Last night the canine crew and I experience the worst wind-shaking since we moved into the Best Little Trailer.
It felt like the wind was hitting us on all sides and it didn’t let up at all until well past midnight.
I suspect that’s when the snow started.
In the first light of day, while Bridget and Spike are still konked out under the covers, I prop myself on one elbow, lift a slat of the window blind over our bed, and peek out. All I can see in the dim light is white. Lots of white. Uh-oh.
Saturday morning, April 14th
The crew is beginning to stir. I quickly put on my black jeans and rummage around in the closet until I find my lined boots. Aha! Here they are. I also grab my Nanuck of the North coat. This hood will be better than my hat. That wind is back.
Bridget is the first one up.
I know she has to relieve herself as soon as she’s awake, so I open the door and step out. I back up with my camera poised. I want to catch her first reaction upon seeing this new world.
Bridget: "I've got to go potty in THIS?"
She’s stunned and hesitates, until the call of nature pulls her out the door into the cold, white stuff.
SPIKE: "You've got to be kidding." (Bridget is Camo Dog at bottom of photo.)
Next Spike comes around the corner. He stops at the door, takes one look, and goes back to bed.
Here’s what we saw out our door this morning.
I've got to learn to avoid this stuff.
Remember yesterday?
BEFORE . . .
What a difference a day makes!
. . . and AFTER!
Be strong, Perfect Tow Vehicle! Fight off those packrats!
“Spikey! Get out of bed! You have to go out sometime!”
rvsue
P.S. Float your cursor over the photos!UPDATE!
1:25 p.m. Arizona time: Heavy snow and sleet blowing sideways! The crew and I were outside right before this second blast of snow. Wondering whether Rusty’s got enough wood, we brought some pieces from the PTV over to his camp. He slid open the wood panel in his door to say thanks. He’s got plenty of wood but said he appreciated having more. We came back home, slogging through the mud and snow.
rvsue and her canine crew 
We just started having fat snow flakes fall around us here in Virgin…. Old Man Winter is being one big pain in the ass!
If your snowflakes are fat, that sounds like a “dry” snow. The snow we have here is very wet. Not to be competitive . . . Ha!
Burrr…. We have snow here too but I am not in a camper. Does it stay pretty warm for you ? I imagine it does. I wonder how much propane you would go thru if you had this cold weather for awhile? Well, it is pretty tho , isnt it?? Did the dogs get excited once they got out? My dog loves the snow and runs around in it like a loony.
No, the crew is not excited. They’d rather be inside by the heater. I don’t know how long the propane will last with it on all the time. This morning one tank emptied, so we’re at the top of our second tank. The first tank was due to run out as it was opened the last week in March.
This is where the catalytic heater will stand you in good stead, IF it can keep up with the cold. The critical deficiency of the furnace in the Casita is not the noise it makes. It is the fact that you have only one battery, and the fan in the furnace uses 5 Amps per hour. That can empty a battery overnight, if it runs continuously.
You’re right, Bob. I made a happy discovery last night. When you leave the heater on for several hours, the soft materials (rugs, quilts, pillows, cushions, Casita walls, etc.) hold on to the heat and the living space becomes even cozier. The crew and I slept through the night very comfortably.
My goal from the beginning has been to live away from the power grid, so the furnace never appealed to me.
I’ve often wondered, when I read about all the elaborate “mods” people on the forums make in their Casitas, why there is so little mention of extra batteries. That is THE critical deficiency of the trailer, now that they have raised it a couple of inches and put on 15 inch tires. I believe I’d move the one in the compartment to under the sink, and add another beside it. That would counterweight the large water tank catty-corner across the axle.
Anyhow, not many people try it. Maybe they are afraid of the weight. There is no doubt that many of these little guys are nearly overweight straight from the factory, once you add water, propane, and a load of clothes, canned goods, and kitty litter. That’s why the old 14 inch tires used to blow out regularly. One battery weighs 60 lbs. or so.
How much more could a 4000 lb axle cost? Shame it’s not a factory option.
Say, did you ever find a connector for the PTV battery bank?
I consider the heater an emergency appliance, and would not have a trailer without it. Same as the air conditioner. In 4 years of full timing, I used the heater MUCH more than the air conditioner. My response to hot weather is to go somewhere else. Usually higher.
But hot usually came about slowly. Cold can come on fast.
In fact, now that I think about it, I NEVER used the air conditioner in all that time, except in the driveway back home. But I wouldn’t be without either one. You don’t need them often, but when you do, you really do.
I also had a Wave 3. It was better overcoming drafts than the furnace. But when it suddenly got down to 8 degrees overnight, the furnace was a lifesaver. I could have both because I had a lot more empty wall than you do.
What fun for you guys as long as you don’t run out of propane. Looks like it’s not TOO much so perhaps the sun will come out tomorrow…..(sing along now)……and melt it all away! In the mean time bundle up and get that cocoa out.
Hi, Sherry! The sun is coming out right now. I can hear pieces of melting snow/ice dropping off the roof of the BLT. Do you know some weather people forecasted temps in the nineties starting next Wednesday?
Hi Kiddo!!! Just got back from taking 3 FL firefighters up to Zion Park Visitor Center….snow and more snow. Not sticking on the road but “the hills are alive with….snow” Chuck
I was wondering if you had any riders on a day like this. What days of the week do you and Geri work?
Chuck works Thurs, Friday and Sat. I work those days PLUS Sunday. Now we have rain… and gloom!
Do you want to share your workcamp deal? Readers might be interested . . .
Geri and I work 20 hours each for our site,elec,water, sewer, laundry and shower with a stipend afterwards. Every park is different on contracts, hours worked for site, etc. but a general rule is the fancier the campground/resort the more hours required on exchange. Jobs vary widely as there are so many types of campgrounds/resorts! I drive the shuttle to Zion NP twice a day for 3 days and camp host three nites a week and Geri works the res desk and store 4 days a week.
Thanks, Chuck.
Oh my gosh!! Brrrr!
My words exactly when I looked out the window this morning.
Ahhh…fond memories of camping in Colorado in December and January in my Casita. That was what led me to selling it and going back to civilization, though the snow was deeper. Now that I’ve gone feral again, bring it on (I know, it’s on its way up here now, you’re lucky you got it over with already). 🙂
“gone feral again” . . . You’ve got me laughing! Too funny. Someone should put out a trap for me and the crew.
I think a good grocery store would be a fine trap for catching you and your crew. 🙂
I do love those groceries . . .
I wanna be the fly on the wall when you 2 meet up!!!!!!
You’ll be there – Zion here we come! 🙂
Sue,
ELEVATION ELEVATION ELEVATION
Yeah, yeah, yeah. . . I want to get to the Grand Canyon,, South Rim, before the crowds, so I played some weather roulette! If it warms up like it’s predicted for next week, I’ll be set to go!
Ohhh what a nice surprise! Reminds me of a motorcycle trip we took… it was raining, overnight it got verrryyy quiet. heh heh.. 9 inches of snow to drive 200 miles home in a motorcycle? NOT! We stayed three extra days till it melted.
That’s a trip you’ll never forget . . . Must be cold on a cycle in snow season!
They’re talking some wet snow here in MN Monday but today it’s in the 70’s and the sun is shining today. This is typical weather for April. We had our summer last month with not-so-typical 80 days (a few in a row). St Patrick’s day we were barefoot and had to buy shorts as our summer clothes are still in the stored RV. The furry kids look like they are in disbelief. Good ol’ Spikey waits for Bridget’s reaction before he makes a move off the step, ha! Glad it’s beginning to melt, but pretty sure the furry kid’s paws will be a mess when they come in from potty breaks. Sigh. Keep a mop or wet rag handy for the day.
I think the melting is slowing down. The sun peeked through the clouds for about five minutes. Now the sky is dark grey and mean-looking. I imagine this all looks pretty mild from the point of view of Minnesota.
Mud is already tracked in. The area around the door and kitchen is a mess. No sense cleaning it up until after the next potty break. At times like this I’m glad my floor is so small!
Desert weather is often a surprize isn’t it? When we moved to Southern Idaho we learned that we nearly always had some snow on Easter Sunday…never lasted long, but even if you had a new spring dress to wear, you best have a good coat cause as you stepped out of church, there it was, if not before you even got there!!
We had at least one freezing night this week here, and a few others not much warmer…and tomorrow? Supposed to reach 84 degrees!! We are enjoying the temperate range today and have our patio screen door opened. Such days here are so rare. Most years only a handful of days are perfect temp and humidity!! But then you probably know that from Georgia weather too.
Oh yes, I do know what you mean from living in Georgia. Those perfect, low-humidity days in Spring . . .only about three of them . .. are divine!
It is a crazy year for weather . . . jumping back and forth between seasons. How nice to have your patio screen door open. Well, we wait this out for a few days and it will be warm again.
Enjoy it while you can!
my guess is, you were in a blizzard, girl
I think so, too! And although no snow is coming down right now, the sky has me wondering if this blizzard isn’t done yet.
I’m getting hit by the wind where I’m at as well outside of Yuma currently. I was worried about my solar panels becoming air born! I’m told they’re safe. Still….!
Being originally from California, I’d say the wind here is at least a 2.5, or 3, on the Richtor scale! It’s supposed to clear up by Monday, hopefully.
Yuma is supposed to be sunny and calm! This ain’t right!
…my thoughts exactly! Stay snuggled with the crew… 🙂
Wow…had wind, hail and rain starting at midnight here at McDowell Mountain State Park, but no snow…burr! Stay inside and stay warm, it will most likely be gone by tomorrow
Where is McDowell Mountain State Park? Readers and me want to know!
Good grief! What is your elevation there? It is raining as I sit in John’s hospital room overlooking I 65 here in Indy. I want spring to return!
I’m a bit over 5,700 feet. I did not read your comment very carefully. That is why I’m editing my reply. I’m sorry.
I hope John is doing better and you both are out of that hospital room!
You got more snow than I did. Rained last night. Snow barely visible this morning. Still a very few flakes falling. A good day to stay inside. And pack for the road Monday.
(Gaelyn is in Yarnell, south of here, near Prescott.)
I hope everything is clear and dry on Monday for your trip to Flagstaff. I just read your comment under the last entry… glad to hear you aren’t going to be going to the North Rim until later in the week.
BTW, if you like reading comments, several new ones were added to the previous post “rvsue meets camo man!”
That little Briget sure was cammo’d. I had a hard time seeing her. Great picture.
The storms through California went south dropping snow on mountains around San Deigo, I hear.
I’m just north of Yosemite and we are supposed to have 70 plus degree weather by Monday and all the way through next Saturday. So, you won’t be getting any weather from the west and northwest. Don’t know anything about storms that might come over Baja through Mexico and then your way.
I’m hearing this weather is going to last until (and maybe including) Monday. Then we’ll have to wait for the mud to dry before trying to move.
Good weather is expected here, too, starting around Wednesday.
Yee Gads Sue…ya got more snow just up the road than we did!!!!! Sure hope it’s gone soon…HATE the wind,snow and cold!!!! Stay comfy n warm…enjoy a good book!
Make it go awaaaaaayy!!!
Now we’re getting horizontal sleet.
Sometimes we make decisions think’n “mama nature” ain’t look’n. But she her eye on ya….and she loves practical jokes…..a little wind….a little snow…mud to trample in the house. But we learn, the hard way.
Just mark it down as a learn’n experience, bundle up and wait it out. “Mama Nature” got her laugh an’ you’ll laugh bout it too….when it’s over.
When I think about all the stuff one needs to know to live on the road, figuring out where to go to get where you want to be without running into bad weather . .. that’s the toughest!
We’ve dodge the tornado bullets here in our part of the state, but have some Casita friends in the line right now of several tornados heading to the northeast side of the state. You have snow and hope it goes away and everything dries out real fast for you.
I hope your friends stay safe.
You are a hardy bunch, you will make it through this little bit of odd weather. Bet your propane will last. (just call me Pollyanna!)
Thanks, Cathie. Well, this will be another learning experience. I’ll find out how long a tank lasts when the heater is on all the time. I appreciate your optimism.
With all you are experiencing right now this might seem like an odd comment. But thank you, thank you my friend for mailing me that extra key to the Honda. The act of kindness is quite a blessing to me. I went out to eat last night with all the babies, and I did drive home. So I know it is here somewhere! But church tomorrow was going to be quite difficult, to say nothing of getting to school next week! Then I remembered your mailing me the extra key.
You are in my prayers. How very kind (and just like you) to check and see if “camo man” needed wood. Be safe, my friend.
Love through Christ,
Betty
Betty!
It’s always a treat to hear from you! . . . Although reading what you wrote made my heart ache a bit for the conversations we used to share. I’m assuming from your comment that you and your “babies,” the grandchildren, are well.
I think of you and the entire team often. I hope everyone is in good health and hanging on as you ride the roller coaster to summer break! I send you my love. And thanks for reading my blog. It’s nice to know I’m not forgotten.
We’ll all be checking to make sure you 3 are OK in your blizzard. You are a brave one to be heading toward the Grand Canyon in April! A learning experience for sure and great memories I’ll just bet! Think of the stories you’ll be able to tell. 🙂
It’s now Sunday morning and we’re all doing fine here in Mudville.
Glad to hear it’s Sunday and all is well. We’re on our way here near Tampa to the low 90’s. YUCK!! I guess I’ll leave your blog pictures with snow open and sit in front of them and think cooooooooolllllll, 🙂
Occasionally you mention watching TV. I was nosing round the factory in Rice the other day, and found out the TV antenna is an internal flat plastic thing the size of a sheet of paper buried under the wall carpet near the bathroom! How is that working for you? Do you feel like you have pretty good reception?
Hi, Bob!
That’s one heckuva piece of plastic! Right now I’m getting five channels, 3 fuzzy ones and 2 clear ones that are just as clear as anything I ever received in a house.
In southern New Mexico I got 14 channels, all good reception, with about 5, if I remember correctly, being Spanish language, and some local, religious channels, plus the biggies. I’m happy.
Thanks for telling me about the antenna. I’m often asked about it and it’ll be nice to say something other than “I dunno.”
I’m not sure the salesman knew exactly where it was, but you can feel the cable running from it under the carpet above the bathroom door. It’s in there somwhere.
I was not surprised that you had snow. The weather man predicted it on tv. I was thinking about you and the crew. Stay warm and you’ll be ok. Keep us posted so we know your ok. I am blessed to be sitting here in Florida at midnight with a ceiling fan above me and a floor fan blowing directly on me. Its nice enough to not have air. I would rather have no air anyways…. So it works for me. I think I will spend the winters here in Florida…lol. Its a big state and we have lots of state parks here. I HATE SNOW…Its the reason I left Massachusetts. As long as you have heat, water and food, your golden. Love reading the blog and seeing the pictures. the crew is so funny looking at the snow….
I can relate to your reason for leaving Massachusetts. That’s the reason I left upstate New York. One morning I was on my way to my car, which most of the time wouldn’t start in the morning due to the cold, it was still dark, snow drifts . . . I fell on the ice. On my back looking up at the stars, I thought to myself, “This is no way to live.” I had no money, so I sold my car to buy a plane ticket and flew to Florida. Lived there several years without air conditioning… You get used to it to a point where you prefer it.
The important thing . . . it’s not COLD!!! Thanks for the compliments. I could’ve predicted the crew’s reaction to snow.
MUD…I hate MUD….I can take the cold, the heat…..but not MUD…my final word on the subject.
Yes, mud is not good. It is bad. When Spike comes to the door after being outside, his paws are like mud snowshoes (mudshoes?). What a mess.
Happy Sunday Sue and Crew,
All I have to say is brrrrrrrrrrrrrr! The snow looks pretty in pictures but I’m sure it is cold.
We are heading out for a week vacation up to our favourite fishing lake. Wish you the best with repairs and future camping adventures.
Hi, Sylvia!
Happy Sunday to you, too!
I wish people would say the location… you drive me crazy with curiosity. Have a great week at your “favorite fishing lake.” (Maybe you want to keep it a secret!)
One thing you don’t have to be worried about is being bored! Love the photo’s!
Hi, bargirl! Nice to hear from you!
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I had quite a time posting the snow pictures. I posted them and they turned blu-ish, so I redid each one with an infrared filter and reposted them. Still not perfect but at least it doesn’t look like we’re camped in Smurf Town.
I rarely get bored. . . side benefit of being slightly crazy. . . There’s always something to ruminate over. Plus I have comments!
Hi Sue- Well I guess your worries about being seen are gone now. Take white PTV, white BLT and white snow (only other kind is yellow) and you’re camo’ed! None of that stuff here. Just mega wind!
We saw 31 deg about 6 this morning! Winter has to have the last word!
We’re meeting friends for brunch at the EB Inn about 10:30. Concert at 2:00 this afternoon just north of LC. K and I are doing half of our regular program because I’ve been without my rythum section. It’s always a little bit intimidating but also fun!! There are two other groups… Bye for now. BR, K and kids.
Hi,, Bill and Kathy,
So you’ve taken the show on the road! I know your music was well received. Intimidating, I bet . . . I’d be terrified to perform in front of strangers.
I’ve got to get that recording out you sent me and listen to it again today.
Yeah, that snow photo of the rear of the BLT is about as Casita-camo as you can get!
Well, you are at altitude in northern AZ. You have snow possibilities probably up through May. At least spring is coming!
It’s tough trying to time this trip . . . to get to the South Rim before the crowds and after the snow. I’m beginning to see that ‘window’ doesn’t exist!
Hi Sue, Hey girl! What an adventure! The pictures are great as usual and it is amuseing seeing the dogs looking out the travel trailer door as if saying (What the heck!!!) lol Anyway happy you are still living the adventure. Go girl!!!..Your friend joe
Hi, Joe . . .
What the heck is what I said, too! It’s another adventure, for sure. Always a pleasure to hear from you . . .