No buttercups, just filling in the blanks of our travels. What have the boys and I been up to? Well a lot and a little.
Here are a few things that we did!
We spent 5 weeks at my Mom’s house in Santa Fe. The motorhome fits nicely in a snug spot under some aspen trees. I accomplished a lot while there, read on……
I started working for Sojos Pet Food! I couldn’t be happier about this job; it’s a perfect match for me. Why? Well because Sojos is a small company that is totally dedicated to making the best possible raw, freeze-dried food out there, all for an affordable price. Human-grade, no GMO’s, nothing from China, and all whole food, this company completely aligns with my universe!
I worked at Tulliver’s & The Critters & Me in Santa Fe and had a really good time at both stores. Both stores offer amazing foods and supplies and have very knowledgeable staff.
Hiking in SF with Daisy Dog (Mom’s dog).
The purging continues. I took out more items from the motorhome. It feels good to get rid of more items that “I thought I would need”. I look at my storage unit stuff in disbelief, not really wanting to mess with any of it.
I spent a week in Durango during this time. I was running from one event or friends house to the next. It was a very busy and fun time seeing many of my favorite peeps. I worked 2 days at Pet Haus and really enjoyed seeing old friends there also.
Mick & Diesel Dog, the great squirrel hunters!
My Mom turned 85! My sisters and my Mom’s brother & wife were all there and we had a nice party at my Mom’s house. A very fun event!
Wowzers, who would think Mom is 85!!!
I bought a car! I said that I was not going to tow a car when I stared out, never say never! I traveled this winter without a car and there were many times that I was a little stuck. And in order to work for Sojos, I really need a car. Also the car is carrying all of the Sojos’ samples. I bought a 2011 Mini Cooper, her name is Mini Pearl. I love her; she’s a blast to drive.
The Minnie pulling the Mini Pearl.
Mini Pearl spent 2 days at Tom’s RV in Albuquerque. She got her Blue Ox towing system set up. She will ride “4 down”, meaning all four wheels are on the ground. I had to make an extra trip to ABQ to get the towing system working perfectly. It’s more complicated than you might think, here’s a shot of all the connections. Break away cables, braking cables, safety cables and more. So far the system is working great and the Minnie pulls the Mini very nicely.
Irish at Tom’s RV wiring the Mini Pearl
A lot of connections! Safety first!
I got the Minnie Motorhome and Mini Pearl New Mexico plates and I purchased a New Mexico driver’s license. It’s official, I am a New Mexico resident.
And as always, I’m researching places to go and to stay, and this can be a timely process. Now I research Pet Supply stores that carry Sojos so I can do demos there.
Just recently we spent 10 days in Salida, CO at our good friend’s Jennifer’s summer cottage. There were 2 weekend festivals, FibArk, a fabulous river festival and Art Walk, featuring all the amazing artists in Salida, believe me, there are a lot. Salida is a beautiful little mountain town on the Arkansas River. Jennifer took 5 gals, including me on a paddle raft with the river at 5000 cfs, which is basically flood stage for this river. It was a wild and wooly ride. We had to duck 5 bridges and one was especially hairy. Thankfully we had a clean run with no casualties. We took another trip with Mick on the boat, it was a very large 20ft oar boat, so it felt like a pleasure ride and the river had dropped significantly. All in all, I love Salida; it goes on the list of places to settle down “someday”.
Romeo with his cooling jacket on on “S” mountain overlooking Salida.
On the Arkansas from the big raft.
The afternoon scene on Jennifer’s deck on the river with some fun folks.
The Raft Betties!
Salida Art Walk, Sat Night fun.
Tonight we reside at 10,152 feet, in Leadville, CO. Tomorrow we head to Frisco to do a demo at A&A Pet Supply. We’ll head to Golden, CO and stay at my very oldest friend in my life, Lisa. We’ll stay in this area for 2-3 weeks and visit some great pet supply stores and host demos. It’s going to be really fun!
We’ll that’s our adventures of late. It’s a good life and I’m thankful.
Downtown Leadville at 10,152 feet.
The Leadville RV Corral, walk to downtown.
Hey Juliet, I have a 08 Mini and have wondered about towing it. Mine is an automatic. I do love driving it and miss it when I’m traveling. Safe travels , Diane Olsen
Diane, it has to be a manual, sorry about that. Mini Cooper does not condone the towing, but they tow just fine if they are manual transmission. It’s such a fun and zippy little car.
you are so darling!!
You are creating such a fun adventurous life!
I couldn’t be happier for you, except I miss you!!
Wow, you’ve really been busy.
And I’m impressed and amazed that you’ll be towing a car. Just driving the RV sounds tough enough to me. But I know you’ll love the flexibility of having a smaller vehicle when you need it.
Congrats on the new gig.
Thanks so much Pamela. I love having the Mini to drive. It’s sooooo fun. But yes, when towing it’s a different ball game. There’s no backing up and that makes me nervous!
I just discovered your website and found that timing is everything! So glad you enjoyed Salida and Leadville, Colorado, as I am a long time resident of Buena Vista – right in between! My dog, Sully and I are gettting ready to launch our own foray on the open road this next Spring and I am in the process of looking at RV’s, locations, work, etc., so your blog is extremely helpful (and encouraging!). I’m a photographer and set up Photo Tripping America.com to help other photographers and people who like to travel with their dogs, as well. Sully writes our monthly newsletter and we are both looking forward to reading more of your blog! Thanks for all the effort!