Today the crew and I reach three milestones.
One month ago we made our first camp in our brand new Casita travel trailer and our vagabond life began. What a full month it has been! Not only that, this entry is the 100th entry of “rvsue and her canine crew!” And I am pleased to see the sitemeter is moving up toward 22,000! Thanks to all who helped us reach these three milestones.
I forgot to mention yesterday the two new sights for me.
These things I see as I drive south to Las Vegas on Interstate 25. We go over a small river — I think it’s called Pinol River, something like that — on a low bridge. The river probably only exists in the spring. Now it’s a swampy area of tall reeds. We’re going about 55 mph, I glance to the left, and there stands the most magnificent deer I have ever seen.
At first I think it’s an elk.
That’s because it’s antlers are huge! He’s contentedly munching on reeds underneath what has to be at least a 10-point rack, maybe 12, whatever the points are for a super-duper rack. He doesn’t have a care in the world. I want to stop and watch him, but I also don’t want to slam on the brakes on that bridge, so we keep whizzing on down the interstate.
The other new sight for me is not as dramatic.
And don’t laugh at me . . . I’m an Easterner. This is a big deal for me, okay? As I drive across the plains I see herds of what I guess are pronghorn antelope. Yes! Isn’t that exciting? You know, the kind with the pointy horns and the white fur behinds? Those things are all over the place, even grazing alongside cattle. Check that off my bucket list!
Okay, calm down, back to today.
I’m sick of lousy phone and internet! I toss the crew into the PTV and motor on down to the Verizon office. There are two guys inside waiting on customers. Everybody sits on a high stool at a stupid high table. What’s that all about? Does that mean we’re sophisticated or something? I always feel like a fool on a stool. I’m not at a lunch counter wanting today’s special. I want to conduct some business, if you don’t mind. Anyway. The customers leave and I climb up on my highchair.
I state my situation and the inadequacy of my present internet service from Verizon.
The guys (after awhile the second one joined in the fun) are as helpful as they can be, given their product. The unlimited data plan recommended by the camp host at Eagle Nest is no longer available, due to its successful delivery of internet connectivity. To make a long story short, this Verizon office can offer phone and internet to people who live in Las Vegas, but beyond that, they don’t make any promises. They fall short of announcing “Verizon sucks really bad in New Mexico,” but I hear it, loud and clear. You’re on you own, lady . . . just keep making those monthly payments for THE NEXT TWO YEARS!
Bless their hearts, they even go so far as to recommend a competitor.
They send me to a place called Desertgate, giving me directions and all. I go there and, oh dear, closed on Saturdays. I stop at the Santa Fe National Forest building, Las Vegas Office, thinking I’ll get some neat maps. Oh dear, closed on Saturdays. Not a totally wasted trip though as I did get to listen to some live music in the very artsy, college-town-atmosphere plaza.
Next I mosey on over to Walmart to buy a new camera.
I’m sick of lousy picture quality! I choose a camera on sale. . . it’s not in stock. I choose another camera on sale . . . it’s not in stock. I choose a third camera which is not on sale . . . it’s in stock!
It’s a Sanyo, 5x optical zoom, 14.0 megapixels, HD 720P, really skinny, fits in a pocket, panoramic capability, and . . . face recognition! At last! A device that will help me recognize faces! I want this thing! Plus it’s red! All for $99 plus tax.
Okay. So I can get this on Ebay for $80. There's something to be said for instant gratification. Like, yes!
"Yellow flowers. Yellow flowers. Enough with the yellow flowers!"
I run out to test it. I take these photos without doing anything but pointing and clicking.
I want a close-up so I capture some yellow flowers for your viewing pleasure.
Also two photos of Storrie Lake that were shot in early evening in medium light with bright sunlight breaking through the clouds.
- Maybe I’ll learn how to avoid a big white glow on the upper left once I read the instructions for my new camera. Look how the water level has dropped!
Storrie Lake is weird. After taking this shot, a 15-minute windstorm came and went. Kinda spooky . . .
Oh, by the way, that stuff I mentioned yesterday? I got most of it done. . . everything except solving the internet and phone problem.
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 