Dry camping is teaching me a lot!
Most of my camping doesn't require a significantly different perspective than living in my city home. But dry camping for long periods of time really is a lesson in resource management.
Over the last couple of years, I've learned to balance my electrical usage with the power that can be generated and stored by my solar/battery system (can't just assume there will be juice anytime I want to plug something in like at home).
This trip, the balance points are water, sewage and trash.
I can store lots of fresh water, but as careful as I am (and I've researched ALL the tips on various camping forums), I find I can only go about a week before I need to dump the black water tank. In order to save on water and not fill up my gray water too fast, I'm using paper plates - but that increases my trash (and it's not always easy to find a dumpster - no city trash pickup in the dessert!) and accumulating trash takes up space and gets smelly. I am so much more aware and appreciative of the city utilities I enjoy at home (although I'll still probably grumble about the cost).
Casita Rally in Quartzite
I've joined the rally for the weekend - they're expecting 75 -80 trailers and the area on Dome Rock Road, which looked spacious earlier this week is looking downright crowded today! I've been busy meeting new people and hiking every day. I have a list of 'good ideas for trailer moods' that is getting longer every day. I'm also getting a list of good places to boondock from practically everyone I meet.
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| Ursula and Jim |
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| "Hey guys, look at this!" |
There are miles of OHV roads in the area, many leading to old mines (none of us went in more than a couple of feet).
Naked Man Bookstore and other stuff!
While getting a surprisingly good (and reasonably priced!) haircut at Headhunters II (right next door to the RV Pit Stop on Hwy 95), I asked about a local bookstore so that I could swap out my supply of books. I was directed to Oasis Books on the east side of town on Main street and told 'don't be shocked'. That could mean only one thing: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/31581 - the naked man bookstore starring the very nice Paul Whiner! In deference to the weather on the day I visited, he was wearing a parka and socks in addition to the 'critical sock' - although he apparently does pose for photos, I decided to keep this post PG-rated.
I'd say you are doing good lasting a week on the BWtank. That's great all the help other folks are giving the rookie. They probably all had to go through the same things.
ReplyDeleteAs quirky as Quartzite sounds I think I want to visit someday to hike and explore the land. How's FW doing?
FW is getting frisky - she climbed the screen door yesterday - but still runs when I open the door. I let her outside on the leash for a few minutes - she explored under the trailer and then ran back inside. She has many napping spots.
DeleteIt's surprising what a different mindset boondocking requires. Yes, the black tank is THE limiting factor.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I used to do to save dishwashing water is put a little dish soap and water in a cup, dip a cloth in it, wash a dish, then use a spray bottle to rinse it -- and the dish cloth. Not ideal, but it's amazing how far a quart of water can go.
Also I have turned off the water supply to the toilet and flushed with a spray bottle. But then you have to have a hose and a lot of water to refill the black tank and make sure you get a clean dump when you finally do get to a dump station.
I especially enjoyed the photo of Ursula and Jim hiking. The closeup of the terrain was very interesting.