Above, Sierra on her first RV trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
My cat Sierra was eight months old when I first took her on a RV camping trip to Yosemite National Park.
She handled the trip just fine and now that she's over 10 years old, with plenty of RV travels under her belt (or, rather, collar) she does just fine.
RV Travel has posted an article with a video with seven trips for camping with a cat. Some I agree with some I don't, based on my experience.
The article begins with:
In the video below, we join Ashley, aka The Tennessee Wanderer, for some handy tips about camping with a cat. Ashley and her cat, Rupert, (and a dog too) travel in a tiny restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer. If she can make camping with a cat work in that tiny space, I think anyone can.
In the video, she shares some things that worked for her and some that didn’t.
Above, Sierra relaxing on my bed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Along with friend Mitch Geriminsky and myself, my cat Sierra was also on the Wyoming-South Dakota trip with us.
She mainly stayed under my seat while driving, but would come out whenever we were at camp.
Above, Sierra at one of her favorite spots in the motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
At nearly ten years old (she'll hit that milestone next month), she has done a lot of RV travel with me over the years. The first trip for Sierra was in 2016 to Yosemite National Park.
Above, Sierra during a trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Since I most often travel in my RV with my cat Sierra, I keep her veterinary records in the motorhome just in case they are needed.
That, and other essential documents, should be kept in the RV just in case something should occur and they are needed.
That is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV.
They begin with:
When you’re gearing up for an RV trip, packing lists usually focus on gear, gadgets, and groceries. But what about the paperwork? Whether you’re a weekend traveler or a full-time RVer, having the right RV documents on hand can make your life easier on the road.
From registration and insurance to pet records and medical information, keeping everything organized ensures you’re ready for anything—without the last-minute scramble. Let’s go over the essential RV documents you should always carry and the best ways to store them securely.
While watching last night's Trump rally in Las Vegas, Nevada last night and awaiting his arrival, I decided to have some fun with my cat Sierra.
I got out a 2020 Trump campaign button and put it on her and took some photos. They are in reference to alleged pet-eating migrants in Springfield, Ohio that have raised havoc in the town.
Above, a very light dusting, so far. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
My cat Sierra woke up a few minutes ago and she wanted me to go with her into the kitchen so she can eat. I also poured myself some coffee.
While there, I looked out the window and saw that we are getting some snow showers.
I don't know how long they will last, but, hopefully, they will end before our Tuesday morning gathering at the Flying J.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Jamestown today is as follows:
Today
Snow showers likely before 4pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of snow showers after 5pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. West wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight
A slight chance of snow showers, mixing with rain after 7pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Above, Sierra at Goulding's Lodge Campground in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
My cat Sierra is a well-traveled pet. She has been traveling with me in the motorhome since she was only a few months old.
Early on, I had to train her from scratching her claws on the RV cushions and other things. I got her a special scratcher that she uses and have placed small covers over the cushions. Now that she's eight, she travels with no scratching issues for me to be concerned about.
Traveling with cats and their claws is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV.
They begin with:
We all love our pets, but they can sometimes be a handful, especially when it comes to cats and their natural urge to scratch. While it might not seem serious at first, cats scratching furniture and carpets can cause significant damage over time, and this is particularly concerning in RVs.
To tackle this issue head-on, I’ve put together some effective tips and strategies. These will not only cater to your cat’s natural behaviors but also protect your RV’s chairs, sofas, and carpets, ensuring they stay in good condition.
Above, Sierra's "Caturday" photo for today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
The oncoming storm (tomorrow morning) can snow all it wants as I have plenty of food for myself and Sierra, along with the outdoor stray cats.
Friends were shopping at Walmart in Gallup today and brought me a bag of Iams cat food. I had to resort to Iams dog food for the outdoor cats, which was all the Flying J had. Surprisingly, they wolfed up the food. Beggars can't be choosers. I gave the remainder of the dog food to Larry Lucier for his dog.
Yesterday marked eight years since I adopted Sierra from the Hawthorne (California) SPCA shelter.
It was my daughter who spotted a Facebook photo of her (she was named Claire) by the shelter and passed it one to me. After some deliberation, I went down there and adopted her. I didn't like "Claire" for her name, so I named her Sierra Claire.
My cat Siren passed away in September and I debated whether or not to get another cat at my age. But I like having a cat running around the house. I am glad that I did.
It has been eight great years.
Above, the first meeting and adoption at the Hawthorne shelter.
Above, Sierra next to me today in the den. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Since it is now 30° outside, I decided to stay inside today.
Also, the Mustang is in Gallup at the mechanic's to fix a starting issue. It hadn't started for three weeks. But, as strange things often do happen, it started yesterday. Last week, I set an appointment for it at the mechanic's. I tried starting it then, but it wouldn't. Since it is starting again (for how long?), I decided to have them do a tune-up and check any component that could cause the problem.
For the past two days, the Jeep has been running ratty, another reason to have the Mustang taken care of. I don't know what the problem is. Could it be the below-freezing (32°) temperatures?
So I've been relaxing in the den reading Peter Guralnick's book, Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley. Of course, Sierra has been with me the whole time.
Above, my dad in a 1980s portrait.
Today also marks the 23rd anniversary of my dad's passing from lymphoma. It sometimes doesn't seem possible that he's been gone that long.
Since I'll be in L.A. this weekend and I don't know if I'll be able to post some cat photos for Caturday (or even remember), here's some photos of Sierra in the den taken yesterday.
I spent most of it reading and listening to music in the den and, while there, I was joined by Sierra.
After that, I did some chores and loaded up the trash bin. I think Waste Management is moving our collection this week to Wednesday.
Before heading to Denny's at the Flying J for dinner (I didn't feel like cooking), I watched the John Wayne classic war movie, Sands of Iwo Jima.
Tomorrow, I'll have to get a hold of the vintage Jeep parts company about an order that they goofed up. They sent something else from what I ordered. I've ordered quite a number of things from them and this is the first time they goofed. It happens.
Above, the fixed bookcase and my supervisor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
At long last (well, four years and two months), I finally fixed my bookcase in the den/guest room. I've had it for over 30 years.
When I moved from Tarzana, California to Jamestown, New Mexico four years ago, somehow a critical cross board that goes on the bottom of the bookcase got left behind. When it was set up again, the center part of the bookcase sagged. I found some blocks to put underneath to support it, but it still sagged.
So, over the weekend, I made a new support board (with help by Greg Lucier and his table saw) to fix the problem. I had some white paint to paint the board.
This morning, I took all the books out of it and put the board under the now-empty bookcase. That wasn't so bad, but taking out all of the books and putting them back in was a chore and wore me out. It took about and hour and a half for the whole process this morning. I was also suffering from nasal congestion from the wind-blown pollen in the air today. I had to get some Dayquil. It helped a lot with my breathing, but left me listless.
The bookcase fix isn't perfect, but it is much better than it was. (It hasn't been totally right since it fell over during the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.)
Above, that certain look from Sierra. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Well, since today is Caturday...
My cat Sierra developed a couple of spots of matted fur on her back. I regularly brushed her, but they stayed.
Then I discovered a cheap home remedy to get rid of matted fur: olive oil.
According to abodeforpets.com:
Olive Oil has proven to be extremely effective at removing mats and tangles in cat fur. It is cheap, quick and easy to use and can provide some excellent results if you are patient.
Simply add a teaspoon of olive oil to each of the mats in your cat’s fur and leave it to do its work. If the mat hasn’t fallen out over three days but shows signs of improvement repeat the process.
It is better to use too much oil than too little in this situation as it can help speed up results. Olive oil is also harmless to your cat meaning there are no side effects to its skin, fur or stomach if ingested.
I started using it early this week and today, I found the mats completely gone. This remedy actually works!
Above, Sierra in the motorhome at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Pets are part of the family. There are no two ways about it.
A vacation is not a vacation to many people (60%) without the family pet. When I go on an extended camping trip in the motorhome, I bring my cat Sierra with me. She probably has been in more states than my daughter has.
WJHG has posted research results of a study on pet owners and vacations.
They posted:
CLEVELAND, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets truly are members of the family. In fact, 60 percent of owners even bring their fur babies on vacation with them.* To make it safer and healthier for pet parents to hit the road with their canine companions in tow, Embrace Pet Insurance, a top-ranked insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States, has partnered with Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), an organization committed to creating family-friendly camping experiences throughout North America. Together, Embrace and KOA will make the experience of camping even better for dog owners with resources to support pet health and wellness while traveling. The two organizations will team up to provide pet parents with educational content, like a guide to camping with pets as well as events at two KOA campgrounds with food, games and even live training sessions.
"As campers, we're in the business of dealing with the unexpected – detours, traffic jams, blown tires, stuck slides, shattered vent covers, holding tank anxiety, etc. You name it. We've all been there. Whether driving a motorhome, pulling a travel trailer, or setting up a tent – and I've done them all – camping is about preparing for what could happen and troubleshooting when it does," said Brian Macias, president, Embrace Pet Insurance. "Our pets add another aspect to that. That's why KOA and Embrace are teaming up to make sure that you're prepared when it comes to traveling with your four-legged companions. Our 24/7 pet telehealth and use-anywhere accident and illness coverage is exactly what every camping pet parent needs for peace of mind."
The partnership is sure to be an impactful one, with camping and outdoor recreation popular among pets and their owners. In fact, Embrace research* shows that:
Nearly 30 percent of traveling pets go camping
Over 20 percent of traveling pets go to the mountains, a lake or to visit family
50 percent of pet parents take their pups hiking
50 percent of dogs like to swim
Of the 60 percent of pet owners who take their pets on vacation, 12 percent will stay in an RV or camper, and an additional six percent will sleep in a tent
While we're on the subject of pets, camping and motorhomes, there is a prominent video blogger on YouTube, Eric Jacobs the Nomadic Fanatic, who posts videos of his RV travels with his cat Jax. It has been reported that Jax passed away recently from complications of a thyroid tumor. My condolences to Eric for his loss. Jax was as much a celebrity on the Nomadic Fanatic as Eric, perhaps more so. Those of us who follow Nomadic Fanatic will miss Jax.
Above, Lola and Sierra in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Having a cat while RV traveling has never been an issue for me. My cat Sierra usually camps herself on the cabover bed or on my bed while we're rolling down the road.
But I have had friends with small dogs come along with me and, again, it has never been an issue.
Those with larger dogs, in particular, may want to make some modifications to their RV for their comfort and for their owner's peace of mind.
Do It Yourself RV has an article on things to do, including some modifications for traveling with their pets.
They begin with:
Our dogs love camping as much as we do. Having your furry friends along for RV adventures makes for a better trip for everyone. Whether it’s just for the weekend or if you’re a full-timer with dogs, these 10 RV mods for dogs will make life easier for you and Fido.
Above, the throw pillow from Texas Hot Stuff. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
During last week's trip to Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, I picked up some souvenirs. I was mainly interested in things for the house.
Above, the yard art I bought at Southfork Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
At the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, I bought a couple of books on the JFK assassination. One was Twenty-Six Seconds by Alexandra Zapruder (a personal history of the Zapruder film) and Assassination and Commemoration by Stephen Fagin (a history of the Sixth Floor Museum).
Above, Sierra enjoying the pillow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
At Southfork Ranch outside of Dallas, they have a gift shop at the Visitor Center and I got a metal piece of yard art (I guess one can call it that). And, at the Fort Worth Stockyards, I saw a nice throw pillow at the Texas Hot Stuff store at Stockyards Station.
Along with those, I got the usual refrigerator magnets and shot glasses for my collection.
There's one thing (of many) that I look forward to during the Christmas season is the availability of egg nog.
I braved 20° temperatures this morning and went to the market in Gallup to pick up some groceries. On the list was egg nog.
I got everything I needed, including the egg nog and just now fixed myself a brandy (Christian Brothers) and egg nog drink. That hit the spot. I was craving something sweet and wanted something to drink. So, I made myself an egg nog and brandy drink (along with some dashes of cinnamon). (Sorry, Mr. Thornhill, I forgot to add nutmeg to the list.) Since I am a shut-in as it is 30° outside, why not?
Ah, nice and refreshing!
Earlier, Sierra had herself a good time checking out a couple of empty shipping boxes that I left sitting on the kitchen table after emptying them.
Above, Sierra entertaining herself with 2 empty shipping boxes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
