TRIP-DAY 3

This trip has been a lot of driving. I can't wait for a couple of days when I am not driving almost all day. 

This morning I got up and took a shower in the camp showers. This campground is so nice. The bathrooms are clean and the grounds kept very nice. The staff was nice too. 

I left that campsite at 8:15 and drove to the Walmart to get a few things and some more water. After leaving the store I started driving to my next location when I looked at the gas gauge. I had four bars going on three bars. I needed to get gas. I was almost to my destination so I continued. 

I went to the Minidoka National Historic Site. It was closed but I could still walk around. I got to the main gate and it was freezing a windy. I walked around a bit and then drove to another part but it was starting to rain. I felt I saw enough so it was in to find some gasoline. 

I had to drive about 15-20 minutes to get the closest gas station. Once I filled up, off we went to see the Crators of the Moon National Park. By this time, it started to pour. I arrived at the first pull out and hit out with my new yellow boots on, to walk around. The site reminded me of the volcano park in HI I went to. When I got back to the van, I decided this was as good a place as any to make and eat lunch. 

Yes, that is snow! 

After lunch we went to another pull out and then go to my next camp ground. I'm staying at what id probably a very nice campground but since I am one of two campers, I can only set it has beautiful grass and a lovely stream out back. 

 

I'm so tired. I'm going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

TRIP- DAY 2

I got up right on time and got going early at 8:15 a.m. . I had to drive around 300 miles till next destination which was Jerome Idaho. I mistakenly thought there was a gas station on the way there and I made it with just a small bit of gas in the tank to the gas station. 

After a driving a bit it started to rain and this weird light appeared on my dashboard. It only concerned me because the icon had an exclamation point next to it. In my book an exclamation point means emergency. So I pulled over and called support. My simultaneously texted my cousin and asked her to sis trying to figure out what this light means. Tech support was a bit slow and their first response was "does the van still run"? I told them that yes the van still ran but I'd like to know what the light means. If the engine's going to conk out, it might be helpful to know what the light means. After a little bit of time I was given the answer that the collision sensor is malfunctioning. I also found out that the collision sensor can go off in very heavy rains. Since it was raining that's what did it. 

I got back on the road and continued on to my final destination Jerome Idaho. I needed a break at one point and wanted to eat lunch so I stopped and a lovely little museum called California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, NV. It was a very very cute representation of people coming to CA during the gold rush. 

I got back on the road and arrived in my campsite in Jerome later than expected. I had the chili that I made at home for dinner and settled down to watch TV. 

I did dump the toilet compartment for the first time. It is a compartment that comes out and I could wheel it to a bathroom toilet and dump it. Fun times in Van life! 

Until tomorrow...

THE TRIP STARTED- DAY 1

I woke up early and got straight to work putting thingsd in the van. I got a lot of the moving done last night but because I was emotionally exhausted, I stopped earlier than I wanted to. 

Last night when I got into bed, I looked over on Lucky's side and was shocked she wasn't there. I was sad all over again. My sweet baby. 

After lugging am hours worth of stuff, I had to clean out the house. This was a task I planned to do yesterday. I checked all the windows and doors, took out the trash, and unplugged things. I was finally ready to go. I could now put the bird in the van. The Bungee cord I brought out was so old it was petrified. I had to get another bungee cord to anchor the birds cage. 

I got in the driver's seat and...I had to pee. Ugh. I went to pee and realized I forgot two important things: my toll gizmo and my phone holder. 

I was finally off! To the pharmacy to get my prescription that the insurance company forgot to fill. This gave me more practice parking. 

Then we were really off. We drove to a location that I knew had easily accessible restrooms. Then the next stop was lunch. I couldn't find a nice park or rest stop so we went to a Target parking lot that was not crowded. It was fine for a quick lunch. 

We stopped off at a rest stop to stretch my legs and saw this:

Yes, that is snow!! 

I was two hours late to leave and three hours late to the time I said I was going to arrive at the campsite. The owners were very sweet.

I got kind of set up, meditated, had a veggie burger for dinner and now I am relaxing. You could hear a pin drop in the RV park. Except the train that comes by every few hours. 

Tomorrow is another travel day. Another 350 miles. Good thing I made some playlists. 

Until tomorrow...

A VERY SAD DAY

I'll start off by saying last night Lucky had a very bad night. She has been shivering for about 5 days and then she seemed to be thirsty but didn't want water. She didn't eat and didn't want her nightly treats (something she really enjoyed). 

This morning I was taking her to the vet for her travel papers. The vet and I spoke about how she lost 3 lbs in three weeks even though she ate. She seemed very much in pain. The vet and I discussed how taking her on this trip would not be fun for her in this condition. Not to mention what if she got very ill and I was in the middle of nowhere. 

So I decided the best course of action was to let her pass on. I told her she was fearless, brave and that I loved her very much. I held her through the whole process of one needle and then the other. She looked so sweet at the end. 

I know I did the right thing. My friend heard that I was doing this and she came to the vet office to be with me. The veterinarian staff told me I was a good mommy and I gave Lucky everything any dog could ask for. 

Throwback photo

Rest in Peace Lucky 2007-4/23/2024

Once it was over, my friend and I went to my home where my friend cleaned up the dog stuff while I relaxed and got myself together. Today was the day I was getting the van. 

My friend drove me to the area and we had a quick bite to eat. Then we went to the van location and aftera LONG wait they spent an hour showing me how to use the van. My friend videoed most of it. 

Then I drove home and began packing it. I'm hoping nothing happens to it overnight. I did not pack the electronics, cold food and the bird. I'll do that tomorrow morning. I need to get done sleep.

Until tomorrow...

2 DAYS TO GO

I started out this day taking the bird, Sunny, to the special vet to get a health certificate. I know many people bring their pets to different states but some of the campsites say you have to show a health certificate if asked. I felt it was better safe than sorry. I would be devastated if one of my pets was taken away because I didn't have the certificate. In case you haven't heard avian flu is on the ride. 

Sunny dud great at the vets. The guy pried open his beak to check fir upper respiratory infection. He got weighed and the guy said he was a big bird. I asked if he meant fat but no he meant his bone structure is big. Sunny doesn't seem big to me. 

Sunny got to try out my latest impulse purchase: a bubble backpack. It is a backpack with a plastic bubble for the bird/cat/animal to look out. 

Sunny looks so happy. 

Then I ran to get my missed blood test to check my A1C. Results not in yet.

I came home to do some work and some tasks on my list. One of them was to walk down and get a prescription. My doctor called in some gabapentin. I'm not sure I'm going to take it but better to be safe than sorry.  On the way back I stopped to get ice cream but the ice cream parlor was closed. I ended up getting a pint of Ben & Jerry's non-dairy. It was good but not the same. I ate 1/2 pint. I tasted good! 

I did a few more tasks after dinner and now I Am going to bed. 

Until tomorrow...

3 DAYS TO GO

I spent the day doing so many things. I finished re-uploading music fit some entertainment during the drive. 

I made some more of those amazing homemade granola bars. I finished laundry. I deep cleaned the bird cage.

I weeded the backyard (it was beginning to get over run by clover and I planted seeds. I'm growing peas, green beans, yellow squash, lettuce and cucumber. I'll get a tomato plant when I get back. I already have mint, parsley, chives, oregano, rosemary, a strawberry plant and blueberries. 

It is three days until I take off on my campervan adventure. I have moments of fear and excitement. I think I will feel better once I get the van. 

Until tomorrow...

4 DAYS TO GO

Today was the date of two events. First the neighborhood watch community block party. I walked Lucky around the corner to see the excitement. Lucky was not impressed. 

I decided to attend the vegan pop up for Earth Day.  I was excited when I arrived. DirtyDawg, the new hot dog company was there sells by a vegan hot dog with vegan bacon and mustard, mayo and ketchup. They served it with grilled onions but I took a pass. There was someone selling juice, tostadas, and lasagna. It was a nice sunny day. 

I came home and did more packing and cooking. I made chili to freeze for the trip and barbecue tofu for the next few days. Busy day. It will be busier tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

5 DAYS TO GO

Today was a day for errands. I went to acupuncture and she put needles in my foot. I always feel better after acupuncture. I am not always sure if it works but I always feel better after a session. 

It's five days until I leave on my trip. I had so many things to do including getting some labs done. The lab screwed up and didn't take my blood so I have to go back on Monday for blood work. 

I found out that the main person at the Arthritis Foundation passed away. It was pretty sudden and sad. 

Until tomorrow...

6 DAYS TO GO

I have plenty to do before I leave on my trip. Lots of work to wrap up, packing and cleaning. Who wants to return to a messy home? 

Today I went to my last physical therapy before I leave. My heel and area right in front of my heel are killing me. It hurts to walk so I drove to the appointment. It amazes me how I went from feeling slight pain to horrible pain. I wish I never went to that other physical therapist. He caused the inflammation in my heel by being to hard on my foot. My therapist put some tape on my foot to help support my ankle. I am not sure it helped. 

The thing helping the most is soaking my foot in hot water. I make the water as hot as I can stand. I am also taking Advil to try decrease the inflammation. I have 6 days to stop the pain. 

Until tomorrow...

ONE WEEK TO GO

With one week to go, the packing and preparing is going full steam. I verified the appointments for the dog and bird. I'm getting them both health certificates before we travel. 

I have containers with 1. Fun & Electronics, 2. Camping & Hiking stuff, 3. Pet stuff, and Kitchen stuff. It's hard to tell if I have too much stuff. I'll have to wait until I get the van to see what fits. 

My foot problems continue. Some days my heel feels okay and other days it hurts to walk. I'm sleeping in a foot brace at night that keeps my foot perpendicular. 

Lucky seemed better today and she ate three single-size applesauce-sized cups of chicken. Last week I was lucky to get her to eat one cup. 

Until tomorrow...