Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16

Nothing to post for day 12, as I have been sick all day. Headache, sore throat, hot and freezing cold flashes, sinus issues and more. Because I can't take meds, by body has become a fighter. Fever has finally broke (2am day 13). Now just need the rest of it to go away. Wish I had soup onboard.
<p>Time to take dog out and then go back to laying down. </p>
<p>Day 13 is pretty much the same as 12 without the fever. Plus from being in bed more then out of it last 2 days, every muscle and joint is screaming. Dog has not gone out in 12 hours so need to do that. Good thing most campers are gone and I don't have to walk her. </p>
<p>Oh, there was a little excitement last night. Saw 4 police cars and ambulance with lights on go by and a helicopter was flying around looking for someone for over an hour. </p>
<p>Spent most of the day dozing and freezing under the blanket. By 9pm that changed and I awoke with a damp shirt. Hoping I will be better tomorrow. </p>
<p>Day 14, very weak. Have not had anything with real nutrition in days. Have not urinated so guess dehydration has set in. I try and drink water whenever I get up, but I guess it is not enough. I will either get better or die in the desert.</p>
<p>Hopefully I will stop being sick and have more to blog about.</p>
<p>Woke up last night soaked head to toe. It kept coming out for almost a hour. Once I stopped gushing, got cleaned up and put dry clothes on. Then came the chills. Fever keeps coming and going. Right now I'm just burning up. If just the headache and nausea would go away that would help some. You know I am really sick, have not smoked since this all started.</p>
<p>We can say day 16 was an expensive day. So sick couldn't sleep so called 911 to catch a ride. The Fire/Emts here at Cochiti are all local volunteers and got here pretty fast. They decided to take me to St.Vincent in Santa Fe. On the way out they stopped at the shop to switch people. Putting in iv line he used a needle that was to big and that vein is blown. Nothing but a giant black and blue knot on that hand.

Using a much smaller needle now and going higher on arm, we finally got a line in. I have a bruise on my finger as that is where blood draw had to be gotten from. Of course my inner arms are all bruised and I look like a druggy from all their missing because they never listen to the one person who really does know their body best.

Night shift started processing me and respected my liver issues and did not force any meds. Then day shift took over and started just pushing stuff into my line. I was told most  livers don't like meds. When blood test came back they found my enzymes up, because mine really does not. Looks like I will need to take some meds to kill this infection. Not sure on why blood platlets are low, but will have them checked again later on.

Testing is brutal. Choke me with a Strep test to my tonsils. Then there is the flu test where they try to drown nasal passage with saline and suck you boogers out. Awful feeling and I said if they wanted my boogers I would have preferred to pick them a few.

Only way back to campground was a taxi and that was big bucks $110. Rangers were good about checking on dog.

Still need to get my prescription filled, but tomorrow is another day.

Day 10

After texting Heather and making plans for Saturday, I listened disk 1 of The Pagen Stone.

Laid down at 11pm and could not get comfortable. Back really bothering me. Got up, made a cup of Chai went out at 3:30am to enjoy the morning. Since campground was asleep I let dog explore on her own off leash.

It is 10:20am and hot out already. Right now all I am going to do is eat brunch and listen to book.

Finished listening to book, shower, dressed and now going to take a short walk with dog. She is not going to like it as it is really to hot for her. I will take her to the lake to cool her off.

Walking I felt leash go taunt and turned to find my dog doing something she has never done. She pooped in middle of road. I guess she really had to go. I had already taken her out 3x prior today. I an not picking that up. Though she was dragging in first 15 mins of walk, she perked a little when she saw jack rabbit. On way back she was so tired she did not even notice the cotton tail.

This time I almost did not think I would make it back to campsite. By mistake took the long route to water. Once close we went down a wall of rocks, (right side of picture is the low end. We did the higher end, as it end on land not water). Picture with distance view, we already walked half the distance to water. I am already dreading walk back before we even get to destination.

Dog even though she was cautious and thought out every move, still beat me down. I tapped rocks every step of the way to make noise and warn rattelers. I almost fell a few times and almost broke walking stick once to prevent fall. Dog swam and drank. I went through 20 oz of water in 1 1/2 hours. Uphill killed me and I am not day walking in the desert again unless temps go down or it is raining.

No more today as back is screaming once again, my knee is unhappy and I need both settled for my date tomorrow.

Time to eat, read, relax and maybe nap.

Day 9 Traveling Day

What a night. First to hot even with windows and vents open to sleep. Plus could not find a position that would help my back stop hurting. Then dog added to the mix because she was upset she could not sleep in her spot when slide is closed. Funny how animals make their own routine and get upset when broken. I know she wants to be close, but she can see me from living room. Not like it is far away. Finally started to fall asleep when my guts started up. Lets just say for next hour it is a good thing I have an onboard water closet. Don't know what was the cause, but almost afraid to eat. Will have a little oatmeal though, as I'm hungry.

Cat was funny in that anything not in its place or something new is cause to slowly approach and whack it. When she jumped in bed and saw an odd object near my pillows, she did just that. Now she has met my pocket pistol.

Upon taking the dog out this morning I found I did not lock door and that is something that is normally habit. :-(

Onboard generator has not been run in 7 month, so it was stubborn staying started at first. Tire was down 60 lbs this morning. Did something I never do. I left air in compressor just in case I need a few lbs before I park again for the night.

Stopped at Flying J in Amarillo TX to top off tank. Walked dog and then went in for.99 44oz soda. Fancy machine that had a syrup dispenser. So put 2 squirts of cherry and 2 of lemon. That was a really good Pepsi. Since pizza was a 2 for,  I got 2 slices. One for lunch and one for dinner.

Next stop was a rest area west of Santa Rosa NM. I was planning on staying there for the night. Plans changed for two reasons. One, when I took dog out and was hit by the heat, I knew we needed AC. Air hot, wind hot and hard to breath. Second, there was only 108 miles left to go. I will pay another $10 to have a campsite with power.

Upon parking last night the wind came and I have been dealing with it since. Driving in it with such a high profile rig is tiring and sucks up the fuel. Driving on hwy 285 was not bad as it was more tailwind that time.

Found out my $10 a night campsite with 50 amp power has no water. That is fine though. I unhooked car, backed into a site with water and put some in the tank. Of course the people from TX that reseved it came in while I was filling. They were nice about it, but I did not want to hold them up. I stopped at 2/3rd and got out of the way. Good thing to as more were coming in.

Even though my spot is on a hill where I picked to park in it was level. So I only had to drop jacks for support, for slides to be put out. Once power was hooked up, I got AC on and then finish setup. Cat is finally out of hiding. We all ate and now I am resting as my back not happy with me.

Since I am here for 10 days I am hoping to be able to meet up/hang out with Heather and Sarai, as well as see things I may have missed when here in 07 for a week.

Day 8 Travel Day

Started the day at 9:23am. Slowly got things done and headed out around 11am. Of course when I arrived a week ago I had to setup in rain and today I got to undo it all in the rain. Glad I don't melt.

I tried to find/see the Bison for days and they were elusive. Now that it is raining, I am driving RV and can't pull over, they are out.

In no rush, so stopped at dump station first. Just got on I-35 and now stopped at first rest area I came to, to take dog out. She was freaking out to much early when the slides closed.  She knows routine, cat doesn't. So cat did not freak until we started moving.

Without someone to walk around and check things behind me, quadruple check somethings. What I found I missed on this walk around is a low drive tire. Must have a leak. :-(  Next fuel stop I hope they have air. If not, I will have to crank generator and get out air compressor.

Stopped at Flying J in OKC off I-40. My first fill up since I left home on a full tank. Always try and park with no less then 1/2 tank (40 gals) but full is better. Cost for this 56 gals after my discount (reason I try to use FJ or Pilot) is $195.53. A savings of $4.48. Every little bit I can save, the better. Found air hose and driver side drive tire was down 45lbs. All others good, so will have keep a eye on this one.

Being a good girl and taking a lunch break now. Tuna salad on crackers, diced peaches and a cookie from my Lunch on the Run lunch kit.
Dog is having water and cat still hiding under chair.

Oklahoma wind really hurt my fuel economy bad on this tank. :-(  Bucking that wind was not fun as it made me have to tense and my neck and shoulders don't like tense.

There was no way to get around it, so I did the only thing I could and ran it over. To afraid to stop and look to see if damage was sustained, I just kept driving. Now that I am stopped for the night, I guess it is time to go inspect things. In answer to the question I know is on your minds now. 1mile east of exit 82 on I-40 west I had to run over a semi tire. Not a piece of tire, a whole tire less the wheel (thank goodness). One big round tire right in the middle of my lane and with my size, car in tow and a vehicle in other land, there really was no going around it. :-(

My location for the night is a rest area near Jericho TX. End slot was taken, so bedroom slide can't go out tonight.

Inspection done and I don't see any physical damage and really glad it missed the car. I do see a small puddle under engine area, but don't know if it is me or last person who was parked here. I will check later to see if it dries or gets bigger. Bad news is that drive tire is low again. So will have to pull out compressor and crank generator prior to leaving. I guess I will need to find a big rig tire shop to have leak fixed somewhere along the way.

For now I am going to try and relax and then figure out what I have to eat that does not require me turning on generator for defrosting or nuking something to eat.

Pics were taken at rest area while walking dog.

Day 6

Going to be another fairly non active day. Not only because of feeling fatigued, but also because it is way to hot and humid.

Feels good being able to wear my favorite Levi cargo pants that I have not been able to wear for over 4 years when my body did a massive 20 lb weight gain in a week and slowly kept climbing and fluctuating since then. I guess herbs and actually eating more then once a day is helping a little.

Don't know why I showered and dressed today. Took dog for a walk to lake. She got in, but my dog won't really swim. She walks around biting at the water. I rarely wear shorts, so I just watched at waters edge. By the time we walked back, I was very damp. Need another shower now.

I have seen a lot of dragonflies in my life, but never so many different species in one place.

There are still a few people camping by the lake. I saw something I have never seen before. Tent campers in RV site so they could have power to run a 5 cu ft chest freezer they brought along. I guess ice chests and ice was not good enough.
The big cyclone fan in a campsite is another strange thing to see.

Cat was enjoying my comfy chair when we left. Came back and even though RV is not that big, I have no idea where she went into hiding.

Decided today was a good day to drive to WalMart and pick up a few things, leaving dog in AC of RV. It is so hot, even she doesn't want to go outside. The total bill was just under $115 and I'm a bargain shopper. What I got should (has to) get me through rest of month.

Now off to watch the 15 episodes still on DVR from years ago of 'The Legend of the Seeker' before I delete them. Once DVR is empty there will be nothing left to watch.

It is crazy to do especially in Oklahoma, but love standing outside watching the lightening. My dog of course won't go out and is hiding or so she thinks because of the thundering.

Day 4

Actually did not fall asleep until after midnight. Slept a little better then I have and did not get up till almost 9am. Dog needed out and cat wanted breakfast.

The nicer host asked me if I wanted to move to a site near the water tomorrow when people pull out. Said I was good where I was. Closer to water means more biting bugs. Here I have only had flies and dragonflies which is better then getting eaten. She also gave me a map and told me of trails and that if I get somewhere and have a problem just call and a ranger will get you back. Also if they see a car parked by a trail for more then two hours, they will ride in to check. I saw yesterday that some rangers ride the trails on golf carts.

Time to eat a little something and then get out of night clothes and then do something. Just know that I can't hike to Buffalo and Antelope Springs, with Paika,  because I just read that it is a no dogs trail once it goes east of Nature Center. It then becomes a wheel chair accessible trail. That also tells me that the hike is only a mile in from this area. Maybe park at Nature Center and leave dog in car under shade. Just random thoughts.

Tried to leave dog at camp in AC, but she was not having it. So loaded up and drove to Hillside Springs and parked. Paika decided she now had to pee so walked her to woods. Went to find the trail and remembered I forgot her leash on hood of car. Back we go, hook her up and start again. Hiked to Lincoln Bridge which is the entrance to Flower Park. Here we found the Vendome mineral well shooting water 3' in the air and running into a stream and healing pools. A women about a 100 was filling her jugs and swore to the healing properties. I drank about 1/2 cup worth holding my breath. If dog had any unknown ailments, she should be good from drinking and wading in it. Maybe I should return with a jug. ;-)

Then walked and found Black Sulphur Springs which is not running at leased not to the surface anymore. Rock Creek is a creek fed by 4 mineral springs and dog waded and drank from that too. We are taking a break in the shade as Paika was dragging arse. It is getting hot now.

Probably was a bad idea for break. By doing so mass fatigue washed over me. So calling it quits for now. Hiked back to car which we were happy to see. Dog so happy she could not wait to jump in.

Drove to parking lot near Vendome and put some water in a bottle to drink later. Now back at camp where I will remain for rest of the day. Since I missed ranger program last night, I will walk to Amphitheater for tonights program.

Only took 1 pic with phone today of Lincoln Bridge. Only took a couple more with real camera.

Did attend ranger program at Amphitheater tonight. On the walk over my dog got to see her first Armadillo as it crossed the road only a few feet in front of us. To dark to get a picture. :-( 
I was the only one that knew the answer to the question 'how many species were counted at BioBlitz last year'. Even though I was not able to attend as planed due to caring for my mom, I did read up on it after.

Talked to a few hosts afterwards. The one that I got in trouble with yesterday actually fell in love with my dog. When the other host found out I was walking, she said 'that's a long walk, do you at least have a flashlight?' No, but I will be fine as I have good night vision. I was told to be careful of snakes and such. I'll be fine.

Day 3

Got to sleep by midnight. Less tossing about and got out of bed by 8am. Made some Chai, ate some instant oatmeal, fed cat breakfast and took dog out. Sun is out today, so time to shower, dress and see what today brings.

Need to get back to taking my herbs. I've been bad about doing so lately. Got them out of cabinet and doled out a weeks worth. Those are sitting on edge of dining table as that is the most right in your face can't miss them spot.

Guess I picked the wrong time to look at my email. Such a loving missive from ex. (said very sarcastically) about divorce.  " I have waited almost 3 months for you to get the money to finish the divorce papers. I have done my part of paying and paperwork. It is your turn to finish it now."
My reply was probably to much information, but I tend to be long winded and explain. " No it is not. Original verbal agreement was you were to pay. Your words 'I did this, I should pay for it'. Right now there are more important things for me then our divorce or even the bathroom for that matter. I don't plan on getting involved ever again. No dating for me, so divorce not important. Only downfall is that if anything happens to either of us, we have spousal rights. I sat in that house dying, my spirit broken. From Jan-June I had only been away from Waldo 2x. Would only go to store when dog/cat food was needed. I knew something had to change when I would visit with the JW's that came to my door. So I got an equity loan to consolidate bills so I could get out of red every month. I got in the black, but barely. I got online and sold some of my scuba gear and a few other things, but not for divorce. It was so get car outfitted to tow. It will be slow going at one tank of fuel a month, but hoping I can make it to Cocolalla before I have to turn around and be back in Waldo for winter. I decided my mind, my crippled up body, my wounded heart and my spirit need attention now and that trumps all. I headed out Wednesday (paperwork left home of course) and only know I will try to return by winter. If I feel up to it and have the money (which I doubt) I may finish it then. If you want it done and over with, feel free to grab the ball and run. My life does  not revolve around you anymore. I don't need to do things for you or ensure your happiness anymore. My only job now is to do/care for Me. I am losing mobility, so the time for me is Now. Oh, had no where to have mail forwarded, so until I do it is just stored in Waldo PO. So if any mail is sent, I may not see it till I return. Bye"

That is out of way now. I could have ignored it, but to me that is plain rude. Also if I didn't reply it would have stayed with me all day. Now I can forget about it and enjoy my day. Off are the dog and I to places unknown to us. :-) Made a bottle of lemon water for me and filled another with plain water for her. 

Did not use maps or GPS. Today was just a fly by the seat of your pants day and see what I come across. Headed out of campground on a road we had not been on yet and found Little Niagra Falls. Got my walking stick, grabbed camera and then was a good girl and leashed up dog. On this walk we followed the sign to Travertine Island and Lost Cave Falls. Then went off trail following my ears as they heard more falls.

Headed next to Travertine Nature Center. Dog stayed in car as I was just after a postcard and park ink stamp. I try to collect one from all National areas visited. Ranger Vicki and I started talking and we talked about travels, pets, wildlife, what trail dog is allowed on and can get in water. She loved my Click It reading glasses and had me show them off to 3 other rangers. We talked about the different springs that the natives used for their healing properties. One for the sprint, one for the body, one for the mind and another for skin ailments. I need all of them. Ranger B. Rice even offered me a rescued box turtle to adopt. I declined, which was hard for me.

Next I saw a sign for Veterans Lake, so drove over to check it out. On the way stopped at Bromide Hill and stood close to the edge to take a picture of the view. Ran into a lesbian couple with 2 dogs and said hello, then continued the short hike. Did not feel like doing the longer hike as I'm getting worn out. Longer hike would get me to Bromide Springs. This one is for the stomach.

Stopped at Bison Lookout and walked about 1/2 mile of trail before turning back. Did not find the Bison. Maybe try the trail going other direction another day.

Stopped at Hillside Springs and could smell sulphur. Dog drank from this one. Sign said no drinking so I passed. Went over to Pavilion Springs a short walk away and even though I could still smell sulphur I drank a little anyway. Here there was no sign except for one that showed what all was in the water.

Want to go to Buffalo Springs but that is a 2.1 mile walk (1 way) from Pavilion and needs to also be on a different day.

Drove around and saw a sign for Turner Falls, so headed that direction. Did not find falls, 
but did find Turner Falls Park which is a tourist area. So turned around and headed back. Got a burger, tots and strawberry slush at Sonic in Davis for $3.06. Filled car up in Sulphur for $3.32 gal. Last time I put gas in car was March and it was $3.80 then.

Drove back to the Buckhorn Campground and as soon as I parked, opened door for dog to get out and got called out by a host to put her on a leash. I struggled to get out of car and stand up. Said she just got out of car, as I hobbled over to RV to open door. Did my tongue click (same as used with horses) and dog went in. Host said Thank You and that I need to get out first and leash dog before she leaves car. :-P

Now to relax and deal with pending headache. So that is it for today.

Took a few phone camera pics for this blog. Good pics are on camera and I can't do anything with them until I get laptop out and connected to internet. But all pics that are put on blog with phone will at least let you see a little of what I am seeing. Don't know why they always upload sideways, but my niece will get them fixed when she can. :-)

Updated Map

Now that Natale has posted some images, she's now officially on the map!  As she posts more in her travels, we'll get to zoom out on the map and see her overall journey.  But in the meantime, she's in the Oklahoma area, so if you'd like to see her, you best get a hold of her now!

Click on the map to see more details.

More to come soon, I'm sure!

Christina

Day 2

Going to be a fairly non active day.
Fell asleep by 10pm, guess I was really tired. But did not remain asleep long. Tossed around a lot due to back, hips, neck, shoulders hurting and the dang cat constantly jumping on my chest and kneeding. I did try to keep getting sleep and to the joy of the pets, got up around 8am. Made cappucino, gave kids their breakfast and then took dog on a potty walk. My shoes and jacket were shocking to put on as they are still wet.
It is still rainy out, but only a light rain. I am enjoying the coolness of it even if m ybody is not happy. Door and windows are open.
Time to hook up water and turn on water heater.
Put a harness on cat. She did not freak out like other cats have, but still funny watching her belly crawl around trying to rub it off.
Watched some old recorded programs on DVR and dosed every now and then. Guess still tired.
Decided to get out, so took myself and the dog for a short walk around loop D. Saw a lot of people, but of course talked to none. Well with the exception of a guy who asked 'are you the host'? No, but you can find her on loop C space 20. That was my only human contact today.
This evening dog and I walked loop C. Waved at people. Dog is more out of shape then me,even with all my ailments.
Sorry readers, but today is just a boring day. Hope my body and mind are more willing to entertain tomorrow.
Pictures of Arbuckle Lake and my campsite. Lake pictures are from loop D and loop C.

Car Day

What a day.. Got up at 5:30am after getting only 3 hours of very broken sleep. Fed cat, dog and myself, took my bath and got ready to leave for Texarkana to get the parts installed on the car so it can flat tow behind motor-home. Around 6am I got a thought about bringing the cord that connects the car to motor-home for lights to work, so out to the shed I go to find it. I am ready to hit the road at 7am, but then remember that I have need of the gps as I don't know where I am going in Texarkana, so go searching around the truck for it as I know that is the vehicle I used it last in.

This place is in the boonies as the closest store, diner or anything like that is 5 miles away. I arrive a little after 8am.. I walk around a little (cane in hand) and it is a really nice spot as they also have an RV park beside parts and repairs along side a little pond.

I made sure to have the Kindle app on my phone and got a few free books downloaded and that kept me entertained as I knew I would be there a while as the book shows it as a 7 hour job to install base plate and light kit. Around noon the sweet owner (she has been in the business for 45 years) offered me the company truck to get something to eat while everyone else went to lunch.. I drove 6 miles to the grocery store, got a soda, chicken strips and some new natural Cheetos.. Went back and ate some of it and continued to read as I was and still am very into the book I started called "The Book of Deacon". I have been reading it since I returned home.

Now it was a good thing I went to the shed to get that plug cord as they guys needed to know type of plug to install on car.. Now small hiccup was that the end of my cord had the wires pulled for some reason and they could not be put back, so a new plug end had to be installed. Now if I did not have this with me, that would have become a major hiccup as I would have plugged in the car to RV and nothing would have worked and that would have meant driving without lights or signals on the car.. That would not have been good.. Now I still have to go out and connect car to motor-home to make sure the new wiring of the new plug is correct. I will be able to know if there are tail lights and signal lights, but without a 2nd person, I will not be able to hit the brakes in motor-home and see if they work on the car too..

Now in the next few days I will need to finish packing up stuff into motor-home and then the real fun begins, NOT! I have to clean the house really good.. I started a little bit of it yesterday.. Once the packing and house are done, I am free to hit the road.. Well that is after the fight on getting the animals inside of the RV..

Picture attached is the modifications to the front end of the car that will enable me to tow it and cost $1100 for parts and labor..

RV Prep

It is slow going getting motor-home ready for hitting the road, as my body does not always cooperate.
Outside was cleaned a week ago and today inside is getting a good cleaning. It is so hot out (90's) that I had to plug in RV and turn on AC. Oiled all the wood, cleaned and conditioned all the leather, vacuumed, caulked shower (will after caulk is cured), stripped bed and furniture throws and washed them as well as all the towels even though they were not used. Tomorrow if my body is being nice to me, I will clean up the cab area and reorganize my dashboard zoo that lives on it.

Next will be the packing of things I can think of that will be needed. No list, as I have never been good with them. I either don't look at them, lose them or forget I even have one. I'm just going to wing it, as I spot or think of stuff I will put it aside to haul out and store.

My dog knows something is up and even though it was cooler in RV, she went and laid down by the fence in the shade. She does not like to go, as she gets motion sickness. Once we land somewhere though, she is one happy dog as she like her mom, loves adventure. Not sure what is going to happen when I get the cat in there as she has never been traveling in the RV and has only done one car road trip.

Pictures show comfy living while traveling and camping. Sure beats a tent at my age. :-)

I will be sitting around Texarkana on the 31st for 7 hours as parts for towing car get installed. Base plate is heavy and I still have to try and get it into car. Just remembered that I still have to clean inside of the car before I take it in.

Entry Side

I am hoping that every thing will be done with RV so it is ready to roll out 1st week of June.

Part of bedroom

Sofa bed with recliners

Dining area

Kitchen area

Toilet across from sink in water closet

Entertainment center above cab

Summer Plans - Get to Idaho!

The tentative path for this summer's excursion from Waldo, Arkansas to Cocolalla, Idaho:


View Larger Map


If you think Natale should veer off the planned course and take another route, post your ideas here!  This would include side trips to come visit you, or a place you think is a must see along the way.

Happy route planning :).