken at
Gallaudet [College] in the late '70s and this is where
Lee-Ann first saw the name "Bill Pugin" and realized
that there was another Pugin family.

So far, so good...

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12   

As I type this we’re at the Cloquet/Duluth KOA in Cloquet, Minnesota.  We arrived yesterday, I registered for a site, after which I dumped the grey/black tanks at the dump station, and then we settled in.  We’re staying put today because I need a driving break, Navidad needs a driving break, and I want to get this blog posted today.  

When I travel in my truck camper, unless there’s really no choice, I generally avoid driving on the interstate.  Our beautiful country is best seen from state, county, and rural roads.  Over the years that I’ve traveled in my truck camper I’ve found it to be nostalgic fun and fascinating to drive through the small towns, checking out the old buildings, the downtown stores, the movie theaters, the local residents, the architecture of their homes, and, more often than not, the old cars and pickup trucks still on the road. 

For this trip, however, the interstate system has been my friend.  Since the incident with my truck in Fernley, NV, I’ve driven mostly on the interstate and that has helped me keep a steady pace and get the miles behind me as I now aim for Gatineau, Quebec.

Last Tuesday (6^th), Navidad and I got back on I-80 E and made good time driving from Winnemucca, NV to Wells, NV, where we then got on Rt. 93 N and headed for the Twin Falls 93 RV Park in Twin Falls, Idaho. 

I was fairly tuckered out after we settled in.  Navidad had again woken me up several times during the night, calming down after I gave him some food and, being that it was quite chilly, turned on the heat (no sense trying to be conservative with my supply of propane, ha!).  I had also been a bit tense during the drive, wondering if the truck was going to act up again.  It performed as it should --

The truck is okay

  And so I pray

    Please, please

      Stay that way!      

At 9:30 a.m. [on Wednesday 7^th] we were on our way, Navidad curled up in his carrier right next to me.  I had a better night’s sleep and I think Navidad did, too.  He woke me up only once, around 3:00 a.m.  I was toasty warm, having added my sleeping bag to my layers of blankets the evening before.  It really wasn’t cold in the camper, but Navidad wanted to get real close anyway.  At one point he even rested his head on my cheek!  Talk about being tickled by whiskers!

Around 2:15 p.m. we arrived at the Countryside RV Park in Dillon, Montana.  Our route this day: Rt. 93 N / I-84 E / I-86 E / I-15 N.  Oh, Idaho and Montana, you are gorgeous!

It seems to me Navidad and I have our camper travel routine down pat by now.  He has caught on to the steps I take in the morning before I’m ready to retrieve his carrier.  He resists the carrier, best he can, but that’s to be expected – he’s a cat!

He also, per routine, wakes me up sometime during the 3:00 a.m. hour.  Right on schedule the wee hours of Thursday 8^th, he pawed me awake.  As I turned on the overhead light, I found Purple Bear and Mousey right next to me!  Awww, what a sweetheart Navidad is!  To grasp one in his mouth, hop on the bed, deposit it next to me, and then hop back down to get the other one.  What goes through his mind when he does this?  I’d love to know!

Moving on from Dillon later that morning, we continued on I-15 N and then connected to I-90 E, driving steadily along up and over one mountain pass after another.  As I came down one pass, the truck camper that had been behind me pulled alongside and the fellow in the passenger seat held up a note letting me know that my camper’s brake lights were out.  As I gave him a thumbs-up thank you I let out an “Aw, gee!” groan.  David, my guy at Galaxy Campers and I checked those lights after the camper was loaded on my truck last week.  Looking for a gas station anyway at that point, I filled up and then checked both front and back lights.  Right and left turn blinkers – okay.  Hazard blinkers – okay.  Headlights – okay.  Not able to check the brake lights by myself, I spotted this young fellow hauling trash bags in a mobile cart and waved him over.  Standing behind the camper, he gave me the thumbs-up when I pressed the brake pedal.  All’s good.  So did my brake lights work or not driving up and down that mountain?  I’ll never know but I probably should check those lights every day now.  We eventually reached Billings (MT), got a site at the Yellowstone River RV Park, and I was glad to call it a day. 

From Billings [on Friday 9^th], we were on I-90 E for about five miles before we connected to I-94 E.  As the Rocky Mountains gradually fell behind I was looking ahead at eastern Montana’s beautiful rolling hills.  The grass that carpeted these hills was a blend of amber and green, which would probably have been a lot more bright and colorful had it been a sunny day.  The weather, incidentally, has been great, good, and acceptable.  I finally got rained on today.

I haven’t been taking any pictures, mainly because I haven’t been stopping to visit anything.  I did take this selfie this morning, just as we were getting set to leave Billings –

"Ready to head on out, Navi?"

On the approach to North Dakota I could see, in the distance, the range of the unique geological rocks and buttes that formed North Dakota’s Badlands.  Crossing into ND we drove through the gorgeous South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and, after driving for five hours on this day, arrived at the North Park Campground in Dickinson, North Dakota.

The next morning (Saturday 10^th) we were back on I-94 E, heading for Casselton, ND.  At one point during the drive, Navidad hopped out of his carrier through the unzipped top flap and laid down on the flannel shirt I’d tossed onto the passenger seat.  I thought, since he didn’t poop at all during the night, he was telling me that he needed to use his litter box.  Deciding to go ahead and get fuel, I stopped at a station and put Navidad inside the camper’s bathroom while I filled up.  He still didn’t go – but we had to go and so we did.

I traveled the northern part of North Dakota several years ago and I was intrigued then, as I am again now, by the hundreds – probably thousands – of rolled bales of hay that are haphazardly scattered everywhere on the fields along the roads.  What are they for and why are some bales even placed on the other side of private fences, fairly close to the road?  While many of these bales appear fresh, there seems to be an equal number of bales that look like they’ve been left on the fields for a long time, exposed to all sorts of weather.  Is rotten hay still good for something?  I’ll have to research this someday.

We spent the night at the RV Park section of the Days Inn in Casselton.  Nothing spectacular about the place but, on my return to the camper after getting some dinner at the Country Kitchen restaurant, I noticed that the dome of the Casselton water tower had lit up.  Thought I’d take a picture, standing just outside my camper’s back door –

North Dakota’s I-94 runs a straight 350-mile stretch through a landscape of agricultural land, cattle and crop.  Bismarck, at the 161 milepost, and Fargo, at the eastern state line, are the two largest towns along that route.  Reaching Fargo [on Sunday 11^th] and crossing into Minnesota, I decided to ditch the interstate and take Routes 10 E & 210 E through the Minnesota countryside towards Duluth, MN.  This made for a longer drive, timewise, but it was so good to morph from North Dakota’s vast openness to Minnesota’s abundance of trees and lakes.  Soon, we arrived at the Cloquet/Duluth KOA, in Cloquet, for our two-night stay.  We’re closer to Canada now and I’m looking forward to meeting, for the first time, Lee-Ann Pugin and her family!

A New "Camper Adventures" Journey!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Greetings from Lone Pine, California!  Yup, I’m on the road again – and with Navidad! 

I’ve got the same truck, a silver 2006 Ford F-350 Dually.  And the same camper, a 2005 Lance 1121.  They’re both older, a tad worn here and there, but they continue to function fairly well.  I’m also older (66) -- and it remains to be seen how well I’ll function during this trip!  Navidad is 11 and this is his second trip with me in the camper. 

I had initially planned for this to be a three-month trip, leaving home on August 1^st.  That changed when, around mid-July, Navidad developed an IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) condition and, during subsequent check-ups, a heart murmur and slightly elevated blood pressure were also detected.  To get him stable and adjusted to medication and prescription cat food, I decided to cut the trip short and postpone our departure to today.

The camper was loaded up yesterday with clothes, food, and other essentials.  Leaving home at 9:30 a.m. this morning, we headed for Rt. 395 N by way of the famed California interstates - 10, 215, & 15 – and arrived at the Boulder Creek RV Resort (Lone Pine, CA) within four hours.  Shortly after setting up the camper and doing some organizing, I noticed that Navidad, who had been trying to hide under the pillows on the bed, was panting.  Yup, it was indeed too warm inside the camper so I closed all the windows and turned on the air conditioner.  Closing the windows also muffled the outside sounds that Navidad wasn’t used to and that helped him calm down and relax.  We had our suppers and called it a night as soon as it got dark! 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Navidad did some looking around inside the camper after I fed him.  I think he remembers a thing or two from his first truck camper experience with me last year in Arizona.  He seemed content and comfortable while I continued to reorganize and put things in their places.

Navidad, relaxing with Purple Bear our first morning in the camper.

Unlike my past truck camper trips, there will be very little, if any, spontaneity during this trip.  This time I have a planned itinerary and a schedule to follow.  I’m heading for the East Coast and will be visiting friends and family along the way.  Earlier this summer I set up visitation dates and, to ensure that I have a place to stay at each location, made reservations (17!) at various RV/State Parks and campgrounds.  Knowing that I have those advance reservations does give me some peace of mind.  I just have to make sure I time my travel so that I arrive at each destination as scheduled.

My first visitation is today!  Navidad and I left Lone Pine around noon and continued 100 miles north on Rt. 395 to the gorgeous Mammoth Lakes area.  As soon as we were set up at the Mammoth Mountain RV Resort I contacted my friend Sally to let her know we had arrived.  Living just a few blocks away, Sally and Bear, her sweet, gentle, and loveable dog, walked over to my camper to welcome me and Navidad to Mammoth Lakes. 

Sally is a beautiful soul and a wonderful friend to have.  It was my lucky day when she sat down next to me at the Camelot Theater during the Palm Springs International Film Festival back in January 2013.  She spoke to me and when I told her I was Deaf, she then started fingerspelling and we communicated with ease until the movie started.  We ran into each other in the line for another screening a couple of days later and it was just meant to be that we would become friends.  And I just adore Bear!  Avid hikers both, Bear now has to take it easy and Sally fills her days with her music, her friends, her daily walks/hikes, her love for movies, and her joy in mastering Spanish! 

After visiting for a short while in the camper, I told Navidad I’d see him in a little bit and then left to walk with Sally and Bear to their home for a delicious and most satisfying stir-fry dinner that she prepared.  Neither of us was too full to top dinner off with a piece of triple-chocolate cake!  Sally then told Bear she’d see him in a little bit and we both walked back to my camper to play a game of Scrabble.  She won (again!). 

Sally and Bear.

Sally and me.

Posing with Bear.

With Bear at his home. (Photo by Sally)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

It got cold during the night but I was fine under the covers wearing socks and a flannel shirt.  Navidad was restless all night -- he woke me up about seven times, wanting to knead me, wanting to snuggle on this side and then on the other side, and at one point he plopped down on my chest/torso -- all 18 pounds of him.  He gets hungry, too.  We have a routine back home where I will get up in the middle of the night and tend to his needs.  Not a problem since I have to go to the bathroom myself anyway (ah, the joys of growing older!).  We don’t yet have a routine in the camper but we’ll get there.

Shortly before 8:00 a.m. I walked over to the nearby Good Life Café to join Sally for breakfast.  As he was yesterday at my camper, Bear was content to snooze outside the cafe.  Sally and I had the exact same thing – pancakes and scrambled eggs.  The three of us walked back to my camper, said our good-byes, and Navidad and I were soon back on Rt. 395 N.  Bless you, Sally and Bear – thanks for a lovely visit!

This section of Rt. 395, heading towards Lake Tahoe, is a scenic drive – a winding road with views of gorgeous mountain peaks everywhere.  I crossed into Nevada and, not wanting to take the route through Reno/Sparks towards Fernley, I was looking for the connection to Rt. 50 E at Carson City.  Spotting the signage for “Rt. 50” I got on that road.  Something in my gut protested and said, “Yo, MAP, the sign didn’t say E or W.”  I responded to myself, “Not to worry, MAP, there will be a fork up ahead, one going 50E and the other going 50W.”

Big mistake!  There was no East/West split on that road!  I was on Rt. 50 WEST, a winding mountain road heading directly for Lake Tahoe!  I couldn’t turn off anywhere right away and when I finally found a road on my left, I turned there, parked, consulted my map, saw where I erred, chewed myself out -- and started laughing! 

This just proves something I had told Sally yesterday.  When I showed her my planning materials, including my total estimates for expenses and miles, she noted that I estimated a total of 9,000 miles for this trip.  I told her my arithmetic actually came out to around 8,000 but I tacked on an additional 1,000 miles “…because I get lost sometimes.”  

My mistake here also reminded me of something else I told my friend Penny when we were talking about my camper travels not too long ago.  I told her of a quote I’d seen many times before – “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”  In this case, the silver lining in my “wasted time and miles” on this road is that I got to see a portion of the gloriously blue Lake Tahoe.  And, being the water-lover that I am, that view did my heart good!

Back at Carson City I eventually found and got on Rt. 50 E and then took Rts. 95 alt / 50 alt to Fernley, where I had a reservation at the Desert Rose RV Park, located on E. Main Street.  Noting that I was on W. Main Street, I declared “Hey, Navidad, we’ll be there in a few minutes!”  I made that declaration before I saw the one traffic obstacle that I absolutely detest – a roundabout!

For the second time today, I got lost.  Well, confused is more like it because the street sign for the road that I thought had to be directly opposite E. Main Street from the roundabout no longer said Main Street, E or W.  After several attempts on that friggin’ roundabout, I finally pulled into a shopping center, whipped out my iPhone (and this will make my friend Greg very happy!), typed in the RV Park’s address, and followed the directions.  As it turned out, I was on the correct road in the first place after all!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Mindful of the distance I need to cover before my next visitation – September 17 in Quebec, Canada – I decided last night to head for Wells, NV, an approximately 300-mile, four-hour drive via I-80 E. 

On our way shortly before 10:00 a.m., I wanted to fuel up first at one of the two truck stops near the I-80 ramps.  As I approached Love’s, my truck lost acceleration and it felt like it was about to lose power.  I made it to a pump, filled up, and just stood there feeling totally dismayed.  What gives?  Why did this just happen?  I had my truck serviced three weeks ago.  I told my advisor at Ford I was gonna be on this two-month, 9,000-mile trip and to please make sure my truck was good to go.

I started up the motor, Navidad, in his carrier right next to me, so quiet, so patient, so trusting, and made my way towards the I-80 E ramp.  My truck would not accelerate and then the engine warning light came on.  I just barely made it to a parking space at the Pilot Travel Center.  Now I was really dismayed, worried, upset…and pissed off!

I went inside and inquired if there was a mechanic on site.  There wasn’t but this very courteous young lady (Laura, I think her name was) was only too happy to help me call a 24-hour mobile auto repair service.  Being that this was the Labor Day Weekend, they wouldn’t be available to assist me for some time.  I then asked Laura to call AAA, thinking that it would be better to have my truck towed back to last night’s RV Park where Navidad and I would at least be comfortable and the staff there could assist me.  Laura then suggested somebody else, a fellow named Henry, who might be able to determine the problem and fix it.  I said OK and went back to the camper with Navidad to wait for him.

Henry arrived within a few minutes and, using his computerized device, diagnosed the problem to be the EGR valve.  He left to get a new one, and with assistance from one of Laura’s co-workers, removed the old and inserted the new.  Showing me the old valve, he pointed out the accumulation of black gunk which had hindered the valve’s function.  I took it and will show it to my Ford guy when I get back home.  I asked Henry to test-drive the truck and he did so with me in the passenger seat and Navidad between the both of us.  He got on I-80, drove at high speed, observed the rpm needle, stopped at his facility to reset the engine warning light, and drove back to Pilot.  I had already paid for the new valve, of course, but Henry didn’t include labor – and he wouldn’t accept a tip from me when we got back.  Laura and the co-worker were standing outside Henry’s car and as I spoke to Laura, complimenting Henry and thanking her for recommending him, I learned then that he was her husband!  I thanked them both profusely and gave everybody a hug.  It was, by then, 1:00 p.m.

On our way on I-80 E, my emotions got the best of me and I allowed myself a brief cry.  The truck was running well and I told myself I had much to be grateful for.  Not only for the help I got from both Laura (making the phone calls) and Henry (doing the repair), but for the fact the stalling problem happened this morning.  Had the truck stalled on the mountainous roads I was on yesterday, or the day before…

Due to the late hour, and feeling the stress of the day, I decided to scratch Wells and stop at the KOA in Winnemucca.  I have a view of some hills and a field of tall grass.  This region of Nevada is rather barren...but I’m glad to be here.  The journey continues and I have to hope and trust there won’t be any more CAMPER ADVENTURES of the mechanical kind.   

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Happy Labor Day!  We’re staying put today.  Time for me and Navidad to take a driving break and for me to work on my blog and for him to catch up on some quiet rest.

Taking it easy in his makeshift box with Purple Bear and Mousey for company.

Epilogue: Navidad, We're Home!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

Navidad and I arrived home yesterday, Tuesday 19th.  I didn't do any writing since I posted my last blog on May 16th, so I’ll backtrack --

On Sunday 17th, we left the KOA in Salome, AZ around 11:00 a.m. and, about an hour and half later, arrived at the Buckskin Mountain State Park, located just north of Parker, AZ.  As soon as the camper was set up, I took a walk and it was immediately obvious that this state park is a fun place for both day visitors and RVers/campers.  It’s noisy!  I couldn't hear anything (come to think of it, I didn't wear my hearing aids at all during this trip!) but Navidad sure could!

Uh, oh.  Situated on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, this is the kind of campground where the river is full of fast boats, jet skis, and water skiing.  The river was within view of my camper, as were basketball and volleyball courts.  Next to those was a structure that I later discovered included a market, an arcade with pool tables, and a snack bar that served alcohol.  A fun place for families with kids AND for young people – the ones in their late teens, early twenties…you know the sort.

But not a good place for Navidad.  The poor fella stayed in the bathroom, ears twitching, eyes opening, head turning every time he heard something - a boat speeding by or people hollering.  “Hey,” I said to Navidad, “it’s kinda warm inside the camper, ya think?  It’ll be a good idea to close all the windows and turn on the AC, righto?”  I sincerely hope that when I did that, I was able to muffle or minimize all the outside noise and Navidad could rest easier.

Observing Navidad that particular day, I noticed that he looked weary, worn out.  This daily routine -- going back and forth between truck and camper and constantly discovering that we’re in the same “home” but something is different about the outside – is getting to this middle-aged boy.  It has been a little over four weeks.  It’s time to go home, definitely time.

Leaving the State Park the next morning [Monday 18th], we drove about an hour or so on Rt. 95 S and got a site at the 88 Shades RV Park in Quartzsite, AZ.  Quartzsite, in my opinion, is not a glamorous area but it is a very popular winter hangout for snowbirds.  The whole region is packed with RVers and boondockers (folks who like to camp out in their RVs, all by themselves, out in the desert, without hookups) during the winter months.  I figured, it now being mid-May, I could very well be the only person at 88 Shades (how the heck they come up with that name?).  I was almost right.  There were a couple of other folks but the entire place was bare and very quiet, according to the lady in the office.  Perfect for me because of the dumping chore I need to do tomorrow morning, a chore better done when you don’t have an audience watching for you to, maybe, have a disaster.

So, yesterday, Tuesday 19th, tanks dumped, Navidad and I then drove the last 140 miles of our truck camper adventure on I-10 W and arrived home shortly after 12:30 p.m.  I don’t know, while parking the truck on my driveway, if Navi knew or sensed that we were home.  Mike, my former neighbor and good friend, who had been keeping an eye on my home for me, happened to be here when we arrived and I’m sure Navi thought, hearing Mike from inside the truck – I know that voice!  Toting Navidad’s carrier inside, Mike joined me and we both enjoyed, as soon as I let him out of his carrier, watching Navi’s reaction as he looked around and started to realize that we were HOME!

Navidad went from room to room, checking out his usual favorite spots.  I had already put the litter box in the bathtub and he checked that.  He checked his food and water bowls and was satisfied that they were exactly where they always are…and filled.  He went under the bed.  He went into the kitchen and clawed open the door to his favorite lower cupboard – a dark and quiet spot he likes to nap in.  He went into the master bath and into my office.  Checking everything!  He even walked over to his carrier, where I’d left it on the floor, and sniffed it. 

Good riddance to you! probably was his very thought!

WELCOME HOME, NAVIDAD!

Snow, "Fire," and...Yikes! Counting My Blessings!

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Navidad had another “first” this morning!  Before I pulled out of our site at the RV Park in Glendale [UT], and as soon as I unzipped the carrier’s top flap, he immediately jumped out onto the passenger seat.  He looked around for a brief moment, gave out a couple of “meows,” and then – I could just see the wheels turning in his head - he hopped right back in!  The only other time I’d ever seen him get in the carrier so willingly was at the vet’s!

Waking up to sunshine this morning, I noted how much prettier the nearby hills and the apple orchard looked in the glistening rays.  Even then, I still stuck to my decision to drive on the historic Rt. 9 through Zion National Park another time.  Reviewing my map last night, I considered two route options for the return to Arizona.  I could take Rt. 89 south all the way back to Page, AZ, or I could see a little bit more of Utah by taking Rt. 89 north to Rt. 14 W.  I chose the latter…and that was the absolutely best decision! 

Designated a Utah Scenic Byway, this two-lane, 40-mile highway traverses through a beautiful forest of pine and aspen trees.  At the highest point of the plateau, the elevation is 11,000 feet.  As we started up, I noticed patches of snow on the ground.  Then there was more snow, and finally, on the approach to the highest point, the entire landscape was covered in bright white snow.  Against the clear blue sky, the snow on the branches of the pine trees just simply added to the beauty of this picturesque scene.  Me happy?  You bet!

Rt. 14 ended at Cedar City where I then connected to I-15 S and headed for Leeds, UT.   I stopped early, around noon, at the Zion West RV Park.  Navidad and I will spend our third, and final, night in Utah at this park.  Nothing spectacular about the place but I do have WiFi and, much to my relief, the cable seems to work on my TV.  AND, it’s warmer, much warmer!

Snow around Navajo Lake, Route 14 Scenic Byway, Utah.

Surrounded by snow, Route 14 Scenic Byway, Utah.

At the snowy top of Utah’s Route 14 Scenic Byway, ready to descend.

MONDAY, MAY 11

We got back on I-15 S which took us through the last few miles of Utah and around 15 miles of Arizona before we crossed into Nevada.  When I travel in the truck camper I generally try to avoid the interstate, but sometimes there’s really no choice.  In this case, it’s the Grand Canyon, but this section of I-15 was actually a very scenic drive through gorgeous rocky cliffs and canyons – the Paiute Wilderness, according to my map.

About 20 minutes after crossing into Nevada, we connected to Rt. 169 S and headed for the Valley of Fire State Park, near Overton.  I visited this state park once before in the truck camper and very much enjoyed my stay there.  At that time I selected a campground site without hookups.  This time, I picked a loop site in a different campground area that provides electric and water.  It’s quite warm down here and I wanted to be prepared in case it became necessary to use the air conditioning in the camper.  I was thinking of Navidad – gotta have the creature comforts for my feline creature.

Around 1:15 p.m., we were all set up at our site and, with all the windows open in the camper, we had a fairly nice cool breeze coming through.  It was so nice I decided not to bother opening my laptop.  Instead, and for the first time since starting this trip, I pulled out a book – Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep – and sat outside to read.  

Come bedtime, the breeze still felt so good I decided to leave open the two windows next to the bed and the overhead vent cover.  And to think that just a few days ago, up in Glendale, Utah, it was so cold I had to turn the heat on!

TUESDAY, MAY 12

During the night, Navidad became excited about something outside and his movements woke me up.  He looked out one side window, then looked out the cabover window, and then scurried over to look out the other side window.  I peered out, too, but didn't see anything.

Valley of Fire State Park “…is the oldest state park in Nevada, USA and was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.  It covers an area of almost 42,000 acres (17,000 ha) and was dedicated in 1935. It derives its name from red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays.” (Wikipedia)

Before leaving the state park, I drove to a couple of sites to take pictures of some of the rock formations.  The first time I was here, my photos didn't come out too great because the sky was overcast that time.  With the sun out today, hopefully I've done some justice to the beauty of these red rocks. 

Our site at Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada.

My truck camper, dwarfed by a massive red rock.

The obligatory showoff, “climbing” a Beehive rock formation.

Red “Beehive” rocks, ancient and beautiful.

We were on the road for three hours today (Routes 169 S, 93 N, and 95 S).  The legend on my map shows Rt. 169 to be a scenic highway.  I probably wouldn't dub it as such but it was a nice two lane curvy road that traversed through a rather barren desert landscape of brown/beige hills.  Running parallel to Rt. 169, although you couldn't see much of it, is Lake Mead, another man-made lake, created by the Hoover Dam.

During this drive on Rt. 169, Navidad finally found the courage to get out of his carrier – part way – for about a minute!  His front half was on my lap, his back half still in the carrier.  I've been coaxing him…BUT, seriously, do I even want him loose in the truck while I’m driving?  I really need to think about this one…seriously.

At Boulder City, NV, just before we got on Rt. 95 S, I stopped at a Vons to get a few things.  Navidad came along, natch!

Arriving at a town called Searchlight, we turned left and drove 14 miles down this road to the Cottonwood Cove Marina and Resort.  There’s an RV park here as well, but this place is primarily a Lake Mead recreation area for houseboats and other water activities, including fishing.  I don’t think their season has got underway yet because the whole place appeared to be devoid of people, except for some staff.  They have a café there but even that was closed! 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

The oft-heard refrain from family and friends to “Have a good time and drive safely!” is truly a well-meaning suggestion that we should take to heart when we travel.  And most especially when you’re driving something big and heavy such as, in my case, a truck camper.  You can’t know what’s ahead of you and you just gotta pay attention.  I saw two things while driving today that will attest to this bit of wisdom.  The first was a spot-on lucky sighting.  And the second was downright dangerous.

Shortly after getting back on that 14-mile road to return to Rt. 95 S, a low-flying bird appeared in my line of vision.  Looks like a hawk, I thought, but what’s that thing dangling under it?  Is that a rope?  Heck, no!  It was a snake!  The bird had a snake gripped in its talons!  As it flew past, I could see the bird’s red tail.  Yup, it’s a hawk alright, with a snake for breakfast!

The second incident occurred about two hours later.  Rt. 95 S took us into California; 25 miles later, we connected to I-40 E, soon crossing the Colorado River back into Arizona where I soon got on Arizona’s Rt. 95 S.  This highway took us right back to Lake Havasu City, where Navidad and I spent our first night in the camper [on April 15].

Just as I got through the busiest stretch of Lake Havasu City – and before the four-lane highway again became a two-lane highway - I was driving on the far right lane.  I was about 15 car lengths behind this car when that driver suddenly swerved to the left lane.  Directly in front of me now, on my lane and growing larger as I sped closer, was an oblong object that took up almost the entire width of my lane.  I hit the brakes and, remembering the truck that was behind me, activated my flashers. 

It’s incredible, thinking about it now, how the brain functions when on overdrive.  In a matter of a few seconds, I stopped just feet from the object, glanced at my driver’s side mirror and saw the truck move to the next lane and pass me, noted that there were, fortunately, no other vehicles behind the truck, and then returned my gaze to the object in front of me – an aluminum ladder.  Gee, my brain observed, that ladder looks just like the one I have in my garage at home, the one I use to raise all 5’1” of me (or maybe it’s 5’0” by now) a little higher to reach for something. 

As I slowly drove around the ladder I spotted a work crew on the other side of the highway.  I waved at one of the guys.  He smiled and waved back but then immediately became rigid when I started frantically pointing “back there.”  He turned his head to look and then - oh, bless him! - from my mirror I saw him run towards the ladder.  Earlier, I looked skyward and saw a hawk with its morning prize.  Knowing all was well now regarding the ladder, I looked skyward again and said a silent “thank you…”

Navidad and I were on the road for four hours today – we’d been driving through the deserts of Nevada, California, and now Arizona.  Although the open windows were fine for me, I did turn on the air conditioning twice just to make sure Navi wasn't becoming too warm.  Shortly after driving through Parker, AZ, we got on Rt. 72 E and soon reached the Desert Pueblo RV Resort, in Bouse, AZ. 

There’s really nothing around here but I've been without internet and mobile access for several days now and my Good Sam Directory indicated that this RV Park had WiFi.  The two doors to the office were both locked and as I looked around I saw this fellow on crutches come my way.  He was coming from his own RV and had probably been hollering at me to give him a moment.  When he came into full view I noted he was missing a leg.  A veteran?  Maybe.  An accident?  Maybe.  Whatever, I let him know I couldn't hear and we hit it off famously from there.  But, no, there’s no WiFi.  They “…just shut it off for the summer…” he explained.  Okay.  Summer does come early in the desert.  I paid for my site.  Navidad slept.  I sat outside and let Stephen King do his thing with (to?) me. 

THURSDAY, MAY 14

“Our drive today will be way shorter than yesterday, Navidad.  I promise.”  And it was.  Shortly after 9:00 a.m., we were back on Rt. 72 E for about 20 miles.  We then turned onto Rt. 60 E heading for Wenden, AZ.  There’s a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in the town of Salome and I turned in there as soon as I spotted it.  The door to that office was unlocked and, in response to my inquiry, the lady there confirmed that they do have WiFi.  I told her I’ll be coming back this way on Saturday and will stop at the KOA then.

At Wenden, we turned onto a local road and drove north about 37 miles to the Alamo Lake State Park.  It was a nice drive (“open range, watch for cattle”) through a hilly terrain densely populated with saguaro and other cacti and desert vegetation.  All the colors of this landscape would have been more vivid if the sun were out today.  As it is, the day has been overcast and very breezy.  At least it’s not hot – a good thing for Navidad, never mind me and my preference for picture-perfect days!

I had made online reservations, about a week ago, for two days here and, from the site I selected, I can see Alamo Lake through my slideout windows.  Based on boating restrictions now posted around here, and on their website, I think this lake may have shrunk, too.  Compared to the other Arizona state parks I visited during this trip, this place is more remote and wilder.  The wildlife includes the usual desert critters, birds, and reptiles (including rattlesnakes)…and wild burros.  Burro droppings are everywhere, on the roads and on the campsites.  There’s even a pile right behind my camper.

Well, well, what do you know!  As I’m writing this, I just now happened to glance up to observe the birds gliding around outside, their eyes on the ground.  Detecting motion on a nearby slope, I grabbed my binoculars and counted four burros.  They went this way, then they turned to go that way.  They were too far for my camera but I did get them on the camcorder.  I don’t know if any burros will come much closer while there are people up and about.  According to the state park’s website, “The feral burros that roam the park are a good example of non-natives thriving successfully in a challenging arid climate.  They are thought to have escaped from miners in the past and have acclimated successfully to the desert.”

Those birds, by the way, they’re turkey vultures.  They've got ugly red faces but they glide in the sky so gracefully.  

Alamo Lake, as seen from my camper’s rear entrance. 

Proof positive – burro droppings behind my camper.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Today marks two significant occasions.  First, it’s been exactly four weeks since Navidad and I left home to begin this trip in the truck camper.  We've been together every step of the way, every mile on the road.  It’s been a major life-changing travel experience for him and me both. 

Because I’m of the mammal species with the cognitive and analytic “brain power,” I understand what’s going on and why things are happening the way they are.  Not having that ability to make sense of things, all that Navidad has been able to do these past four weeks is to trust me, to seek reassurance from me, and to adapt as best he could to this very strange activity humans call “recreation.”

I truly felt badly for Navidad the first 7-10 days that we were on the road.  For a long while I wanted to drop everything, go back home, and console Navi that I will never do this to him again.  In time, however, Navi did get used to the routine of life in the truck and in the camper.  Knowing that I was doing my job for him – keeping him fed, keeping his water bowl filled, keeping his litter box clean at all times, brushing/combing him, playing with him, giving him treats and catnip – he eventually relaxed.  He ate.  He slept.  He purred (and/or snored).  He looked out the windows and the rear screen door.  He kneaded me.  He curled up at my face/neck in bed when it was cold.  He stretched out at my feet when it was warm.  Seeing me get the carrier, he tried to hide at first, then he pretended to be sleeping.  I think he knows, he’s always known, that right now, today and tomorrow, he’s the most important thing in my life.

I've had to adjust and adapt, too.  Navidad’s needs, and level of comfort, became primary.  My wants became secondary.  A good example is the extent to which I did NOT make any side stops anywhere during any of our drives.  I haven’t even gone, this entire time, to a restaurant for a hearty breakfast or a steak dinner!  Counting tonight, we have four nights remaining in the camper.  We’ll be home soon, on the 19th.  In time, Navidad will have forgotten about the stresses and uncertainties of this trip.  But I will never forget.  I've got pictures and video…and my memories…of this extraordinary experience. 

So, when I get home and take the camper back to my beloved Galaxy Campers for storage, I will be wondering about the future.  When will my next trip be?  Where do I want to go?  How long do I want to travel?  And – what about Navidad?  Do I bring him along, once again?

Oh, I nearly forgot.  Today’s other significant occasion – it’s my birthday!  I turned 65 today!  Navidad gave me a birthday nose-kiss this morning, even if I had to weasel it out of him!

This morning looks just like yesterday afternoon – it’s still overcast, although less breezy.  There’s been a little bit of drizzle but that didn't stop me from stepping outside to peer through my binocs at two burros down a slope behind my camper.  Those two burros were standing side by side, and just like horses, they were each standing with their nose to the other’s tail.  I’ll have to look up the reason for this intriguing equestrian behavior.

I have no internet or mobile access here.  But a State Park ranger came calling at 9:00 a.m.  I saw him drive up the road and stop at a spot between my site and the empty one next to me.  Okay, he’s checking the departure date (5/16) on the State Park tag in my truck.  No worries, I’m legit.  But then he got out of his SUV.  Okay, he’s just gonna check something or other at the empty site next to me.  But then he strolled over to my camper.  Okay, I better go see what’s up. 

The very first human to greet me on my 65th birthday was this cute ranger.  He smiled and handed me an envelope with my name on it – correctly spelled (it’s Mary Anne, NOT Mary Ann and definitely NOT Mary!) – and said “…she called last night.”  He wished me a happy birthday and said for me to come by the store/office later for some ice cream.  I took his hand and thanked him for both the delivery and the invitation.  Stepping back inside the camper, I thought, “Wow, I just got a hand-delivered birthday card and here in this wild and remote place, too!”

As I've always done during past camper trips, I send mobile texts or emails every day to my sister, Evelyn, brother, Bill, and close friend, Lisa, to let them know where I am that evening and how long I will be at that location.  It’s for this reason that I don’t want to be without internet or mobile access for too many days because, otherwise, they’ll probably send a posse out looking for me at my last reported location.  At that RV Park last Wednesday in Bouse – the one that had shut off the WiFi service - I had 1-2 bars on my mobile and, knowing I’d be out of range up here at Alamo Lake, I managed to let Evelyn-Bill-Lisa know in advance that I will be here for two days.

The birthday card is from Evelyn.  I don’t know if this morning’s ranger is the one she spoke to last night, but somebody did a great job with her request/instructions - picking out the card and writing her message, complete with a smiley face –

“Happy Birthday!  Mary Anne from your sister Evelyn.  Have a great day and a wonderful birthday!”

Thank you, Ev!  You’re the best, the absolute BEST!  I’m lucky you’re my sister!

It’s now just past 12:30 p.m. and it’s still drizzling off and on.  From where I sit at the dining table, I have a great view of Alamo Lake.  And I've been having several pretty good burro sightings, too, including a couple of adults with a foal – so cute the way it prances around!  The burros are just too far for the camera, regretfully, but I do have a great pair of binoculars!  I’m looking at a group of four right now and they've been standing stock still for the past 15-25 minutes.  It looks like they’re sleeping!

Staying warm and comfy on the dining seat, with Navidad sleeping next to me, I read my book.  It finally rained for a brief time and when it stopped, around 4:00 p.m., I took a 40-minute walk around the park.  The lake itself is down a slope and since I didn't see a trail, I didn't go down there.  At any rate, I had a nice walk and this is indeed a very nice State Park.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Goodness, Navidad was especially affectionate yesterday evening!  He insisted, at least three times, that I put down my book so he could recline on my chest-torso-lap.  Since I was sitting at the dining table when he made his wishes known, I had to shift my position so I could draw up my legs and use both arms to cradle him.  While he snoozed, and there being no way I could hold my book, I was content to look out the windows and watch it get darker. 

And then this morning, I woke up just before the sun rose and discovered that Navidad had brought his little “Mousey” to me!  This “mousey” and the “purple bear” are the only two toys that he brings to me, usually during the night, at home.  “Mousey” is kept with an assortment of other cat toys in the dining area and “Purple Bear” is kept in my office.  He always picks up just those two and I will often find one in the bedroom and the other in the living room.  Finding “Mousey” on the bed this morning was a delightful surprise – it was like getting a belated birthday present!  Why now, though, I do wonder.  Does Navi sense we’ll be back home soon?  I've certainly mentioned that to him plenty of times recently.  I tell you – cats are smarter and wiser than we give them credit for! 

The sun is out and the sky is blue.  We will be on our way soon but I am grateful for this moment, albeit brief, to see this beautiful lake and landscape.  It’s another belated birthday present!

The rising sun on my camper – Alamo Lake State Park, AZ.

Alamo Lake at sunrise.

Navidad, enjoying the scenery, too!

Yesterday’s rain brought out all the colors of the desert landscape and that made the 37-mile drive back down to Wenden all the more enjoyable.  Reaching Wenden, we turned west on Rt. 60 and, as planned, arrived at the KOA in Salome and got a site here.  This RV Park has, according to their diagram, 127 sites.  Looking around, and counting me, I think less than 10 are occupied.  I suppose the place is busier during the winter months.    

But I’m here for the internet!  My last access was nearly a week ago – Sunday, May 10th, in Leeds, Utah!  I peeked at my AOL – 222 emails!  In the span of one week??  How is that even possible!?  Those messages will have to wait a little longer.  I have a blog to post!     

This is my final CAMPER ADVENTURES blog for this trip.  Tomorrow, Sunday 17th, we will stay one night at the Buckskin Mountain State Park, which is located just north of Parker, AZ.  This state park is situated along the Colorado River and, as with all the Arizona State Parks that I visited on this trip, this one will, no doubt, be spectacular as well.  On Monday I plan to stop at an RV Park in Quartzsite, AZ and start gathering clothes and stuff and get the camper ready for clearing/cleaning.  Then we’ll go home on Tuesday.

You did good, Navi, real good!  Thanks for coming along with me - and being a good sport about it!