Nov 26th - Mon - Amado
Checked out nearby golf courses and rates online so we can golf when cousin Pat & Rick join us here tomorrow. Most are pretty expensive but I found one in Sahuarita that is $12 for 9 holes so we will check it out.
It has cooled down a lot so we were lazy until we left around 2:30 to meet Pat & Rick at the Desert Diamond Casino where they are staying overnight before coming here. Our timing was perfect. We drove around the casino looking for them, parked where they would see our truck when they drove in and did not even have time to get out when they drove in. We joined them for a drink and some catching up and then went to the casino. Pat was her usual lucky self on some slot machines so she used her winnings to treat us to the seafood buffet. Gambled a little more after dinner and then we headed for “home”.
Nov 27th - Tues - Amado
Pat & Rick arrived early (long, 20 minute drive for them today!) and got set up. After lunch we left for the golf course. The course has a deal after 1:00 where you can play as many holes as you can get in before dark for the 9 hole price of $12. It was a nice course and we played 13 holes (Pat & I played 14) before heading back. We had a long walk back as the course winds through houses and we took the long route.
Stopped at WalMart and a grocery store for Rick to stock up on wine, then to our place for dinner. I got to use the pork/chile mix for stew and Pat made a salad so dinner prep was a snap. Then we all watched the last episode of Dancing with the Stars and Rick enjoyed the wifi connection by giving Claude a bad time!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Nov 23rd to 25th - Amado, AZ
Nov 23rd - Fri - to Amado
We got a fairly early start and headed to Amado which is on Hwy 19 about halfway between Tucson and Nogales. Wanda sent us on a non-freeway route which was great. The roads were still fine and we got to see different areas from Hwy 10 which we have driven previously. I will generously describe the RV park as “basic”. But the rate is reasonable and we do have to cut back on some things so we can keep going to casinos!!
We had selected a spot and registered before we asked about the wifi access that was mentioned in Trailer Life and on their web site. Turns out they had problems with wifi and had gone to Verizon cards that you have to rent for $35 a week. We said (truthfully) that one of the main reasons that we chose this park was for the wifi and we were prepared to get our money back and leave. So they gave us a Verizon card to use for the week that we will be here. It works very well and is so nice to have right in our rig.
Nov 24th - Sat - Amado
We went to Tubac this morning. It is a small town with many “southwest” shops - a lot of pottery, patio art, jewelry and home furnishings/décor. We walked and shopped for a few hours before stopping for a nice lunch. Then we continued on to Nogales as we needed fuel and wanted to check it out so we would know where we were going when we leave here. Ended up at WalMart and stocked up on some items that I thought we might not easily find in Mexico. Back “home” for drinks and dessert - didn’t need dinner after our large, late lunch.
I did get more pictures on the internet so check it out.
Nov 25th - Sun - Amado
Lazed around and had a late breakfast today. Then we went to the Desert Diamond Casino (!!) which is back towards Tucson. Signed up for the player’s club to add a card to our collection and we each received an insulated lunch bag which is great as we left ours in a golf cart back on Vancouver Island. The casino allowed us to play for several hours before finally taking our allotted money so it was fun.
On the way back we drove through Green Valley and stopped at Safeway for a couple of items that we could not find at WalMart. I picked up a large package of boneless country style ribs which I trimmed, browned and simmered. Added gravy to part for dinner tonight and added green chilies to the rest to which I will add corn, potatoes and black beans for a stew.
Made use of the internet connection to surf the web and clean up emails.
We got a fairly early start and headed to Amado which is on Hwy 19 about halfway between Tucson and Nogales. Wanda sent us on a non-freeway route which was great. The roads were still fine and we got to see different areas from Hwy 10 which we have driven previously. I will generously describe the RV park as “basic”. But the rate is reasonable and we do have to cut back on some things so we can keep going to casinos!!
We had selected a spot and registered before we asked about the wifi access that was mentioned in Trailer Life and on their web site. Turns out they had problems with wifi and had gone to Verizon cards that you have to rent for $35 a week. We said (truthfully) that one of the main reasons that we chose this park was for the wifi and we were prepared to get our money back and leave. So they gave us a Verizon card to use for the week that we will be here. It works very well and is so nice to have right in our rig.
Nov 24th - Sat - Amado
We went to Tubac this morning. It is a small town with many “southwest” shops - a lot of pottery, patio art, jewelry and home furnishings/décor. We walked and shopped for a few hours before stopping for a nice lunch. Then we continued on to Nogales as we needed fuel and wanted to check it out so we would know where we were going when we leave here. Ended up at WalMart and stocked up on some items that I thought we might not easily find in Mexico. Back “home” for drinks and dessert - didn’t need dinner after our large, late lunch.
I did get more pictures on the internet so check it out.
Nov 25th - Sun - Amado
Lazed around and had a late breakfast today. Then we went to the Desert Diamond Casino (!!) which is back towards Tucson. Signed up for the player’s club to add a card to our collection and we each received an insulated lunch bag which is great as we left ours in a golf cart back on Vancouver Island. The casino allowed us to play for several hours before finally taking our allotted money so it was fun.
On the way back we drove through Green Valley and stopped at Safeway for a couple of items that we could not find at WalMart. I picked up a large package of boneless country style ribs which I trimmed, browned and simmered. Added gravy to part for dinner tonight and added green chilies to the rest to which I will add corn, potatoes and black beans for a stew.
Made use of the internet connection to surf the web and clean up emails.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Nov 21st & 22nd - Mesa - HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Nov 21st - Wed - Mesa
Our friend Chuck Kambouroff who lives in Phoenix came to visit today. He came to see us last year in Quartzite. It is so nice to be able to see old friends - and new friends - as we travel.
While we were having lunch with Chuck, I lost a large filling and the side of a molar. I managed to get into a dentist. He said it could not be refilled as there was not enough tooth and a crown would be $841. He had equipment where he can make a crown in his office in about half an hour - and it still costs that much!! We were already planning on getting some dental work done in Mexico. I’m not sure I can go that long with this broken tooth but we decided to wait until next week and check with another dentist. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and a lot of offices are closed Friday as well, there won’t be much we can do until Monday.
Nov 22nd - Thurs - Mesa
Started our Thanksgiving day with an unusual activity for this day - laundry!!
There was a Thanksgiving dinner (part provided by the park, part potluck) here at the park but we decided to go to the Gila River Casino instead. We prefer penny slots so we can slow the losses when we are not doing well. This casino had very few one cent machines and the 2 cent ones where not very nice to us! The buffet had a huge line and I did not want to pay $14.95 when I could only eat a few different items. So we left, licking our wounds, and went to Denny’s for an adequate turkey dinner.
Our neighbor Eileen told us about a lighting event at the Phoenix zoo so we waited until dark and went there. The display is great. It is called “Zoolights”. There are lights everywhere - trees, shrubs, buildings and freestanding animals. You do not see any zoo animals as they are all asleep - except for some zebra. There is Christmas music everywhere and a lot of the figures are “animated”. I did take a lot of pictures so will try to get them posted tomorrow.
Our friend Chuck Kambouroff who lives in Phoenix came to visit today. He came to see us last year in Quartzite. It is so nice to be able to see old friends - and new friends - as we travel.
While we were having lunch with Chuck, I lost a large filling and the side of a molar. I managed to get into a dentist. He said it could not be refilled as there was not enough tooth and a crown would be $841. He had equipment where he can make a crown in his office in about half an hour - and it still costs that much!! We were already planning on getting some dental work done in Mexico. I’m not sure I can go that long with this broken tooth but we decided to wait until next week and check with another dentist. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and a lot of offices are closed Friday as well, there won’t be much we can do until Monday.
Nov 22nd - Thurs - Mesa
Started our Thanksgiving day with an unusual activity for this day - laundry!!
There was a Thanksgiving dinner (part provided by the park, part potluck) here at the park but we decided to go to the Gila River Casino instead. We prefer penny slots so we can slow the losses when we are not doing well. This casino had very few one cent machines and the 2 cent ones where not very nice to us! The buffet had a huge line and I did not want to pay $14.95 when I could only eat a few different items. So we left, licking our wounds, and went to Denny’s for an adequate turkey dinner.
Our neighbor Eileen told us about a lighting event at the Phoenix zoo so we waited until dark and went there. The display is great. It is called “Zoolights”. There are lights everywhere - trees, shrubs, buildings and freestanding animals. You do not see any zoo animals as they are all asleep - except for some zebra. There is Christmas music everywhere and a lot of the figures are “animated”. I did take a lot of pictures so will try to get them posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Nov 18th to 20th - Mesa
Nov 18th - Sun - Mesa
We made breakfast for Barry & Yvonne before they left for home this morning. And then we kind of felt at loose ends with the empty spot beside us!
We rode our bikes around the park looking at park models that were advertised for sale on a bulletin board. There wasn’t anything that made us think that we would like to come back here each winter.
After spending some time on the computer/internet, we returned to the swap meet. There was only a little over an hour until vendors started closing down - supposed to be open until 4 but vendors were closing at 3 - so we didn’t buy anything else. Spent a quiet evening after dinner watching TV and making phone calls.
Nov 19th - Mon - Mesa
Terry spent a lot of time cleaning the 5th wheel today while I did fun things like shorten some jeans, cut Dolly’s toe nails and misc inside cleaning. Spent some time on the internet and visiting with some neighbors. Not too exciting but good to get things done.
Nov 20th - Tues - Mesa
Finished cleaning the 5th wheel and then finally completed Terry’s internet application for social security benefits. We found out that we could go to a local office with the necessary documents rather than having to mail an original birth certificate. So after taking advantage of the lunch offerings here at the park, we spent a couple of hours at the social security office getting everything done. Terry is SO happy that it is done.
Made a stop at Home Depot for some supplies and did some little fix-it items on the 5th wheel. Then Dolly drove our neighbor’s dog (Mindy) crazy with her “ignore all dogs routine” while we sat and had a drink with her owners Merle & Eileen.
We made breakfast for Barry & Yvonne before they left for home this morning. And then we kind of felt at loose ends with the empty spot beside us!
We rode our bikes around the park looking at park models that were advertised for sale on a bulletin board. There wasn’t anything that made us think that we would like to come back here each winter.
After spending some time on the computer/internet, we returned to the swap meet. There was only a little over an hour until vendors started closing down - supposed to be open until 4 but vendors were closing at 3 - so we didn’t buy anything else. Spent a quiet evening after dinner watching TV and making phone calls.
Nov 19th - Mon - Mesa
Terry spent a lot of time cleaning the 5th wheel today while I did fun things like shorten some jeans, cut Dolly’s toe nails and misc inside cleaning. Spent some time on the internet and visiting with some neighbors. Not too exciting but good to get things done.
Nov 20th - Tues - Mesa
Finished cleaning the 5th wheel and then finally completed Terry’s internet application for social security benefits. We found out that we could go to a local office with the necessary documents rather than having to mail an original birth certificate. So after taking advantage of the lunch offerings here at the park, we spent a couple of hours at the social security office getting everything done. Terry is SO happy that it is done.
Made a stop at Home Depot for some supplies and did some little fix-it items on the 5th wheel. Then Dolly drove our neighbor’s dog (Mindy) crazy with her “ignore all dogs routine” while we sat and had a drink with her owners Merle & Eileen.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Nov 16th & 17th - Mesa
Nov 16th - Fri - Mesa
The weather was back to beautiful so we cleaned the truck and then played golf at the same 9 hole executive course - Sunland Village East. I did terrible, Yvonne good, Terry not so bad and Barry was not happy with his game.
When we returned from golf we drove to the office to see if our forwarded mail had arrived. It was not there so we decided to stay a few more days to be sure we are here when it arrives. We were going to stay 4 more days until the lady at the desk thought we wouldn’t want to be moving on Thanksgiving Day so we said we would stay until the 23rd. When we got back to our site, our forwarded mail package was on the table by our door!
So then we had a lazy remainder of the afternoon and evening.
Nov 17th - Sat - Mesa
Today was “patio sale” day here at the RV park so we took a quick drive around to see if there was anything we “needed”! Then we went with Barry & Yvonne to the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet. It is a large, covered sale that is open Fri/Sat/Sun in the winter. We had breakfast there and then walked and walked and walked. And did some buying - but not as much as Barry & Yvonne. We always see that they get into trouble when they are with us.
Terry worked on my squeaky bicycle brakes so we took a ride to check out the repair - not so much squeaking but not so much braking power either! We went to dinner with Barry & Yvonne. While we were waiting to be seated at the restaurant, we walked to Target and Yvonne found her double-boiler so she can make covered pretzels.
We all went to the dance at the park tonight - country band which was very good. Had to wear off dinner somehow!
The weather was back to beautiful so we cleaned the truck and then played golf at the same 9 hole executive course - Sunland Village East. I did terrible, Yvonne good, Terry not so bad and Barry was not happy with his game.
When we returned from golf we drove to the office to see if our forwarded mail had arrived. It was not there so we decided to stay a few more days to be sure we are here when it arrives. We were going to stay 4 more days until the lady at the desk thought we wouldn’t want to be moving on Thanksgiving Day so we said we would stay until the 23rd. When we got back to our site, our forwarded mail package was on the table by our door!
So then we had a lazy remainder of the afternoon and evening.
Nov 17th - Sat - Mesa
Today was “patio sale” day here at the RV park so we took a quick drive around to see if there was anything we “needed”! Then we went with Barry & Yvonne to the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet. It is a large, covered sale that is open Fri/Sat/Sun in the winter. We had breakfast there and then walked and walked and walked. And did some buying - but not as much as Barry & Yvonne. We always see that they get into trouble when they are with us.
Terry worked on my squeaky bicycle brakes so we took a ride to check out the repair - not so much squeaking but not so much braking power either! We went to dinner with Barry & Yvonne. While we were waiting to be seated at the restaurant, we walked to Target and Yvonne found her double-boiler so she can make covered pretzels.
We all went to the dance at the park tonight - country band which was very good. Had to wear off dinner somehow!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Nov 13th to 15th - Mesa, AZ
Nov 13th - Tues - Mesa
Quiet day today. We do not get wifi at our site so we have to go to the office. Posted to the blog, arranged for our mail to be forwarded and checked out the women’s clothing sale at the “patio”. We went to the pool & spa with Barry & Yvonne in the afternoon.
We had baby back ribs with Barry & Yvonne for dinner today. Yvonne & I made a quick trip to the grocery store for a couple of items including white candy coating and pretzels. After dinner, I showed Yvonne how to make coated pretzels.
Nov 14th - Wed - Mesa
We finally got the satellite dish set up. We will be shopping for a new compass!! Terry had a hard time finding south again so we spent way too long trying to get it set up but finally got it done. Of course we then had to go to the office to get new decryption keys from the internet. After we had been watching TV for an hour or so, the signal was scrambled again (!?) so we drove to the office area to search for more keys which did work but only for some channels. This sounds like a pain, doesn’t it?
Barbequed steaks with Barry & Yvonne. They mostly go out to eat so it is nice to have their company while we are here.
Nov 15th - Thurs - Mesa
When we went to the office to access the internet for a new program for our satellite receiver, we also had to wander through the weekly “Country Store” sale here at the park. The new program totally fixed our satellite TV so Terry is a happy camper - literally!
We were scheduled to play golf today but it rained and was very windy so we canceled. Barry & Yvonne came over and we watched the movie “Happy Feet” on TV. It is the animated movie about penguins. Terry thought I was crazy wanting to watch it but it was fun.
Barry bought new golf clubs which he was dying to try so he & Yvonne went to the driving range (in the continuing wind and showers). Terry & I made a trip to the grocery store and then I started the pork chop dinner which we were all sharing tonight. Yvonne wrote out some recipes from my recipe box but Barry said he “will believe it when he eats it” about Yvonne doing more cooking.
Quiet day today. We do not get wifi at our site so we have to go to the office. Posted to the blog, arranged for our mail to be forwarded and checked out the women’s clothing sale at the “patio”. We went to the pool & spa with Barry & Yvonne in the afternoon.
We had baby back ribs with Barry & Yvonne for dinner today. Yvonne & I made a quick trip to the grocery store for a couple of items including white candy coating and pretzels. After dinner, I showed Yvonne how to make coated pretzels.
Nov 14th - Wed - Mesa
We finally got the satellite dish set up. We will be shopping for a new compass!! Terry had a hard time finding south again so we spent way too long trying to get it set up but finally got it done. Of course we then had to go to the office to get new decryption keys from the internet. After we had been watching TV for an hour or so, the signal was scrambled again (!?) so we drove to the office area to search for more keys which did work but only for some channels. This sounds like a pain, doesn’t it?
Barbequed steaks with Barry & Yvonne. They mostly go out to eat so it is nice to have their company while we are here.
Nov 15th - Thurs - Mesa
When we went to the office to access the internet for a new program for our satellite receiver, we also had to wander through the weekly “Country Store” sale here at the park. The new program totally fixed our satellite TV so Terry is a happy camper - literally!
We were scheduled to play golf today but it rained and was very windy so we canceled. Barry & Yvonne came over and we watched the movie “Happy Feet” on TV. It is the animated movie about penguins. Terry thought I was crazy wanting to watch it but it was fun.
Barry bought new golf clubs which he was dying to try so he & Yvonne went to the driving range (in the continuing wind and showers). Terry & I made a trip to the grocery store and then I started the pork chop dinner which we were all sharing tonight. Yvonne wrote out some recipes from my recipe box but Barry said he “will believe it when he eats it” about Yvonne doing more cooking.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Nov 10th to 12th - CA to Mesa, AZ
Nov 10th - Sat - Desert Hot Springs, CA
We played golf in the wind again. Not quite as windy as yesterday and still warm. We stopped for some lunch and then went to the Coachella Valley Preserve which is a couple of oases. The first oasis has an old cabin that is now a visitor center. The ground is muddy in some spots with boards for walkways. The palm trees are untrimmed which makes them very shaggy and “jungle-like”. We took a mile walk through the desert to the second oasis. There is actually a lake surrounded by palm trees and other vegetation. There are tiny fish called pupfish and very small crawdads in the lake.
We received a free dinner at the RV dining room with our sales presentation so Claude & Val joined us. We were still talking with others at our table when a karaoke session started so we stayed to listen. We couldn’t talk Val into getting up to sing!
Nov 11th - Sun - to Mesa, AZ
We said farewell to Claude & Val and headed to Mesa. We were to meet Barry and Yvonne from Hemet, CA for a week. Against all odds, we actually passed them on the freeway heading to Mesa! We both stopped for fuel at the AZ border - diesel is 30 cents a gallon cheaper in Arizona than in California. We didn’t follow Wanda’s instructions correctly but after a couple of goofs we arrived at the RV park. Barry had a prepaid reservation through Coast-to-Coast but the gate guard wanted him to pay for one night. Barry managed to convince the guy that he had already paid and would check in at the office in the morning since the office was not open on Sunday. Then it was our turn. We did not have a reservation as I was told when I called that there was lots of room in the pet section and we wouldn’t need a reservation. We finally were able to pay for one night and get a site. We were escorted to our spots to find that they were occupied! So we were assigned spots on the other side of the park and got settled in just in time for “happy hour”. Then we all went out for pizza.
It was brother Bob’s birthday today so I spent the rest of the evening talking to him and to Marg & Dad on the phone.
Nov 12th - Mon - Mesa
We walked to the office this morning to pay for our stay without knowing how large the park is. We are at the opposite end from the office buildings so it is quite a hike. There are about 1700 sites in the park - Valle del Oro. We started to walk back and a lady in a golf cart offered us a ride so we took her up on it. We needed to find the garbage so this time we took the bicycles and continued to ride all around the park. It is 2 miles around the perimeter roads.
We went golfing with Barry and Yvonne this afternoon at an 18 hole executive course. Stopped at a grocery store on the way back and threw some chicken on the barbeque. Barry & Yvonne came over and then some neighbors stopped by to see what the heck our “buddy burner” was. I wanted to catch “Dancing with the Stars” but we ended up seeing only the last half hour as some TV shows appear at the Central time which means they are an hour earlier than usual here.
We played golf in the wind again. Not quite as windy as yesterday and still warm. We stopped for some lunch and then went to the Coachella Valley Preserve which is a couple of oases. The first oasis has an old cabin that is now a visitor center. The ground is muddy in some spots with boards for walkways. The palm trees are untrimmed which makes them very shaggy and “jungle-like”. We took a mile walk through the desert to the second oasis. There is actually a lake surrounded by palm trees and other vegetation. There are tiny fish called pupfish and very small crawdads in the lake.
We received a free dinner at the RV dining room with our sales presentation so Claude & Val joined us. We were still talking with others at our table when a karaoke session started so we stayed to listen. We couldn’t talk Val into getting up to sing!
Nov 11th - Sun - to Mesa, AZ
We said farewell to Claude & Val and headed to Mesa. We were to meet Barry and Yvonne from Hemet, CA for a week. Against all odds, we actually passed them on the freeway heading to Mesa! We both stopped for fuel at the AZ border - diesel is 30 cents a gallon cheaper in Arizona than in California. We didn’t follow Wanda’s instructions correctly but after a couple of goofs we arrived at the RV park. Barry had a prepaid reservation through Coast-to-Coast but the gate guard wanted him to pay for one night. Barry managed to convince the guy that he had already paid and would check in at the office in the morning since the office was not open on Sunday. Then it was our turn. We did not have a reservation as I was told when I called that there was lots of room in the pet section and we wouldn’t need a reservation. We finally were able to pay for one night and get a site. We were escorted to our spots to find that they were occupied! So we were assigned spots on the other side of the park and got settled in just in time for “happy hour”. Then we all went out for pizza.
It was brother Bob’s birthday today so I spent the rest of the evening talking to him and to Marg & Dad on the phone.
Nov 12th - Mon - Mesa
We walked to the office this morning to pay for our stay without knowing how large the park is. We are at the opposite end from the office buildings so it is quite a hike. There are about 1700 sites in the park - Valle del Oro. We started to walk back and a lady in a golf cart offered us a ride so we took her up on it. We needed to find the garbage so this time we took the bicycles and continued to ride all around the park. It is 2 miles around the perimeter roads.
We went golfing with Barry and Yvonne this afternoon at an 18 hole executive course. Stopped at a grocery store on the way back and threw some chicken on the barbeque. Barry & Yvonne came over and then some neighbors stopped by to see what the heck our “buddy burner” was. I wanted to catch “Dancing with the Stars” but we ended up seeing only the last half hour as some TV shows appear at the Central time which means they are an hour earlier than usual here.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Nove 7th to 9th - Yuma & Desert Hot Springs
Nov 7th - Wed - Yuma
Another beautiful sunny day on the golf course. We played the same 9 hole par 3 - Joanne & I bettered out scores from the time before but the guys struggled a bit. We all stopped for breakfast on the way back to the RV park. Then we took a little trip to Mexico - just over the border from Yuma to Algodones. We parked and walked across the border. Joanne & George had been there yesterday to get new glasses but there was something wrong with Joanne’s sunglasses so they had to go back and asked if we wanted to ride along. We went to the optical store first and there was still a problem with the glasses so we had to go back in 2 hours. So we wandered through stores and Joanne haggled on loose “dresses”/bathing suit cover-ups for her & me. It was very hot so we passed the rest of the waiting time in a cooler bar drinking beer and margaritas. There was quite a line to go back across the border but it moved quickly.
Since we are leaving tomorrow, I asked George & Joanne to come over for hamburgers for dinner. This necessitated a quick trip to the grocery store and then we enjoyed our evening and the good company.
Nov 8th - Thurs - to Desert Hot Springs
We are joining Canadian friends Claude & Val at Desert Pools RV park in Desert Hot Springs for a few days. It took about 3 ½ hours to drive. It is a Western Horizon park so we agreed to attend a sales presentation in exchange for staying here “rent free” for 3 nights. We have been wanting to find out about camping associations so this is a good place to start.
Claude & Val came over after lunch and we caught up on news. Then we all cooled off in the pool and enjoyed the mineral water hot pools. Val cooked dinner so we continued our gab fest all evening.
Nov 9th - Fri - Desert Hot Springs
We attended the sales presentation this morning and then went to talk it over with Claude & Val and between ourselves. Decided that this is not the right time to join but it looks like a possible option.
After lunch, we played golf at The Sands, a 9 hole executive course. It was extremely windy but we played anyhow as it wasn’t cold. Tonight was our turn to cook. It gets dark here at 6 so Terry barbequed the ribs in the dark again. Managed to talk our way through too much scotch & wine for another great evening.
Another beautiful sunny day on the golf course. We played the same 9 hole par 3 - Joanne & I bettered out scores from the time before but the guys struggled a bit. We all stopped for breakfast on the way back to the RV park. Then we took a little trip to Mexico - just over the border from Yuma to Algodones. We parked and walked across the border. Joanne & George had been there yesterday to get new glasses but there was something wrong with Joanne’s sunglasses so they had to go back and asked if we wanted to ride along. We went to the optical store first and there was still a problem with the glasses so we had to go back in 2 hours. So we wandered through stores and Joanne haggled on loose “dresses”/bathing suit cover-ups for her & me. It was very hot so we passed the rest of the waiting time in a cooler bar drinking beer and margaritas. There was quite a line to go back across the border but it moved quickly.
Since we are leaving tomorrow, I asked George & Joanne to come over for hamburgers for dinner. This necessitated a quick trip to the grocery store and then we enjoyed our evening and the good company.
Nov 8th - Thurs - to Desert Hot Springs
We are joining Canadian friends Claude & Val at Desert Pools RV park in Desert Hot Springs for a few days. It took about 3 ½ hours to drive. It is a Western Horizon park so we agreed to attend a sales presentation in exchange for staying here “rent free” for 3 nights. We have been wanting to find out about camping associations so this is a good place to start.
Claude & Val came over after lunch and we caught up on news. Then we all cooled off in the pool and enjoyed the mineral water hot pools. Val cooked dinner so we continued our gab fest all evening.
Nov 9th - Fri - Desert Hot Springs
We attended the sales presentation this morning and then went to talk it over with Claude & Val and between ourselves. Decided that this is not the right time to join but it looks like a possible option.
After lunch, we played golf at The Sands, a 9 hole executive course. It was extremely windy but we played anyhow as it wasn’t cold. Tonight was our turn to cook. It gets dark here at 6 so Terry barbequed the ribs in the dark again. Managed to talk our way through too much scotch & wine for another great evening.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Nov 5th & 6th - Yuma, AZ
NOTE - new pictures have been posted!!
Nov 5th - Mon - Yuma
Another lovely morning for our golf game. Actually seemed warmer than yesterday as there was no breeze. We all did better today.
We stopped for diesel and propane on the way back to the park. Yesterday, one station had diesel for $3.28 and this morning it was $3.39. Across the street it was $3.l5 so we thought we would top up before it changed too. By the time we got there after golf, it was $3.17.
It was our anniversary today so we treated ourselves to a trip to the casino. Actually hit two casinos - Cocopah and Paradise. Did not hurt the profits at either one!!
Nov 6th - Tues - Yuma
“Puttering around” type day today. Cleaning, laundry, getting bulbs & wiper blades for the truck, haircut for me. Had a late breakfast so stopped at DQ to have a Blizzard for lunch!!
Cooled off in the pool and visited with others in the pool this afternoon. There was bingo this evening but someone said it starts at 6:00 which is way too early to have dinner done. Later I found out it was at 7 so we could have gone. Oh well, better that I took the time to add captions to pictures and finally get some more posted to the internet.
Nov 5th - Mon - Yuma
Another lovely morning for our golf game. Actually seemed warmer than yesterday as there was no breeze. We all did better today.
We stopped for diesel and propane on the way back to the park. Yesterday, one station had diesel for $3.28 and this morning it was $3.39. Across the street it was $3.l5 so we thought we would top up before it changed too. By the time we got there after golf, it was $3.17.
It was our anniversary today so we treated ourselves to a trip to the casino. Actually hit two casinos - Cocopah and Paradise. Did not hurt the profits at either one!!
Nov 6th - Tues - Yuma
“Puttering around” type day today. Cleaning, laundry, getting bulbs & wiper blades for the truck, haircut for me. Had a late breakfast so stopped at DQ to have a Blizzard for lunch!!
Cooled off in the pool and visited with others in the pool this afternoon. There was bingo this evening but someone said it starts at 6:00 which is way too early to have dinner done. Later I found out it was at 7 so we could have gone. Oh well, better that I took the time to add captions to pictures and finally get some more posted to the internet.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Nov 3rd - 4th - Yuma
Nov 3rd - Sat - Yuma
Terry got the truck serviced (oil, transmission fluid, etc) while I caught up the blog and gave Dolly a haircut.
Took some measurements, made a short list and returned to the Swap Meet. We met George & Joanne (from the park beside us) there and spoke with them a bit. George was going to check out a couple of golf courses so we said we would come by and see what he found out.
Stopped at a grocery store (frequent occurrence when you have limited space and practice “just in time” shopping!) then took a dip in the pool. We rode our bicycles over to see George & Joanne and had a drink & BS’d with them for a while.
Talked to sister Marg today and she said it was snowing in 100 Mile House. Don’t miss that weather much!
Nov 4th - Sun - Yuma
We went golfing with George & Joanne this morning. Joanne has not played much - she started and then was sidelined by a bad back. She was going to go to the driving range while George golfed but we talked her into playing with us. It was a 9 hole par 3 course so a good one for her to start on. She had a rocky start but ended up doing just fine. We all stopped for lunch after our game.
I did a load of laundry and swam and read by the pool while it was washing & drying. Makes laundry pretty much painless! George came by while we were waiting for our ribs to cook and said that Joanne wanted to play golf again tomorrow and asked if we wanted to join them. Since we can always use practice on the short game, we said yes.
Terry got the truck serviced (oil, transmission fluid, etc) while I caught up the blog and gave Dolly a haircut.
Took some measurements, made a short list and returned to the Swap Meet. We met George & Joanne (from the park beside us) there and spoke with them a bit. George was going to check out a couple of golf courses so we said we would come by and see what he found out.
Stopped at a grocery store (frequent occurrence when you have limited space and practice “just in time” shopping!) then took a dip in the pool. We rode our bicycles over to see George & Joanne and had a drink & BS’d with them for a while.
Talked to sister Marg today and she said it was snowing in 100 Mile House. Don’t miss that weather much!
Nov 4th - Sun - Yuma
We went golfing with George & Joanne this morning. Joanne has not played much - she started and then was sidelined by a bad back. She was going to go to the driving range while George golfed but we talked her into playing with us. It was a 9 hole par 3 course so a good one for her to start on. She had a rocky start but ended up doing just fine. We all stopped for lunch after our game.
I did a load of laundry and swam and read by the pool while it was washing & drying. Makes laundry pretty much painless! George came by while we were waiting for our ribs to cook and said that Joanne wanted to play golf again tomorrow and asked if we wanted to join them. Since we can always use practice on the short game, we said yes.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Oct 31st to Nov 2nd - Arizona
Oct 31st - Wed - Salome - HAPPY HALLOWEEN
We played golf today. I would call it a semi-desert golf course. We actually played it last year - grass tee boxes and greens, dirt/sand/gravel fairways. This time we had plastic tees so we could tee up the fairway shots and not worry so much about messing up clubs by hitting rocks. I told Terry when we finished that we could have saved the $16 and just gone for a long walk in the desert - but it was nice to get out & golf.
We stopped at the best stocked (1 of 2 stores!) grocery store to find something to put on the barbeque tonight. I don’t thing we will ever be spending a winter here with such a small selection of meat unless we had another freezer and stocked up. The nearest large grocery store is in Parker which is 60 miles away.
The golf game also made a long soak in the pool very enjoyable. We actually had 6 trick-or-treaters this evening - good thing that we had some small candy bars in the goody tin.
Nov 1st - Thurs - to Yuma AZ
Short drive again today - 107 miles. Stopped for diesel in Quartzite - $3.14. We are actually going to stay here for a week - we may grow roots! Had a little trouble with Wanda. I spelled the name of the park to find the address but did not notice when it came up that the address number was different from the PA book. So Wanda took us to the North Frontage road instead of the South Frontage road and announced that we were “arriving at destination” in a residential area. But I was able to quickly figure out where we were and how to get back across the freeway to the park.
I had heard an ad clearance sales at Kohls department store so we did a little shopping this afternoon. The shopping center is so huge that you drive from one area to another as it is too far to walk.
We went bike riding around the park and around the neighboring park. There are many Washington & Oregon license plates. We spoke with a guy from Spokane and with a couple that had Washington plates but were actually from California (George & Joanne). They just have an address in Rochester (where son Dean lives!) as they are full timers.
Nov 2nd - Friday - Yuma
More shopping today - this time at the Swap Meet. We went to the Swap Meet last year with friends Francis & Nicole. It is very large & all under cover. But it got very warm in the afternoon as the canvas walls stop the breeze. You would think that we wouldn’t have need/room for more stuff but it is surprising how many little items that you pick up. Some of the things that we got are geared towards staying in one place for a longer time (Mexico!) - stronger tablecloth clips, rebar with a loop to secure the awning, a collapsible garbage container for outside and more of the multi-purpose large washers with a small center hole that we discovered in Quartzite. While we were wandering around, we ran into a couple (Ed & Joanne) that we knew from the RV park last year in Quartzite - small world. They are back in Quartzite for the winter.
When we got back, we relaxed our weary feet and legs in the swimming pool and chatted with a couple from the Seattle area.
We played golf today. I would call it a semi-desert golf course. We actually played it last year - grass tee boxes and greens, dirt/sand/gravel fairways. This time we had plastic tees so we could tee up the fairway shots and not worry so much about messing up clubs by hitting rocks. I told Terry when we finished that we could have saved the $16 and just gone for a long walk in the desert - but it was nice to get out & golf.
We stopped at the best stocked (1 of 2 stores!) grocery store to find something to put on the barbeque tonight. I don’t thing we will ever be spending a winter here with such a small selection of meat unless we had another freezer and stocked up. The nearest large grocery store is in Parker which is 60 miles away.
The golf game also made a long soak in the pool very enjoyable. We actually had 6 trick-or-treaters this evening - good thing that we had some small candy bars in the goody tin.
Nov 1st - Thurs - to Yuma AZ
Short drive again today - 107 miles. Stopped for diesel in Quartzite - $3.14. We are actually going to stay here for a week - we may grow roots! Had a little trouble with Wanda. I spelled the name of the park to find the address but did not notice when it came up that the address number was different from the PA book. So Wanda took us to the North Frontage road instead of the South Frontage road and announced that we were “arriving at destination” in a residential area. But I was able to quickly figure out where we were and how to get back across the freeway to the park.
I had heard an ad clearance sales at Kohls department store so we did a little shopping this afternoon. The shopping center is so huge that you drive from one area to another as it is too far to walk.
We went bike riding around the park and around the neighboring park. There are many Washington & Oregon license plates. We spoke with a guy from Spokane and with a couple that had Washington plates but were actually from California (George & Joanne). They just have an address in Rochester (where son Dean lives!) as they are full timers.
Nov 2nd - Friday - Yuma
More shopping today - this time at the Swap Meet. We went to the Swap Meet last year with friends Francis & Nicole. It is very large & all under cover. But it got very warm in the afternoon as the canvas walls stop the breeze. You would think that we wouldn’t have need/room for more stuff but it is surprising how many little items that you pick up. Some of the things that we got are geared towards staying in one place for a longer time (Mexico!) - stronger tablecloth clips, rebar with a loop to secure the awning, a collapsible garbage container for outside and more of the multi-purpose large washers with a small center hole that we discovered in Quartzite. While we were wandering around, we ran into a couple (Ed & Joanne) that we knew from the RV park last year in Quartzite - small world. They are back in Quartzite for the winter.
When we got back, we relaxed our weary feet and legs in the swimming pool and chatted with a couple from the Seattle area.
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