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Category: RV

Geogypsy and the three RVs

3 RVs sunset La Posa S BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSort of feeling like Goldilocks but with three RVs, one too big, one too small, and one just right.  I’ll start with a little backstory and lots of links if you need to catch up.  Then share a before and after tour of the new-to-me Class C RV.

sunset clouds La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSunset from Quartzsite camp

I’ve owned my 36-foot 5th-wheel for 12 years, living in it primarily during summers while working as a seasonal Park Ranger.  I didn’t buy it to travel in.  Instead I traveled many winters in a variety of slide-in truck campers, the most recent one I used last summer.

RVs rainbow La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZAfter the rain from Quartzsite camp

Then, September 15th the truck-camper burned completely and I lost my precious kitty Sierra.  After a month of traveling with Hannah’s caravan I felt desperate to have my own bed on wheels again.

bus & 5er La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSo I bought a small 4-window shuttle bus with a “no-build build” that was livable, though not my ideal.

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZEnded up in Quartzsite Arizona at the BLM LTVA La Posa South for the winter.  Sure not my usual way to winter.  After I had the 5th-wheel towed to Quartzsite I spent almost two months getting everything out of it.  I had too much stuff!  Many of you probably do too.

inside messy bus La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZActually moving out

As I started to settle in to the little bus I continued to search local classified ads (Facebook Market Place) for a Class C RV, early 2000s, 24-26 feet long, no slide-outs, with solar, and low mileage under $20k.  I looked every night.  January is all about RVs in Quartzsite.  So I figured it would be a great place to sell and possibly buy.  Sure enough.  January 5th, I saw a Class C for sale that checked more than all my boxes.  Located only half a mile from my camp, I was the first to look at this new listing.

Tioga Class C RV for sale La Posa South Quartzsite AZ2001 Fleetwood Tioga 24d, 61k miles, jackknife sofa; remote start with GPS; Viper alarm and keyless entry; backup camera; security system wired up with monitor; cell phone booster; all-terrain tires 1 ½ years old; interior LED lights and colored strip lights; water heater; 50 gal water tank; plumbed quick connect for catalytic heater; residential fridge ?self defrost; generator; 1200w solar panels, 5 Battleborn lithium batteries with all Victron components

three RVs La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZWhat was I thinking to own three RVs?

Gaelyn at door Tioga Class C RV by Joanndoorway Tioga Class C RV

                                            Come on in

My offer was made and accepted Friday afternoon and Monday we took care of business.   OMG!  I now owned three RVs.

inside Tioga Class C RV La Posa South Quartzsite AZ

living room Tioga Class C RVRight from door living space to cab (before and after)

Eric, the seller,also known as the Nomadic Fanatic on YouTube, seems to change RVs almost as frequently as I have.  This is #16 for me over 48 years of wheeleastate.

kitchen Tioga Class C RV

rear inside Tioga Class C RVLeft from door kitchen to bed left and bathroom door right (before and after)

Monday, we drove 1 1/2 hours to Buckeye for the nearest BofA where we both bank.  I drove the RV and it handled great but the pavement on Interstate 10 is awful, more potholes than pavement.

bed in Tioga Class C RV

bed Tioga Class C RVDouble bed (before and after)

Parking was tricky near the bank but Eric guided me into a couple of corner spaces.  I have to get used to be longer again.  The banking went smoothly.

inside Tioga Class C RV La Posa South Quartzsite AZart board bath room Tioga Class C RV

                                            Bathroom with white board

Made a quick run into a large Goodwill right across the street from the bank.  I didn’t buy anything because I didn’t know what I needed yet.

tiedye tshirt curtain Tioga Class C RV

sign in Tioga Class C RVRan into a little traffic snaffu getting to WalMart where I managed to shop for just under an hour and $185.  I bought like I haven’t been able to in many months. Two half gallons of my favorite ice cream, pizza, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Then we drove back and made it before dark.

couch Tioga Class C RV

painted under couchPainted the bead board

So I moved again.  But first I cleaned.  I’m not a clean freak.  However…  I call the dust velvet, cobwebs silk threads, it’s my dirt and I live with it.  The point being, MY dirt not somebody elses.

solar stuff Tioga Class C RVsolar equipment

batteries Tioga Class C RVSolar equipment and batteries in basement under bed

This next move seemed to be quicker as I was more motivated, and had less to move with space to put it.  To save photo overload I’ll only share some of the before and after new-to-me RV pics.  For more check out this RV tour video.

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Then I waited, and waited some more, trying to sell too big and too small.  Showed the 5th-wheel several times yet the only offers were half my asking price.  Then mid-January a lady from Yuma walked in and lit up like I had when first seeing the inside of this spacious well-lit RV.  Done deal.  Did have to wait two weeks for her to organize moving out of her current permanently parked RV and finding transport for the new one.  No big deal.  It wasn’t going anywhere.

RV rainbow Pilot Know BLM LTVA Felicity CAHowever, I was, at least for a few days.  I really needed a break from Quartzsite and moving.  So I went to Yuma about an hour away for some shopping, visiting a friend, and camped just across the border at another BLM LTVA called Pilot Knob in Felicity California, the center of the world.

RV rainbow Pilot Know BLM LTVA Felicity CARain brought a magic show to the desert.  Think it’s a sign?

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZClouds cleared after returning to Quartzsite and I managed to shoot January’s full moon rise over the New Water Mountains.

2024 winter schedule Quartzsite AZAnd then with the “Big Tent” show over, I went to play in Quartzsite.  That brings us to February.

Gaelyn new Tioga RV La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZI highly recommend watching the RV tour on my YouTube.  And if you haven’t already subscribed, please do.  I finally made it over 1000 subscribers, a requirement to monetize, but still need more watch time which is another requirement.  Like and leave a comment so I know you’ve been there.  Thank you!

Arizona, California, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV, RV life, United States, Yuma 19 Comments

Following dreams and dreaming new dreams

trees hoodoos valley Aquarius Plateau sunset clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI’ve been following dreams for over 40 years, well really the same dream of traveling, writing, and taking photographs.  I didn’t really plan for the future because I never dreamed of getting old.  Now, I don’t know how to retire.  But I’m working on some ideas.

Pink Cliffs trees valley Navajo Mt Earth Shadow sunset clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI remember the days when I was on the go-go-go all the time but now my old go-go boots haven’t danced in a while and my get up and go often seems gone.  (Yes, I was a go-go girl 50 years ago.)  I don’t want to give in to old because I’m still young at 67 years around the sun.  Yet my motivation is truly lacking as I drag myself out of bed for a nine-hour work day, and even on days off.  I’m dreaming of not working but haven’t figured out what to do instead.  Have to buy cat food you know.  I don’t feel done following dreams of travel because there’s still much to see and do.  Yet, I’ll admit it’s getting more difficult to keep up alone, especially the physical demands with RVs.  Always a to-do list:  the should dos, the must dos and the I don’t wanna’ dos often overlap.  And I’m an excellent procrastinator with many excuses when I don’t wanna’ do something.  Not always to my advantage.

Pink Cliffs trees sunset clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI don’t want to be following dreams like I’ve woke up from recently.  They feel more like nightmares.  What does it mean when a woman at MVD is asking irrelevant questions when I’m trying to get a motorcycle license?  I don’t even own a motorcycle.  Trying to find my way around in a huge house is a nightmare of feeling lost.  Sometimes I write blog posts in my sleep.  Only wish I could send them into cyberspace that way.  I dreamed of finding a man to fix my camper, and a bicycle I also don’t own.  I really don’t want any two-wheeled vehicles.  But sure could use a handyman so that’s not a bad dream.  Instead, I may have to figure out how to fix it myself.  I don’t wanna’.

Pink Cliffs trees sunset clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI’m dreaming of this post already written and posted as I am way behind for the month of June.  At least I finally got out for sunset.

trees smoke colored sun Bryce Canyon National Park UtahWoke up on the 5th to this eerie smoky orange colored sun.  Could be from a couple fires to the north, west, or south.  I’m dreaming of people being more cautious with campfires, cigarettes, and parking on dry grass.  There are fires all over already so now I’m dreaming of rain.

dirty window view 3 young bucks Mule Deer Bryce Canyon National Park UtahCurrent dirty window view of stinky horse corral and Mule deer

both RVs Bryce Canyon National Park UtahBeen looking into some possible RV Parks for the 5th-wheel this winter to use as a base.  Maybe where I lived before in Kirkland, or another park in nearby Skull Valley.  These places are south of Prescott and north of Yarnell, Arizona.  Not quite full winter weather at about 5000 feet, I hope, but not really desert either.  I’m dreaming of reliable internet and phone signal someplace with a few trees and a view.  A central location for travels to the Sonoran desert within a few short hours.  Of course part of this move includes getting both RVs moved.

hoodoos trees amphitheater Bryce Canyon National Park UtahMy work weeks are more of the same, some days a Hoodoo geology talk, once a week an evening program about Bryce wildlife, all days include many hours at the outside information tables by the visitor center/administration building.

Pink Cliffs trees Navajo Mt clouds Yovimpa Pt Bryce Canyon National Park UtahNavajo Mt 90 miles to the Southeast

Pink, Gray & White Cliffs Molly's Nipple Yovimpa Pt Bryce Canyon National Park UtahMolly’s Nipple 35 miles South

view South from Yovimpa Pt Bryce Canyon National Park UtahPanoramic view South of North Kaibab Plateau on horizon 100 miles away

My favorite schedule is the drive to the end of the scenic road, Rainbow Point, then two scheduled Grand Staircase geology talks and lots of questions in several hours of roving (hanging out with the beautiful view).

red Paintbrush flowers Bryce Canyon National Park UtahIndian Paintbrush

Summer flowers are just beginning to bloom on this Solstice Day.  My favorite season of the year begins yet I may not be so sad to see it over this year as I’m dreaming new dreams for the future.

Are you following dreams or dreaming new dreams?  What are they?

Bryce Canyon National Park, dream, Park Ranger, RV living , , 22 Comments

On the road to November

trees hoodoos Red Canyon Dixie National Forest SR12 UtahLeft Bryce Canyon on October 25th, before it snowed, and am on the road again in the truck-camper.  The more than 150 mile circle around Bryce was headed into a cold front.  With nights everywhere predicted below freezing, or close, I could only think south.

fall trees SR89 South UtahAnd I only got 1 1/2 hours south to Fredonia, just across the border into Arizona.  A familiar drive along SR89 to Kanab where I didn’t even stop.  I felt tired, exhausted, and drained from the last week at work and closing up the 5th-wheel to move into the camper.

5th-wheel stored in Henrieville UtahShortly after arriving at the Wheel Inn RV Park I received a text that the 5er is winterized and in storage.  That’s a relief.

fall cottonwood trees field storm clouds Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia ArizonaView from end of RV Park

Turned out a friend from the North Rim was already in this park so I pulled in next door.  Sure was good to catch up and talk to someone who understands an intense COVID summer season in a busy national park.  She usually waits tables in the Lodge but due to take-out dinning only her job ended up being the door counter, limiting ten people into the Lodge building for cabin and mule-ride check-in, and enforcing mask wearing.  Sounds like she was verbally abused way too many times.

window view Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia Arizona

sunset clouds Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia ArizonaKind of a noisy RV park, or maybe I’m just spoiled.  Also not used to paying $25/night even though I know that’s pretty cheap these days.  But really, basically a level gravel parking lot with utilities and a picnic table.  I initially paid for two nights and added a third to have electricity for heat as the lows dropped below freezing.

truck camper Lynda's house St George Utah

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve by Lynda's St George UtahI was ready to be on the road by Wednesday and drove another 1 1/2 hours west to St. George, Utah with a shopping stop along the way.  A friend invited me to park in her driveway.  I figured one night there but stayed two nights and we even got in a little walk at the nearby Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.  We plan to meet up in the southern desert somewhere this winter.

RVs on Snowbird Mesa Lake Road Overton NevadaFriday, I was on the road again continuing yet another 1 1/2 hours just south of Overton, Nevada to dispersed camping known as Snowbird Mesa or Poverty Flats.

RVs Snowbird Mesa Overton Nevada

RVs Snowbird Mesa Overton NevadaLots of snowbirds, more than I’m used to seeing the end of October, but by the look of the RVs and ‘toys’ mostly not suffering impoverishment.  Everybody works at keeping some distance.  Though my nearest neighbor living in a small pickup truck with a topper has rather loud conversations seemingly with himself, or maybe his dog.

canyon road mountains reverse sunset Earth Shadow Snowbird Mesa Nevada

camper van mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa NevadaI planned to photograph the almost full moon that night and didn’t have to walk far from camp for an interesting foreground and composition.  Had I driven further off the popular path I might have eliminated other RVs.

mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa Nevada

canyon road mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa NevadaBut when I walked the next day realized I’d have to drive farther than I wanted to on rough gravel to really isolate and for just one more night in that location decided it wasn’t worth it.  Definitely isolated enough for no trick-or-treaters.  Good thing, as I didn’t buy any candy.

canyon mountains sunset clouds Snowbird Mesa Overton NevadaPretty sunset, but for full moon it was too late thus too dark for this too lazy photographer to drag out the tripod.

mountains sunrise clouds Snowbird Mesa NevadaI left Sunday morning relatively early for me with the intent of at least a four hour drive to Wickenburg, Arizona for my mail-in ballot.

road lake mountains clouds late light Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaInstead, in only 30 minutes, I saw a sign along the windy Lake Road drive for Stewarts Point and decided to check it out.  The two-mile drive to the lake goes past a bunch of older and many dilapidated small houses that make up the unincorporated community of Stewarts Point, inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  These remaining not quite lakeshore properties are from the 1950s when the National Park Service issued long-term leases inside the recreation area yet quit renewing with a change in philosophy and policy during the 1970s.  According to this article, only 48 cabins remained as of 2013.  Most of what I saw didn’t look very used.

lake mountains clouds late light Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI’d say less RVs than Snowbird Mesa or maybe just spread out more.  There are many options for sites with some more difficult to get to than others.  I’d recommend scouting before driving with a big rig.  My spot was mostly level and good enough for a night or two but I saw many others I’d prefer for next time.

sunset clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area Nevada

sunset clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI spent a delightful day taking short walks and reading in the shade.  Just enough clouds to put on a show for sunset.

desert lake mountains sunrise clouds reflection Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI had every intention of leaving the next morning and was greeted with a worthy sunrise with clouds.

brush lake mountains clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaAnd the clouds beckoned me to stay yet another day.  I am a nepholographer.

shore lake mountains clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area Nevada

lake mountains Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaLight and shadow danced across the land.  I finished reading another book.  Took short walks.  I tried to relax and be lazy.

desert sunset clouds crepuscular rays Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaMy mind just wouldn’t stop trying to figure out what and where to be this winter.  I need to figure out how to keep my phone and laptop charged by solar so I don’t NEED to stay in RV parks.  I don’t really understand all the solar stuff so want to talk to someone who does.  I’m willing to add another battery or panel, or both if that’s what it takes.  Probably go back to Solar Bill’s in Quartzsite, eventually.

desert mountains sunset clouds crepuscular rays Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI stayed for two nights within sight of the ever shrinking Lake Mead along the Overton Arm.  But I had no choice on Tuesday to get on the road to November 3rd so I could vote in Wickenburg, Maricopa county, where I’m registered.

Arizona, Nevada, Places I've been, road trip, RV living, travel, United States, Utah , , 19 Comments

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