Will National Forest Service rangers really roust boondockers?

Boondocking and rangers

I mentioned yesterday on Facebook that two extremely pleasant rangers stopped at our campsite to show us, in the kindest way possible, that we were not on an open road. Carolyn and Annie, you actually camped IN the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area. I guess that would explain "the sightings."

I'm emphasizing their polite demeanor because some boondockers have encountered rangers having a bad day. I believe their stories, and I want to add to the conversation that that kind of bad behavior doesn't seem to be policy. And, between you and me, we were outlaws at 22 days in one spot anyway. Annie decided not to bring that up and ruin everyone's day.

One of the guys showed Annie his (FREE) nifty phone app; it has a GPS feature and shows him where he is in relation to the NFS MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map). In other words, am I in an approved area? Let's see...nope! Once Annie got some good signal (ahhhh!) she was able to install it on her phone and iPad.

It doesn't require cell service to work!

→ Coconino National Forest MVU map for your mobile thingies! ←

We looked up the Kaibab NF, but they don't yet have a Motor Vehicle Use map of any sort. A ranger there told us to camp wherever we wanted to camp. He predicted a map by this month, but Kaibab camping will be rare until Spring (brrr).


Health monitoring

We heard about a mobile lab visiting the Sedona area, so I fasted in preparation. I chose the full lipid panel and glucose. I researched ALT/AST (liver function) ahead of time, and decided it wouldn't be especially helpful without a battery of other tests to pin down any possible questionable results.

West Coast Health Services is a small, family-run company, and Glenn and Sandy work together. It's a fingerstick instead of a vial, and their instrumentation sits right on the table top. Results in six minutes! I had mine done, then Glenn spent about twenty minutes explaining the nuances of the numbers. I'm obsessed with these things anyway, but he still told me things I didn't know.

After hearing everything that Glenn told me, Annie decided to do it, too. Again, I learned stuff. For instance, why Annie's ultra-low triglycerides may cause her to notice blood sugar fluctuations more than I do with my high-normal readings.

My point is that this is a valuable service at prices far lower than you would pay going to a doctor's office and having your blood sent to a lab. We paid $45/person for the full lipid profile and glucose (AND more information than a doctor has ever given me about my results).

I've added this information to our Healthcare for Poor People page. You rich people are welcome there, too.


 Sightseeing

I enjoyed Old Town Cottonwood a lot. A big thrift store, and lots of fun, not-too-expensive shopping that can be done, if you're so inclined. Funky (in the good sense) and relaxed. I would go back.

Old Town Cottonwood

What are they hiding??

Where have they been all my life?

It's hard to explain why I haven't been following Cheap RV Living forever. Cheap RV Living - it's my mantra. These are my people.

They got my attention today with their opening article on living without health insurance. As of 2010, one in six of us is uninsured. One in five has trouble buying healthcare, and one in five puts off treatment.

The Cheap RV folks' rationale and attitude toward healthcare rings true for me. Take a look and see if it might for you, too. And, watch for upcoming articles in the series. It's a hot topic.If you're feeling argumentative about it, take it to RV.net, then come back and have a cup of tea with us.


We're unsettled of mind today because we may need to head back to Florida, but we don't know when. Or if. Or when. Or if, for that matter.


Here's a picture I stole from the Internet. Be kind to each other.