I’ve got eleven bucks invested in a pack of skinless, boneless chicken breasts and it’s too windy to grill them.
Hmmm . . . or is it? I walk around our Ash Fork Fields camp until I find the calmest area, right next to a small juniper.
This will work!
I set up our little charcoal grill, the folding table, and the camp chair that I don’t care gets dirty. The briquettes, although laced with cancer-causing chemicals to encourage quick-starts, refuse to light due to the wind.
Let’s see . . . Oh, I know!
I pull out the dash protector from the PTV and wrap it around the chair to serve as a wind block. Some paper stuffed under the briquettes and bingo! We’ve got fire!
The crew loves this routine.
They know what’s coming their way and wait patiently next to the grill.
I pour a little canola oil on the chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and carefully place each piece above the white briquettes. These chicken breasts are huge, so when they’re slightly charred on the outside, I take a pair of scissors and cut them into filets. A little more time over the heat and they’re cooked perfectly!
The three of us feast on chicken until full.
The rest goes in a Rubbermaid container in the refrigerator. Life is so much easier with cooked chicken on hand to put in green salads or to make fajitas. And there’s nothing like a surprise chicken snack to make the crew happy!
I set up the Mick Stick for a photo shoot.
Here's the walking stick unextended. (At right in photo)
I love the walking stick Mick sent me!
I never used a walking stick before this one arrived. I didn’t think I needed one. Now that I’ve used it on a few walks, I can see the benefit.
My ankles twist very easily and the stick helps me avoid that, especially when walking over loose rocks. It also came in handy during our recent coyote encounter. It made me feel empowered so I didn’t give off a fear scent.
Here's the walking stick fully extended. There's a tilting place on top to screw on a camera, so it's also a monopod.
And then there’s the Bridget situation.
She should wear a bumper sticker on her butt that says “Warning: I brake for no reason.” We’re out walking and I almost fall when she stops quick, causing me to trip over her, but the Mighty Mick Stick saves the day!
Gee, Bridget, get some brake lights or sumpthin!
And here it is adjusted perfectly for my height!
After the grilled chicken lunch, the crew and I make the short trip into the town of Ash Fork.
I want to stop by the post office to see if the breakaway cable has arrived. I’d call ahead to check, but post office rules forbid giving General Delivery information over the phone.
Bridget's Motto: Why stand when you can sit?
I don’t expect much of this town. I learned from the internet that it’s been wiped out by fire a couple of times since its founding in 1882. In fact, it used to be on the other side of the tracks previous to one of its fires.
Flagstone and being on the old Route 66 are its points of interest these days.
I leave Bridget and Spike squalling in the PTV and browse through the town’s impressive museum.
The post office sits at the top of wide, flagstone steps.
No package for me inside, just a couple of elderly locals hanging around, joking with the postman behind the counter. I’ll check back tomorrow.
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 
I love Spike’s stance in that picture! He looks like he’s THE MAN protecting HIS crew of 2 females. Great shot Sue 🙂
Ha! Spike IS the man!
And Bridget looks like she’s ready to be waited on. . .
Glad you are where you are. Storm in Amarillo TX left 4 FOOT of hail. http://tinyurl.com/86a6rq7
I was using a hiking pole while hiking down a mountain a couple of years ago. I was in back of a friend who had two. I slipped and we both almost went off the mountain except for our poles and her knee. Close call, but one we laughed about later.
I can’t climb with my back, now, but if I were going to, I wouldn’t be without hiking poles. That’s a good looking stick you have. Nice of Mick to give it to you.
I read about that hail. I can understand why people think it’s a hoax. Those photos are hard to believe!
You’re right. Mick is a nice guy. I’m glad you didn’t fall off the mountain. As for me, I like flat ground. . .
Hehe Bridget is looking shall we say “a bit girthy” in the first photo..maybe its her jacket.
LilNomad
Yeah . . . “Does this harness make me look fat?” Bridget sits a lot because the load in the back seat is so heavy!
yeah, I have the same problem! 🙂
I also enjoy cooking more then enough chicken. Lots of good leftovers and chicken salads.
If you’re going to the trouble anyway, might as well cook a lot. Plus those fancy briquettes aren’t cheap!
Yummy looking chicken!! Love leftovers too!! Don’t most cooks? As we get older and slower at least. Nice photos and enjoyed the post! Mick is a most generous guy…that is a very nice walking stick!
It may look yummy in the post’s photo. However, I clicked on the photo to enlarge it and burst out laughing . . . “That’s some gnarly lookin’ chikin!”
Oh boy! I got hungry just looking at those grilled chicken breasts! What great pictures. That Mick stick is a great thing to have. A great empowerment tool and a camera monopod to boot. What an invention! And what a good friend Mick is to send it your way. Thanks so much for sharing all the photos and congratulations on your ingenuity for starting your grill. Can’t wait to hear what’s coming in your next package at the post office. Pats to the furry kids.
Oh, nothing glamorous or exciting will be in the package . .. It’s the break-away cable I ordered so we can get moving again.
Yes, the walking stick could be used as a weapon . . . extended out all the way and swung around! I’m glad you liked the photos . . .
We have found some of the really small post offices will tell you over the phone if they have your General Delivery mail. Never hurts to call ahead and try.
I asked him and he said no. . . I’d have to come in and ask with my ID.
I recently asked a postal lady over the phone if my mail had arrived and she said she wasn’t allowed to say. Then she added, “This is a nice post office to visit and we’re open all afternoon.” We laughed and I thanked her.
GOOD answer…would it help if you asked the question another time you think? Is this a good afternoon to come by and visit? Heh…
Be sure to adjust the wrist band of the Mick stick so when you walk your wrist takes the weight of the stick rather than having to hold it tight. Trust me that your hand and arm won’t get nearly as tired. You may want to read this article about using walking/treking poles. It also talks about the proper way to adjust them. http://www.backpacking.net/trekpole.html#top You don’t get as tired and it helps your legs, knees and back and can be used as a weapon as needed. Mick’s a good friend for sending it to you.
I read the entire article. Very interesting. I didn’t know there was so much to know! Thanks, Reine. You’re always so helpful.
Nice looking campfire and grilled chicken! Chuck and I have been so busy, no time for grillin’! Love the Mick Stick! I have a monopod that I used as a walking stick when we toured Carlsbad Caverns a few years ago! Really helped… both with the walk and with the photos! Did you get the snow that was forecast ???
No snow. It rained during the day when it wasn’t as cold.
I meant to ask you in my last post. How the heck do you keep the trailer and TV so clean in such dusty weather?
I think it looks cleaner in photos than real life. And also, right when it’s so dusty I think I can’t stand it any more, it rains! The sideways rain we had got rid of a lot of dust.
The PTV also has a good wax job on it. I haven’t waxed the BLT yet, I’m ashamed to say.
I can smell that chicken from here! Yummmmmmmm
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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House… BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com
In my opinion you have a monopod, not a trekking pole. Be careful with that. You should also be aware that placing your hands through the pole straps causes many shoulder dislocations, if you should fall. I was warned by a doctor friend who sees this quite often.
Hi, Al,
You’re right. This is a monopod. And thanks for the warning!
Got to hand it to ya Sue, when ya say “That’s some gnarly lookin’ chikin!”, you ain’t tell’n no story. I ain’t never in my life see chicken look like that what come off’n no grill. Although, I did catched plenty on fire myself. Had’a break out the water hose more ‘an onest.
Sure do enjoy read’n bout all your new adventures ya got go’n on every day. Kind of make me wanna go out and buy me a smaller rig. But then, I wouldn’t have room for my table saw, drill press, engine hoist, cutt’n torch and welder. Gotta have tools to fix broke stuff ya know.
That ol’ Spike keep ya on your toes no doubt. Enjoy!!!
The tastiness of my gnarly chicken did not photograph well. Trust me, Billy Bob, when I say that batch of grilled chicken is delicious! This isn’t a gourmet restaurant here . . . It’s a “good eatin ‘ place!”
You put the drill press, the table saw, and all the rest in the Perfect Tow Vehicle!
Poor Bridget sure is taking a lot of flack for her backside. Give a girl a break. I sure can sympathize with her. We princesses have to stick together!
I agree, Sherry. Bridget does the same exercising Spike does and eats the same food and portions (as best I can tell). It must be the dang metabolism . . .
Glad that BBQ is working for you…remember the wind blocker for BBqs we saw at Q’site???? I wish we had got one…..you too???? That chikin was a wee bit gnarly looking but it’s all in the tastin’!!!!! FYI, our vet from FL emailed saying no commercial chicken dog snacks…most come from China and not good for them. Have fun kiddo, see ya’ll soon.
I’m finally vindicated for never buying packaged snacks for the crew. Not because I’m so smart, because I’m so cheap!
So do you entertain your riders as you drive them to and from Zion? Corny jokes? Historical tidbits? Sing-a-longs?
I’m looking forward to hearing about both your jobs. Don’t work too hard those three days a week . . .
Chuck works 3 days, I work 4 days! mmmmmmmmm…. sumptin’ wrong with that! LOL!
That chicken smells delicious.
I like the Mick Stick/monopod. I hike with one treking pole. Have you used it with your camera?
No. If you could see my little camera on top of this monopod, you’d laugh. Now the new camera you’ve got . . . that would look pretty good!
Nice information about walking sticks now I have to have one 🙂
Be sure to read the information that Reine posted above. Very informative article about walking sticks . . . .