ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

We have been traveling and visiting New Mexico’s state parks now for over a month.  We started out at Navajo Dam near Farmington.  Elevation there was only at 6100 above sea level.
Now to some that isn’t really much-while to others anything over 4000 feet is too high.  Last year while working at James M. Robb/CO River State Park near Grand Junction, we had a older lady that came from the mid west area that got elevation sickness and we were barely over the 4000 feet.  She ended up having to cut her family visit and go back down to sea level.  I really felt sorry for her and her family-for that meant going almost back home.  I remember saying to Brian that I sure hope that never happens to us while we start our adventure.


Now 12+ years ago when we started to live in an RV and I went to my doctor for my “last” check-up with him; I remember him telling me due to the fact that I do have bad lungs (Severe Chronic Asthma)-I would have to take altitude climbing very serious and gave me strict instructions to go by;  and they were:  anything over 4000 feet, I must only go about 500 feet a day, come back down at night, got back up during daytime for about 2-3 days.  At any point if I felt heaviness in my chest-descend immediately and don’t go back up!  He didn’t think I could ever really go high in elevation and stay any length of time.


Have I taken his advise?  Well, no not actually.  And I haven’t done bad-until now….Since starting our travels, each year my asthma has improved greatly.  Recently I had donated my nebulizer machine to a clinic and no longer carry any kind of inhaler.  But I almost wish now that I at least have an inhaler. 


I had no trouble ascending from 4000 feet to 6000 feet.  Even at 7000 feet, I still wasn’t showing much sign of distress in my lungs or chest.  Oh I occasionally would have a little shortness of breath after extreme hiking and would have to take short breaks to catch my breath, but Brian too was having the same effect-so nothing too worry about.  Just take it easy and go slow.


Now that we have ascended to over 7500 feet, breathing started to get a little more stressful.  We have been here for over a week and only hiked a couple of days with rest in between.  Shortness of breath was coming more frequent-but for the both of us.  I notice since being here, that I’m a little more short temper and agitated and didn’t’ know why.  Surely by now we should be well adjusted to the elevation.  wrong!


Generally, yes, a week adjustment  is sufficient for some to acclimate their bodies to elevation.  BUT it actually takes 3 months for a body to develop more red blood cells to get your oxygen level back to normal.  During this time your body retains more water fluids that actually can go to your heart, lung and brain.


That still wasn’t the total case for me when we made a quick dash to the urgent care in Tierra Amarilla in NM.  I started out having difficulty a few nights ago waking up with what I thought was a racing heart.  I ignored it until it happened again the other night.  But upon getting up yesterday I still had chest pain (felt as though Brian was sitting on my chest and wouldn’t get off), and very short of breath.  As I moved around, I felt better.  Going into Chama to run errands, felt fine.  But after coming back and doing some work, the shortness of breath came back along with the chest pain and the racing heart.  I knew it wasn’t a heart attack, but also knew something just wasn’t right.


Upon entering the clinic I was taken back immediately. an EKG was taken and my theory was right-I wasn’t having a heart attack.  But it wasn’t my lungs either-for they had no wheezing and sounded clear.  Which also meant there wasn’t fluid building either.  So what was causing me to be in distress? 
The last several days we have been socked in with rain and humidity which was enough to cause an onset of severe inflammation on all of my cartilage in my chest and rib bones.  The inflammation was putting added stress on my heart-making it feel as though it was racing.


The doctor was hilarious!  As she is pressing on my chest bone, asking me if that hurt-Brian makes the comment back that oh no we got a quack!  She turns around and actually smacked him! 
But in all seriousness, I had to have an anti-inflammatory shot to reduce the swelling so that I can get back to enjoying life!  I actually had a wonderful team and got excellent care in such a small tiny community.
But at first the doctor talked about us having to descend back down.  I was devastated, for we already had paid for the Cumbre & Toltec Train ride and I wasn’t ready to leave the area yet!  I now don’t have to leave!


But here is a few tips for those that are planning on traveling to higher country and they are not acclimated to the elevation:

• Don’t go from 0 to 100 !  What I mean by that, is let’s say you are at sea level and you plan on camping at 10,000 feet above sea level.  Do it in increments.  Start at 4000 feet for a night, then climb a few thousand and stay for another night or two.  Providing you are not having any difficulties or your body isn’t in stress.  
• Once in high elevation: don’t over exert yourself-even if you feel fine.  Wait a day or two.  Even setting up camp can be stressful to your heart and lungs and you don’t know it. 
• Don’t drink alcohol the first night or two-again give your body time to adjust.  alcohol goes to the blood stream  faster  in higher elevation.
• Take water pills and an anti-inflammatory pill (ibuprofen) to help reduce extra fluid build up in your body.  But please consult your physician first; specially if you have any medical conditions.

Here are some signs that your body maybe in stress from high elevation:

• Headaches.  This is normal to most that ascend.  But if gets extreme-then it’s probably a warning sign that you may need to descend.
• Loss of Appetite:  This could be the beginning and warning sign that something isn’t right, don’t ignore it!
• Agitation or Grumpiness:  Remember, less oxygen the higher you go, which means less oxygen for the brain-can make one more grumpier than normal.
• Shortness of Breath:  this is very common when ascending and can be expected.  However, if gets extreme even when sitting down-then it’s time to think about descending!  Seek professional help!
• NAUSEA:  If you get to the point that you feel sick, you need to seek professional help and descend immediately!
• Dizziness Or Light Headed:  Once again-you need to descend ASAP!  This means fluid is starting to build and you need to go back down and seek medical attention.

Once fluid has started to build around your lungs, heart or in the brain,this becomes a serious medical condition and needs proper medical attention.  Thinking that descending is going to help, it will, but you will need professional help as well.  Folks die every year because they ignore the warning signs.  And don’t think age matters-it don’t….


Unfortunately because my lungs are damaged due to past asthma attacks, I will not be able to spend any time over 9000 feet and above.  I can go for the day and be okay, but not overnight.  So elevation I must always know how high I’m at.


Remember: this is just an advise, and before any elevation climbing, check first with your own physician before going on such an adventure and don’t ignore your own body’s warning signs.  Only you know what your body can or cannot handle.

03-30-2013-FREE BLM IN AZ

We have spent two winters now on BLM Land near Quartzsite, AZ.  There are four LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) where you pay $180.00 to stay.  The season pass is good from 15th of Sept thru 15th of April (7 months).  This fee gets you free dump and water fill and dumpsters to throw your trash and you don’t have to move your rig anytime during those months.  Whether you stay the full 7 months or just 3 months, the fee stays the same.  You can purchase a two week pass for only $40.00, and some folks opt this way if staying less than the 3 months.


While staying on LTVA you have more rules to follow by, for example-generators can’t be run during the hours of 10pm -6am, you can’t just park anywhere, and at least 15 feet from your nearest neighbor-if you choose to be that close.


If one does not want to pay that $180.00 there are several BLM Land that are free in the surrounding  areas of Quartzsite, Parker and Yuma. 


Although we paid the $180.00 for the season pass and our time was not up yet, we wanted to check out some of the free area.  Now the rules are different; in the aspect that there are no rules, other than no gathering of firewood (which applies to all of the BLM Land in AZ).




In other words, folks can park as close as they want to you, can run generators all night long if they wish to, run ATV’s around you all day and night, party, play music or what ever they might choose to do.  Only thing a park ranger will tell you is if you don’t like your neighbor-move.


One thing that amazed us and was a bit surprise, is the fact that the grounds were not cluttered of trash and debris.  We did come across many old and new fire rings, and although gathering of firewood is prohibited, we saw few down and dead wood laying around; It has been scavenged.




Even though it’s Free to camp, you can only stay for 14 days in 30 day period and then you must move at least 25 miles.  You get no water, sewer dump or trash.  As I stated we didn’t see any trash just lying around, but many obvious siting's of both grey and black water that was dumped.




BLM requires you to registered with the host.  Only one problem that I see with their sign; It does not tell you where the host is located.  For example, we stayed at Plamosa Rd, we came off of HWY 95.  Just to the right of the entrance there is a bulletin board and a sign with a camper and a flag pole and a sign that does say host.  Now, the problem lies if you are coming off of HWY 72 onto Plamosa RD, and once entering the 14 day camping area, again it tells you to register with the host, but from this direction how would you located the host? 




since we were there during the very late month of March, campers were far and few between.  Our nearest neighbor at one point was at least a mile away.  but I’m sure during the peak of the winter months this place was booming with campers all over. 


They do have markers in varies areas as to where they do not want you to camp.  We did come across a few markers that need to be replace because at a glance from a vehicle, you cannot read what it says.  They are for day-use purpose only, no overnight camping.




the BLM has also spent lots of money putting up berms so that you just can’t drive off the roadway and make your own roads.  They have markers where they want you to enter the areas at.




All I can say is that while here we did find it to be peaceful and a different view.  
   
                                       

The land and rocks were different that from the LTVA area (a bit harder for walking).  We also noticed that it appears even though some of us pay the $180.00 in the LTVA area, the money is being spent in the Free area and the paid areas are being just a bit neglected as far as road surface and other maintenance is concerned.


With that said, I would not want to be here in the free area during peak time as I’m sure it’s a mad house around here with rigs coming and going and ATV’s running up and down and around you.

WEEK OF: 03-01-2012: PERCULATOR

Being this is Leap Year, and having one extra day really meant nothing to us, other than it’s another election year and I just hate all the political garbage in between TV shows.  One politician knocking down another politician really doesn’t do me any justice and therefore, we choose to watch very little TV. 
So with that said and no more talk about politics, I will let you know how are week went.  This past week the glass to the percolator glass finally broke in half.  It  had a minor little knick out of it, but that isn’t where it finally cracked.   Brian was cleaning it out and getting ready for another morning, when it broke in half.  So the question became what do we do?  Our only problem is that we special order this percolator from Coleman and we would have to special order another glass for it.

Upon going to Coleman’s web page, I soon discover that they are slowly discontinuing parts to this particular model.  However they did still make the glass replacement and it wasn’t really expensive.  But we would have to have it shipped to a business here in Quartzsite and this year she sky rocket her prices for deliveries-providing it would come UPS or FedEx.  If shipped by mail, well then it would have to be shipped all the way back to our NM address and then again shipped general delivery to us here.  To many obstacles…
We could fire up the generator every morning and get out our electric coffee maker until we get back into Quartzsite and/or Parker to find a glass for it. Starting that noisy generator every morning, wasn’t my cup of tea, specially when the generator is directly under the bed and I like to stay nice and warm until the coffee is just about done.
Or Brian could devise a temporary fix until then.  And that is exactly what he did.  He made a temporary fix until we got back into town to find a glass for it.  Here is what it looked like:

He simply took foil and put it over the hole until we could get it fixed. 
Brian checked several junk dealers, the hardware store and no one had this large of a glass for our size of percolator.  So back to square one-to order or not to order.  If we ordered, how soon would the 3rd one break and how many to order?  Along with the regular shipping and handling, we have to pay this lady extra as well. 
Looking at the percolators at Wal-Mart, they didn’t have glass just the top, so Brian thought why do we need a glass, why couldn’t he fix it so that we wouldn’t ever have to worry about it again?  He contemplated on how to go about fixing it and came up with the idea of a water plug or two washers with a bolt & nut to hold it.
We went to Ace Hardware in Parker, taking the lid with us, Brian explained to a worker what he was trying to do.  Took us down the aisle of nuts and bolts.  While Brian was trying to figure out what size would work, this same worker came back with a this stainless steal cap with prongs.  Upon placing in it in the “hole” it was a perfect fit and cheap ($1.40)!  Here is what it looks like now:

Now the question is: will it work?  Yep, best coffee ever!  We even think it perks faster than when we had the glass and I notice less grounds in my cup of joe.  We just simply listen to when it starts to perk and slow down the flame until we know it’s right for us.
Now that’s fix and we once again can enjoy our coffee, the rest of the week went fairly well for us.  It’s starting to warm up more around here.  However the springtime winds seem to be upon us.  The other day we had wind, and an unexpected trace of rain through the night.  Sure wish we could get more rain to help settle all this dust.  The trace we seem to get only makes our car and motorhome show dust mud spots.  I don’t think I have ever seen our home look so dirty as it does now.
Our little dog Leah loves to be outdoors-when it’s not blowing and she occasionally gets a visitor from the neighbor.  It’s a male beagle dog named B.D. and he likes to come over and steal a quick kiss from her and then wonders back home.  The one evening while out walking, we could hear her barking in her kennel upon coming back.  I noticed a four legged critter on our patio; not knowing if it was a coyote or what, Brian goes running home just to discover that B.D. had come a calling!

B.D. is a rescue dog and has learned the art of survival out here in the desert. 
Well soon the countdown to leaving and a new adventure will soon begin.  until next week….

WEEK OF 18-22: TOOTLING

This past week we have just been tootling around Quartzsite and we even took a few ATV trails to see how far we could go in our car without putting it into 4-wheel drive.
We started on BLM road 419 and got between the two  mountains, then the dirt road split in so many directions and not knowing which direction to go, we decided it would be best to turn around.  We have been told that there was an old mining camp back there and that you could get to it by the way of 419.  We didn’t bring our trustee GPS system, so we didn’t want to get lost either.
On the way back we found this saying done in quartz stone:

while out tootling, we decided to check out the LTVA at Lapoosa North and decided that one was way too busy for us to ever consider staying.  Some areas even looked like they were almost on top of one another.
Then we checked out Scaddin Wash which is only a 14 day limit, although it was really spread out, and many areas to “hide”, you  can only stay the 14 days before they kick you out and according to BLM rules, you have to move at least 25 miles for 7 days before coming back and you cannot use their dump station or fill with water-not an option at this time for us. 
Anyways, getting back on track again, we are still on the hunt for that old mining camp.  And again we have not found it and taken the wrong road.  Brian was told that we could jump on the Interstate and take the next exit to get to it-the easy way.
We finally did and yes, we finally found the old mining camp.  However, for all those that seem to talk about it, it was disappointing to me.  Yes, it’s built mainly out of stone, but I never expected to find modern appliances.  Here are some pics of the mining camp:

well we finally had enough of tootling around and it was time to think about heading back home again.  Being this is our second year here at Quartzsite, AZ we always laughed at the watering tower in town where you can contact Quartzsite and pay for water, here are some pics:
notice that the “boy” has a longer “nose” than the “girl”?  Only time we ever saw anyone getting water from here was during the RV Show and then they would water down the grounds to help keep the dust down.
Also something new in Quartzsite this year was at every entrance to the town was new Quartzsite signs.  I guess all the money we winter visitors dish out here They finally put the money to some use.  Question is: Was it worth it or a big waste of money?  I guess that is why this town is in constant uproar over their own local government.  Here is a pic: 

Now that the car is all dirty and dusty, both inside and out, it’s time to stop tootling around and head back home.

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part Three

After a somewhat restful sleep at Lake Dillon, we got up and headed out.  I slept ok, but Brian was worried about me, so he didn’t sleep very good.  Anyways when we woke, the temp had to be near 40 degrees and tearing down camp became very cold on our hands.




In our haste the night before, Brian accidentally spilled what coffee grounds we had, so we had no coffee to help warm us up until we got to a gas station.  After fueling the car and our tummies with hot coffee, it was time to adventure on back home.  My breathing went back to normal and the wheezing had stopped-but I still felt low key and low energy-but I wasn’t going to give in.

As we headed westbound on I-70 the temps slowly warmed up.  It was time to shed the jogging outfits and put on shorts, and finally put more than coffee into our bellies, oh and of course-feed Leah.

We made a stop at a rest area that also was the entrance to the Hanging Lake Trail.  We had all good intentions of hiking on this trail.  However, first sign we saw said no dogs allowed on the trail!  Well that sucked, for we obviously could not leave her in the car either!  So the trail would have to wait for another time….We do understand why and the reasoning why dogs are not allowed on the trail, and therefore will by by the rules.

So back on the Interstate heading homeward bounds.  Next rest stop and pull off was fascinating to us.  We discovered where they put in for rafting on the Colorado River and was fun to watch them get ready to head down the river.  This was called Grizzly Creel Rest Stop.



We had to laugh at this one poor guide.  He was trying to get those on the right side of the raft to start paddling-and all they wanted to do was wave at us while I took their pictures.  The river guide had to do everything from keeping them from going in constant circle with no help from his crew mate!  It was funny, and they did finally headed downriver-in the right direction.

Next stop was back to Rifle where we picked up a pizza and headed towards Rifle Gap to rest and eat.  After a rest, we headed to Rifle Falls where we finally was able to hike a little and even taken our little girl with us.






Wished we would have grabbed our flashlights our of the car.  We knew there were some caves, but not sure how far they really went in and without flashlights and having Leah with us-we didn’t explore any farther than the entrance to the caves.

After walking a while, I was once again feeling not so good and it was just time to head back home.  I think with the elevation I may have developed a sinus infection.  We will do this trip again, when we have more time to allow are bodies to adjust to the elevation.  It’s trip well worth and hope that others enjoy the beauties of the Rockies as we sure did!

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part Two

After turning back around at the Georgetown exit, it was time to head towards Breckenridge, where we will try to find us a camping spot for the night.  The descend downwards was a long haul and the road construction made it even harder-specially to truckers.  We actually had one trucker just ahead of us that had to use the runaway ramp.  We think he was having more engine trouble than brake trouble.
We couldn’t help but laugh at the signs on the Interstate that stated something like this:  “Lost brakes?  don’t take the exit, the road ascends just ahead…”  I know it’s really not funny, but just sounded funny.  The other sign that caught our eye was:  “Truckers don’t be fool, descend for another (number) of miles.”

We decided that we will have no trouble taking our  motorhome through the Rockies.  the worst descend for us will be in the heart of Denver-or so we are told, but I think we will be just fine.  So now comes some fun time…..

You could easily see that the town of Breckenridge was not only a college community but also a richly ski resort community.  You saw no run down homes, and again all carried the Swiss Alpine looks.
After carefully reading the instructions to the Lower Chrystal Lake, and taking only two wrong turns, we finally found our destination and found it-disappointing.  According the directions and usage guide-it stated “mildly busy”.  To us we would think a few cars, and some hikers-NOT!  The parking lot was over flowing.  We put the car into 4-wheel drive and went just in a little ways deeper into the Crystal Lake area.  Found a camping spot, but wasn’t totally sold on it.
Time to grab a snack and then hike further on up-maybe in hopes of finding the Crystal Lakes and maybe another camping spot.





As we walked, we kept ascending, making our breathing a little labor.  We only went so far and decided that this just wasn’t the spot for us.  time to look at the map and maybe find another camping spot.  It wasn’t quite noon-so we still had plenty of time to find something.

We continue farther down on HWY 9 with intentions of taking a loop cross country on 4 wheel drive.  I knew we would find a camping spot along the way that would be remote and quiet for us.
As we kept ascending up hill we wonder what we were getting ourselves into when we came upon Hoosier Pass on the Continental  Divide!  I was so excited to be on the divide and wanted to explore the area a little.

As we walked around, we found the perfect campsite that would suit us just fine.  It was time to set up camp for the night and hunt down some wood.  Wood finding was easy, for many fallen pine tress were on the ground-dead from the beetles.



Now it’s time to hike up the Continental Divide and be in the heart of the Rockies.  What an awesome experience!!!



The view was so breath taking that I had to stop and take constant pictures.







As we walked, we kept climbing higher and higher, and decided that our lungs and heart needed a rest, so back down to our campsite we headed.  Sure wish we had more time to spend in this area, but we would need our bodies time to rest for the height of the elevation that we were on.



After finishing cutting our wood, starting a campfire it was time to get something to eat and just sit back and relax.  As we are relaxing, I finally realized I had lost my watch.  The watch meant a lot to me, since Brian bought is special for me over 17 years ago.  But I think when I picked up Leah, the clasp must have come undone and therefore was lost at the Continental Divide.  There was no way we were about to climb back up to find it.  So it was a sad time for me…

As the evening went on, my breathing started to get more labor, my sinus completely shut down and my face started to swell a little.  Brian said I was getting paler by the minute and then I started to feel sick.  If I got up, everything would spin.  It was decided that I was getting altitude sickness and we would need to get to lower elevation.  Thinking our camping trip was done and we would head back home, I really felt sad that this had to happen.  Poor Brian had to pack everything back up on his own and we had to head on down.

As we got down to Lake Dillon, about 1000 feet lower, I was already feeling better.  I told Brian I would feel fine if we would spend the night at lake Dillon.  I would rather camp there than try to drive all the way back to our park in the dark.  So we found a nice spot at Lake Dillon on the White
I think if we would have more time at the higher elevation and rested before exploring,  I would not had that trouble.  But we were on a short time schedule…

Part Three will continue on our saga heading back on I-70 Westbound-homeward bound.

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part One

It’s Sunday afternoon and been a bit of a stressful week for me, I’m so ready to get out and go adventuring,  Our first plan was to head out early Monday morning, but instead we finished packing and headed out Sunday afternoon.

First stop was to the Wal-Mart in Rifle to get just a few groceries for our little trip.  As Brian is getting supplies, I looked at the map and found maybe a possible campground near exit 133 off of I-70.
Our first night out was near a place called Dotsero,Co.  I know a weird name for a town or rather a very small community.  Anyways we got off onto a dirt/gravel road that at first we thought was all private land.  Then we crossed a cattle guard and now we are in the White River National Forest with pull off campsites.  We saw the first site, but it appeared that we would be camping right on the roadway, so we moved onto another spot. 

the site we choose was big with many shade trees surrounding us.  First order of business was getting the tent set up and getting supper.  Brian sets up the tent, while I cooked burgers and fried potatoes over our camp stove.  Leah’s job was to alert us of any unwelcome visitors that may happen by-since we were in bear country-her job was very important.



After getting set up and filling our tummies, it was time to explore our surrounding.  We had a rushing creek very near to us and it would lull us to sleep that night.



A third mile up the road we found a fairly new vault toilets and a huge area where it appears they use to load and unload horses.  We also discovered that the road did a few switchbacks that climbs higher up the ridge above us.  We also found a trail that we did not take-due to it becoming dark and not safe to be out on at that time of the evening.  So it was time to go back start a campfire and enjoy a few drinks and each others company.  But most of all-time to RELAX and ENJOY mother natures beauty.

We did have one visitor-human nature.  Some road construction guys wanted our spot to camp at for they were going to be in the area working.  Brian told them they could have it the next morning a we would be moving on.  They were cool with that and apparently found another spot for the night.
After a very restful sleep and using our new air mattress, it was time to tear down camp, brew some coffee and head on down the road on I-70.  First stop for the morning was at rest stop to feed Leah her breakfast and to fill our tummies as well.

We found the drive on !-70 from West to East to be spectacular with views of the Rockies.  It was hard to try not to constantly take photos of the scenic drive.  What amazed me the most was the ski resort towns and communities.  One in mind was Vail Colorado.  The town was banked up against the Rockies on both side of the Interstate.  When traveling through most towns and cities along any Interstate, usually gives you exits about every mile or so-not so with the towns in the Rockies.  You were lucky to come to an exit about every 5 miles.  So could you imagine that you live on one side of the Interstate and then have to travel a ways to cross over to the other side-specially during the winter time when snow is the heaviest?  All the ski resort communities along the Interstate remind me the homes and business that one would see in the Swiss Alps.

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There were several scenic pull offs that we took to stop and take some photos.  The air was refreshing and the view just awesome! 



At one point we were ascending, but it appeared we were descending and I thought we were having transmission trouble.  After pulling over to have Brian check on our engine, he stated that even though it looks like were going down hill, we actually were not.  Then it was time to head through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

We traveled as far as Georgetown before deciding to turn around and head back towards Lake Dillon.  Our plan was to stay out on National Forest once again.  I had found a place near Lower Chrystal Lake where we would make our camp for the night and do some hiking in hopes of finding some old mining camps.

Part two of our trip coming up next….