10am, the sun brightens the desert to almost squinting, warmth, the door open, and my nearest neighbor pulled out. Hope they enjoyed their brief visit as much as I. Time to remove some layers.
Being a ‘shake down’ for the new camper I expected that not everything would be turn key ready. It’s a 1998 that was well cared for but old plastic cracks, batteries need replaced, and who knows what else. It’s household maintenance. You may remember almost two weeks ago, my second night out at The Slabs I had to drain the water tank because it was all running out the back drain-spigot. I hate to waste water and filled every container possible. Been jugging it ever since.
Somebody recommended “Tito’s” for repairs in Borrego Springs only 15 minutes away. I stopped to talk to Tito Christmas Eve and he ordered the new spigot. He removed the broken kitchen faucet and I arranged for a new camper battery all to done the Friday after Christmas. Unfortunately the part didn’t arrive by then and another holiday shortened the work week. Finally the 5th all the stars/parts aligned and I added a needed oil change for the truck which came with free tire rotation. Tito doesn’t have a website and may not need it as he’s lined-up busy. If you’re in the area and need repairs I highly recommend his services and fair prices.
And now the water pump provides hot and cold running water through a new kitchen faucet with (knock on plastic gently) no leaks. The new battery appears to charge under the sunshine and solar panel. Well at least according to the meter reading 12.5 v/2amps which doesn’t seem like much to this non-electrical person. I experimented by plugging the laptop and cell phone into the inverter got about two hours. I really didn’t expect to get a mass amount of power from one solar panel and don’t know anymore about that. 12v lights and water pump work. Most of the rest of my power needs come from the truck’s auxiliary battery. If I boondocked in this unit all the time I’d invest in more solar efficiency. For Now, it all works, and I’m a Happy Camper.
So, what next? Maybe visitors, George & Nancy who I’ve worked with on the North Rim and live in San Diego. Almost time to stock up for another desert retreat. I’m thinking Northwest of Yuma on desert that boondockers talk about off Ogliby Rd. Of course, I could change my mind at any time.
Sometimes it’s the littlest things in life that make me smile. Thanks for the photo Lynda.
Isn’t it fun not to have to plan ahead too much? I miss those days.
I’m relishing them.
Glad all the repairs are coming together for you. Makes it much easier to relax.
Thanks. And a whole lot easier to live comfortably too.
I still wish you’d come to GA. It would be fun.
It would be fun to visit but also a long drive. This summer, at the canyon.
I love that photo of you sitting on the back bumper! Glad things are working again in the camper. Enjoy the next leg of your journey.
So nice to have hot running water today. 😀
Our paths almost crossed at Tito’s and we were very impressed! That is a darn good pic of you and your rig, if I say so myself! Glad all systems up and running!
Thanks, you took a good pic. I too was impressed. Hot running water sure made me smile today. 😀
Great to hear everything worked out and things are on the up swing. Wonderful to be warm isn’t it!
I sat outside today in short sleeves. After a hot shower treat.
I think that rv’s, campers, and trailers are pretty much constant maintenance. I don’t mean that as a criticism, that is just the way it is. I love the way that you problem solve.
For sure they are. Try shaking your house down the road and see what happens. Thanks. 😀
Glad you’re fully up and running! Looks like it’s warm, at least warmer than here.
Thanks. Most certainly warmer here.
If you get to San Diego, we’re in Oceanside and would love to meet you and talk about South Africa. We met Joan at Addo summer 2014. Very special lady. Call me at 760-450-6303. We have room to park your camper and a guest room if you want a sleep in a house.
Thank you for the offer Patricia but I really don’t do cities well. I was with Joan in Addo last summer. Yes, she is a very special lady. Really miss being there this year.
Nice to have everything working properly! Happy for you! Sad for us…. Slide got stuck out again! 3 rd time in 4 years! Warning…. If you buy another RV, make sure the slide isn’t powered by Swintek! Poorly designed! Expensive repair!
Dang it. I’m sorry to hear about the slide problem. I now have a leaky dump slider and glad it’s dripping gray water.
I had to have a little smile, because here was I, thinking that the great thing about your traveling lifestyle is not having the household chores – but I guess this is the equivalent! Still, I’m sure they are preferable to being a house owner! Glad it’s all solved & you can enjoy the rest of winter 🙂
Well I own it, and both RVs require maintenance and repairs but much smaller for cleaning when I do it. I think better than owning a ‘stick & brick’. Just have to wait for what breaks next. 😀
I am envying your trip. Having not been able to go away this December holiday (we were supposed to spend two weeks in the Drakensberg), I have a serious bout of wanderlust. I need a proper roadtrip.
I love these updates Gaelyn! Happy New Year to you and happy travels. We are heading to AZ in late June and may make it a road trip, if we do I am going to try and cross paths with you somewhere!
Thanks Jackie. Had forgotten about this site until I renewed the domain a few days ago. I would love to catch up with you in AZ this summer. Keep me posted.
Sorry if that reply confused you. This is an old post.