May 2007

Greetings to all,

IJust a quick note to let you know we are well and our 2007 season of research departure date is May 29th. So what will we be doing this year? Our focus is on the national forests in Washington state plus revisiting a few national forest campgrounds in Arizona (Kaibab and Tonto), Idaho ( St. Joe) and Montana (Lolo). That's eleven national forests to visit and more than 200 campgrounds to survey. A lot of work but we are up for it. (See our itinerary at the See Ya! page on Camping with Suzi.)

Our departure was delayed by several factors: we had two Guides (Northern and Intermountain regions) to update and a new Guide for the North Section of the Pacific Southwest Region to complete; and, Fred had to have some surgery for gall bladder and hernia. Our workload makes us just that much more eager to "hit the road."

Our delay has given us a chance to experience the heat of southeast Arizona. Okay, it may not be as "bad" as Tucson or Phoenix, where temperatures have already exceeded 100, but we are so happy we had air conditioning installed in the house. One of the features we love about our house are the many windows that provide a magnificent view of the surrounding Mule Mountains. However, the sun shining through these windows causes the house to get very, very warm. Having AC is much appreciated.

Our "National Forests Wanderings Newsletter" and website have been a lot of work but appears to be reasonably successful. We have close to 500 subscribers. We think that's pretty good since it has only been available since January. You are welcome to subscribe or you can read back issues at the Newsletters Archive link at our website. Please, don't confuse the "Wanderings" you receive with the "National Forests Wanderings Newsletter." The "Wanderings" you get has more personal stuff in it and details related to us personally. The "Newsletter" is focused on national forests, what's going on with them, things to do, sightseeing opportunities, and other such information.

Well, we said this would be a quick note and so it is. More next month.

Suzi and Fred