With BJ out of town on her annual "making Christmas cards" trip, and with blog friends
CozybeGone and
Tinycamper in the south tempting me with reports of their camping, Turk and I decided that we needed to field test the sink and latest plumbing modifications.
In addition to boondocking opportunities on BLM land, I had a second reason for selecting this area - it's just down the road from
The Bayfield Bunch's southwest house. Al had mentioned seeing a Scamp 19 (although he called it "
the smallest 5th wheel I've ever seen") on their way from Ontario a couple weeks ago, so I arranged to stop by and show them one up close and personal. Of course, I didn't get any pictures while I was there.
Al took the time to show me around the BLM land that isn't far from their house, pointing out some of the more popular spots. Turk and I got set up in a convenient spot that is at least 500 feet from the nearest neighbor.
I brought the small scanner with me so that I could keep making progress on the scanning project. Since I'm dealing with just photos with this scanner, it's a bit faster than the old film I've been scanning at the house. The trailer batteries are standing up well to the extra load from running the computer and scanner all day.
The road in (the first road) to the BLM area was very nice and appeared recently graded. There appear to be five rigs in the area right now. Most are well spread out.
The second road (the far end of the loop - visible on Google Earth) is not so nice - lots of washing and lots of loose sand. There are some nice spots along this end of the road but to me it isn't worth the challenge.
There is a Verizon 3G signal that is very weak without the antenna and booster. I'm getting solid 4 bar signal with the antenna and booster. Even so, it gets verrrrrry slow in the evening - I suspect the tower is overloaded.
How nice of Al to share such a sweet spot with you! We thought of unplugging at this FHU for a day or two and making sure we are solar ready! Sharon sure sharing all her Casita knowledge and more. Live to see your mods. One in particular...your booster and antenna. Do you have a post on it? Slowly we are making it SW...by January!
ReplyDeleteMost of my mods are listed on the Scamp 19 page, more or less in the order that I did them so scanning through them is the only 'index.' Those done after May 2012 also have one or more blog posts to go with them. The communications projects started in mid November and run through early December, 2012. Meanwhile, RVSue was installing a different antenna system (without a booster if I'm not mistaken) in nearly the same timeframe. It's worth it to consider her approach as well. Give me a shout if you have more Q's and please say hello to Sharon.
DeleteHi, John. So glad you and Turk are getting a chance to get out.
ReplyDeleteWow! You met the legendary Al of Bayfield Bunch! What a gift for him to share some of his boondocking knowledge with you. He's a pro!
That last road does look scary!
Don't forget to snap a picture of camper Turk for us! :)
We're enjoying wonderful weather - it's showing 80 but with a nice breeze. Took a picture of Turk, just for you ;-) that I'll try to remember to include in the next post.
DeleteLove looking at the SW pictures! Gets me excited as we will be heading that way in a couple of months and boondocking will be part of the plan.
ReplyDeleteHope your nice weather continues!
Are we going to get a chance to see you while you're in the southwest? Are you going to be at the Quartzsite gathering in early February?
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