Kids' Oval - Santee, CA

Our neighbors across the stream have a couple of boys ages about 6yo and 3yo. As soon as they unhooked, the daddy set up a semi-oval track with little orange cones around their rig. The cones reflected a clear pathway between the vegetation, stream. roadway and the RV. The boys have bikes and a John Deere tractor with attached wagon. They drive around and around keeping inside the coned oval and stopping for parental traffic in and out of the RV. They even used the tractor wagon to help carry firewood from the truck out front to the fire pit in the back. What a creative and safe way to provide activity for the boys while the parents enjoy the space on the outside of the oval.

Karma Stiff Joints - Santee, CA

A few years back, we started Karma on a chewable joint medicine in anticipation of her aging process. Since she is crazy for her ball and will chase it at top speed every time it’s thrown, we thought this might be good preventative care. Well, Ruthi wasn’t able to get a refill in time and Karma went about a week without the twice daily dosage. Trips to the park during this time reflected that Karma is indeed moving into the elderly phase (she turns 8 in a few days). After a few long fast runs, she stopped being interested in anything that required her to go very far. She took her ball to another owner who didn’t have a “chucker” and therefore wasn’t able to throw the ball very far.

We finally got her refills and started her back on the medicine. After about 1 week to 10 days, Karma was back chasing the ball at full speed as far as Ruthi could “chuck” it. So Super Joint Enhancer form Pet Meds does indeed enhance joints in older dogs. We’ll never be without moving forward.

Native Born Californians - Santee, CA

An observation – When driving around Southern California (or anywhere in CA, for that matter) you can tell if the walkers / street crossers / mall joggers are Native-born Californian or immigrants from other states/countries. How? You may ask. Well, Native Californians just walk out and across through fares without a look either way. They just strut straight ahead and leave it to traffic to accommodate them. If a pedestrian does stop and look before venturing out, you know for sure that they weren’t raised here in California. It makes for very careful driving and constant scanning for people near the roadways. You just never know when someone will walk right out in front of the car/truck.

Frosty Paws - Santee, CA

It has been a long while since Karma has had to deal with snow or cold ground. So, today when her paws hit the frost covered grass, she started bouncing like a pogo stick. Really she was jumping straight up over and over again until she got to a frost free section. Ruthi was laughing so hard it was hard for her to hold on to the leash.

Camp Bow Wow - El Cajon, CA

The Camper of the Month for December is Karma!!

Karma has been coming to Camp Bow Wow since 2008! She is such a friendly girl and we love her visits to Camp. Her and her family travel a lot so we only get to play with her for periods at a time, but she always jumps right back in to the Camp family each time she comes back to San Diego! Karma likes to hang out in the yards and watch all the high energy pups run around and play. And she is always ready to enjoy time with her favorite Camp Counselors too.

Wire Cutter – Interstate 215, CA

We only had 175 miles to go from the Acton Thousand Trails RV Park to our winter digs in Santee, CA. So, we didn’t exactly get up early to leave; expecting a nice leisurely drive getting through before the San Diego rush hours traffic clogged the roads. We headed east to I-15 and eventually got onto I-215 to bypass most of the LA traffic. Just north of the CA-74 exit to Hemet, CA (about 100 miles into the trip) we heard a muffled sound of something hitting or breaking off truck. No lights/messages came up on the console and everything seemed to drive as usual. A few miles (maybe as many as 5) the “low tire pressure” indicator came one.

We still weren’t worried/suspicious – we had gotten new tire about 3 weeks ago and figured that the techs forgot to reset the pressure sensors – that has happened twice before with tire repairs or changes. Still we weren’t hearing any flat tire sounds, so we immediately checked for the next exit. Getting off at CA-74, we headed East looking for either an accessible gas station (remember when towing a 32’ 5th Wheel not all stations are roomy enough for us to enter and turn around) or a safe shoulder that we could pull over on. Again about 2-3 miles East we saw a gas station and turned down the street realizing immediately that there wasn’t enough room for us. Luckily, the road was a wide 4-lane boulevard with ample shoulder for us to pull over on. We both got out to investigate – here are pictures of what we saw!

We called our Good Same Roadside Assistance number and waited for someone to come out and change the truck tire. We were only going 55 mph as that is the towing speed limit in California. What we were able to determine is that as we drove over the wire-cutter, the front tire grabbed it and projected it into our rear tire making a ¾-1” gash between the nice new strong treads. (Later the tire guy said that if the hole was bigger than a ball point pen ink cartridge, it was un-repairable – so an almost new tire is replaced.) the cutters were not done travelling through the air with destruction in mind. The rear tire, now hissing out air, spun the wire cutter back and drove the HANDLE into the RV wall about 1½-1¾”. Luckily, the location of the hole caused no internal damage to the RV.

We wonder what would have happened to the wire cutter projectile, if the RV hadn’t stopped it. It was gaining altitude and could have gone into a following vehicle’s radiator or windshield and we wouldn’t have even known as we would have been traveling away from the event.

When Roadside Assistance arrived we needed to unhook the RV and pull the truck forward about 6 feet; so that the jack only had to lift the truck. When he was finished, we backed up, re-hooked to the RV and were on our way. So 175 miles ended up taking 6½ hours and we got to our RV site just before sunset.

Karma and the Dunes - Oceano, CA

As one of Ruthi's friends pointed out, we haven't updated our blog much. Not much excitement when sitting for 4+ months in Oceano near Karma’s favorite running area – The Dunes. In our first site, we were about 20 yards from the entrance to the park area. For the last 2 weeks, we were further from the dunes but the pattern remained the same. Most mid-mornings, Ruthi took Karma out with her tennis ball (Karma’s that is), a hundred foot lead (Karma is not to be trusted on recalls with all of the vegetation and other dog/wild animal smells) and the “Chucker”. To ensure the most exercise for Karma, Ruthi would trick Karma into thinking the ball was going uphill and off she’d go. Then Ruthi would throw down hill and Karma would charge in that direction. Once she got the ball, Karma needed to come uphill again to Ruthi for another throw. The process is repeated until Karma calls a time out, goes to a bit of shade under one of the bushes where she digs, digs, digs into the sand for a cool spot.

When other people or dogs come to the dunes, Karma shares her ball both for the people to throw and for the dogs to go get. She especially likes small groups of kids. Karma takes the ball to one kid at a time making sure each has an opportunity to throw the ball. Even if the kid is too young to get the ball much farther than Karma herself, she doesn’t mind. The idea is for the ball to be thrown and for Karma to catch or chase it down and REPEAT forever. She will be 8 next month and we have noticed a bit of a slow down but not very much. Instead of running like a rocket up the hill for the 20th or 30th throw, she not trots or even walks near the end of our daily Dune time.

Wonderfully Washed Rig by JJ - Oceano, CA

This is the second year we have had JJ wash and detail the exterior of the rig. At 15 years old, the rig does need this work done at the least annually. JJ is really through and washes, cleans the oxidation off, then waxes. I am attaching some pictures that he took that reflect the clean shine that he was able to extract with all of his HARD work. while he has a power hose and an electric buffer, most of the work is by hand. It is back-breaking effort and we really appreciate it!

Dog Trainer – Oceano, CA

We have had some issues with Karma’s barking, pulling on her leash and not being very good at recall (come when called). Her daycare staff recommended a local dog trainer (Good Dogma out of Los Osos, CA) for private lessons. She came over and got us both involved in simple corrections for our 3 high priority concerns. then checked back with us and eventually did a second home visit before we left for the winter.

What we discovered is that it is not Karma’s problem but ours as owners. We are slack in discipline and inconsistent in corrections. So, we have become more attentive to our corrections, paying more attention to the triggers that cause her to bark. We are seeing progress both in us as owners and her a the “pet”. We think that we are more difficult students than Karma.

LA Trip - Los Angles, CA

While we went down to LA to see Susan (Boots’ daughter), Karma went to the kennel for 2 nights. This is the same place that she does her daycare, so she knows the staff and a lot of the dogs. It’s just easier fi we don’t have to ensure the hotel/motel will take dogs and the temperatures allow for her to stay in the truck when we are at locations that don’t allow dogs – restaurants, facilities, etc. We came to get her she was not very pleased to see us and when we got home she was all over the place – scratching and barking. In general, saying F@#$ YOU for leaving me for 2 nights.

Here’s our translation of her behavior – “Whew, they finally came to get me!!! I could have gone with but NOOOO I HAD TO GO TO A SLEEPOVER! Really, I mean I like Taylor and all the dogs but there aren't Dunes, tennis balls and sleep number beds!! Can you imagine, I had to sleep on my bed mat both nights – ugh! What were they thinking???”

Interstate 405 is a nightmare in LA - 5-6-7 lanes all speeding your direction at 65mph. Every so often there is construction which is supposed to slow everyone down to 55mph but doesn't. Then there are the "crawls": everyone is going 40mph or less and cars are zipping from lane to lane to gain a mere inch on another driver. Going down (South) we weren't sure about how/where we should get off but going North, we were able to get into the FAR left lane (HOV - High Occupancy Vehicles - commuters with 2 or more people). Since we weren't towing and had 2, we drove almost the whole distance in that lane. The biggest advantage is that you only have to worry about 1 lane to the right and those idiots merging onto the highway are someone else's problem.

Ruthi drives the city roads and Boots drives the mountain lanes. Ruthi was really enjoying it, while Boots was nervous in the passenger's seat!

Deer and Tarantulas - Oceano, CA

One of the best things about this park is that we are less than 20 yards from the entrance to the Pismo State Beach dunes. Once inside the gate Ruthi can let Karma lose and the game of “ball” begins. When there are a lot of visitors and dogs in the park, like today, Ruthi waits to let Karma off leash until they have reached the crown of the entrance area, so that they can see just what else is out there competing for the great up/down dunes to run in, fly a kite, slide on disks, chase a ball, etc. etc. etc. Ruthi and Karma don’t go very far into the park because for every “down” there is an “up” in very loose sand.

Ruthi throws the ball and Karma gives chase at top speed. She (Karma, not Ruthi) gets sand everywhere and especially on her cheeks, nose and all over her tongue. But, she never says “let’s go home, I’m tired.” When Karma has completed her 2 duties (pee/poop) and senses that Ruthi is done throwing, Karma begins scanning the dunes for another sucker to throw the ball for her. Today she was doing a duty and was about to turn towards a family that was coming up the dunes when a mule deer ran out of the foliage on the edge of the park. The deer saw Ruthi and Karma or more correctly saw Karma and immediately did a sliding 180ᵒ back to the bushes.

Luckily, Karma did not see the deer. Karma was off leash and has never been good at the “recall” command. She would have given chase and who knows when she would return. Ball or no ball the deer running away would have been too much for Karma to ignore. She did sense that something was up because all of the humans on the dunes were reacting with various comments and yells. But, alas, Karma decided that the family she had sighted was close enough to be a part of her “chase the ball” game. Karma regularly dropped the ball in front of the mother first, then the daughter, and then the son in turn until they had climbed the dunes. Ruthi was able to thank the family for entertaining Karma and get the dog leashed for the walk back to the RV.

As we were all talking and commenting on Karma’s “sharing” ability, another member of their party came up and commented that they had found a tarantula on the lower part of the dunes. Ruthi just Googled “tarantulas on California beaches” and found out that it’s rare for a daytime beach sighting. Good thing cause with Ruthi’s spider phobia, Karma’s walks on the dunes would be over. For at least a few days, Ruthi will be much more aware of the animal life possible in the sand.

Foreign Travelers - Oceano, CA

At various RV Parks, and Rest Stops we have met RVers from other countries. This year we have already met more than the last 5 years all together. They are from Japan, South Korea, Germany and a large contingency from Quebec, Canada. The South Koreans rented a class A from a company focused on Korean visitors.

These visitors don’t seem to have the dog companions like the American RVers. We think Karma (at 50+ pounds) is at the large end of an RV travel companion. We have seen week-enders and full-timers with multiple dogs much bigger than Karma. Or, like our neighbors a few days ago with 4 dogs of many breeds (basset mix, standard poodle (looked a lot like Karma, except for the poodle puffy tail), Chihuahua mix, Sheppard mix).

Thank You - Interstate 5 in California

Driving an RV means that you sometimes are the parade marshal and have a number of cars behind you, especially on 2 lane roads. We try to be aware and considerate. When possible with “passing lanes” or “turnouts”, we move over so that the parade may “pass us by.” When stopped for road construction we try to allow for all the vehicles behind us to follow the lead car first; thereby ensuring that once we are back on the regular road, they won’t have to try to pass us. Sometimes the cars’ drivers thanks us by flashing their lights or waving a hand (not finger) at us as they pass. More times than not they just pass us and disappear ahead of us.

Yesterday and today are exceptions. We had about 50% of the cars we let get by us on the run down the canyon from Quincy, CA to Oroville, CA, wave or flash their lights in thanks. Then on Interstate 5, trucker after trucker thanked us for letting them know when it was safe to pull back into our lane in front of us. So, we are feeling loved on the highway!

Ducks in the Crosswalk - Marysville, CA

Getting from Quincy to our overnight in Patterson, CA, we pass through Marysville’s downtown section. We were waiting at a particular red light with a city park on our right when up to the crosswalk 2 hungry ducks appear. They are either eating grain left on the pathway and edge of the road or consuming grit for their gullets. Either way, they appear to be getting ready to cross the busy highway as soon as the “WALK” sign is illuminated. So, Boots (the driver at the time) watches carefully and creeps into the intersection being careful that she doesn’t commit duck-icide. Thankfully, the ducks are too focused on their eating to pay any attention to the traffic or wanting to cross the road. So, no “Why did the duck cross the road jokes?” here.

Sunny the Dog – Quincy, CA

The kids have a wonderfully relaxed “floppy” dog named Sunny. He is a German short hair mixed dog, with great marking and a smaller head that is beagle colored. Little seems to faze him. Unlike Karma’s need to “police” all locations and errant animals (rabbits, cats, squirrels, and armadillos) with barks and chases, Sunny just works with each of them to develop a play pattern. Karma and Sunny get along well but have different interests. While Karma will chase the ball again and again, Sunny would rather get the first one and bury it for future play. So, we always start with 2 balls and then after Sunny’s first throw is finished, Karma continues.

We went to pick up the kids (Bodhi 8YO and Tara 4YO) for an afternoon of biking and movies at our RV. We were busy loading the bikes into the back of the truck and hooking up the booster seat for Tara. Then we were getting the kids into the truck and Boots got in the driver seat. She noticed that Sunny was laying down in the passengers’ foot space. He didn’t want to be left behind so he got the best seat he could find. Like Karma, he hates to be left home.

What a difference 20 years makes - Quincy, CA

We have 7 smart, handsome/cute, successful - :) :) :)- grandchildren (5 boys and 2 girls). Now they, or at least the older ones are producing the cutest great-grandchildren in the world (of course). The oldest grand-daughters is a 24 college student while the other is a 4 year old in pre-school. When the 24YO (Kashmere) was in grade school she was asked to write a story about her family. Kashmere chose to write about us, her grandmothers. She had spent most week-ends with us after having lived with us for her first year. Kashmere wrote about how much she loved us and admired who we each were. Her teacher contacted her parents and informed them that her essay would not be posted because of the content. What the teacher missed was that by her actions, she made Kashmere into a strong fierce ally for LGBT people and issues. Kashmere stood up against bullies and the ignorant from that day forward. She wasn’t going to let prejudice get away with hurting anyone else and especially her grandmothers – us. Recently she researched and presented the topic – Civil Unions & Marriage, What Are The Legal Differences – in one of her college classes. So, while the elementary teacher’s motives were suspect, her actions really made the right impression on Kashmere.

That brings us to our youngest grand-daughter, 4YO Tara. We only see her for a month each year when we travel to her hometown and visit with her, her 8YO brother and parents. When we picked her up from pre-school for an afternoon visit, her teacher shared that all of her classmates were envious of Tara’s 2 grandmothers that lived together in an RV. They all wished that they had 2 grandmothers that lived together. So, not only is Tara lucky to have a better teacher than her cousin, she is growing up 20 years later than her cousin. We like to think that her cousin, Kashmere, has in some ways made Tara’s path smoother!

Cleaning the RV - Reno, NV

Living full-time in an RV brings with it the challenge of keeping it clean – nooks and crannies, etc. While Boots was in Alaska getting her driver’s license renewed, Ruthi set about wiping every surface, sweeping every errant dog hair, vacuuming floors/window coverings, washing the floor on her hands/knees, etc. etc. etc. - two days of intense cleaning. Afterwards, she was thinking, hmm was it all worth it. One shake of her body, Karma sends little black hairs everywhere, even though she had just been groomed/furminated.

Keeping dust and grime out of the RV is next to impossible, Besides the windows, doors (without porch/arctic entry) letting in dust and grime from each RV site, our flip flops and Karma’s paws carry more into the rig. Ruthi has flip flops at the door and another pair outside because with walking the dog, she has a tendency to go off paths and sidewalks to pickup presents left by Karma.

Short of sealing the RV inside a large bubble, we live with dust, grime and dirt with continual wiping/vacuuming!

US 395 in Eastern California

US 395 has an extremely diverse landscape with respect to the geological aspects. Starting in the South there are ragged mounds of black charred lava chunks strewn all over the landscape. It really looks like the origins of the earth so many millions of eons ago. Maybe this is the result of the big bang / collision that started our planet. This goes on for miles with little other points of interest – no vegetation, no animals seen, not even snakes. Then the grounds begin to look like raw edges of the earth pushed up against each other like a long long fault line. The ridges crisscross the terrain between the Sierra and Inyo mountain ranges.

Eventually, we get to the glacial moraines of smooth rounded rocks as we approach central California. These rounded “rocks” are as large as houses or as small as bricks. The variations are really interesting to look at and speculate about. Still it’s high dessert with little useful vegetation. Locals have explained all of the political signs about water rights - that is an important issue for each election. Southern California has acquired much of the natural water flows from this central section of Eastern California. What use to be lush farm/ranch land is now VERY VERY dry. There is still some water in the valley’s river but Southern California still takes its share.

Then almost on some magical line cutting across California West to East, we drive into rich green fields with cattle munching here and there. And, like magic we are driving through farms/ranches up to we cross into Nevada and eventually to Reno. Every time we take this route we see more and more geological diversity and wonder about how it all came to be here so close to our Western coast. US 395 isn’t as beautiful as US 191 from Farmington, NM to Moab, UT or US 101 along the Northern Coast of California or Oregon but it’s up there in the top 3.

OK, here's some technical terms for the areas we passed through on US 395 (Boots did some research). There are cinder and black basaltic cones. There are lava fields near Taboose Creek. Most of that area comes from the Mesozoic period and include batholiths and igneous type rocks.

FYI, USA Weekend magazine put US 395 as 1 of the 5 Best Road Trips, check it (http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20130517/LIVING01/305170007/USA-s-5-best-road-trips) out! It covers the Northern section that we haven't traversed yet.

Traversing California (South to North)

While everyone talks about the size of Alaska, California is 3rd after Texas in acreage. Alaska has the acreage, but the limited road system (Anchorage to Fairbanks, Tok, Valdez, and back to Anchorage) really shrinks the feel of Alaska’s breadth. Having isolated cities like Juneau, Bethel, Dillingham, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, etc. with only air access (unless you count the Iditarod sled run from Anchorage to Nome (estimate of 1,000 miles)) really makes Alaska feel smaller than either Texas or California.
Coming from Santee, CA to Reno, NV, we take Interstate 15 to the starting point of California 395 about 15 miles south of Adelanto, CA straight up to Reno, NV. You can cross California South to North multiple ways - US 1 along the coast (though not recommended for RVs), CA 101 slightly inland from US 1 (works for RVs), Interstate 5 or CA 99 through the Central Valley or CA 395 on the Eastern side.

We have hauled the rig on each of these routes (except for US 1) as we have traversed California these past few years. We like CA 395 best because of the varied landscapes even though there are a lot of up/down in the valley’s route around the Sierra and Inyo Mountain ranges. We go from sea level to 8,000 feet and then back down to 4,000 in Reno. It makes for extra care of our air beds – need to remove air before we leave or we’ll be sleeping on bricks or burst beds.

Toilet Replacement - San Marcos, CA

Camping World replaced our 15 year old toilet on top of the 2 inch riser that we wanted removed because we had purchased a new high-profile toilet. The results of their installation meant we proactically needed a ladder to pee. Then we noticed they forgot to re-install the handy spray hose. So, what was an 3/4 hour job took 2 hours. We were a bit upset given that we had to continue on to Adelanto because San Marcos town laws doesn’t allow RVers to spend the night in the Camping World parking lot. the good news is that the Camping World Service manager comp'ed the labor costs ($134.00). So, we are smiling!!!!

Cottonwood Tree - Santee, CA

We were sitting in the RV enjoying the A/C as the temperatures are in the low 80s. There was a small breeze but not enough to cool us. Ah, Spring in the Lower 48!!! Anyway, suddenly we heard a swooshing noise and tree limbs/branches floated down to the back right of our rig. The cottonwood tree on the site next to us decided to shed a “branch”. From the size of the “branch” (about 12 inches in diameter), we aren’t sure that is the correct term.

Anyway, the branches fell on to the gazebo and surrounded his lawn chairs but the RV and extended awning were untouched. Talk about lucky. He, the neighbor that is, was out of town for the week-end and missed the entire event. The park crew came by and removed the debris. They said that this is a common occurrence for Cottonwood trees. It seems the various climate effects (drought, flooding, etc.) cause these “branches” to just drop off of the trees. It has happened to other trees in the park before. The “branch” looked healthy with lots of smaller branches and green leaves all ready for summer. The core of the branch was dried out and hollow about 2-3 inches diameter.

So, we are now looking at our site and wondering. The park staff said that the California Sycamore that we sit under doesn’t do that exactly but it does drop small branches (1/4 to ½ inch diameter) like leaves all year long - interesting trees here in the Lower 48. There’s even an evergreen that doesn’t appear to be a fir or pine. Ruthi hasn’t figured it out yet but it stayed green all winter and dropped no leaves. Well, that’s for another posting.

Rattle Snake Baby - Santee, CA

Ruthi was at the laundry facility and after loading the washer she moved a chair outside to read while she waited. Another camper came from the bike/dog trail behind the laundry and asked her, “Do you know anything about snakes, rattlers?” Ruthi’s first reaction was, at least it’s not a spider! But not knowing much about them she volunteered to call the office/park ranger. The woman wanted her to see the snake. Ruthi was unsure of how close she needed to get to see that it was a snake, rattler or not wasn’t that important.

The camper had hiking boots and jeans on while Ruthi was dressed in flip-flops and shorts. That’s not a lot of protections against snakes. She can’t even run fast in flip-flops. Anyway, she walked back with the camper and agreed that it was probably a baby rattler. Did you know that baby rattlers are more dangerous than adult versions. Why? You may ask. The Camp Host who came and got the snake for transport to the wild desert on the North side of the park said that babies don’t know how to stop pumping venom. So, getting bit by the baby is more lethal/deadly. The adults can control the amount and length of time they push venom through their fangs to the bitee!

Before walking over to the closest Camp host for assistance, Ruthi call the office. But she was on hold, 5th one in the queque. That wasn’t very helpful as the snake was slithering into the grass and heading for the building. When she finally got someone on the line, she recommended that maybe another option might be provided for calling the Ranger for animal issues: like when the coyote got a camper’s dog, or this snake incident. They weren’t very receptive to the feedback.

Karma's Grooming - Santee, CA

It was time to shorten the length of hair that Karma sheds all over the rig. For a Labradoodle, you would think at least it would be less shedding. We think, in fact, that she sheds more than a pure Labrador does. So, off to the grooming she was going to go. The last time we had used the local Pet Smart, we had been less than pleased with their customer service. They just didn’t seem to be as dog friendly as what we had experienced in prior years. So, we went looking for another option. We had stopped in at the groomers next to the local library and decided they would be ok.

On the day we dropped her off, the groomer came out to find out exactly what we had in mind – no bows in the hair, no kerchiefs, no cologne, really no frou frou and don’t touch the moustache. The groomer was really insulted because this was a dog “salon” and Karma deserved to be pampered. You would think that one look at us and our obvious lack of “salon” treatment would be a hint that we didn’t want our dog frou frou’d either. But no, she was insulted that we would so “cruel”. Anyway, we got out of there (before Boots attacked her) with the knowledge that at least Karma would get loving treatment. Then we began to think about the PRICE for a “salon” treatment for Karma.

When we arrived to pick up Karma, we were pleasantly surprised to find out the cost was even less than the Pet Smart rate. And, Karma had a good time and looked great with no frou frou or cologne – whew!

Canadian Neighbors - Santee, CA

Today our Canadian neighbors left for the 4 week saunter back up to Calgary, Alberta. We met them back in 2009 when they were parked next to us along the stream here in Santee Lakes. They have a little make Yorkie that’s about the same age as Karma. Taking Karma out for a walk, she always wanted to go across to their site and do a few sniffs with Jake first. In her excitement of meeting him she would rush at Jake. He’s a brave little fellow but Karma’s rush to greet him and size always makes him seek shelter with his owners. Eventually Karma relaxes and Jake comes back out for the exchange of sniffs.

We have developed a friendship with this 80+YO couple of adventurers. We even all went to Texas for last winter (2011). Unfortunately, we weren’t in the same RV Park but we did get a chance to see them while we were in the Houston area. They have been Camping/RVing since their 2 children were little. They have been coming to the San Diego area for at least the past 20 years. She really loves the Southern California weather and environment. They are the only RVers we know who drive shorter days than we do. So, they take a month to get here December 1st and then a month to get back by April Fool’s Day.

This year their departure was delayed because the wife had a heart attack about 6 weeks ago. He had her transported via ambulance to a local hospital and eventually to UCSD (University of California at San Diego) Medical Center. Their son had been down at Christmas time and the daughter came (as scheduled) just before she was discharged from the hospital. So, her recovery was helped having her daughter around. After the daughter returned to her home, Ruthi went with the husband (or both of them after she was discharged) to assist with getting her in and out of the truck. At first, it didn’t look like she’d be able to ride back and would need to be medivaced to Calgary but she did improve day by day.

By the time they left, she was even helping to stow things away. She was sad to leave Santee, knowing she might not be able to come back next year. But, she was very happy to be heading to the casinos in Laughlin, NV before heading north.

Karma's Sense of Space - Santee, CA

Usually, Karma is very aware of her surroundings and can avoid poles, chairs, other dogs, etc. in her speed runs to get from a point A to point B or to get a ball. When out walking, she sometimes gets on the side of a pole or tree that is away from us and we use “this side” to get her to un-circle herself and join us on the same side of the obstacle.

But not this morning. She was sniffing/marking around one of the poles that holds up various signs in the RV park when something got her attention. Either another dog coming up on her left or her favorite camp host (provides treats when Karma finds him) just came around his rig’s corner and surprised her, because she leaped up and charged right into one of the sign poles. There was a loud “clunk” sound and she gave some attention to the left side of her skull. It all appears to be ok but she really got a good hit.

Snow - Santee, CA

Well, it’s really not snow but a lot of sleet that fell rather quickly this morning. It was very loud on the roof and you could see it on the ground around the tent and the grass areas it did accumulate a bit. Sorry, I don't have pictures but it melted too fast for me to get the snaps.

RV Mis-Hap - Santee, CA

While we are sitting in one spot for the winter, we don’t have as much to say as when we are travelling. Santee Lakes Regional Park has 2 entrances/exits from the fenced/gated park. The front entrance is straight, wide and clear of obstacles. The front gate is manned all day and if you are going to be late you can call ahead and get the pass current code. The front exit is very curvy and has raised curbs (with edges that are designed to discourage skate boarders). The rear entrance is much more curvy with raised curbs and drop offs on the other side of the curb. T

The rear exit is relatively wide and straight. Usually the rigs (RV and tow vehicle) select the straight paths and the tow vehicles (trucks and cars) choose the curvy paths.
We mention the gate differences because in the past couple of days we have seen 2 separate rigs making serious errors in selection of the correct gate (exit or entrance) for their path. Both were 5th wheel rigs like ours, though they were a little longer than us. The first rig chose to leave by the most curvy curbed exit. Somehow they were able to get the truck up on the curb where the skateboard discouragement ripped out the truck’s oil pan spilling oil everywhere and making the truck in operable. So, in comes the tow truck to move the 5th wheel off the road way and transport the truck to the local Ford dealer for repairs.

Then last night another rig (5th wheel and truck) selected the most curvy and treacherous entrance with disastrous results. Somehow they got the right side of the rig up and over the curb. They were resting on the rear axles with the wheels hanging in the air. Again, here comes the huge tow truck and an hour later they had eased the rig off the curb and finally were crawling to their RV site. On their morning walk Ruthi and Karma found the rig and noticed that only some wrinkles on the side seem to indicate a brush with the curb. While the rear window and wall (called a cap) was cracked across the width. We are surprised that the axles weren’t severely damaged.