#rvlife — Public Fediverse posts

VIDEO: Fall camping made easy! 🍁 Full-hookup 50-amp RV sites are open at Fairgrounds RV Park https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CF9JMhWYgsQ?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #rvlife #camping #fulltimerv

Fall camping made easy! 🍁 Full-hookup 50-amp RV sites are open at Fairgrounds RV Park #rvlife #camping #fulltimerv

Escape the crowd this Labor Day! 🚐 Bonfires & starry nights await. Book your RV site now! 🌌⛺ #rvlife #camping #campground

I genuinely enjoy work. So it was a real pleasure to have the energy the past two days to really push through the last phase of this project without debilitating fatigue.

We'll see tomorrow (a scheduled rest day) if my fatigue goes beyond anything other than typical muscle pain after hard work. But during the work, even after I got to the point of jelly arms, I didn't have significant brain fog or the type of cell-deep myalgia that signals deeper damage requiring many days of recovery.

The project seemed an endless array of steps and unexpected difficulties. It looks like a simple wooden box, but the logistics in an RV were not simple. Lots of annoying little steps, surprise obstacles, key decisions, and learning new skills. Where stopping for a few days wasn't really an option because that's my only bathroom.

My old skill of just plodding forward, focused only on getting the next step done right, really came in for me. That's a cope I haven't been able to rely on without paying a severe price.

I'm not noticing signs of that price yet. Tomorrow will tell!

#MECFS #Recovery2026
#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

I genuinely enjoy work. So it was a real pleasure to have the energy the past two days to really push through the last phase of this project without debilitating fatigue.

We'll see tomorrow (a scheduled rest day) if my fatigue goes beyond anything other than typical muscle pain after hard work. But during the work, even after I got to the point of jelly arms, I didn't have significant brain fog or the type of cell-deep myalgia that signals deeper damage requiring many days of recovery.

The project seemed an endless array of steps and unexpected difficulties. It looks like a simple wooden box, but the logistics in an RV were not simple. Lots of annoying little steps, surprise obstacles, key decisions, and learning new skills. Where stopping for a few days wasn't really an option because that's my only bathroom.

My old skill of just plodding forward, focused only on getting the next step done right, really came in for me. That's a cope I haven't been able to rely on without paying a severe price.

I'm not noticing signs of that price yet. Tomorrow will tell!

#MECFS #Recovery2026
#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

I genuinely enjoy work. So it was a real pleasure to have the energy the past two days to really push through the last phase of this project without debilitating fatigue.

We'll see tomorrow (a scheduled rest day) if my fatigue goes beyond anything other than typical muscle pain after hard work. But during the work, even after I got to the point of jelly arms, I didn't have significant brain fog or the type of cell-deep myalgia that signals deeper damage requiring many days of recovery.

The project seemed an endless array of steps and unexpected difficulties. It looks like a simple wooden box, but the logistics in an RV were not simple. Lots of annoying little steps, surprise obstacles, key decisions, and learning new skills. Where stopping for a few days wasn't really an option because that's my only bathroom.

My old skill of just plodding forward, focused only on getting the next step done right, really came in for me. That's a cope I haven't been able to rely on without paying a severe price.

I'm not noticing signs of that price yet. Tomorrow will tell!

#MECFS #Recovery2026
#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

I genuinely enjoy work. So it was a real pleasure to have the energy the past two days to really push through the last phase of this project without debilitating fatigue.

We'll see tomorrow (a scheduled rest day) if my fatigue goes beyond anything other than typical muscle pain after hard work. But during the work, even after I got to the point of jelly arms, I didn't have significant brain fog or the type of cell-deep myalgia that signals deeper damage requiring many days of recovery.

The project seemed an endless array of steps and unexpected difficulties. It looks like a simple wooden box, but the logistics in an RV were not simple. Lots of annoying little steps, surprise obstacles, key decisions, and learning new skills. Where stopping for a few days wasn't really an option because that's my only bathroom.

My old skill of just plodding forward, focused only on getting the next step done right, really came in for me. That's a cope I haven't been able to rely on without paying a severe price.

I'm not noticing signs of that price yet. Tomorrow will tell!

#MECFS #Recovery2026
#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

I genuinely enjoy work. So it was a real pleasure to have the energy the past two days to really push through the last phase of this project without debilitating fatigue.

We'll see tomorrow (a scheduled rest day) if my fatigue goes beyond anything other than typical muscle pain after hard work. But during the work, even after I got to the point of jelly arms, I didn't have significant brain fog or the type of cell-deep myalgia that signals deeper damage requiring many days of recovery.

The project seemed an endless array of steps and unexpected difficulties. It looks like a simple wooden box, but the logistics in an RV were not simple. Lots of annoying little steps, surprise obstacles, key decisions, and learning new skills. Where stopping for a few days wasn't really an option because that's my only bathroom.

My old skill of just plodding forward, focused only on getting the next step done right, really came in for me. That's a cope I haven't been able to rely on without paying a severe price.

I'm not noticing signs of that price yet. Tomorrow will tell!

#MECFS #Recovery2026
#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

But yeah it's finally done!! There's still a few things to finish, but it's usable.

More than a year in planning, and a couple of weeks of paced hard work (MECFS timing puzzles, given that the existing bucket toilet had to be out of commission while working on it.)

What you see here is a compost toilet with a diverter that uses no running water. (More details about how that works in the replies. I might add that and other details officially the thread later.)

Entirely my design (except the seat and diverter) built to fit the space in the RV where the shower used to be.

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

But yeah it's finally done!! There's still a few things to finish, but it's usable.

More than a year in planning, and a couple of weeks of paced hard work (MECFS timing puzzles, given that the existing bucket toilet had to be out of commission while working on it.)

What you see here is a compost toilet with a diverter that uses no running water. (More details about how that works in the replies. I might add that and other details officially the thread later.)

Entirely my design (except the seat and diverter) built to fit the space in the RV where the shower used to be.

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

But yeah it's finally done!! There's still a few things to finish, but it's usable.

More than a year in planning, and a couple of weeks of paced hard work (MECFS timing puzzles, given that the existing bucket toilet had to be out of commission while working on it.)

What you see here is a compost toilet with a diverter that uses no running water. (More details about how that works in the replies. I might add that and other details officially the thread later.)

Entirely my design (except the seat and diverter) built to fit the space in the RV where the shower used to be.

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

But yeah it's finally done!! There's still a few things to finish, but it's usable.

More than a year in planning, and a couple of weeks of paced hard work (MECFS timing puzzles, given that the existing bucket toilet had to be out of commission while working on it.)

What you see here is a compost toilet with a diverter that uses no running water. (More details about how that works in the replies. I might add that and other details officially the thread later.)

Entirely my design (except the seat and diverter) built to fit the space in the RV where the shower used to be.

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

But yeah it's finally done!! There's still a few things to finish, but it's usable.

More than a year in planning, and a couple of weeks of paced hard work (MECFS timing puzzles, given that the existing bucket toilet had to be out of commission while working on it.)

What you see here is a compost toilet with a diverter that uses no running water. (More details about how that works in the replies. I might add that and other details officially the thread later.)

Entirely my design (except the seat and diverter) built to fit the space in the RV where the shower used to be.

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

Me trying to layout my Van to Mobile apartment conversion.
#blender #b3d #vanlife #rvlife

Now that we’re done with our travels for awhile, our Sprinter is up for sale.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2025-Tiffin-Motorhomes-GH1-1UP-5041787635

Was a great ride (and home) for the 2ish years we were on the road. Hopefully the next owner gets to have the same adventure. ❤️

#vanlife #camping #RVlife

Now that we’re done with our travels for awhile, our Sprinter is up for sale.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2025-Tiffin-Motorhomes-GH1-1UP-5041787635

Was a great ride (and home) for the 2ish years we were on the road. Hopefully the next owner gets to have the same adventure. ❤️

#vanlife #camping #RVlife

Now that we’re done with our travels for awhile, our Sprinter is up for sale.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2025-Tiffin-Motorhomes-GH1-1UP-5041787635

Was a great ride (and home) for the 2ish years we were on the road. Hopefully the next owner gets to have the same adventure. ❤️

#vanlife #camping #RVlife

Now that we’re done with our travels for awhile, our Sprinter is up for sale.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2025-Tiffin-Motorhomes-GH1-1UP-5041787635

Was a great ride (and home) for the 2ish years we were on the road. Hopefully the next owner gets to have the same adventure. ❤️

#vanlife #camping #RVlife

Now that we’re done with our travels for awhile, our Sprinter is up for sale.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2025-Tiffin-Motorhomes-GH1-1UP-5041787635

Was a great ride (and home) for the 2ish years we were on the road. Hopefully the next owner gets to have the same adventure. ❤️

#vanlife #camping #RVlife

Skyler in Acadia, Maine.
#dogsofmastodon #nps #acadia #maine #nationalparks #nature #dogs #hiking #outdoors #rvlife

Skyler in Acadia, Maine.
#dogsofmastodon #nps #acadia #maine #nationalparks #nature #dogs #hiking #outdoors #rvlife

Skyler in Acadia, Maine.
#dogsofmastodon #nps #acadia #maine #nationalparks #nature #dogs #hiking #outdoors #rvlife

Skyler in Acadia, Maine.
#dogsofmastodon #nps #acadia #maine #nationalparks #nature #dogs #hiking #outdoors #rvlife

Skyler in Acadia, Maine.
#dogsofmastodon #nps #acadia #maine #nationalparks #nature #dogs #hiking #outdoors #rvlife

Well, it looks like the motor on my motorhome leveling system burned up. The magic smoke came out. We're in the process of restoring and customizing an older 2005 Winnebago. I just finished removing this whole assembly which has a DC motor, pump, resorvior and manifold. Ugh. Next I have to take the motor off and inspect the deals. I found some old service manual for this thing. #rv #rvlife #motorhome

Power outage yesterday was disruptive, but not as much as prior ones because I have the solar half-assed setup, with two USB cables running through the cracked window.

So I had unlimited device usage, albeit without internet.

I'm working to cover more USB devices, and eventually maybe get the battery over inside so I can safely run it in inverter mode without overheating.

Then the goal is to get the panel, along with the other two, set up more permanently. But that's a whole other level.

Higher priority is to get the permanent compost toilet built. It's been well over a year sitting on a wobbly bucket. I've had it!

I now have the plan for that finalized and just need enough energy to start phase 1.

Phase 2 means finish what I start on that same day or I'll have "nothing to go on."

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

Power outage yesterday was disruptive, but not as much as prior ones because I have the solar half-assed setup, with two USB cables running through the cracked window.

So I had unlimited device usage, albeit without internet.

I'm working to cover more USB devices, and eventually maybe get the battery over inside so I can safely run it in inverter mode without overheating.

Then the goal is to get the panel, along with the other two, set up more permanently. But that's a whole other level.

Higher priority is to get the permanent compost toilet built. It's been well over a year sitting on a wobbly bucket. I've had it!

I now have the plan for that finalized and just need enough energy to start phase 1.

Phase 2 means finish what I start on that same day or I'll have "nothing to go on."

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

Power outage yesterday was disruptive, but not as much as prior ones because I have the solar half-assed setup, with two USB cables running through the cracked window.

So I had unlimited device usage, albeit without internet.

I'm working to cover more USB devices, and eventually maybe get the battery over inside so I can safely run it in inverter mode without overheating.

Then the goal is to get the panel, along with the other two, set up more permanently. But that's a whole other level.

Higher priority is to get the permanent compost toilet built. It's been well over a year sitting on a wobbly bucket. I've had it!

I now have the plan for that finalized and just need enough energy to start phase 1.

Phase 2 means finish what I start on that same day or I'll have "nothing to go on."

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

Power outage yesterday was disruptive, but not as much as prior ones because I have the solar half-assed setup, with two USB cables running through the cracked window.

So I had unlimited device usage, albeit without internet.

I'm working to cover more USB devices, and eventually maybe get the battery over inside so I can safely run it in inverter mode without overheating.

Then the goal is to get the panel, along with the other two, set up more permanently. But that's a whole other level.

Higher priority is to get the permanent compost toilet built. It's been well over a year sitting on a wobbly bucket. I've had it!

I now have the plan for that finalized and just need enough energy to start phase 1.

Phase 2 means finish what I start on that same day or I'll have "nothing to go on."

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

Power outage yesterday was disruptive, but not as much as prior ones because I have the solar half-assed setup, with two USB cables running through the cracked window.

So I had unlimited device usage, albeit without internet.

I'm working to cover more USB devices, and eventually maybe get the battery over inside so I can safely run it in inverter mode without overheating.

Then the goal is to get the panel, along with the other two, set up more permanently. But that's a whole other level.

Higher priority is to get the permanent compost toilet built. It's been well over a year sitting on a wobbly bucket. I've had it!

I now have the plan for that finalized and just need enough energy to start phase 1.

Phase 2 means finish what I start on that same day or I'll have "nothing to go on."

#OffGrid #RVLife #Solarpunk

National Lighthouse Day

Today August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. Brought to us by the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

This picture is one of my favorites. While traveling in 2010 with my friend Gregory, I snapped this in Massachusetts. I cannot remember exactly where in the state it was. Probably on our way to the Cape that day. Early morning sunrise it was an unplanned stop. As it turned out I was standing in the right spot at the right time. The sunlight coming through the top of the lighthouse is natural. No touch-ups. No filters. It was just the right photo at exactly that moment. We laughed, Gregory was standing next to me on my right, and he also took a photo and did not have the same outcome. Wild! I love it when I do something amazing without expecting to do so.

I took this picture in 2023. Our first trip to the coast. Located in Crescent City California, the Battery Point Lighthouse. I didn’t take the walk up to the Lighthouse on this day. Wolf wasn’t up for it, and I remember it was very windy and there was a sign that stated walk across the bridge to the lighthouse at your own risk during bad weather. Me, not a thrill seeker, decided to not take the journey. I settled for a distant photo instead.

During our trip up the Oregon Coastline, we took a daytrip in the motorhome and visited the Umpqua River Lighthouse. I’ve added the history sign. It was smaller than I expected. it is nestled in a neighborhood as most of the historical spots along the coastline. As you can see from the mailboxes for homes nearby. Someone mentioned to me there are nine lighthouses along the Oregon coast. This is the only one we visited. As we traveled North, now I don’t remember if I spotted others. Maybe one or two. By this point in our trip, I was in awe of the coastline itself. I’m sure it would make a great road trip itinerary. I believe you have to travel down a few side roads to see them all. And in a motorhome, that was something we didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a tight area. Coastline communities have very tight, narrow roads that are not RV friendly. My recommendation would be to google satellite the area beforehand.

I love lighthouses. My mother did as well.

For me they are surviving proof that through all of the advances in technology they remain a prominent stance that we cherish their history. No longer a grueling job needed for a keeper during harsh weather. Sailors and ship captains no longer need to keep a close eye out for the beaming light to guide them to shore. Now they are adornments for visitors of days gone by. Just a simple cylinder building with a glass top and a light that many seek to visit. Yeah, I’m kind of one of those people.

I hope your week is good and you are safe and healthy. I just wanted to drop a post about today in history. A topic I am interested in, and I find notable in people’s travels.

National Lighthouse Day

Today August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. Brought to us by the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

This picture is one of my favorites. While traveling in 2010 with my friend Gregory, I snapped this in Massachusetts. I cannot remember exactly where in the state it was. Probably on our way to the Cape that day. Early morning sunrise it was an unplanned stop. As it turned out I was standing in the right spot at the right time. The sunlight coming through the top of the lighthouse is natural. No touch-ups. No filters. It was just the right photo at exactly that moment. We laughed, Gregory was standing next to me on my right, and he also took a photo and did not have the same outcome. Wild! I love it when I do something amazing without expecting to do so.

I took this picture in 2023. Our first trip to the coast. Located in Crescent City California, the Battery Point Lighthouse. I didn’t take the walk up to the Lighthouse on this day. Wolf wasn’t up for it, and I remember it was very windy and there was a sign that stated walk across the bridge to the lighthouse at your own risk during bad weather. Me, not a thrill seeker, decided to not take the journey. I settled for a distant photo instead.

During our trip up the Oregon Coastline, we took a daytrip in the motorhome and visited the Umpqua River Lighthouse. I’ve added the history sign. It was smaller than I expected. it is nestled in a neighborhood as most of the historical spots along the coastline. As you can see from the mailboxes for homes nearby. Someone mentioned to me there are nine lighthouses along the Oregon coast. This is the only one we visited. As we traveled North, now I don’t remember if I spotted others. Maybe one or two. By this point in our trip, I was in awe of the coastline itself. I’m sure it would make a great road trip itinerary. I believe you have to travel down a few side roads to see them all. And in a motorhome, that was something we didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a tight area. Coastline communities have very tight, narrow roads that are not RV friendly. My recommendation would be to google satellite the area beforehand.

I love lighthouses. My mother did as well.

For me they are surviving proof that through all of the advances in technology they remain a prominent stance that we cherish their history. No longer a grueling job needed for a keeper during harsh weather. Sailors and ship captains no longer need to keep a close eye out for the beaming light to guide them to shore. Now they are adornments for visitors of days gone by. Just a simple cylinder building with a glass top and a light that many seek to visit. Yeah, I’m kind of one of those people.

I hope your week is good and you are safe and healthy. I just wanted to drop a post about today in history. A topic I am interested in, and I find notable in people’s travels.

National Lighthouse Day

Today August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. Brought to us by the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

This picture is one of my favorites. While traveling in 2010 with my friend Gregory, I snapped this in Massachusetts. I cannot remember exactly where in the state it was. Probably on our way to the Cape that day. Early morning sunrise it was an unplanned stop. As it turned out I was standing in the right spot at the right time. The sunlight coming through the top of the lighthouse is natural. No touch-ups. No filters. It was just the right photo at exactly that moment. We laughed, Gregory was standing next to me on my right, and he also took a photo and did not have the same outcome. Wild! I love it when I do something amazing without expecting to do so.

I took this picture in 2023. Our first trip to the coast. Located in Crescent City California, the Battery Point Lighthouse. I didn’t take the walk up to the Lighthouse on this day. Wolf wasn’t up for it, and I remember it was very windy and there was a sign that stated walk across the bridge to the lighthouse at your own risk during bad weather. Me, not a thrill seeker, decided to not take the journey. I settled for a distant photo instead.

During our trip up the Oregon Coastline, we took a daytrip in the motorhome and visited the Umpqua River Lighthouse. I’ve added the history sign. It was smaller than I expected. it is nestled in a neighborhood as most of the historical spots along the coastline. As you can see from the mailboxes for homes nearby. Someone mentioned to me there are nine lighthouses along the Oregon coast. This is the only one we visited. As we traveled North, now I don’t remember if I spotted others. Maybe one or two. By this point in our trip, I was in awe of the coastline itself. I’m sure it would make a great road trip itinerary. I believe you have to travel down a few side roads to see them all. And in a motorhome, that was something we didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a tight area. Coastline communities have very tight, narrow roads that are not RV friendly. My recommendation would be to google satellite the area beforehand.

I love lighthouses. My mother did as well.

For me they are surviving proof that through all of the advances in technology they remain a prominent stance that we cherish their history. No longer a grueling job needed for a keeper during harsh weather. Sailors and ship captains no longer need to keep a close eye out for the beaming light to guide them to shore. Now they are adornments for visitors of days gone by. Just a simple cylinder building with a glass top and a light that many seek to visit. Yeah, I’m kind of one of those people.

I hope your week is good and you are safe and healthy. I just wanted to drop a post about today in history. A topic I am interested in, and I find notable in people’s travels.

National Lighthouse Day

Today August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. Brought to us by the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

This picture is one of my favorites. While traveling in 2010 with my friend Gregory, I snapped this in Massachusetts. I cannot remember exactly where in the state it was. Probably on our way to the Cape that day. Early morning sunrise it was an unplanned stop. As it turned out I was standing in the right spot at the right time. The sunlight coming through the top of the lighthouse is natural. No touch-ups. No filters. It was just the right photo at exactly that moment. We laughed, Gregory was standing next to me on my right, and he also took a photo and did not have the same outcome. Wild! I love it when I do something amazing without expecting to do so.

I took this picture in 2023. Our first trip to the coast. Located in Crescent City California, the Battery Point Lighthouse. I didn’t take the walk up to the Lighthouse on this day. Wolf wasn’t up for it, and I remember it was very windy and there was a sign that stated walk across the bridge to the lighthouse at your own risk during bad weather. Me, not a thrill seeker, decided to not take the journey. I settled for a distant photo instead.

During our trip up the Oregon Coastline, we took a daytrip in the motorhome and visited the Umpqua River Lighthouse. I’ve added the history sign. It was smaller than I expected. it is nestled in a neighborhood as most of the historical spots along the coastline. As you can see from the mailboxes for homes nearby. Someone mentioned to me there are nine lighthouses along the Oregon coast. This is the only one we visited. As we traveled North, now I don’t remember if I spotted others. Maybe one or two. By this point in our trip, I was in awe of the coastline itself. I’m sure it would make a great road trip itinerary. I believe you have to travel down a few side roads to see them all. And in a motorhome, that was something we didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a tight area. Coastline communities have very tight, narrow roads that are not RV friendly. My recommendation would be to google satellite the area beforehand.

I love lighthouses. My mother did as well.

For me they are surviving proof that through all of the advances in technology they remain a prominent stance that we cherish their history. No longer a grueling job needed for a keeper during harsh weather. Sailors and ship captains no longer need to keep a close eye out for the beaming light to guide them to shore. Now they are adornments for visitors of days gone by. Just a simple cylinder building with a glass top and a light that many seek to visit. Yeah, I’m kind of one of those people.

I hope your week is good and you are safe and healthy. I just wanted to drop a post about today in history. A topic I am interested in, and I find notable in people’s travels.

National Lighthouse Day

Today August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. Brought to us by the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed into law by President George Washington.

This picture is one of my favorites. While traveling in 2010 with my friend Gregory, I snapped this in Massachusetts. I cannot remember exactly where in the state it was. Probably on our way to the Cape that day. Early morning sunrise it was an unplanned stop. As it turned out I was standing in the right spot at the right time. The sunlight coming through the top of the lighthouse is natural. No touch-ups. No filters. It was just the right photo at exactly that moment. We laughed, Gregory was standing next to me on my right, and he also took a photo and did not have the same outcome. Wild! I love it when I do something amazing without expecting to do so.

I took this picture in 2023. Our first trip to the coast. Located in Crescent City California, the Battery Point Lighthouse. I didn’t take the walk up to the Lighthouse on this day. Wolf wasn’t up for it, and I remember it was very windy and there was a sign that stated walk across the bridge to the lighthouse at your own risk during bad weather. Me, not a thrill seeker, decided to not take the journey. I settled for a distant photo instead.

During our trip up the Oregon Coastline, we took a daytrip in the motorhome and visited the Umpqua River Lighthouse. I’ve added the history sign. It was smaller than I expected. it is nestled in a neighborhood as most of the historical spots along the coastline. As you can see from the mailboxes for homes nearby. Someone mentioned to me there are nine lighthouses along the Oregon coast. This is the only one we visited. As we traveled North, now I don’t remember if I spotted others. Maybe one or two. By this point in our trip, I was in awe of the coastline itself. I’m sure it would make a great road trip itinerary. I believe you have to travel down a few side roads to see them all. And in a motorhome, that was something we didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a tight area. Coastline communities have very tight, narrow roads that are not RV friendly. My recommendation would be to google satellite the area beforehand.

I love lighthouses. My mother did as well.

For me they are surviving proof that through all of the advances in technology they remain a prominent stance that we cherish their history. No longer a grueling job needed for a keeper during harsh weather. Sailors and ship captains no longer need to keep a close eye out for the beaming light to guide them to shore. Now they are adornments for visitors of days gone by. Just a simple cylinder building with a glass top and a light that many seek to visit. Yeah, I’m kind of one of those people.

I hope your week is good and you are safe and healthy. I just wanted to drop a post about today in history. A topic I am interested in, and I find notable in people’s travels.

Fall camping awaits! 🍂 RV sites open for Sept & Oct. Make your reservation today! #rvlife #camping #fulltimerv

It’s day 2 of our campaign to bring my art on the road, read about it and support us here: https://gofund.me/ad7a75895

#gofundme #independentartist #smallartist #supportsmallartists #gofundmecampaign #illustrator #indieartist #rvlife #artdonation #supportartists #mastoart #mastoartist

It’s day 2 of our campaign to bring my art on the road, read about it and support us here: https://gofund.me/ad7a75895

#gofundme #independentartist #smallartist #supportsmallartists #gofundmecampaign #illustrator #indieartist #rvlife #artdonation #supportartists #mastoart #mastoartist

Aldo’s on the day shift today. Sitting here watching every person, golf cart, squirrel, and leaf that dares to move. Camp security is in good paws. 🐕⛺

#Camping #Dogs #CampLife #RVLife #Geocaching #Dog #DogsOfMastodon

Aldo’s on the day shift today. Sitting here watching every person, golf cart, squirrel, and leaf that dares to move. Camp security is in good paws. 🐕⛺

#Camping #Dogs #CampLife #RVLife #Geocaching #Dog #DogsOfMastodon

Aldo’s on the day shift today. Sitting here watching every person, golf cart, squirrel, and leaf that dares to move. Camp security is in good paws. 🐕⛺

#Camping #Dogs #CampLife #RVLife #Geocaching #Dog #DogsOfMastodon

Aldo’s on the day shift today. Sitting here watching every person, golf cart, squirrel, and leaf that dares to move. Camp security is in good paws. 🐕⛺

#Camping #Dogs #CampLife #RVLife #Geocaching #Dog #DogsOfMastodon

Aldo’s on the day shift today. Sitting here watching every person, golf cart, squirrel, and leaf that dares to move. Camp security is in good paws. 🐕⛺

#Camping #Dogs #CampLife #RVLife #Geocaching #Dog #DogsOfMastodon

Why I Chose to Stay Home with My Aging Dogs

Is it the right decision?

I am not traveling this summer. It was a decision I struggled with for a while. Do I go? Do I stay? I chose to stay. I’ve been busy here lately. A LOT is happening this summer, and sadly it’s not about adventures. It’s about life with pets.

My little Lightning Bug, 15 years old, is not doing well. Aging pets are part of the pet parent world. For pet parents, it’s them or nothing. It’s choosing not to go on extended vacations, not going to the Fourth of July or New Year’s parties because your pet is terrified of loud noises. It’s taking a step back from spontaneous decisions and thinking of your pet first.

Most think we’re nuts! Why give up so much of your life for a pet? I get that flak a lot. Well, it’s how I’m built. I’ve said it so many times. I’d give up a man before I ever gave up my dogs. I’d give up a friendship if someone didn’t like my dog. And honestly, I just don’t care what others think.

My little bug has congestive heart failure. It was discovered in early May during a vet visit. She started sneezing uncontrollably, and then she would collapse and pee. During the visit, my vet said she has abscessed teeth. She then went on to say that Lightning is not a candidate for surgery because she has a heart murmur. A five out of six. (I didn’t know what that meant other than it was not good.) I later found out there is a rating system for the heart, and six being the highest, she was too high. The abscess was in or affected her nasal cavity and was causing her to sneeze. I mean, the sneezes were wild. One time she actually smacked her mouth on the floor and knocked out a front tooth! I felt so bad for my little one. I watched her like a hawk. The Dr. prescribed an antibiotic and an antihistamine. Add this to her dislocated knee. With pain meds and me carrying her in and out of the motorhome, we were making travel work. But the heart condition changed all of it.

Now we are back to the heart murmur. My concern started with all the wildfires in the West. The places I had planned to go to for summer adventures were on fire. Last year I dealt with the smoke from the Monroe fire in Utah, and it was bad. We had to leave and come back home. The smoke was too much. dogs were coughing. I was coughing, and my eyes were burning.

My concern is more about traveling at altitude and Lightning struggling to breathe. I didn’t want an episode to happen and end up with me driving around in search of a vet. Or God forbid, a dead dog. I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t do that to her. I’ve been a caregiver enough times for humans and animals. It’s not their fault, and they just need a kind hand to help them with what they can’t do, nor do they understand what is happening.

Okay. Let’s talk about my Nala Bear, also 15 years old. She developed cataracts in both eyes almost overnight. Her vision is not so good. I noticed she doesn’t see anything that is right in front of her. I catch her walking around looking for me. (She follows me everywhere.) Back to the vet we go; we are on eye drops twice a day. And it gets worse. They did blood work on her, and her cholesterol is in the 600s (normal is less than 324), and her creatinine level is 1.7 (normal is less than 1.6). Also, a heart murmur, a three out of six; the doctor said to watch it. I have to change her diet. Kidney issues are a big concern. No medications yet for her. We just have to watch her and probably do blood work again in three months to see where her levels are.

The money is pouring out of my wallet on every visit. I’m close to 5k in the last two months. Seriously dipping into any travel and emergency funds. So, I am staying put at my home base for the summer. I said to my son the other day that I feel like all day is prepping meds and feeding dogs. Because all the meds require food every twelve hours. Lightning is on heart medication and a pill to keep her lungs clear of fluid twice a day, an antibiotic when needed, a pain med when needed, and an antihistamine when needed. Nala Bear has to have eye drops twice a day and a vet-prescribed diet. (not cheap).

Sasha? My 70lb fur ball of chaos is doing great! She is busy playing non-stop with her niece and nephew. All. Day. Long. LOL. I took her to the vet for her annual shots. She is doing well.

We come to the title. Is it worth traveling with aging pets? I have to say NO. I put my adventures on hold this summer because it might be my last summer with my little ones. I wanted to be close to home, close to their doctors, and keep them calm and comfortable.

This past winter, three of my snowbird friends had to have their fur babies put down. It was so sad. One was Cocoa, a golden retriever – I have to admit I was surprised to see her when they showed up this last fall. That old girl was 14 or 15 and a familiar face at the campground. Everyone knew Cocoa. She was the sweetest baby. She was having issues the year before, but she made it one more year. Bless her heart.

I will head back to my winter spot this fall. If nothing changes. It’s really a short drive. For my gals, it’s a second home. Riding in the motorhome is nothing to them. They don’t stress or freak out on the drives. We’ve lived in the motorhome long enough that for them it is home. They have their spots. Their routines, and I have enough friends down there that I will have help if I need it.

I have more to share with you on what I’ve been up to lately. Cars, crafting, and finding myself again.

I hope your summer is full of great adventures, even with all the crazy weather and happenings going on around the US.

From the "Not On My Bingo Card" file:

We stopped at yet another bush camp last night, noting that they were preparing to run new telecommunications cable along this road (the Stuart Highway).

But that was a long way away.

Woke up this morning to hear the dozer working its way along the trail. A quick jog out to the road, about a kilometer away, to see him trundling by, ripping the ground up in prep for a digger to follow along later. Gave me a nice wave, too.

The track in to the camp went from a nice dirt road to a trap designed specifically for 8-tonne motorhomes.

Waited for him to bugger off and broke out the shovel. Filled in a section wide enough for us, dropped our CG-Gear flooring down (Well worth the money 12 years ago!) and carefully drove out.

No, I didn't dig it back out. He was only ripping, not trenching (thank Dog!).

#Travel #RVLife #VanLife

From the "Not On My Bingo Card" file:

We stopped at yet another bush camp last night, noting that they were preparing to run new telecommunications cable along this road (the Stuart Highway).

But that was a long way away.

Woke up this morning to hear the dozer working its way along the trail. A quick jog out to the road, about a kilometer away, to see him trundling by, ripping the ground up in prep for a digger to follow along later. Gave me a nice wave, too.

The track in to the camp went from a nice dirt road to a trap designed specifically for 8-tonne motorhomes.

Waited for him to bugger off and broke out the shovel. Filled in a section wide enough for us, dropped our CG-Gear flooring down (Well worth the money 12 years ago!) and carefully drove out.

No, I didn't dig it back out. He was only ripping, not trenching (thank Dog!).

#Travel #RVLife #VanLife

From the "Not On My Bingo Card" file:

We stopped at yet another bush camp last night, noting that they were preparing to run new telecommunications cable along this road (the Stuart Highway).

But that was a long way away.

Woke up this morning to hear the dozer working its way along the trail. A quick jog out to the road, about a kilometer away, to see him trundling by, ripping the ground up in prep for a digger to follow along later. Gave me a nice wave, too.

The track in to the camp went from a nice dirt road to a trap designed specifically for 8-tonne motorhomes.

Waited for him to bugger off and broke out the shovel. Filled in a section wide enough for us, dropped our CG-Gear flooring down (Well worth the money 12 years ago!) and carefully drove out.

No, I didn't dig it back out. He was only ripping, not trenching (thank Dog!).

#Travel #RVLife #VanLife

From the "Not On My Bingo Card" file:

We stopped at yet another bush camp last night, noting that they were preparing to run new telecommunications cable along this road (the Stuart Highway).

But that was a long way away.

Woke up this morning to hear the dozer working its way along the trail. A quick jog out to the road, about a kilometer away, to see him trundling by, ripping the ground up in prep for a digger to follow along later. Gave me a nice wave, too.

The track in to the camp went from a nice dirt road to a trap designed specifically for 8-tonne motorhomes.

Waited for him to bugger off and broke out the shovel. Filled in a section wide enough for us, dropped our CG-Gear flooring down (Well worth the money 12 years ago!) and carefully drove out.

No, I didn't dig it back out. He was only ripping, not trenching (thank Dog!).

#Travel #RVLife #VanLife

From the "Not On My Bingo Card" file:

We stopped at yet another bush camp last night, noting that they were preparing to run new telecommunications cable along this road (the Stuart Highway).

But that was a long way away.

Woke up this morning to hear the dozer working its way along the trail. A quick jog out to the road, about a kilometer away, to see him trundling by, ripping the ground up in prep for a digger to follow along later. Gave me a nice wave, too.

The track in to the camp went from a nice dirt road to a trap designed specifically for 8-tonne motorhomes.

Waited for him to bugger off and broke out the shovel. Filled in a section wide enough for us, dropped our CG-Gear flooring down (Well worth the money 12 years ago!) and carefully drove out.

No, I didn't dig it back out. He was only ripping, not trenching (thank Dog!).

#Travel #RVLife #VanLife

I literally modified an old piece of furniture into a semi-permanent ladder and added a step to get on top of the RV yesterday. Just using my intuition and "man" skills I taught myself in adulthood. I really, really wish I had that ability for knots. It makes me feel so stupid.

And I was kept from both skillsets because I didn't have the correct genitals and was dumped into the wrong caste unsuited to my innate talents. One I was able to teach myself, the other continues to frustrate and elude me.

#OffGrid #RVLife

I literally modified an old piece of furniture into a semi-permanent ladder and added a step to get on top of the RV yesterday. Just using my intuition and "man" skills I taught myself in adulthood. I really, really wish I had that ability for knots. It makes me feel so stupid.

And I was kept from both skillsets because I didn't have the correct genitals and was dumped into the wrong caste unsuited to my innate talents. One I was able to teach myself, the other continues to frustrate and elude me.

#OffGrid #RVLife

I literally modified an old piece of furniture into a semi-permanent ladder and added a step to get on top of the RV yesterday. Just using my intuition and "man" skills I taught myself in adulthood. I really, really wish I had that ability for knots. It makes me feel so stupid.

And I was kept from both skillsets because I didn't have the correct genitals and was dumped into the wrong caste unsuited to my innate talents. One I was able to teach myself, the other continues to frustrate and elude me.

#OffGrid #RVLife

I literally modified an old piece of furniture into a semi-permanent ladder and added a step to get on top of the RV yesterday. Just using my intuition and "man" skills I taught myself in adulthood. I really, really wish I had that ability for knots. It makes me feel so stupid.

And I was kept from both skillsets because I didn't have the correct genitals and was dumped into the wrong caste unsuited to my innate talents. One I was able to teach myself, the other continues to frustrate and elude me.

#OffGrid #RVLife

I literally modified an old piece of furniture into a semi-permanent ladder and added a step to get on top of the RV yesterday. Just using my intuition and "man" skills I taught myself in adulthood. I really, really wish I had that ability for knots. It makes me feel so stupid.

And I was kept from both skillsets because I didn't have the correct genitals and was dumped into the wrong caste unsuited to my innate talents. One I was able to teach myself, the other continues to frustrate and elude me.

#OffGrid #RVLife

Ignorance of knots is probably my biggest beef against not being allowed into Boy Scouts or some other serious survival/outdoors training as a kid. I'm used to picking up on things very quickly, but knot-tying is a skill I really struggle with. I don't think I would have if I'd been expected to get good as a child.

They DID cover knots in Girl Scouts and LDS Girl's Camp. But it wasn't EXPECTED, so when I sucked at it, it was like ok whatever, go have a smore we're doing crafts tomorrow run along girl.

Now I'm at a stage in life where an intuitive understanding would be helpful and instead it's the hardest part of getting a thing done.

#OffGrid #RVLife