Spike wakes us up well before dawn.
He makes it clear he has to go outside NOW. Oh, gee, Spike, really? Not about to argue, I pull on some pants, throw on a jacket over my nightie, slip into my shoes, put the suits on the crew, and we stumble out of the Casita. The morning is cool and the stars are bright. Spike immediately redeems himself by lifting his leg high on the nearest bush.
Back inside, I’m wide awake so I fix myself a cup of tea.
Bridget and Spike go back to sleep while I drink my tea and read the news online. Soon I’m sleepy again and curl up with my crew. It’s going to be another beautiful day. I think we’ll go to the beach again . . .
After we’ve had breakfast, I check the blog and read the latest comments.
I’m amazed at how many people sent me happy birthday wishes! My replies written, I pack for our outing. Bridget and Spike climb into the PTV and I toss in the camp chair. We go through the town of Elephant Butte and turn right onto Rock Canyon Road. It’s not far to Hot Springs Landing.
Hot Springs Landing, Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico
The wide sweep of sand extending down to the shoreline was once the lake bed. Spike and Bridget are yipping to get out, so I play it safe and park away from the lake. I let them out and we climb up the small hill (to the right of the photo above) to look over the area.
Wow! What a great spot for photos!
We see several campers along the shore. I take the three photos shown here and then . . . “Low Battery.” Oh, no. Not now. We go back to get our beach gear. Spike gets something in his paw, stops, pulls it out with his teeth, and off he goes for the water! Nothing’s going to stop him! I set up my camp chair in the water and Bridget comes in alongside. The dry heat is pleasant. I like this place.
This is the view from the top of the hill.
My mind turns to what we’ll do next.
We could stay at Elephant Butte a few more days before we hit the 21-day limit. I called Chip at Baker’s RV Service the other day and told him I needed more time to figure out exactly how I want the solar panels installed.
You see, I’ve received many different suggestions from several helpful people.
I thought I knew what I wanted when Chip came out to my campsite. Now I’m not sure. Should I put the panels on the PTV or the Casita? Should the batteries be inside the Casita? Inside the PTV? On the trailer tongue? If the panels are on the Casita, how should they be mounted? What kind of batteries should I buy? Where do I get the best deal on panels? Do I really need solar? Is it too much money? Is it worth it?
This decision is weighing me down!
I told Chip I’d rather he put in the propane heater first. Chip said, “When the heater comes in, give me a call and I’ll install it.”
Before we reach the day limit, we’ll go to another park south of here and come back in a week. (You have to be gone at least six days before you can return to a state park.) That will give me time to decide what I want regarding the solar set-up.
I clear my mind and allow myself to enjoy the morning.
October weather is perfect at Elephant Butte.
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 