A REALLY Short Trip

Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can find a mesmerizing new view, relax in your RV in a wonderfully peaceful, shady glen …

Without ever leaving your own driveway.

Yep, I’m boondocking midway down our long, shady driveway today. Admittedly, if I’m still here by evening, I’ll likely be put upon by mosquitoes, but that’s a concern for later.

For now, the bugs seem to be respecting the Natz bug spray I’ve liberally spritzed on my screen door.

OK, although I think it’s pretty cool that I can camp deep in the woods, feeling for all the world like I’m the only occupant in a very scenic, secluded campground – you are likely wondering why I’m camping 500’ from where I normally park the RV while I’m at home.

It’s because, after several days of off an on rain, it dawned lovely and clear today. Which means we needed to take full advantage of the opportunity and “mow” the already once again overgrown yard and parking area with our big walk-behind weed-eater.

The only way to do that is to move all three vehicles, especially the RV, completely out of reach of hard-flung stones. Our yard is, in places, as much gravel as grass. More so in our parking area.

The truck gets moved out by the barn. The Dodge is parked well down the driveway. Easy-peasy.

To move the RV, of course, I have to pretty much prepare it as if I’m going camping. Pull in the slide, store the steps and door mat, unplug from shore-power (the house), coil and store both electric cords and my surge protector and bring in my potted mosquito-plant.

Rather than drive away for the day (or longer), while Jerry tackles the yard work, I pulled the RV out the driveway to where it was bumper to bumper with the car. I know Jer’s leg is not up to doing this yard work my himself yet.

I sat there for a few minutes, enjoying the dappled shade as I listened to Jer start up the weed-whacker. It ran for about 15 minutes and then shut down.

We HAD made an agreement to take turns with the mowing, each doing as they were able, then resting while the other mowed for a while. I guessed it was my turn.

After doing a half-hour stint, I returned to the RV with Ronni, where it was cool and shady, with just enough breeze to help keep skeeters at bay.

As I made lunch, I decided, what the heck. This was actually a pretty awesome place to spend the night. With the windows and screen door open and letting in sunshine, bird song and fresh air, I had privacy, safety and that always longed for new view through my bedroom window.

Admittedly, I am totally blocking the driveway, but hey, the car is in front of me if either of us want to go anywhere. 👍

As I walked back later from yet another bout with the mower (it seems Jer and I are both wusses), I noticed the wild roses along the driveway were putting on a riotous show, and was happy to see another spruce-tree playing host to climbing rose vines. Time to stop and smell the roses.

Most of our yard was finally mowed, and encroaching brush, small, persistent saplings and yes, rose bushes either demolished or trimmed back within their assigned boundaries by the time I completed one last pass at about 8:00 pm. Probably the most appreciated thing about our robust walk-behind weed-whacker is its ability to pulverize up to a one inch tree sapling. 👍

I still need to mow the length of the yard/driveway leading to the wood shed and down to Jer’s shop, so my happy decision to leave Roada (RV) up in her driveway camping spot is actually a practical one. I’ll be able to get out early tomorrow and mow that section while it’s still cool – and not have to move the RV..

Oh, did I mention; the wild Alaskan geraniums have just started blooming! Soooo pretty! Right now, there’s only a few blossoms down at the turn of the driveway, but within the week, it’ll be a solid field of purple in this area that still looks deceptively green.

Well, I sure got plenty of exercise in today, along with plenty of sunshine, so I should sleep well. Ronni and I took a walk all the way out to the street and back, with numerous side-trips for possible critter sniffing, so she’s ready for bed too. Come to think of it, it’s well past her usual bedtime.

It’s time to close up for the night, draw my night shades to block out the still-bright sunshine (it’s 11:00 pm) and hit the sack.

Tomorrow looks to be yet ANOTHER summer day! ☀️