Dec 26th - Sat - Yuma
(Boxing Day for all our Canadian friends)
We packed a lunch and went exploring with P&R. We went to the Castle Dome Museum & Ghost Town which is north of here off Hwy 95. You exit at milepost 55 and head east for 10 miles, 7 of which are wash-boardy gravel. We got a late start and made one quick stop before heading out so we ended up eating our lunch as we were driving the last few miles.
Castle Dome ghost town was really interesting. It is a collection of restored & rebuilt buildings with lots of history to read and lots of old “stuff”. What makes it really fun is that you can wander into all the buildings and closely examine whatever is there rather than having doorways blocked off and stuff behind glass.
We had a grocery ad for Albertson’s so we had to stop for a few items including a “buy 1 get 2 free” pork loin special. They were nearly 5 lbs. each so Pat & I split the 3 pieces of pork. Then we cut them up into chops & roasts.
P&R and we went to a dance here at the park at 7. The music was supplied by one very good singer backed up by electronic equipment and his guitar. It was very nice and we danced almost every dance.
Dec 27th - Sun - Yuma
We went geo-caching with Claude & Val and P&R today. For anyone who does not know what geo-caching is, check out geocache.com. We found 3 caches, wandered around in the desert based on what might have been incorrect coordinates in the GPS and then were unable to find a 4th cache. We had packed lunches and had a tailgate party. All of this was in the Pilot Knob area near Winterhaven CA - just a short way from here. The wind had died down and it was very pleasant to wander around without jackets.
Just to be a brat, I have to include the information that Claude got stuck in the sand on what looked like a little used “road”. 4 wheel drive did not help. We dug out sand (with a board, no shovel available!), put boards under the front wheels and rocks behind the back wheels. But I am sure it was the 3 women pushing that enabled him to get out. We had tied a rope to Rick’s truck but he barely had time to pull it tight before Claude was out.
I filled the crock pot with chili before we headed out so we had C&V and P&R over for happy hour and Frito Pie for dinner.
Dec 28th - Mon - Yuma
We had a tee time today for our group of 8 but the wind did not cooperate. It woke me about 2 and continued all day.
After a late breakfast, we went to Charlie & Julie’s where I helped Julie load Picasa on her computer. We downloaded the pictures from her camera so I could give her a usage lesson. I accidentally brought up a feature that I have not used but is really fun - face recognition. Picasa finds & displays faces from all your photos and allows you to identify them. Then when you do a name search it will bring up all pictures that include that person.
We continued on to do a bit of grocery shopping and then went to the casino for a 2 for 1 buffet dinner with P&R and Charlie & Julie. Terry, Lucky Pat & I stayed to play slots for a while.
Dec 29th - Tues - Yuma
Rick had a dentist appointment in Algodones early this morning and they took Charlie & Julie with them. About 9 we picked up C&V and stopped for 2 for 1 breakfast buffet at the casino before going to Algodones to find a geo-cache. We found it right away and then shopped. When we were in the liquor store just before leaving, we ran into P&R and C&J.
Yesterday, C&V returned to the geo-cache where we could not find the cache and found it in a few minutes. We had looked up just what was hidden so they had a better idea of the size and Val was focused!
We worked on jigsaw puzzles again while we did laundry. When we were putting clothes away, I realized that we were missing a sock so we hopped on the bikes to look for it (found it) and then continued for a ride around the park. Didn't ride too far when we stopped for a beer with Gayle & Jan who we chatted with at the dance. It was 4:30 when Terry checked the time and we had to ride like mad to get back just as our happy hour guests were arriving.
Charlie & Julie brought friends Mike & Jewel (just arrived in the park) to join us and P&R at happy hour. A neighbor across the fairway (Dick) stopped by in his golf cart and said we were just having too much fun so we invited him & his wife (Bea) to join us which they did a bit later. Then our neighbors Rick & Sue, who have been away since we got here, arrived home and joined the group. Obviously it was finally nice enough to sit outside and amaze more people with our buddy burner.
Terry had to BBQ steaks in the dark but they were great.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Dec 23rd to 25th - Yuma
Dec 23rd - Wed - Yuma
Had a late breakfast to give us energy for a golf game today with Charlie & Julie. 18 holes is a long game when you walk the course. C&J have not played for months and don’t usually walk so we were all dragging by the time we finished.
Just enough time to rest for a bit and then join Claude & Val and Charlie & Julie at P&R’s for our daily happy hour. We are all among the younger residents of this 55+ RV park and have a great time together.
Dec 24th - Thurs - Yuma
Terry had an urge for cinnamon rolls this morning so we went shopping. We ended up at 3 grocery stores on the hunt for pickled asparagus.
After pigging out on cinnamon rolls, I started work on some appetizers for this evening. P&R and we went to Charlie & Julie’s for “appy” dinner. Ate, drank and had a good time.
Dec 25th - Fri - MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas dinner at our place today so, after a breakfast of jelly biscuits, I moved into cleaning mode. Nothing like company to push me to clean! I found out how lazy I have been!
Not too much cooking to do. Pat cooked a turkey, stuffing, gravy & brussel sprouts. Julie made 2 great pies and Val contributed rolls & green bean casserole. That left potatoes, carrots and a veggie plate for me.
Everyone was here shortly after 3 for drinks & conversation - generally several conversations at once. We set up a second table in the “living room” so we could all be seated for dinner at 6. Then we played a couple of games - LCR & “Golf” race (Horse race but with a golf theme). Coffee & dessert before everyone left about 9. Great day with super friends.
Nice sunny day but with the usual wind to keep it cool outside.
Had a late breakfast to give us energy for a golf game today with Charlie & Julie. 18 holes is a long game when you walk the course. C&J have not played for months and don’t usually walk so we were all dragging by the time we finished.
Just enough time to rest for a bit and then join Claude & Val and Charlie & Julie at P&R’s for our daily happy hour. We are all among the younger residents of this 55+ RV park and have a great time together.
Dec 24th - Thurs - Yuma
Terry had an urge for cinnamon rolls this morning so we went shopping. We ended up at 3 grocery stores on the hunt for pickled asparagus.
After pigging out on cinnamon rolls, I started work on some appetizers for this evening. P&R and we went to Charlie & Julie’s for “appy” dinner. Ate, drank and had a good time.
Dec 25th - Fri - MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas dinner at our place today so, after a breakfast of jelly biscuits, I moved into cleaning mode. Nothing like company to push me to clean! I found out how lazy I have been!
Not too much cooking to do. Pat cooked a turkey, stuffing, gravy & brussel sprouts. Julie made 2 great pies and Val contributed rolls & green bean casserole. That left potatoes, carrots and a veggie plate for me.
Everyone was here shortly after 3 for drinks & conversation - generally several conversations at once. We set up a second table in the “living room” so we could all be seated for dinner at 6. Then we played a couple of games - LCR & “Golf” race (Horse race but with a golf theme). Coffee & dessert before everyone left about 9. Great day with super friends.
Nice sunny day but with the usual wind to keep it cool outside.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Dec 20th to 22nd - Yuma
Dec 20th - Sun - Yuma
Friends Francis & Nichole (from 100 Mile House, B.C.) came for dinner today so I spent the morning doing dinner prep and computer work. Terry washed the 5th wheel and I helped dry it with a squeegee.
When Francis & Nichole (and P&R of course) arrived about 2 it was just warm enough to sit & visit outside and to eat outside about 4. Then we moved inside for dessert.
P&R headed home in time for the season finale of Survivor which we also watched.
Dec 21st - Mon - Yuma
Laundry day for me & Pat which also included jigsaw puzzle making for Terry & me. In the afternoon, our friend Claude phoned. They were near our campground on Hwy 8 and heading for Pilot Knob RV in Winterhaven. In a few minutes Terry saw them on the highway so we called back and asked if they saw us waving! We told them we were heading for the buffet at the casino for dinner and they were happy to join us.
Part of the reason for dinner at the casino was wet carpets for us and P&R. We both got our carpets cleaned late in the afternoon and didn’t want to walk on them a lot. We were very pleased with the cleaning job for $35.
Charlie & Julie also joined us for dinner and for a little gambling after. We had to take 2 trucks so Rick was able to come back after dinner (he does not like to gamble in smoky casinos) and Lucky Pat came back with us. Yes, she did it again!
We had left the furnace on to dry the carpet but we ran out of propane so it was still very wet. We had all moveable items stacked on the kitchen linoleum so just cleared off the bed and went to bed to watch TV.
Dec 22nd - Tues - Yuma
P&R had their ripped awning replaced this morning and then joined us for a trip to visit Claude & Val. There was no wind this morning but by the time we filled propane tanks, drove the loop through Yuma and were across from our RV park on Hwy 8, the wind suddenly came up and we could see a dust cloud moving towards the park.
We drove the wrong way when we exited the highway and got sandblasted before we turned around. We found Claude & Val’s rig in their RV park and debated whether we wanted to brave the wind to go in! Their new 5th wheel is very nice. The wind gave it a workout by actually moving the top of a slide a couple of inches with each big gust.
We visited until our stomachs told us to leave and get some lunch. We calmed the growlies at Arby’s and then went to Fry’s for groceries. Unbelievably, they had almost no turkeys so we had to stop at WalMart to get one for Pat to cook for Christmas.
On our way out this morning, we talked to Charlie and he invited us over for happy hour. We rode our bikes to their place and they weren’t home! So we came back to our rig and started without them. They had to go pick up a new hot water tank in Wellton and joined us when they returned.
P&R left for dinner and so Pat could play bridge. We ended up showing some pictures to Charlie & Julie and had a late dinner after they left.
Friends Francis & Nichole (from 100 Mile House, B.C.) came for dinner today so I spent the morning doing dinner prep and computer work. Terry washed the 5th wheel and I helped dry it with a squeegee.
When Francis & Nichole (and P&R of course) arrived about 2 it was just warm enough to sit & visit outside and to eat outside about 4. Then we moved inside for dessert.
P&R headed home in time for the season finale of Survivor which we also watched.
Dec 21st - Mon - Yuma
Laundry day for me & Pat which also included jigsaw puzzle making for Terry & me. In the afternoon, our friend Claude phoned. They were near our campground on Hwy 8 and heading for Pilot Knob RV in Winterhaven. In a few minutes Terry saw them on the highway so we called back and asked if they saw us waving! We told them we were heading for the buffet at the casino for dinner and they were happy to join us.
Part of the reason for dinner at the casino was wet carpets for us and P&R. We both got our carpets cleaned late in the afternoon and didn’t want to walk on them a lot. We were very pleased with the cleaning job for $35.
Charlie & Julie also joined us for dinner and for a little gambling after. We had to take 2 trucks so Rick was able to come back after dinner (he does not like to gamble in smoky casinos) and Lucky Pat came back with us. Yes, she did it again!
We had left the furnace on to dry the carpet but we ran out of propane so it was still very wet. We had all moveable items stacked on the kitchen linoleum so just cleared off the bed and went to bed to watch TV.
Dec 22nd - Tues - Yuma
P&R had their ripped awning replaced this morning and then joined us for a trip to visit Claude & Val. There was no wind this morning but by the time we filled propane tanks, drove the loop through Yuma and were across from our RV park on Hwy 8, the wind suddenly came up and we could see a dust cloud moving towards the park.
We drove the wrong way when we exited the highway and got sandblasted before we turned around. We found Claude & Val’s rig in their RV park and debated whether we wanted to brave the wind to go in! Their new 5th wheel is very nice. The wind gave it a workout by actually moving the top of a slide a couple of inches with each big gust.
We visited until our stomachs told us to leave and get some lunch. We calmed the growlies at Arby’s and then went to Fry’s for groceries. Unbelievably, they had almost no turkeys so we had to stop at WalMart to get one for Pat to cook for Christmas.
On our way out this morning, we talked to Charlie and he invited us over for happy hour. We rode our bikes to their place and they weren’t home! So we came back to our rig and started without them. They had to go pick up a new hot water tank in Wellton and joined us when they returned.
P&R left for dinner and so Pat could play bridge. We ended up showing some pictures to Charlie & Julie and had a late dinner after they left.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Dec 16th to 19th - Yuma
Dec 16th - Wed - Yuma
Terry is taking some antibiotics to clear up a tooth infection before his dental work so I have to make a reasonably early breakfast so he can take his pill with food. Pat came by as we were finishing and suggested a drive today instead of the bike ride that we discussed. We are all nursing sore feet & joints from our golf game. Need to do more walking to get in shape!!
We first stopped so I could get a haircut and visit an ATM. Then on through construction traffic to Olive Garden for lunch. Pat wanted to try the “all-you-can-eat soup, salad & breadstick” lunch which she has seen in ads so we all ordered it. Very good.
Next we got in a little walking and stair climbing by checking out RVs for sale at a shopping mall. Nothing any of us could not resist. By now it was time to stop for some groceries for Pat. Unfortunately we picked WalMart and Terry finally found the TV that he wanted in stock. He did not get the rain check price (we thought we probably wouldn’t) but it was still a good price. So now he has a larger (26”) TV in the outside compartment and I can continue to use the smaller one as a screen until we get a new computer.
Over to P&R’S again for happy hour & dinner.
Dec 17th - Thurs - Yuma
I mentioned the circular route that we have to take to get to Hwy 8 and then west to Algodones. Well, now 1st Street that parallels Hwy 8 is closed until Jan 18th so we have to go further south to 8th Street before heading east & then north. Good thing we are retired and have lots of time to get somewhere!
Finally got some catching up done on the computer and did some cleaning. Rick was supposed to get his awning replaced today but it was too windy. They had to hang around in case the wind let up in the afternoon so Terry & I ran some errands.
Dec 18th - Fri - Yuma
Up early this morning for an 8 o’clock dental appointment for Terry. We got there early and then it turned out his appointment was for 8:30 so Terry had lots of time to pace around the courtyard of the dental complex! He got in about 8:45 and was out about 9:30 with 3 teeth pulled and his modified upper partial in place. He had to wait about an hour for his lower partial to be fixed so we went shopping. Then he had to wait for the lower partial to be fitted. There was no line to get across the border so we were back at the casino for lunch about 11:30. Terry was so happy that his total bill was only $270 that we had to spend a little on the slots!
Pat & I went for a bike ride before happy hour. Not much wind and fairly warm.
Dec 19th - Sat - Yuma
We and P&R were able to tee off a few minutes before our 8:53 tee time this morning. Very windy but not too cold. No one in front of us until we caught up to a 5-some on the 9th hole. We waited for them on the 10th and then decided to cut ahead of them by skipping 12 and playing half of 13. Played through 16 and were all tired of the wind and ready to quit.
We walked back to the rigs, got our bikes and went to the cantina for a good hamburger & a beer for lunch. We tried to figure out how to use our awning sun screen as a wind break but decided it would not work. So Terry & I headed for the Swap Meet to check out materials to make a wind break. We would have had to get pieces from 2 or 3 different stores so came back empty handed - except for a few groceries.
Terry invited new friends (Charlie & Julie) from down the street to join us for happy hour tonight. We sat outside - with jackets on - and even got to watch a parade of decorated golf carts travel down our street. We sat out with the buddy burner going until after 7. I had a pork roast and sweet potatoes in the crock pot so dinner was a snap.
Terry is taking some antibiotics to clear up a tooth infection before his dental work so I have to make a reasonably early breakfast so he can take his pill with food. Pat came by as we were finishing and suggested a drive today instead of the bike ride that we discussed. We are all nursing sore feet & joints from our golf game. Need to do more walking to get in shape!!
We first stopped so I could get a haircut and visit an ATM. Then on through construction traffic to Olive Garden for lunch. Pat wanted to try the “all-you-can-eat soup, salad & breadstick” lunch which she has seen in ads so we all ordered it. Very good.
Next we got in a little walking and stair climbing by checking out RVs for sale at a shopping mall. Nothing any of us could not resist. By now it was time to stop for some groceries for Pat. Unfortunately we picked WalMart and Terry finally found the TV that he wanted in stock. He did not get the rain check price (we thought we probably wouldn’t) but it was still a good price. So now he has a larger (26”) TV in the outside compartment and I can continue to use the smaller one as a screen until we get a new computer.
Over to P&R’S again for happy hour & dinner.
Dec 17th - Thurs - Yuma
I mentioned the circular route that we have to take to get to Hwy 8 and then west to Algodones. Well, now 1st Street that parallels Hwy 8 is closed until Jan 18th so we have to go further south to 8th Street before heading east & then north. Good thing we are retired and have lots of time to get somewhere!
Finally got some catching up done on the computer and did some cleaning. Rick was supposed to get his awning replaced today but it was too windy. They had to hang around in case the wind let up in the afternoon so Terry & I ran some errands.
Dec 18th - Fri - Yuma
Up early this morning for an 8 o’clock dental appointment for Terry. We got there early and then it turned out his appointment was for 8:30 so Terry had lots of time to pace around the courtyard of the dental complex! He got in about 8:45 and was out about 9:30 with 3 teeth pulled and his modified upper partial in place. He had to wait about an hour for his lower partial to be fixed so we went shopping. Then he had to wait for the lower partial to be fitted. There was no line to get across the border so we were back at the casino for lunch about 11:30. Terry was so happy that his total bill was only $270 that we had to spend a little on the slots!
Pat & I went for a bike ride before happy hour. Not much wind and fairly warm.
Dec 19th - Sat - Yuma
We and P&R were able to tee off a few minutes before our 8:53 tee time this morning. Very windy but not too cold. No one in front of us until we caught up to a 5-some on the 9th hole. We waited for them on the 10th and then decided to cut ahead of them by skipping 12 and playing half of 13. Played through 16 and were all tired of the wind and ready to quit.
We walked back to the rigs, got our bikes and went to the cantina for a good hamburger & a beer for lunch. We tried to figure out how to use our awning sun screen as a wind break but decided it would not work. So Terry & I headed for the Swap Meet to check out materials to make a wind break. We would have had to get pieces from 2 or 3 different stores so came back empty handed - except for a few groceries.
Terry invited new friends (Charlie & Julie) from down the street to join us for happy hour tonight. We sat outside - with jackets on - and even got to watch a parade of decorated golf carts travel down our street. We sat out with the buddy burner going until after 7. I had a pork roast and sweet potatoes in the crock pot so dinner was a snap.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dec 12th to 15th - Yuma
Dec 12th - Sat - Yuma
Blog & emails before making brunch. We had a 12:30 tee time and the weather was gorgeous. There was a tournament in the morning and then a shotgun start for anyone who wanted to play at 12:30. Well, the participants in the tournament were playing with 8 players on a hole to keep each other honest! We decided to tee off in front of the group that was taking a very long time to finish a par three but they weren’t really happy when we did so. They informed Rick that they would be hitting into us and they had 5 holes still to play.
We WAITED behind them, we all had bad second shots and finally decided to go to the pro shop and make other arrangements. They would not let us play 9 later and then 9 tomorrow on our 18 hole punch cards so we made a tee time for Tuesday.
With no other plans, we headed out for a bit of shopping. We checked out Sam’s Club and decided it was too much like Costco and has fewer west coast stores so wouldn’t join them instead of Costco. Found an Albertsons for some groceries and then back to cram them in the fridge.
Happy hour with P&R, dinner at home and then Terry & I went to a dance here at the park. A couple (Larry & Bernice) invited us to join them at their table and we ended up meeting 8 new friends. The band was on a trial and was not very good. The floor was over-waxed so we had to be careful not to land on our butts but we still had a good time. Larry thought the dance went to 10 so we were all surprised when the band just started packing up at 9 without so much as a goodbye or thanks for coming. Maybe they were upset that not many people were dancing.
Dec 13th - Sun - Yuma
Laundry this morning. I goofed and didn’t get one machine started with the others so it took us a while. Terry got into a jigsaw puzzle at the library and I helped him finish it after the laundry was all done.
We just had enough time to make & eat some lunch before it was time to head to the cantina for an afternoon of music & beer. There is a 6 piece group that plays every Sunday and they were much better than the group at the dance. Some of our new friends were there and came over to say hi - very friendly folks. We danced a couple of times and had a good time.
P&R came over for happy hour and for chicken fettuccini dinner.
Dec 14th - Mon - Yuma
Terry, Pat & I left at 8 for our dentist appointments in Algodones. True to form in Mexico, we all got in after the time of our appointments. Pat did not need a filling so got a cleaning instead. Terry will be getting 3 teeth pulled on Friday. They took his top partial and will have it ready with an additional tooth to replace one that will be pulled. During his next appointment, they will send his lower partial to the lab to get 2 teeth added to replace the lower 2 being pulled. The lab will have the work done by the time his teeth are pulled.
My crown did not satisfy my dentist - too much space between it and the next tooth - so she sent it back to the lab while she cleaned my teeth. I had to wait for it to come back and then wait for the dentist to finish with her next patient but we were out of there about 11.
We stopped at the casino for “2 for 1” buffet lunch and then played slots for a while. We dropped Pat off and went to get an oil change. We went to the same place in the Foothills area that we went a couple of years ago since we liked the job that they did. Then we continued on to find our friends Francis & Nichole. They do not have a phone or email so we wanted to deliver a dinner invitation in person. They weren’t home so we left a note - hope it was the right place!!
It will be a challenge to feed Terry until Friday since he only has one back tooth on the top. I had leftover fettuccini from last night so that worked for tonight.
Dec 15th - Tues - Yuma
We had a 1:00 pm tee time today and wondered how fun it would be since Terry was up at 5:00 folding our chairs & tables up so they wouldn’t blow away. But the sun came out and the wind died down so it was perfect for golf. None of us are used to playing 18 holes and we were all tired at the end.
I had put a big pot of stew in the crock pot and invited P&R to join us for dinner. After a couple of drinks and dinner, we were all pretty quiet.
Blog & emails before making brunch. We had a 12:30 tee time and the weather was gorgeous. There was a tournament in the morning and then a shotgun start for anyone who wanted to play at 12:30. Well, the participants in the tournament were playing with 8 players on a hole to keep each other honest! We decided to tee off in front of the group that was taking a very long time to finish a par three but they weren’t really happy when we did so. They informed Rick that they would be hitting into us and they had 5 holes still to play.
We WAITED behind them, we all had bad second shots and finally decided to go to the pro shop and make other arrangements. They would not let us play 9 later and then 9 tomorrow on our 18 hole punch cards so we made a tee time for Tuesday.
With no other plans, we headed out for a bit of shopping. We checked out Sam’s Club and decided it was too much like Costco and has fewer west coast stores so wouldn’t join them instead of Costco. Found an Albertsons for some groceries and then back to cram them in the fridge.
Happy hour with P&R, dinner at home and then Terry & I went to a dance here at the park. A couple (Larry & Bernice) invited us to join them at their table and we ended up meeting 8 new friends. The band was on a trial and was not very good. The floor was over-waxed so we had to be careful not to land on our butts but we still had a good time. Larry thought the dance went to 10 so we were all surprised when the band just started packing up at 9 without so much as a goodbye or thanks for coming. Maybe they were upset that not many people were dancing.
Dec 13th - Sun - Yuma
Laundry this morning. I goofed and didn’t get one machine started with the others so it took us a while. Terry got into a jigsaw puzzle at the library and I helped him finish it after the laundry was all done.
We just had enough time to make & eat some lunch before it was time to head to the cantina for an afternoon of music & beer. There is a 6 piece group that plays every Sunday and they were much better than the group at the dance. Some of our new friends were there and came over to say hi - very friendly folks. We danced a couple of times and had a good time.
P&R came over for happy hour and for chicken fettuccini dinner.
Dec 14th - Mon - Yuma
Terry, Pat & I left at 8 for our dentist appointments in Algodones. True to form in Mexico, we all got in after the time of our appointments. Pat did not need a filling so got a cleaning instead. Terry will be getting 3 teeth pulled on Friday. They took his top partial and will have it ready with an additional tooth to replace one that will be pulled. During his next appointment, they will send his lower partial to the lab to get 2 teeth added to replace the lower 2 being pulled. The lab will have the work done by the time his teeth are pulled.
My crown did not satisfy my dentist - too much space between it and the next tooth - so she sent it back to the lab while she cleaned my teeth. I had to wait for it to come back and then wait for the dentist to finish with her next patient but we were out of there about 11.
We stopped at the casino for “2 for 1” buffet lunch and then played slots for a while. We dropped Pat off and went to get an oil change. We went to the same place in the Foothills area that we went a couple of years ago since we liked the job that they did. Then we continued on to find our friends Francis & Nichole. They do not have a phone or email so we wanted to deliver a dinner invitation in person. They weren’t home so we left a note - hope it was the right place!!
It will be a challenge to feed Terry until Friday since he only has one back tooth on the top. I had leftover fettuccini from last night so that worked for tonight.
Dec 15th - Tues - Yuma
We had a 1:00 pm tee time today and wondered how fun it would be since Terry was up at 5:00 folding our chairs & tables up so they wouldn’t blow away. But the sun came out and the wind died down so it was perfect for golf. None of us are used to playing 18 holes and we were all tired at the end.
I had put a big pot of stew in the crock pot and invited P&R to join us for dinner. After a couple of drinks and dinner, we were all pretty quiet.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dec 9th to 11th - Yuma
Dec 9th - Wed - Yuma
Cold & windy again today so we cancelled another tee time as did several other groups. I caught up the blog & email before picking up P&R for a day of lunch & shopping in old Yuma.
We had a good lunch at Lute’s Casino downtown which is a restaurant and pool hall. Then we wandered the main street & and an alley and checked out some interesting touristy shops. Next a stop at WalMart for “bits & pieces” and groceries. After a rest time all around, P&R came to our rig for happy hour which allowed me to put in a small roast for Terry & my dinner.
We had finished eating and cleaning up the kitchen when P&R’s son Chris phoned trying to get hold of Rick. We told him to call back in 10 minutes and we walked over to take the phone to Rick. P&R did not question why we came over so we chatted until the phone rang and Terry handed it to a bewildered Rick. They had a nice chat with Chris and then we headed home.
Dec 10th - Thurs - Yuma
It was really nice to stay in a nice warm bed while the furnace warmed up the rig this morning. In the last 2 nights, we have received weird phone calls on my phone. The first night, Terry leaped out of bed and slammed his foot against something trying to get to the phone before it quit. He couldn’t understand the caller and just got back into bed when the phone rang again. He answered it only to be cussed at by the caller. Last night Terry did not wake up with the 2 calls at 12:12 & 12:17 and I just let it ring. Sure disturbs your sleep.
Haircut for Terry, dealt with email and ate breakfast before heading to the Paradise casino - Terry was bored and P&R were off doing their own thing. The casino finally gobbled our allowance so we came back and went for a 6.8 mile bike ride around the park. Terry brought in the small TV from the outside storage compartment to use on the computer until we decide what we are going to do about the computer screen being dead.
Just as we were ready to fix a drink, P&R showed up for happy hour. As our sign says “Why limit happy to an hour?” - and we don’t. At the first commercial in “Survivor”, P&R headed for home & dinner.
Dec 11th - Fri - Yuma
We decided to make a trip to Algodones Mexico to find a dentist (to repair my broken tooth) rather than just making a phone call. P&R went with us and we stopped for a buffet breakfast at the new Quechan Casino on the way.
The first dentist office that I checked charges $400 for a crown. The second office was recommended by Judy at Good Life RV park and charges $180 for a crown. One of the 3 dentists had a no-show so I was able to get in right away for the crown prep while Terry and P&R wandered around town. My crown will be ready on Monday so we also made an appointment for Terry to get started on his dental work. Pat was also able to get in for a filling so we will make good use of the next trip.
Of course we had to stop to gamble a bit on the way home. Pat had spent her allotment and was waiting for Terry to quit when she decided to put another $5 into a machine that had eaten my money earlier. A few spins later she hit $57 and was able to go home with money in her pocket. We persuaded Terry to quit when he still had some money.
Terry, Pat & I went for a bike ride trying to find a shorter way to Algodones & the casino. We have to drive a large loop to Hwy 8 in order to cross the Colorado River and head west. We can almost see the casino from the RV park but “can’t get there from here”.
The wind finally died and we were able to put our chairs into the sun and enjoy sitting out for a while. Pat & Terry combined happy hour with a game of canasta while Rick & I relaxed and watched TV.
Cold & windy again today so we cancelled another tee time as did several other groups. I caught up the blog & email before picking up P&R for a day of lunch & shopping in old Yuma.
We had a good lunch at Lute’s Casino downtown which is a restaurant and pool hall. Then we wandered the main street & and an alley and checked out some interesting touristy shops. Next a stop at WalMart for “bits & pieces” and groceries. After a rest time all around, P&R came to our rig for happy hour which allowed me to put in a small roast for Terry & my dinner.
We had finished eating and cleaning up the kitchen when P&R’s son Chris phoned trying to get hold of Rick. We told him to call back in 10 minutes and we walked over to take the phone to Rick. P&R did not question why we came over so we chatted until the phone rang and Terry handed it to a bewildered Rick. They had a nice chat with Chris and then we headed home.
Dec 10th - Thurs - Yuma
It was really nice to stay in a nice warm bed while the furnace warmed up the rig this morning. In the last 2 nights, we have received weird phone calls on my phone. The first night, Terry leaped out of bed and slammed his foot against something trying to get to the phone before it quit. He couldn’t understand the caller and just got back into bed when the phone rang again. He answered it only to be cussed at by the caller. Last night Terry did not wake up with the 2 calls at 12:12 & 12:17 and I just let it ring. Sure disturbs your sleep.
Haircut for Terry, dealt with email and ate breakfast before heading to the Paradise casino - Terry was bored and P&R were off doing their own thing. The casino finally gobbled our allowance so we came back and went for a 6.8 mile bike ride around the park. Terry brought in the small TV from the outside storage compartment to use on the computer until we decide what we are going to do about the computer screen being dead.
Just as we were ready to fix a drink, P&R showed up for happy hour. As our sign says “Why limit happy to an hour?” - and we don’t. At the first commercial in “Survivor”, P&R headed for home & dinner.
Dec 11th - Fri - Yuma
We decided to make a trip to Algodones Mexico to find a dentist (to repair my broken tooth) rather than just making a phone call. P&R went with us and we stopped for a buffet breakfast at the new Quechan Casino on the way.
The first dentist office that I checked charges $400 for a crown. The second office was recommended by Judy at Good Life RV park and charges $180 for a crown. One of the 3 dentists had a no-show so I was able to get in right away for the crown prep while Terry and P&R wandered around town. My crown will be ready on Monday so we also made an appointment for Terry to get started on his dental work. Pat was also able to get in for a filling so we will make good use of the next trip.
Of course we had to stop to gamble a bit on the way home. Pat had spent her allotment and was waiting for Terry to quit when she decided to put another $5 into a machine that had eaten my money earlier. A few spins later she hit $57 and was able to go home with money in her pocket. We persuaded Terry to quit when he still had some money.
Terry, Pat & I went for a bike ride trying to find a shorter way to Algodones & the casino. We have to drive a large loop to Hwy 8 in order to cross the Colorado River and head west. We can almost see the casino from the RV park but “can’t get there from here”.
The wind finally died and we were able to put our chairs into the sun and enjoy sitting out for a while. Pat & Terry combined happy hour with a game of canasta while Rick & I relaxed and watched TV.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Dec 6th to 8th - Yuma
Dec 6th - Sun - Yuma
Lazy start to the day and then time for a 5 mile bike ride around the park. My butt starts to complain after 4 miles so will just have to keep increasing the length of the rides.
Terry decided it was a good day to clean out and organize the storage box in the truck. I supervised & helped. We have a bicycle stand that we have been dragging around for 3 years and never used so we put it together and will put up a notice to try to sell it here. We needed a storage crate to finish the job so we headed for town. P&R had been gone all morning. We passed them as we were leaving and made a date for happy hour.
After shopping we went to the Cocopah Casino. It is small, has older slot machines and did not treat us very well!! We had a late lunch and went to the Paradise/Quechan Casino where I continued my losing ways and Terry bailed us out again!
It was very cool when we walked to P&R’s about 6. We ended up watching the final episode of “Amazing Race” with them and then I had to make dinner so we ate at 8:45.
Dec 7th - Mon - Yuma
Clouds?!! No wonder we slept late - it was still dark! And the clouds actually produced some rain. Before going for a drive, we stopped to change our tee time that we had for today as we decided that we did not have to golf in the rain.
We took P&R on a loop around the Imperial Dam area where we camped before coming here. They were as amazed as we were at the number and variety of rigs parked in the “desert”. We stopped at the Imperial date farm so Pat could buy some dates to ship home.
We all had “rest time” before joining P&R for happy hour and a shared dinner. Then we actually had enough energy to play a few rounds of “31”. The wind really started to blow before we walked home.
Dec 8th - Tues - Yuma
Rick went to pay for our golf today and discovered that our tee time is for tomorrow. We have to start paying attention to the date & day!!
The wind continued to blow all night. From the wind and the drive yesterday, our truck was filthy and required a wash today. We also hosed off the patio carpet and wiped down the tables and bikes. Terry fixed our flagpole and got our golfer flying while I vacuumed.
It was Rick’s birthday today so we headed to the casino for dinner. Mondays and Tuesdays have a 2 for 1 buffet special - $11.95 for 2 people for what turned out to be a good buffet. Of course we had to play the slots before and after dinner. “Lucky” Pat (you’ve heard about her before in our blog!) walked out a winner. Rick turned his $10 birthday free play into $14 to take home. I held my own but was not able to come out ahead to bail Terry out.
We got a phone call from friends Francis & Nichole from 100 Mile House. They are in Yuma for the winter and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Lazy start to the day and then time for a 5 mile bike ride around the park. My butt starts to complain after 4 miles so will just have to keep increasing the length of the rides.
Terry decided it was a good day to clean out and organize the storage box in the truck. I supervised & helped. We have a bicycle stand that we have been dragging around for 3 years and never used so we put it together and will put up a notice to try to sell it here. We needed a storage crate to finish the job so we headed for town. P&R had been gone all morning. We passed them as we were leaving and made a date for happy hour.
After shopping we went to the Cocopah Casino. It is small, has older slot machines and did not treat us very well!! We had a late lunch and went to the Paradise/Quechan Casino where I continued my losing ways and Terry bailed us out again!
It was very cool when we walked to P&R’s about 6. We ended up watching the final episode of “Amazing Race” with them and then I had to make dinner so we ate at 8:45.
Dec 7th - Mon - Yuma
Clouds?!! No wonder we slept late - it was still dark! And the clouds actually produced some rain. Before going for a drive, we stopped to change our tee time that we had for today as we decided that we did not have to golf in the rain.
We took P&R on a loop around the Imperial Dam area where we camped before coming here. They were as amazed as we were at the number and variety of rigs parked in the “desert”. We stopped at the Imperial date farm so Pat could buy some dates to ship home.
We all had “rest time” before joining P&R for happy hour and a shared dinner. Then we actually had enough energy to play a few rounds of “31”. The wind really started to blow before we walked home.
Dec 8th - Tues - Yuma
Rick went to pay for our golf today and discovered that our tee time is for tomorrow. We have to start paying attention to the date & day!!
The wind continued to blow all night. From the wind and the drive yesterday, our truck was filthy and required a wash today. We also hosed off the patio carpet and wiped down the tables and bikes. Terry fixed our flagpole and got our golfer flying while I vacuumed.
It was Rick’s birthday today so we headed to the casino for dinner. Mondays and Tuesdays have a 2 for 1 buffet special - $11.95 for 2 people for what turned out to be a good buffet. Of course we had to play the slots before and after dinner. “Lucky” Pat (you’ve heard about her before in our blog!) walked out a winner. Rick turned his $10 birthday free play into $14 to take home. I held my own but was not able to come out ahead to bail Terry out.
We got a phone call from friends Francis & Nichole from 100 Mile House. They are in Yuma for the winter and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Dec 2nd to 5th - Yuma
Dec 2nd - Wed - Yuma
I had a nice long phone chat with sister Marg before making breakfast. Then an overdue visit to the laundry room. While the laundry was washing, we walked to the pro shop and purchased punch cards to get a discounted golf rate - $950 for 50 18 hole rounds. The cards can be used by anyone so we don’t have to try to fit in that much golf in the 2 months that we will be here.
When we finished putting away laundry and making the bed, we joined Pat & Rick for a bike ride around the park. The sun was nearly setting and it was cooling off rapidly so we didn’t ride all the roads - just put in 4 miles.
Dec 3rd - Thurs - Yuma
Puttered around until our tee time at 11 this morning. By then it had warmed up enough to be comfortable in short sleeves but still with long pants. The golf course here has mostly narrow fairways that run between the RVs but Terry actually used some controllable clubs and avoided hitting rigs. There was one bad shot where we all held our breath but it went right over the double row of RVs into the next fairway. When we got to the 17th hole there was such a backup that we decided to make it a 16 hole round.
We had BBQ chicken sandwiches & beer at the park Grill for a late lunch and then went to Smart & Final in search (successful) of baby back ribs.
I had some stroganoff in the freezer and invited P&R over for dinner which was late due to the timing of our lunch.
Dec 4th - Fri - Yuma
Shopping day with Rick & Pat. WalMart(s), Swap Meet & Bealls. We ran into Leona & Victor and Leona’s sister & husband who we met at Imperial Dam in both WalMarts and the Swap Meet!
Happy hour at Pat & Rick’s and on our own for dinner.
Very cool and windy today.
Dec 5th - Sat - Yuma
P&R’s turn at the laundry room this morning so Terry & I went shopping for a couple of items that we did not find.
P&R wanted to go to an afternoon concert at the new Quechan casino so we decided to go there as well but just to gamble. After they got their tickets we realized that the performance is tomorrow! Pat loves to gamble and Rick was a good sport so we stayed for a while. It was very busy and we were not doing well. I had decided to quit before spending all my money and Terry was on his last $5 when he started to win. We ended up leaving with $70 ahead and so did Pat.
P&R came over for happy hour, returned to their rig for dinner and then came back to play dominoes. Rick & I begged off after a couple of games to watch TV so Terry & Pat played Hand & Foot Canasta.
I put up a hummingbird feeder a couple of days ago and finally saw a couple of birds feeding today. It sticks on the kitchen window with suction cups so is fun to watch from inside or from the patio.
I had a nice long phone chat with sister Marg before making breakfast. Then an overdue visit to the laundry room. While the laundry was washing, we walked to the pro shop and purchased punch cards to get a discounted golf rate - $950 for 50 18 hole rounds. The cards can be used by anyone so we don’t have to try to fit in that much golf in the 2 months that we will be here.
When we finished putting away laundry and making the bed, we joined Pat & Rick for a bike ride around the park. The sun was nearly setting and it was cooling off rapidly so we didn’t ride all the roads - just put in 4 miles.
Dec 3rd - Thurs - Yuma
Puttered around until our tee time at 11 this morning. By then it had warmed up enough to be comfortable in short sleeves but still with long pants. The golf course here has mostly narrow fairways that run between the RVs but Terry actually used some controllable clubs and avoided hitting rigs. There was one bad shot where we all held our breath but it went right over the double row of RVs into the next fairway. When we got to the 17th hole there was such a backup that we decided to make it a 16 hole round.
We had BBQ chicken sandwiches & beer at the park Grill for a late lunch and then went to Smart & Final in search (successful) of baby back ribs.
I had some stroganoff in the freezer and invited P&R over for dinner which was late due to the timing of our lunch.
Dec 4th - Fri - Yuma
Shopping day with Rick & Pat. WalMart(s), Swap Meet & Bealls. We ran into Leona & Victor and Leona’s sister & husband who we met at Imperial Dam in both WalMarts and the Swap Meet!
Happy hour at Pat & Rick’s and on our own for dinner.
Very cool and windy today.
Dec 5th - Sat - Yuma
P&R’s turn at the laundry room this morning so Terry & I went shopping for a couple of items that we did not find.
P&R wanted to go to an afternoon concert at the new Quechan casino so we decided to go there as well but just to gamble. After they got their tickets we realized that the performance is tomorrow! Pat loves to gamble and Rick was a good sport so we stayed for a while. It was very busy and we were not doing well. I had decided to quit before spending all my money and Terry was on his last $5 when he started to win. We ended up leaving with $70 ahead and so did Pat.
P&R came over for happy hour, returned to their rig for dinner and then came back to play dominoes. Rick & I begged off after a couple of games to watch TV so Terry & Pat played Hand & Foot Canasta.
I put up a hummingbird feeder a couple of days ago and finally saw a couple of birds feeding today. It sticks on the kitchen window with suction cups so is fun to watch from inside or from the patio.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Nov 29th to Dec 1st - Imperial Dam to Yuma
Nov 29th - Sun - Imperial Dam
Dave & Margo went to church in Yuma so we puttered around and visited with neighbors. I spent some time getting a hummingbird out of our rig. He kept flying right up to the ceiling and could not find the door to get out. I gently used a fly swatter and a hat to try to move him down but it did not work. He got tired and perched quite a few times. He finally landed on the shower rim, I placed a hat over him and then slid my hand under the edge of the hat and picked him up. I showed the bird to Terry & the neighbors - so they would believe me? - and let him go. This was the second hummingbird to fly into the open door so we think they were attracted by the red water pump light. We kept the screen closed after that.
When D&M returned we decided it was a good day to go for a drive and get a date shake. Terry does not like dates but he took a sip of my shake and ordered one. Wrong! He didn’t end up drinking very much.
We each had chicken to cook for dinner so we got together with shared salads. It gets quite cool as soon as the sun goes down (just after 6) so we ate inside and then shared some photos with D&M.
The Greycup football game was played today. Our Canadian neighbors could not get a score so we turned on the computer and got a play-by-play website. Terry kept going to their window next door whenever we got an update. Saskatchewan led the whole game (one Canadian couple is from Sask) and then shot themselves in the foot with a “too many player” penalty on the next to last play which let Montreal try a second field goal and win. When Terry reported this to our neighbors, they closed the window and pulled down the blind!
Nov 30th - Mon - Imperial Dam
I introduced Dave & Margo to breakfast sandwiches made with Sandwich Thins which are great, thin “buns” that you can use for hamburgers with all the trimmings and still get your mouth around them.
Then we had to get some exercise so we walked to a boondocking area, checked out the desert golf course and returned by the edge of a lake. Dave’s GPS reported that we walked just over 4 miles. While we were walking, we saw military planes climbing above us and skydivers coming down.
We had to refresh ourselves with beer & a snack and then got out their Ladder Golf game. After a couple of games we had to take a break while Dave & Terry figured out how to secure the legs to the uprights. Don’t know how the women let the men win the most games!!
We planned dinner (polish sausages) around having a real fire on the beach. Before we finished, the wild donkeys were wandering around the campsite and letting us know they were there with their hee-haws.
Dec 1st - Tues - to Yuma AZ
Jelly biscuits and a final cup of coffee with Dave & Margo this morning. Left about 10:15 for the long (23.6 miles) drive to Cocopah Golf & RV Resort on the west side of Yuma. We had a wonderful surprise when we got here - cousin Pat & her husband Rick directing us into a parking spot at the office! They will be here for the whole month.
I did some much needed cleaning as we set up & fixed some lunch. Then we joined Rick & Pat on a shopping trip - RV repair (they need an awning replaced), WalMart, fuel and a thrift shop for Pat & I while we waited (unsuccessfully) for Rick to get a chiropractic treatment.
Then another lovely treat - Pat made a great steak dinner for us! Their spot is not far from us so we can walk or bike there easily.
The weather was beautiful today. When we left Squaw Lake, the water was perfectly still so I took a bunch of pictures as we drove trying to get a good reflection shot.
Dave & Margo went to church in Yuma so we puttered around and visited with neighbors. I spent some time getting a hummingbird out of our rig. He kept flying right up to the ceiling and could not find the door to get out. I gently used a fly swatter and a hat to try to move him down but it did not work. He got tired and perched quite a few times. He finally landed on the shower rim, I placed a hat over him and then slid my hand under the edge of the hat and picked him up. I showed the bird to Terry & the neighbors - so they would believe me? - and let him go. This was the second hummingbird to fly into the open door so we think they were attracted by the red water pump light. We kept the screen closed after that.
When D&M returned we decided it was a good day to go for a drive and get a date shake. Terry does not like dates but he took a sip of my shake and ordered one. Wrong! He didn’t end up drinking very much.
We each had chicken to cook for dinner so we got together with shared salads. It gets quite cool as soon as the sun goes down (just after 6) so we ate inside and then shared some photos with D&M.
The Greycup football game was played today. Our Canadian neighbors could not get a score so we turned on the computer and got a play-by-play website. Terry kept going to their window next door whenever we got an update. Saskatchewan led the whole game (one Canadian couple is from Sask) and then shot themselves in the foot with a “too many player” penalty on the next to last play which let Montreal try a second field goal and win. When Terry reported this to our neighbors, they closed the window and pulled down the blind!
Nov 30th - Mon - Imperial Dam
I introduced Dave & Margo to breakfast sandwiches made with Sandwich Thins which are great, thin “buns” that you can use for hamburgers with all the trimmings and still get your mouth around them.
Then we had to get some exercise so we walked to a boondocking area, checked out the desert golf course and returned by the edge of a lake. Dave’s GPS reported that we walked just over 4 miles. While we were walking, we saw military planes climbing above us and skydivers coming down.
We had to refresh ourselves with beer & a snack and then got out their Ladder Golf game. After a couple of games we had to take a break while Dave & Terry figured out how to secure the legs to the uprights. Don’t know how the women let the men win the most games!!
We planned dinner (polish sausages) around having a real fire on the beach. Before we finished, the wild donkeys were wandering around the campsite and letting us know they were there with their hee-haws.
Dec 1st - Tues - to Yuma AZ
Jelly biscuits and a final cup of coffee with Dave & Margo this morning. Left about 10:15 for the long (23.6 miles) drive to Cocopah Golf & RV Resort on the west side of Yuma. We had a wonderful surprise when we got here - cousin Pat & her husband Rick directing us into a parking spot at the office! They will be here for the whole month.
I did some much needed cleaning as we set up & fixed some lunch. Then we joined Rick & Pat on a shopping trip - RV repair (they need an awning replaced), WalMart, fuel and a thrift shop for Pat & I while we waited (unsuccessfully) for Rick to get a chiropractic treatment.
Then another lovely treat - Pat made a great steak dinner for us! Their spot is not far from us so we can walk or bike there easily.
The weather was beautiful today. When we left Squaw Lake, the water was perfectly still so I took a bunch of pictures as we drove trying to get a good reflection shot.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Nov 26th to 28th - Imperial Dam
Nov 26th - Thurs - to Imperial Dam area
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We left at 9 for the 1 ½ hour drive to Squaw Lake north of Yuma. We are camping with Dave & Margo who we met in Mexico and who live in Walla Walla WA. We are dry camping in a small organized camping area (parking lot type) right beside a lake. We have plenty of room since they allow 2 parking spots per camper with your vehicle parked in another row in the middle. For those of you who know the area somewhat, you turn off Hwy 95 at the Proving Grounds and go past the turnoff to Martinez Lake.
After setting up, we all went for a hike in the nearby hills and then sat and caught up before dinner. Margo had most of the fixings for turkey dinner so I added devilled eggs and mashed potatoes and we had a great meal with good friends - just what Thanksgiving is all about!
We started the generator after dinner and it kept surging and causing the lights to dim so we decided that we didn’t want to trust plugging in the TV or computer and shut it off. Decided to go to Yuma tomorrow and buy a new generator.
Nov 27th - Fri - Imperial Dam
Had a quick breakfast and headed to Yuma with Dave & Margo. It is about 25 minutes away. At the second place that we stopped, we bought a Honda 2000 generator. Then stops at a cash machine and the post office for Dave & Margo and on to the Swap Meet. Our stop there included lunch.
We took a different route back to see some different sights. Dave & Margo have camped several times in this area and are good tour guides. I am always amazed by the size of the farms and the amount of produce grown around Yuma.
Our turn for dinner tonight so of course had to make baby back ribs which we found at Smart & Final in Blythe. We ate fairly early so it was warm enough to eat outside. The generator is wonderful and Terry was able to get his TV “fix” outside and later inside.
Nov 28th - Sat - Imperial Dam
We were planning to go kayaking today but it was too windy. We all drove to the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and went through the visitor center. Then we went for a .8 mile interpretive walk which came out at a marina that, according to Terry, we could have just driven to. And then we had to walk back. It was a nice walk.
We continued on towards the Painted Hills Trail and drove to a couple of view points on the way. The trail is a 1.3 mile loop through really varied types of hills. We took this hike previously with Rick & Pat and I enjoyed it every bit as much this time. We drove further to 3 more view points overlooking the Colorado River and then returned to Martinez Lake for a very late (3:00) lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
It was cool when we returned so we went our separate ways for the evening. I worked on my blog before turning the TV over to Terry. The screen on our computer hopefully will get fixed in Yuma.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We left at 9 for the 1 ½ hour drive to Squaw Lake north of Yuma. We are camping with Dave & Margo who we met in Mexico and who live in Walla Walla WA. We are dry camping in a small organized camping area (parking lot type) right beside a lake. We have plenty of room since they allow 2 parking spots per camper with your vehicle parked in another row in the middle. For those of you who know the area somewhat, you turn off Hwy 95 at the Proving Grounds and go past the turnoff to Martinez Lake.
After setting up, we all went for a hike in the nearby hills and then sat and caught up before dinner. Margo had most of the fixings for turkey dinner so I added devilled eggs and mashed potatoes and we had a great meal with good friends - just what Thanksgiving is all about!
We started the generator after dinner and it kept surging and causing the lights to dim so we decided that we didn’t want to trust plugging in the TV or computer and shut it off. Decided to go to Yuma tomorrow and buy a new generator.
Nov 27th - Fri - Imperial Dam
Had a quick breakfast and headed to Yuma with Dave & Margo. It is about 25 minutes away. At the second place that we stopped, we bought a Honda 2000 generator. Then stops at a cash machine and the post office for Dave & Margo and on to the Swap Meet. Our stop there included lunch.
We took a different route back to see some different sights. Dave & Margo have camped several times in this area and are good tour guides. I am always amazed by the size of the farms and the amount of produce grown around Yuma.
Our turn for dinner tonight so of course had to make baby back ribs which we found at Smart & Final in Blythe. We ate fairly early so it was warm enough to eat outside. The generator is wonderful and Terry was able to get his TV “fix” outside and later inside.
Nov 28th - Sat - Imperial Dam
We were planning to go kayaking today but it was too windy. We all drove to the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and went through the visitor center. Then we went for a .8 mile interpretive walk which came out at a marina that, according to Terry, we could have just driven to. And then we had to walk back. It was a nice walk.
We continued on towards the Painted Hills Trail and drove to a couple of view points on the way. The trail is a 1.3 mile loop through really varied types of hills. We took this hike previously with Rick & Pat and I enjoyed it every bit as much this time. We drove further to 3 more view points overlooking the Colorado River and then returned to Martinez Lake for a very late (3:00) lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
It was cool when we returned so we went our separate ways for the evening. I worked on my blog before turning the TV over to Terry. The screen on our computer hopefully will get fixed in Yuma.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Nov 22nd to 25th - Apache Junction to Quartzsite AZ
Nov 22nd - Sun - Apache Junction
Terry won some money at poker last night. When it got down to 2 players (Terry & another guy), they each had about the same in chips and it was getting late so they agreed to split the first & second place money.
We went with Billy & Lauri to the swap meet. We had breakfast there while they shopped and then we all wandered the rest of the aisles.
We stopped at good ol’ WalMart on the way back and picked up some groceries since we are going to Quartzsite with limited grocery selections and then dry camping for a few days north of Yuma.
Lauri made a great BBQ hamburger/potato salad/beans dinner for us which we had early enough that we could eat outside. Of course she had to have dessert also so we moved inside for that.
Nov 23rd - Mon - to Quartzsite
Said goodbye to Billy & Lauri and left at 9:20 for the 2 ¾ hour drive to Quartzsite. We are staying with our friends Clem & Marlene from South Dakota. We first met them in QZ 3 years ago and then traveled with them in Alaska. Last spring, they bought a house here which sits on an acre and has lots of room for us to park.
We had to get out the clippers to trim some trees & shrubs where we are parked. After we set up, Marlene & I continued to trim and Terry & Clem worked on our generator which is not running correctly. It sounded better when they were done but not good enough. Of course, all this activity called for beers on the patio!
We all went out for an early dinner and called it a night.
Nov 24th - Tues - Quartzsite
We left early this morning for Parker to find someone to work on our generator. The guy at the small engine repair place said a new air filter and a change of oil would help and that it wouldn’t be worth him spending time & $ working on it. We checked WalMart for the TV we want but they were also out of stock. Then a stop at QVC pharmacy for inexpensive booze (go figure!) and back to QZ.
Clem & Marlene had eaten breakfast so I made a late breakfast for us. I puttered around with some more tree trimming and then went with Marlene to pick up pies for her Thanksgiving dinner with family. Their 2 sons & families are coming from California.
Clem’s brother Vince arrived in the late afternoon. We all sat outside and chatted and then I went to make dinner. Just as I put a dish in the oven, my sister-in-law Kathy called and we talked for half an hour - just in time to continue with dinner prep.
It was too cool to eat outside so I took everything to Marlene’s - and she has a dishwasher!! She had bought an apple pie to “test” and see if she wanted to buy some more for Thanksgiving. Luckily there was enough left for all of us - including the caramel sauce that you warm up and pour on the pie.
Marlene has not been feeling really well - doctor does not know exactly what caused a huge, sudden rash to appear on her body - so we went home early so she could get to bed.
Nov 25th - Wed - Quartzsite
I made jelly biscuits & fruit salad for everyone for breakfast before we all went for a drive. We first checked out Rainbow Acres which is a large housing development about 6 miles from “downtown” QZ. All the lots are defined by low brick walls. There is a mixture of houses, RVs, and sheds or small dwellings adjacent to RVs. We drove through nearly empty areas that will be full of vendors in a month.
Back to Clem & Marlene’s and then we all walked to a nearby area with a few vendors already set up. One place had a huge ice chest almost full of buttons and the vendor said they all came from one house where they bought the estate contents.
Vince had bought another wonderful apple pie so we added it to hot dogs for a yummy lunch. Just before lunch, Terry turned on our computer and the screen would not come on even though you could hear boot-up sounds. We have been wanting to get a cable to connect the computer to the TV so we went to Blythe CA to find a Radio Shack. Terry was still also looking for a new air filter for our generator so we stopped at several places with no luck. We got our cable and picked up a few groceries.
It is very strange to be typing on the computer and looking at the TV. Because the TV is on a swing arm, I can put the computer on a bar stool, sit right in front of it and still have the mouse on the desk. I just finished catching up my blog so will post it since everyone else is on the patio.
Terry won some money at poker last night. When it got down to 2 players (Terry & another guy), they each had about the same in chips and it was getting late so they agreed to split the first & second place money.
We went with Billy & Lauri to the swap meet. We had breakfast there while they shopped and then we all wandered the rest of the aisles.
We stopped at good ol’ WalMart on the way back and picked up some groceries since we are going to Quartzsite with limited grocery selections and then dry camping for a few days north of Yuma.
Lauri made a great BBQ hamburger/potato salad/beans dinner for us which we had early enough that we could eat outside. Of course she had to have dessert also so we moved inside for that.
Nov 23rd - Mon - to Quartzsite
Said goodbye to Billy & Lauri and left at 9:20 for the 2 ¾ hour drive to Quartzsite. We are staying with our friends Clem & Marlene from South Dakota. We first met them in QZ 3 years ago and then traveled with them in Alaska. Last spring, they bought a house here which sits on an acre and has lots of room for us to park.
We had to get out the clippers to trim some trees & shrubs where we are parked. After we set up, Marlene & I continued to trim and Terry & Clem worked on our generator which is not running correctly. It sounded better when they were done but not good enough. Of course, all this activity called for beers on the patio!
We all went out for an early dinner and called it a night.
Nov 24th - Tues - Quartzsite
We left early this morning for Parker to find someone to work on our generator. The guy at the small engine repair place said a new air filter and a change of oil would help and that it wouldn’t be worth him spending time & $ working on it. We checked WalMart for the TV we want but they were also out of stock. Then a stop at QVC pharmacy for inexpensive booze (go figure!) and back to QZ.
Clem & Marlene had eaten breakfast so I made a late breakfast for us. I puttered around with some more tree trimming and then went with Marlene to pick up pies for her Thanksgiving dinner with family. Their 2 sons & families are coming from California.
Clem’s brother Vince arrived in the late afternoon. We all sat outside and chatted and then I went to make dinner. Just as I put a dish in the oven, my sister-in-law Kathy called and we talked for half an hour - just in time to continue with dinner prep.
It was too cool to eat outside so I took everything to Marlene’s - and she has a dishwasher!! She had bought an apple pie to “test” and see if she wanted to buy some more for Thanksgiving. Luckily there was enough left for all of us - including the caramel sauce that you warm up and pour on the pie.
Marlene has not been feeling really well - doctor does not know exactly what caused a huge, sudden rash to appear on her body - so we went home early so she could get to bed.
Nov 25th - Wed - Quartzsite
I made jelly biscuits & fruit salad for everyone for breakfast before we all went for a drive. We first checked out Rainbow Acres which is a large housing development about 6 miles from “downtown” QZ. All the lots are defined by low brick walls. There is a mixture of houses, RVs, and sheds or small dwellings adjacent to RVs. We drove through nearly empty areas that will be full of vendors in a month.
Back to Clem & Marlene’s and then we all walked to a nearby area with a few vendors already set up. One place had a huge ice chest almost full of buttons and the vendor said they all came from one house where they bought the estate contents.
Vince had bought another wonderful apple pie so we added it to hot dogs for a yummy lunch. Just before lunch, Terry turned on our computer and the screen would not come on even though you could hear boot-up sounds. We have been wanting to get a cable to connect the computer to the TV so we went to Blythe CA to find a Radio Shack. Terry was still also looking for a new air filter for our generator so we stopped at several places with no luck. We got our cable and picked up a few groceries.
It is very strange to be typing on the computer and looking at the TV. Because the TV is on a swing arm, I can put the computer on a bar stool, sit right in front of it and still have the mouse on the desk. I just finished catching up my blog so will post it since everyone else is on the patio.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Nov 19th to 21st - Apache Junction
Nov 19th - Thurs - Apache Junction
We all wanted to play bingo again but Billy didn’t want the evening session so we went to play at the 12:30 session. You do not win as much but it does not cost as much to play. And Lauri did it again!! Won a game for $300. We played the slots a bit after bingo finished and continued our losing ways.
We had lunch at the casino so we stopped at a grocery store for a couple of items and had tacos for dinner.
Nov 20th - Fri - Apache Junction
I am reading a good John Grisham book and enjoyed it outside with coffee and doughnuts this morning. When we went to the store for doughnuts, we found another of our good meat buys ($3.88 for 5 ¼ lbs of round steak) and decided to make beef stroganoff for us and Billy & Lauri. I browned the meat and put it in the crockpot before we strolled through the Mesa Marketplace without finding anything that we had to buy.
The weather has been beautiful and a new neighbor is providing afternoon shade so sitting out in the afternoon is wonderful.
We ate early enough that we could do so outside but moved indoors for dessert.
Nov 21st - Sat - Apache Junction
Terry & I took advantage of the Eggs Benedict breakfast at the park this morning - very good. They cook the eggs in muffin tins that are set in water in large electric fry pans and roasters. They are cooked with the lid on so the whites are cooked and the yolks are still soft.
The breakfast was teamed with a craft sale and a yard sale so we wandered through both with one small purchase. I was close to finishing my book so I read while Terry cleaned the truck.
Next was a bike ride which turned out to be very short as my rear tire was flat. We decided to try a solid “inner tube” and set out for WalMart. Of course the first store did not have the correct size so on to another. We picked up the tube and made a swing past the TVs. Mistake!! We have been planning to put a flat screen TV in the bedroom and we saw one at a very good price. Unfortunately, they did not have one in stock. A very nice customer service rep spent at least ½ hour trying to find one for us. Their computer listed inventory at most stores but phone calls discovered none in stock. She thought it all had something to do with a “Black Friday” sale. We didn’t get our TV.
Terry put the new solid tube in the tire and it was immediately obvious that it was not going to work. He had a regular tube so put it in instead and then took the new tube back to the store. I had a huge list of emails and was still dealing with them when he returned.
We had a nice BBQ steak dinner and then Terry went to play poker again.
We all wanted to play bingo again but Billy didn’t want the evening session so we went to play at the 12:30 session. You do not win as much but it does not cost as much to play. And Lauri did it again!! Won a game for $300. We played the slots a bit after bingo finished and continued our losing ways.
We had lunch at the casino so we stopped at a grocery store for a couple of items and had tacos for dinner.
Nov 20th - Fri - Apache Junction
I am reading a good John Grisham book and enjoyed it outside with coffee and doughnuts this morning. When we went to the store for doughnuts, we found another of our good meat buys ($3.88 for 5 ¼ lbs of round steak) and decided to make beef stroganoff for us and Billy & Lauri. I browned the meat and put it in the crockpot before we strolled through the Mesa Marketplace without finding anything that we had to buy.
The weather has been beautiful and a new neighbor is providing afternoon shade so sitting out in the afternoon is wonderful.
We ate early enough that we could do so outside but moved indoors for dessert.
Nov 21st - Sat - Apache Junction
Terry & I took advantage of the Eggs Benedict breakfast at the park this morning - very good. They cook the eggs in muffin tins that are set in water in large electric fry pans and roasters. They are cooked with the lid on so the whites are cooked and the yolks are still soft.
The breakfast was teamed with a craft sale and a yard sale so we wandered through both with one small purchase. I was close to finishing my book so I read while Terry cleaned the truck.
Next was a bike ride which turned out to be very short as my rear tire was flat. We decided to try a solid “inner tube” and set out for WalMart. Of course the first store did not have the correct size so on to another. We picked up the tube and made a swing past the TVs. Mistake!! We have been planning to put a flat screen TV in the bedroom and we saw one at a very good price. Unfortunately, they did not have one in stock. A very nice customer service rep spent at least ½ hour trying to find one for us. Their computer listed inventory at most stores but phone calls discovered none in stock. She thought it all had something to do with a “Black Friday” sale. We didn’t get our TV.
Terry put the new solid tube in the tire and it was immediately obvious that it was not going to work. He had a regular tube so put it in instead and then took the new tube back to the store. I had a huge list of emails and was still dealing with them when he returned.
We had a nice BBQ steak dinner and then Terry went to play poker again.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nov 16th to 18th - Mesa
Nov 16th - Mon - to Apache Junction
Before we started packing up to move this morning, we watched a movie (The Maiden Heist) that Billy brought to us last evening. We only had 25 minutes to drive and could not check in until 11 so had lots of time. We are in Meridian RV park where we got the coupon to stay a week for $75.
The short term sites here are situated on the entrance road which has a nice-to-look-at landscaped median that makes it a pain to park a long rig like ours. We started with 3 park employees “helping” Terry and then one left to get Billy parked. I think we might have been better off with just us as Terry would have completely started over when the first approach did not work.
After we set up we joined Billy & Lauri at the lovely pool which has a waterfall at one end. It is a little cooler than recent pools so is more refreshing. Terry was the only one of our group to take part in the “ice cream social” beside the pool - a big dish of ice cream & chocolate syrup for $1. Better not do that every day!!
We & Billy & Lauri had early dinners and then went to Ft. McDowell Casino to play bingo. I am sort of sad to say that “paper” and daubers are a thing of the past there. Instead, there are 2 different types of electronic “gizmos”. Terry & I used the manual type where you enter the number called - kind of like on a calculator. The games & patterns are already entered on the machine and it shows your “best card” so you know how close you are to winning. Lauri got the fancier (and more expensive with more “cards“) device that electronically receives the numbers called and beeps when you are “on” and when you win. And the brat won a game with a payout of $800!!! At intermission, Billy & Lauri went to use the $10 in free play on their new players’ cards. Billy lost his but Lauri cashed out $50 to add to her winnings.
Nov 17th - Tues - Apache Junction
I was in need of a haircut so we got a recommendation from the office and drove several miles to end up near where we stayed last week. I allowed the stylist to talk me into much shorter sides & back which Terry doesn’t like much and I will not decide until I get to work with it for a while. Nice to have a bit of a change.
I used some slack time to organize and catch up with things on the computer including our expenses. When Lauri won at bingo she said she would buy the steaks for dinner and tonight she followed through with her promise. They made us an excellent dinner which we were able to enjoy outside before the weather cooled off and sent us inside for dessert.
Nov 18th - Wed - Apache Junction
Another lovely, lazy morning. We did some research and made a reservation for the month of February at the Sands RV & Golf Resort in Desert Hot Springs CA. I made a nice late breakfast and then we joined Billy & Lauri on a trip to JC Penneys in the continuing search for shoes for Billy. Terry spotted a pair on sale which Billy liked and bought. We aren’t sure how it happened but they ended up costing only $11.98 so Billy was one happy shopper. We wandered a bit more in the large shopping mall, visited Camping World for a folding table for Billy and headed back.
I backed up files on the computer while Terry chatted with Billy. At 5 we all went to a bratwurst & sauerkraut dinner here at the RV park. Terry & Lauri then played Texas Hold-em where Lauri came in second out of 11 players. I enjoyed quiet time with a good book.
Before we started packing up to move this morning, we watched a movie (The Maiden Heist) that Billy brought to us last evening. We only had 25 minutes to drive and could not check in until 11 so had lots of time. We are in Meridian RV park where we got the coupon to stay a week for $75.
The short term sites here are situated on the entrance road which has a nice-to-look-at landscaped median that makes it a pain to park a long rig like ours. We started with 3 park employees “helping” Terry and then one left to get Billy parked. I think we might have been better off with just us as Terry would have completely started over when the first approach did not work.
After we set up we joined Billy & Lauri at the lovely pool which has a waterfall at one end. It is a little cooler than recent pools so is more refreshing. Terry was the only one of our group to take part in the “ice cream social” beside the pool - a big dish of ice cream & chocolate syrup for $1. Better not do that every day!!
We & Billy & Lauri had early dinners and then went to Ft. McDowell Casino to play bingo. I am sort of sad to say that “paper” and daubers are a thing of the past there. Instead, there are 2 different types of electronic “gizmos”. Terry & I used the manual type where you enter the number called - kind of like on a calculator. The games & patterns are already entered on the machine and it shows your “best card” so you know how close you are to winning. Lauri got the fancier (and more expensive with more “cards“) device that electronically receives the numbers called and beeps when you are “on” and when you win. And the brat won a game with a payout of $800!!! At intermission, Billy & Lauri went to use the $10 in free play on their new players’ cards. Billy lost his but Lauri cashed out $50 to add to her winnings.
Nov 17th - Tues - Apache Junction
I was in need of a haircut so we got a recommendation from the office and drove several miles to end up near where we stayed last week. I allowed the stylist to talk me into much shorter sides & back which Terry doesn’t like much and I will not decide until I get to work with it for a while. Nice to have a bit of a change.
I used some slack time to organize and catch up with things on the computer including our expenses. When Lauri won at bingo she said she would buy the steaks for dinner and tonight she followed through with her promise. They made us an excellent dinner which we were able to enjoy outside before the weather cooled off and sent us inside for dessert.
Nov 18th - Wed - Apache Junction
Another lovely, lazy morning. We did some research and made a reservation for the month of February at the Sands RV & Golf Resort in Desert Hot Springs CA. I made a nice late breakfast and then we joined Billy & Lauri on a trip to JC Penneys in the continuing search for shoes for Billy. Terry spotted a pair on sale which Billy liked and bought. We aren’t sure how it happened but they ended up costing only $11.98 so Billy was one happy shopper. We wandered a bit more in the large shopping mall, visited Camping World for a folding table for Billy and headed back.
I backed up files on the computer while Terry chatted with Billy. At 5 we all went to a bratwurst & sauerkraut dinner here at the RV park. Terry & Lauri then played Texas Hold-em where Lauri came in second out of 11 players. I enjoyed quiet time with a good book.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Nov 13th to 15th - Mesa
Nov 13th - Fri - Mesa
We went to the Mesa Marketplace with Billy & Lauri this morning to pick up some coupons for $75 for a week at the next RV park. We stopped at the Meridian RV park to make a reservation and were taken on a little tour of the facilities. We were able to take advantage of the same special rate last April.
We returned to the Kohl’s store where we found the shoes for Billy but they did not fit. We tried a couple more stores and then decided that lunch was the next item. We had a good lunch at Applebee’s and headed home.
A bike ride and TV before a light dinner. Billy brought over a good movie for us to watch (Pelham 123).
Nov 14th - Sat - Mesa
For a while this morning we were the only users of one of the two huge, clean laundry room here at the park. To pass the time while laundry was washing & drying, we started a jigsaw puzzle at the nearby library.
Then it was time for a visit to a casino so we went to Fort McDowell casino at Fountain Hills - about 25 minutes away. For a change we did not have player cards here previously so we each got $10 in free play. Played a bit and then had some lunch. The casino actually let us play for a few hours before finally saying “enough”!! We had a few sprinkles of rain just before heading to the casino and it is much cooler.
Today was Billy & Lauri’s anniversary so we joined them for dinner at Organ Stop Pizza. They were as amazed by and enjoyed the huge pipe organ (and the pizza) as much as we did on our first visit.
Nov 15th - Sun - Mesa
Lazy morning with quite a bit of time spent on the computer trying to find a put-in spot to float the Colorado River when we get to Yuma. I had a great phone chat with cousin Pat.
Then we went with Billy & Lauri for a little shopping. We found a new set of sheets on sale (my favorite price!) at Kohl’s. Next WalMart for a few groceries and a prescription for Billy. We stopped at the “used only” swap meet on Apache Trail and wandered around there for a while - no purchases.
None of us had eaten lunch but it was too late when we returned so we just had some munchies - including some healthy veggies for a change. Lauri & I rode our bikes to the library to exchange some books.
We bought a large pork roast a few days ago so I thawed it this morning, put it in the crock pot and invited Billy & Lauri to join us for dinner. With squash and a salad from Lauri we had a good dinner. Fry’s grocery store has some great meat buys so I take advantage when I spot them and fill the freezer.
When we were having our snack, I realized that I had a rough spot on a back tooth. The entire side of an upper molar had broken out. It is not hurting now and I hope the filling stays in place until we get to Yuma and I can go to a dentist in Mexico.
Much cooler today but it is supposed to start warming up tomorrow.
We went to the Mesa Marketplace with Billy & Lauri this morning to pick up some coupons for $75 for a week at the next RV park. We stopped at the Meridian RV park to make a reservation and were taken on a little tour of the facilities. We were able to take advantage of the same special rate last April.
We returned to the Kohl’s store where we found the shoes for Billy but they did not fit. We tried a couple more stores and then decided that lunch was the next item. We had a good lunch at Applebee’s and headed home.
A bike ride and TV before a light dinner. Billy brought over a good movie for us to watch (Pelham 123).
Nov 14th - Sat - Mesa
For a while this morning we were the only users of one of the two huge, clean laundry room here at the park. To pass the time while laundry was washing & drying, we started a jigsaw puzzle at the nearby library.
Then it was time for a visit to a casino so we went to Fort McDowell casino at Fountain Hills - about 25 minutes away. For a change we did not have player cards here previously so we each got $10 in free play. Played a bit and then had some lunch. The casino actually let us play for a few hours before finally saying “enough”!! We had a few sprinkles of rain just before heading to the casino and it is much cooler.
Today was Billy & Lauri’s anniversary so we joined them for dinner at Organ Stop Pizza. They were as amazed by and enjoyed the huge pipe organ (and the pizza) as much as we did on our first visit.
Nov 15th - Sun - Mesa
Lazy morning with quite a bit of time spent on the computer trying to find a put-in spot to float the Colorado River when we get to Yuma. I had a great phone chat with cousin Pat.
Then we went with Billy & Lauri for a little shopping. We found a new set of sheets on sale (my favorite price!) at Kohl’s. Next WalMart for a few groceries and a prescription for Billy. We stopped at the “used only” swap meet on Apache Trail and wandered around there for a while - no purchases.
None of us had eaten lunch but it was too late when we returned so we just had some munchies - including some healthy veggies for a change. Lauri & I rode our bikes to the library to exchange some books.
We bought a large pork roast a few days ago so I thawed it this morning, put it in the crock pot and invited Billy & Lauri to join us for dinner. With squash and a salad from Lauri we had a good dinner. Fry’s grocery store has some great meat buys so I take advantage when I spot them and fill the freezer.
When we were having our snack, I realized that I had a rough spot on a back tooth. The entire side of an upper molar had broken out. It is not hurting now and I hope the filling stays in place until we get to Yuma and I can go to a dentist in Mexico.
Much cooler today but it is supposed to start warming up tomorrow.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Nov 10th to 12th - Mesa
Nov 10th - Tues - Mesa
Billy drove today for a little sightseeing trip. We stopped first at Goldfield which is a restored “ghost town”/tourist attraction. It is a fun place with gift stores, restaurants, a small train, horse riding, museum and assorted other buildings. Then we continued on through the Superstition Mountains to Tortilla Flats. The scenery is lovely, the road is narrow & windy and the weather was super.
We had lunch at the restaurant in Tortilla Flats and then checked out the rest of town - 2 more buildings! Drove through a nearly empty campground just out of town and wondered who stayed there for any length of time.
At dinner time, I was still full from lunch but Terry needed something to eat so we rode our bikes to a Fry’s store and picked up some chicken strips to throw in the oven for him.
Nov 11th - Wed - Mesa
Happy Birthday to brother Bob!!!
Had coffee and a dish of fruit before riding our bikes about 5 miles around & through the RV park. A bit later I made a very late breakfast and then we went with Billy & Lauri to find a Kohls and a Costco. No luck at the clearance racks or shoes for Billy at Kohls. Picked up a couple of items at Costco and had some ice cream to spoil our appetite for dinner.
I put some dessert together for dinner, we hopped on the bikes for a visit to the library to pick out a book and then it was time to join Billy & Lauri for happy hour. Lauri invited us over for dinner tonight - our turn tomorrow. I called Bob before dinner - all is good with him & the farm.
Nov 12th - Thurs - Mesa
Billy & Lauri left us to run errands today so we started the day by sleeping in. Terry has had a toothache which went away last night so he was able to get a good night’s sleep.
A neighbor came over to introduce herself and we had a nice chat with her before running some errands of our own. We checked out a couple more Kohl’s stores. Found shoes for Billy (he will have to pick them up himself!) and I got 2 tops and a pair of capris for $11.35 as their summer clothes are on clearance.
Stopped for some lunch and then to the grocery store. Put the groceries away and then took the bikes to a vegetable market across the street to find ripe pears for a salad for dinner. Checked out an Alfa motor home on the way back but luckily it was in really bad shape.
By the time Billy & Lauri got back and over to our place, there were 2 other couples visiting us. Royden & Della -from Iowa- are beside B&L and Ken & Marilyn - from Michigan - are across the street. They both have park models. They left to have dinner and I made dinner for us and B&L.
Lauri checked her email on my computer since we cannot hook up to the park wifi at our sites. Then they left to watch a “continued” show on TV.
Billy drove today for a little sightseeing trip. We stopped first at Goldfield which is a restored “ghost town”/tourist attraction. It is a fun place with gift stores, restaurants, a small train, horse riding, museum and assorted other buildings. Then we continued on through the Superstition Mountains to Tortilla Flats. The scenery is lovely, the road is narrow & windy and the weather was super.
We had lunch at the restaurant in Tortilla Flats and then checked out the rest of town - 2 more buildings! Drove through a nearly empty campground just out of town and wondered who stayed there for any length of time.
At dinner time, I was still full from lunch but Terry needed something to eat so we rode our bikes to a Fry’s store and picked up some chicken strips to throw in the oven for him.
Nov 11th - Wed - Mesa
Happy Birthday to brother Bob!!!
Had coffee and a dish of fruit before riding our bikes about 5 miles around & through the RV park. A bit later I made a very late breakfast and then we went with Billy & Lauri to find a Kohls and a Costco. No luck at the clearance racks or shoes for Billy at Kohls. Picked up a couple of items at Costco and had some ice cream to spoil our appetite for dinner.
I put some dessert together for dinner, we hopped on the bikes for a visit to the library to pick out a book and then it was time to join Billy & Lauri for happy hour. Lauri invited us over for dinner tonight - our turn tomorrow. I called Bob before dinner - all is good with him & the farm.
Nov 12th - Thurs - Mesa
Billy & Lauri left us to run errands today so we started the day by sleeping in. Terry has had a toothache which went away last night so he was able to get a good night’s sleep.
A neighbor came over to introduce herself and we had a nice chat with her before running some errands of our own. We checked out a couple more Kohl’s stores. Found shoes for Billy (he will have to pick them up himself!) and I got 2 tops and a pair of capris for $11.35 as their summer clothes are on clearance.
Stopped for some lunch and then to the grocery store. Put the groceries away and then took the bikes to a vegetable market across the street to find ripe pears for a salad for dinner. Checked out an Alfa motor home on the way back but luckily it was in really bad shape.
By the time Billy & Lauri got back and over to our place, there were 2 other couples visiting us. Royden & Della -from Iowa- are beside B&L and Ken & Marilyn - from Michigan - are across the street. They both have park models. They left to have dinner and I made dinner for us and B&L.
Lauri checked her email on my computer since we cannot hook up to the park wifi at our sites. Then they left to watch a “continued” show on TV.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Nov 5th to 9th - Mesa & Surprise AZ
Nov 5th - Thurs - Mesa
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Enjoyed our coffee & breakfast outside this morning. Billy had his car & motor home washed before we were finished eating! Terry H figured he needed to clean up his rigs also so Judy, Terry & I headed to a new casino. Turned out that the casino existed as another name and at a different location so Terry & I did not get the free play on a new player card. It was only $5 and did not do Judy much good.
The casino was busy but we were able to find enough empty machines to lose some money in a hurry. Judy was gradually going up. We decided to increase our “allowance” a bit and I finally hit a machine that paid enough for us to end up only $30 down. Unfortunately, Judy’s winnings had dwindled away but she was only $5 down. Not bad for several hours of entertainment.
After gathering for a couple of drinks, we all went for dinner at the great Chinese buffet (Eastern Super Buffet) near here. Lauri’s niece came to visit them so she and her son joined us as well. Everyone agreed that it was one of the best buffets they have tasted. Chris & Sonja did not join us as she was not feeling well today.
Nov 6th - Fri - Mesa
Got going fairly early this morning to get some laundry done before “the group” headed to the swap meet. We all had breakfast there before wandering all the aisles. A stop for Judy at WalMart and our one loaf of bread in the grocery section turned into several items - as usual.
I made bacon & tomato sandwiches for a late lunch and then we went bike riding. It is 2 miles around the perimeter of this park. Visited the library to exchange a book and then it was time to pack up some booze and head to happy hour by the pool. Another good singer from 4 to 6 and we even danced. A little tricky in sandals, especially since mine were slip-ons. And another “small world” event when Terry & Judy bumped into a couple that they know from Canada and have not seen for a couple of years.
When we got back, we sat out in the lovely evening. Our neighbor, Carol, from across the street asked if she and her neighbor Don could join us. Carol’s husband Dick had hip replacement surgery on Tuesday and will be in rehab for 4 weeks. We enjoyed chatting with them for quite a while. Carol is hearing impaired and has a hard time conversing when it is dark but she was having some wine and relaxing after getting Dick settled in a really nice rehab facility so she needed some company. We did just fine with the guys at one end and Judy, Carol & I at the other so Carol only had one person to listen to at a time.
Nov 7th - Sat - Mesa
Our neighbors Chris & Sonja did not have personal cards so Terry said WE would “whip some out” for them. We took some pictures of them in front of their motor home and finally came up with a format that we - and they - liked. We had quite a bit of card stock so we printed some out. Then they called from Staples to see what they should buy to replace the cards - there were just too many choices! I printed some more cards with the new stock which was very nice.
We made a trip to Hobby Lobby to buy some wax for our buddy burners. The cashier rang it up as a candle which made it 50% off so we bought a second slab. They also had some round tins at 50% off so we picked up one for us and one for Chris. He & Terry made a buddy burner for him.
“The group” sat around having drinks & snacks until it was time to finish cooking for a shared dinner with us, Terry & Judy and Billy & Lauri. I had a large roast with gravy that was in the crock pot all day, T & J made potatoes & dessert and Lauri made salad. We set up tables and ate outside - Yum!!
We had sort of planned to go to a dance tonight but we all got too lazy & relaxed after dinner.
Nov 8th - Sun - to Surprise AZ
Terry & Judy left this morning for Tucson to meet with friends and then head to Mexico for the winter. Billy & Lauri will be staying one more day and then following us. We left for Surprise which is NW of Phoenix. Just an hour drive to Sunflower RV park.
The short term visitors here are put in side-by-side sites on the very corner of the RV park. Cement patios and the rest a dirt/gravel mix - not very appealing. Our truck is parked behind the 5th wheel and right beside the neighbors patio, just at their car is parked right next to our patio. Might be OK for friends camped together.
We spent some time looking for somewhere else to go and then went out for fuel. I was lazy and decided that we should get some General Tsao chicken from the WalMart just up the road. This area of Arizona has a lot of 55+ housing areas and I think a lot of the residents work at WalMart. It took us ½ hour to get JUST the chicken from the deli counter and get checked out. Terry is really wanting to leave here tomorrow!
Nov 9th - Mon - back to Mesa
Terry could not get packed and get out of Surprise fast enough this morning. He just really disliked the RV park and the surrounding area - what we saw & experienced of it.
We are in Mesa Regal RV with Billy & Lauri again. It is one of the biggest parks in Mesa - 2005 sites - and we stayed here 3 years ago when we first started traveling.
I made lunch after we set up and then we all went on an exploration bike ride. We checked out some park model models, then changed and headed to the pool. The park is so large that it has 2 community areas. The one closest to us is the smaller but has a pool, hot tub, meeting rooms and a library.
Got back in time for a drink before dinner on the BBQ. Then we all decided to return to Valle del Oro (park we just left in Mesa) to play bingo. We did not realize that it was hard cards with sliders to cover the numbers and was very inexpensive which meant the winner of each game only got $12. They play some really weird patterns. None of us won. Oh well!!
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Enjoyed our coffee & breakfast outside this morning. Billy had his car & motor home washed before we were finished eating! Terry H figured he needed to clean up his rigs also so Judy, Terry & I headed to a new casino. Turned out that the casino existed as another name and at a different location so Terry & I did not get the free play on a new player card. It was only $5 and did not do Judy much good.
The casino was busy but we were able to find enough empty machines to lose some money in a hurry. Judy was gradually going up. We decided to increase our “allowance” a bit and I finally hit a machine that paid enough for us to end up only $30 down. Unfortunately, Judy’s winnings had dwindled away but she was only $5 down. Not bad for several hours of entertainment.
After gathering for a couple of drinks, we all went for dinner at the great Chinese buffet (Eastern Super Buffet) near here. Lauri’s niece came to visit them so she and her son joined us as well. Everyone agreed that it was one of the best buffets they have tasted. Chris & Sonja did not join us as she was not feeling well today.
Nov 6th - Fri - Mesa
Got going fairly early this morning to get some laundry done before “the group” headed to the swap meet. We all had breakfast there before wandering all the aisles. A stop for Judy at WalMart and our one loaf of bread in the grocery section turned into several items - as usual.
I made bacon & tomato sandwiches for a late lunch and then we went bike riding. It is 2 miles around the perimeter of this park. Visited the library to exchange a book and then it was time to pack up some booze and head to happy hour by the pool. Another good singer from 4 to 6 and we even danced. A little tricky in sandals, especially since mine were slip-ons. And another “small world” event when Terry & Judy bumped into a couple that they know from Canada and have not seen for a couple of years.
When we got back, we sat out in the lovely evening. Our neighbor, Carol, from across the street asked if she and her neighbor Don could join us. Carol’s husband Dick had hip replacement surgery on Tuesday and will be in rehab for 4 weeks. We enjoyed chatting with them for quite a while. Carol is hearing impaired and has a hard time conversing when it is dark but she was having some wine and relaxing after getting Dick settled in a really nice rehab facility so she needed some company. We did just fine with the guys at one end and Judy, Carol & I at the other so Carol only had one person to listen to at a time.
Nov 7th - Sat - Mesa
Our neighbors Chris & Sonja did not have personal cards so Terry said WE would “whip some out” for them. We took some pictures of them in front of their motor home and finally came up with a format that we - and they - liked. We had quite a bit of card stock so we printed some out. Then they called from Staples to see what they should buy to replace the cards - there were just too many choices! I printed some more cards with the new stock which was very nice.
We made a trip to Hobby Lobby to buy some wax for our buddy burners. The cashier rang it up as a candle which made it 50% off so we bought a second slab. They also had some round tins at 50% off so we picked up one for us and one for Chris. He & Terry made a buddy burner for him.
“The group” sat around having drinks & snacks until it was time to finish cooking for a shared dinner with us, Terry & Judy and Billy & Lauri. I had a large roast with gravy that was in the crock pot all day, T & J made potatoes & dessert and Lauri made salad. We set up tables and ate outside - Yum!!
We had sort of planned to go to a dance tonight but we all got too lazy & relaxed after dinner.
Nov 8th - Sun - to Surprise AZ
Terry & Judy left this morning for Tucson to meet with friends and then head to Mexico for the winter. Billy & Lauri will be staying one more day and then following us. We left for Surprise which is NW of Phoenix. Just an hour drive to Sunflower RV park.
The short term visitors here are put in side-by-side sites on the very corner of the RV park. Cement patios and the rest a dirt/gravel mix - not very appealing. Our truck is parked behind the 5th wheel and right beside the neighbors patio, just at their car is parked right next to our patio. Might be OK for friends camped together.
We spent some time looking for somewhere else to go and then went out for fuel. I was lazy and decided that we should get some General Tsao chicken from the WalMart just up the road. This area of Arizona has a lot of 55+ housing areas and I think a lot of the residents work at WalMart. It took us ½ hour to get JUST the chicken from the deli counter and get checked out. Terry is really wanting to leave here tomorrow!
Nov 9th - Mon - back to Mesa
Terry could not get packed and get out of Surprise fast enough this morning. He just really disliked the RV park and the surrounding area - what we saw & experienced of it.
We are in Mesa Regal RV with Billy & Lauri again. It is one of the biggest parks in Mesa - 2005 sites - and we stayed here 3 years ago when we first started traveling.
I made lunch after we set up and then we all went on an exploration bike ride. We checked out some park model models, then changed and headed to the pool. The park is so large that it has 2 community areas. The one closest to us is the smaller but has a pool, hot tub, meeting rooms and a library.
Got back in time for a drink before dinner on the BBQ. Then we all decided to return to Valle del Oro (park we just left in Mesa) to play bingo. We did not realize that it was hard cards with sliders to cover the numbers and was very inexpensive which meant the winner of each game only got $12. They play some really weird patterns. None of us won. Oh well!!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Nov 2nd to 4th - Mesa
Nov 2nd - Mon - Mesa
Lazed around having coffee this morning and then hit the stores. But first a stop at Denney’s for a late breakfast. Then Camping World, Costco, Petsmart & Walmart - thank you GPS system!!
Just enough time for a drink before Terry & Judy made us all a steak dinner. We had a “real” table cloth and candles outside. Also moved our dining chairs out so we didn’t have to perch on the edge of patio chairs to eat. A buddy burner provided more light and ambiance. Classy & comfy with good food!!!
This park has a many active residents with lots of walkers & cyclists passing all the time. And always a wave and a greeting.
Nov 3rd - Tues - Mesa
I worked on emails, called Marg and chatted with Judy this morning. Then we and Terry & Judy went shopping again - to return an item that we bought at Camping World and exchange booties for Sugar at Petsmart. Then a stop at WalMart for sunglasses for Judy.
We went to the pool when we got back. The water is too warm but the lap pool water is too cool when you have been out in the sun for a while. On Tues & Friday, there is music for happy hour (4-6) by the pool. We listened to a very talented singer who also played a keyboard, guitar & saxophone.
Yesterday Terry invited our “backyard” neighbors (Chris & Sonya) to join us for happy hour so we didn’t stay at the pool for too long. After a drink, we all went to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner. This pizza parlor has a huge (largest in the world) Wurlitzer pipe organ to entertain diners. An entire wall is devoted to the pipes and instruments such as drums, xylophones & an accordion - all which are controlled by the organ console. The console itself rises & lowers majestically from a pit at the start & end of a musical set. And the pizza was great! A friend of Judy’s had recommended this restaurant and we were all glad that we decided to go.
Nov 4th - Wed - Mesa
We rode our bikes to the garbage bins and then checked in at the office to see if our friends Billy & Lauri had been able to make a reservation. The office phone line was out of order for a while yesterday but they managed to get through and get a spot beside Terry & Judy. Put a couple of miles on the bikes and returned home for more coffee & breakfast.
Late in the morning, we and Terry & Judy headed for a shopping center in Queen Creek to check out a store with a 5 cent wine sale - buy 1, get 1 for 5 cents. The store is BevMor! and has a huge selection of wine along with beer, liquor, glasses, “accessories” and snacks. We all bought some necessities.
Then to World Market and a Super Target with more purchases - just food for us and a few clothing items for Terry & Judy. Billy & Lauri were setting up when we got back. They were also vacuuming up an invasion of lady bugs which they had for many days.
The RV park put on a “welcome back” party today so we all, including Chris & Sonya, walked over to join in the festivities. Wine, beer, food and music were provided. It supposedly started at 4 but when we arrived at 4:05, the inside & nearby outside tables were filled and people already had their food. We got a table on the pool deck, got our drinks & food and enjoyed the company and the music until 6.
Everyone was ready to do their own thing tonight so we all moved inside our respective rigs (AC on!) and relaxed.
Lazed around having coffee this morning and then hit the stores. But first a stop at Denney’s for a late breakfast. Then Camping World, Costco, Petsmart & Walmart - thank you GPS system!!
Just enough time for a drink before Terry & Judy made us all a steak dinner. We had a “real” table cloth and candles outside. Also moved our dining chairs out so we didn’t have to perch on the edge of patio chairs to eat. A buddy burner provided more light and ambiance. Classy & comfy with good food!!!
This park has a many active residents with lots of walkers & cyclists passing all the time. And always a wave and a greeting.
Nov 3rd - Tues - Mesa
I worked on emails, called Marg and chatted with Judy this morning. Then we and Terry & Judy went shopping again - to return an item that we bought at Camping World and exchange booties for Sugar at Petsmart. Then a stop at WalMart for sunglasses for Judy.
We went to the pool when we got back. The water is too warm but the lap pool water is too cool when you have been out in the sun for a while. On Tues & Friday, there is music for happy hour (4-6) by the pool. We listened to a very talented singer who also played a keyboard, guitar & saxophone.
Yesterday Terry invited our “backyard” neighbors (Chris & Sonya) to join us for happy hour so we didn’t stay at the pool for too long. After a drink, we all went to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner. This pizza parlor has a huge (largest in the world) Wurlitzer pipe organ to entertain diners. An entire wall is devoted to the pipes and instruments such as drums, xylophones & an accordion - all which are controlled by the organ console. The console itself rises & lowers majestically from a pit at the start & end of a musical set. And the pizza was great! A friend of Judy’s had recommended this restaurant and we were all glad that we decided to go.
Nov 4th - Wed - Mesa
We rode our bikes to the garbage bins and then checked in at the office to see if our friends Billy & Lauri had been able to make a reservation. The office phone line was out of order for a while yesterday but they managed to get through and get a spot beside Terry & Judy. Put a couple of miles on the bikes and returned home for more coffee & breakfast.
Late in the morning, we and Terry & Judy headed for a shopping center in Queen Creek to check out a store with a 5 cent wine sale - buy 1, get 1 for 5 cents. The store is BevMor! and has a huge selection of wine along with beer, liquor, glasses, “accessories” and snacks. We all bought some necessities.
Then to World Market and a Super Target with more purchases - just food for us and a few clothing items for Terry & Judy. Billy & Lauri were setting up when we got back. They were also vacuuming up an invasion of lady bugs which they had for many days.
The RV park put on a “welcome back” party today so we all, including Chris & Sonya, walked over to join in the festivities. Wine, beer, food and music were provided. It supposedly started at 4 but when we arrived at 4:05, the inside & nearby outside tables were filled and people already had their food. We got a table on the pool deck, got our drinks & food and enjoyed the company and the music until 6.
Everyone was ready to do their own thing tonight so we all moved inside our respective rigs (AC on!) and relaxed.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Oct 30th to Nov 1st - Mesa
Oct 30th - Fri - Mesa
We didn’t sleep well last night so when we finally did fall back to sleep we ended up sleeping late enough that I did not want to make a mad dash to the pool for exercising. Looked after some email before heading to the laundry room. Another laundry with the card system rather than quarters but at least you do not have to pay $3 for the card. However, the machine to load the cards only takes 5, 10 & 20 dollar bills so we ended up with unused credit on the card.
Next we made a trip to the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix. It runs for at least 3 weeks but I don’t see how it draws enough people for that long a time as we were not really impressed with it.
We had leftovers for a quick & easy dinner and then went to play bingo here in the park. A friend of our neighbor Judy had saved spots for us so it was fun sitting with nice people. Judy won a game but had to split with 6 others - at least she got her money back which was better than we did!
Oct 31st - Sat - Mesa
I made jelly biscuits and shared with Darrell & Judy. Darrell has a bad cold so I took the biscuits to them instead of inviting them to join us. I decided to do another load of laundry to use up the credit on our card. While waiting, I visited with Judy and then spent some time in the library working on a jigsaw puzzle. Terry went for a bike ride and visited with neighbors.
We went for a drive and ended up in downtown Mesa where we saw an event called the Festival of the Dead. Found a very handy parking spot and wandered through the vendors, bands and landscaping that is also art. Watched some young girls dancing and then continued on. In a couple of blocks we saw a Farmers’ Market sign, again found a parking spot and did some more walking. Starting today and running until April, vendors are setting up booths along the main street of downtown Mesa. We didn’t see much produce that a farmers’ market would suggest but it was after noon by then so perhaps they left earlier.
Downtown Mesa is very nice. There is some time of art - sculptures - on many street corners. The streets are wide with pavers at the intersections and lots of trees along the wide sidewalks. Even the alleys are paved with bricks.
We stopped at a grocery store on the way back and got some great buys on meat that needed to be sold by tomorrow. More visiting, bike riding, reading and watching TV to finish the day.
Nov 1st - Sun - Mesa
Good thing we did not have far to go to a new park today as our packing up kept getting interrupted by “farewell and are you sure you want to leave” visits from neighbors.
We are at the Valle del Oro RV park near the east edge of Mesa. We have stayed here previously and will be here for a week. We set up after Terry did a stellar job of parking. Back to lovely, warm sunshine.
Our friends Terry & Judy (we traveled with them in Newfoundland & eastern states last fall) arrived a couple of hours later and he did an even better job of parking - once back to end up straight & right beside the concrete pad. We figured out that both Terrys had some good directions from the parking assistant and the sites have lots of room on the side away from the patio to allow a nice turning radius.
We had planned baby back ribs for all of us for dinner so we were able to just sit & catch up on news before & after dinner.
We didn’t sleep well last night so when we finally did fall back to sleep we ended up sleeping late enough that I did not want to make a mad dash to the pool for exercising. Looked after some email before heading to the laundry room. Another laundry with the card system rather than quarters but at least you do not have to pay $3 for the card. However, the machine to load the cards only takes 5, 10 & 20 dollar bills so we ended up with unused credit on the card.
Next we made a trip to the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix. It runs for at least 3 weeks but I don’t see how it draws enough people for that long a time as we were not really impressed with it.
We had leftovers for a quick & easy dinner and then went to play bingo here in the park. A friend of our neighbor Judy had saved spots for us so it was fun sitting with nice people. Judy won a game but had to split with 6 others - at least she got her money back which was better than we did!
Oct 31st - Sat - Mesa
I made jelly biscuits and shared with Darrell & Judy. Darrell has a bad cold so I took the biscuits to them instead of inviting them to join us. I decided to do another load of laundry to use up the credit on our card. While waiting, I visited with Judy and then spent some time in the library working on a jigsaw puzzle. Terry went for a bike ride and visited with neighbors.
We went for a drive and ended up in downtown Mesa where we saw an event called the Festival of the Dead. Found a very handy parking spot and wandered through the vendors, bands and landscaping that is also art. Watched some young girls dancing and then continued on. In a couple of blocks we saw a Farmers’ Market sign, again found a parking spot and did some more walking. Starting today and running until April, vendors are setting up booths along the main street of downtown Mesa. We didn’t see much produce that a farmers’ market would suggest but it was after noon by then so perhaps they left earlier.
Downtown Mesa is very nice. There is some time of art - sculptures - on many street corners. The streets are wide with pavers at the intersections and lots of trees along the wide sidewalks. Even the alleys are paved with bricks.
We stopped at a grocery store on the way back and got some great buys on meat that needed to be sold by tomorrow. More visiting, bike riding, reading and watching TV to finish the day.
Nov 1st - Sun - Mesa
Good thing we did not have far to go to a new park today as our packing up kept getting interrupted by “farewell and are you sure you want to leave” visits from neighbors.
We are at the Valle del Oro RV park near the east edge of Mesa. We have stayed here previously and will be here for a week. We set up after Terry did a stellar job of parking. Back to lovely, warm sunshine.
Our friends Terry & Judy (we traveled with them in Newfoundland & eastern states last fall) arrived a couple of hours later and he did an even better job of parking - once back to end up straight & right beside the concrete pad. We figured out that both Terrys had some good directions from the parking assistant and the sites have lots of room on the side away from the patio to allow a nice turning radius.
We had planned baby back ribs for all of us for dinner so we were able to just sit & catch up on news before & after dinner.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Oct 27th to 29th - Mesa
Oct 27th - Tues - Mesa
Water exercises, breakfast and then a walk to check out all the park amenities like the library. We are really close to the “community center” part of the park so we can walk to the pool & everything else in about a minute. Then a trip to a nearby Camping World to get a bicycle cover like the one we checked out here in the park. Another stop looking for a water filter which we didn’t find - at least at the price we are willing to pay!
Terry had to struggle to take off the bike rack in order to put the cover on as we have a bolt that keeps the rack from wobbling in the receiver. Of course, after 3 years it was firmly rusted in place. But he got it done and the cover fit. We had a gift certificate for Camping World that was expired before we received it in our forwarded mail. The cashier did some checking for us and they allowed us to use that certificate plus another one so the cover was very reasonable.
I finished captions and posted a lot of pictures to the internet. Check them out in folder #10 & #11 and be patient with the 242 pictures of the balloon fiesta!
A weather front moved through AZ yesterday and resulted in very gusty winds here. Darrell & Judy have an “add on” room that fits on the side and under the awning of their travel trailer so it is a huge pain to put the awning up when it is windy. We put our awning up so Terry hammered in a couple of our rebar pegs (can pound them into nearly any surface) and used our straps to secure their awning. Then he took Darrell to a friend’s place to pick up some long pipes to further secure the bottom of their add-on room.
Inside for the rest of the evening to get away from the wind and the large amount of blowing dust.
Oct 28th - Wed - Mesa
Very cool this morning but I still went to the pool for exercises. I was walking back just as Terry returned from a trip for doughnuts - a habit we will have to break soon!
We have a golfer windsock that got very faded and have not been able to find a replacement. So I decided to find some fabric paint and freshen him up. We found the paint at a Jo-Ann Fabric store and also some nylon net to give him a bit of shape. On the way back we stopped at a couple of RV sales lots looking for a water filter. Unfortunately, at one lot they had exactly the Montana 5th wheel that we love at the lowest price that we have seen. No, we did not buy it!! But it was tempting.
The painting of the golfer went very well so he is ready to fly at Yuma where we will settle long enough to put up the flag pole.
We organized and secured a couple of items in the truck as it was too cool for bike riding and the pool. Actually turned on the furnace when watching TV after dinner.
Oct 29th - Thurs - Mesa
I finally wimped out and did not go to the pool this morning as it was just too cool - especially for the walk back when you are wet. We went for a bike ride in the park and ended up visiting with the couple who had the bike cover. Had a late lunch when we got back and then spent some time on the computer and trying out our new printer. Terry shined up the truck while I sat out and read for a while.
Later a trip for a few groceries. The parking lot was full and another shopper offered us her cart as she said there were no carts to be had in the store. The store was having a Halloween event for kids in costume and also a special 6 hour sale which we didn’t know about until we had checked out so we didn’t take advantage of any the specials.
Terry figured it was nice enough to barbeque so we picked up steaks, bell peppers and fresh bread for a great dinner.
Water exercises, breakfast and then a walk to check out all the park amenities like the library. We are really close to the “community center” part of the park so we can walk to the pool & everything else in about a minute. Then a trip to a nearby Camping World to get a bicycle cover like the one we checked out here in the park. Another stop looking for a water filter which we didn’t find - at least at the price we are willing to pay!
Terry had to struggle to take off the bike rack in order to put the cover on as we have a bolt that keeps the rack from wobbling in the receiver. Of course, after 3 years it was firmly rusted in place. But he got it done and the cover fit. We had a gift certificate for Camping World that was expired before we received it in our forwarded mail. The cashier did some checking for us and they allowed us to use that certificate plus another one so the cover was very reasonable.
I finished captions and posted a lot of pictures to the internet. Check them out in folder #10 & #11 and be patient with the 242 pictures of the balloon fiesta!
A weather front moved through AZ yesterday and resulted in very gusty winds here. Darrell & Judy have an “add on” room that fits on the side and under the awning of their travel trailer so it is a huge pain to put the awning up when it is windy. We put our awning up so Terry hammered in a couple of our rebar pegs (can pound them into nearly any surface) and used our straps to secure their awning. Then he took Darrell to a friend’s place to pick up some long pipes to further secure the bottom of their add-on room.
Inside for the rest of the evening to get away from the wind and the large amount of blowing dust.
Oct 28th - Wed - Mesa
Very cool this morning but I still went to the pool for exercises. I was walking back just as Terry returned from a trip for doughnuts - a habit we will have to break soon!
We have a golfer windsock that got very faded and have not been able to find a replacement. So I decided to find some fabric paint and freshen him up. We found the paint at a Jo-Ann Fabric store and also some nylon net to give him a bit of shape. On the way back we stopped at a couple of RV sales lots looking for a water filter. Unfortunately, at one lot they had exactly the Montana 5th wheel that we love at the lowest price that we have seen. No, we did not buy it!! But it was tempting.
The painting of the golfer went very well so he is ready to fly at Yuma where we will settle long enough to put up the flag pole.
We organized and secured a couple of items in the truck as it was too cool for bike riding and the pool. Actually turned on the furnace when watching TV after dinner.
Oct 29th - Thurs - Mesa
I finally wimped out and did not go to the pool this morning as it was just too cool - especially for the walk back when you are wet. We went for a bike ride in the park and ended up visiting with the couple who had the bike cover. Had a late lunch when we got back and then spent some time on the computer and trying out our new printer. Terry shined up the truck while I sat out and read for a while.
Later a trip for a few groceries. The parking lot was full and another shopper offered us her cart as she said there were no carts to be had in the store. The store was having a Halloween event for kids in costume and also a special 6 hour sale which we didn’t know about until we had checked out so we didn’t take advantage of any the specials.
Terry figured it was nice enough to barbeque so we picked up steaks, bell peppers and fresh bread for a great dinner.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Oct 23rd to 26th - Gold Canyon to Mesa AZ
Oct 23rd - Fri - Gold Canyon
We went for a bike ride this morning and ended up in a development next door to our RV park. It has manufactured homes but they are finished with stucco & tile roofs so look like regular houses. We stopped at the sales office and got a list of model homes that we could check out. Then the sales lady came by so we nabbed her and had her take us through 4 homes for sale. We are trying to decide if we want to continue only in our 5th wheel or want to have a “home” for part of the year.
Next on to the Mesa Marketplace (swap meet) with a stop for lunch first. We only had time to wander down half the rows before vendors started closing for the day.
Oct 24th - Sat - Gold Canyon
We went earlier to the Mesa Marketplace today and had breakfast there. Eggs, really good potatoes, toast & coffee for $3.00. We finished walking all the rows and bought a few things.
Then more driving to find interesting RV parks but nothing struck our fancy. Back to the park and into the pool - hot again today. I put my toaster oven outside and burned brownies and banana bread before moving inside for the evening.
Oct 25th - Sun - to Mesa
Only had a 25 minute drive this morning to Good Life RV Park in Mesa. The security staff got us a spot and we were set up by 11:00. Our neighbors, Judy & Darrell immediately introduced themselves and when they heard that we were only staying a week suggested we might want to change out minds and stay all winter as this is a very friendly & fun park. And they were right.
After lunch, we went for a bicycle ride around the large park (1100+ sites) and chatted with a couple when we paused to check out their bicycle cover. A quick trip to a grocery store and then it was time for a swim where we talked to some more residents, all of whom thought we might want to stay longer.
Oct 26th - Mon - Mesa
I started the day by joining Judy for water exercises as 8:00. She introduced me as we walked into the pool area and I had someone to talk with during the whole class hour - exercising is just an excuse to visit! But the 92 year old lady leading the class kept us moving the whole time. While I was in the pool, Terry went to the office to register & pay for our stay.
We had banana bread for breakfast and went for another bike ride around the park. Then off to look for a pair of tennis shoes for Terry as half the sole came off his OLD pair yesterday. He hates to shop for shoes! We went to a Famous Footwear (FF) store and immediately found a pair of sandals similar to a pair that bit the dust in Florida and which he loved. But they did not have the right size so after trying on many tennies, we continued on to another FF store which had the sandals. The FF stores have a “buy one, get one ½ off” sale right now. Terry asked it they had a pair of socks so he could try on tennis shoes. The clerk said they only had nylon footies and tried to sell him socks for $10. Anyone who know Terry will understand when he walked out without buying anything.
Next a walk around a large shopping center where nothing was right - except he food court for lunch. So, on to the third FF store (thanks, Wanda) where they did not have the sandals but had a wonderful saleslady. She found the correct size of sandals at another store and then gave Terry a sock so he could try on tennis shoes as well. At the 4th store we got the sandals and a pair of tennis shoes. Only took most of the day!!
Back at the park, our neighbor Judy was talking to another couple who had just arrived so she introduced us and we chatted for a while before settling in for a drink & TV before dinner.
We went for a bike ride this morning and ended up in a development next door to our RV park. It has manufactured homes but they are finished with stucco & tile roofs so look like regular houses. We stopped at the sales office and got a list of model homes that we could check out. Then the sales lady came by so we nabbed her and had her take us through 4 homes for sale. We are trying to decide if we want to continue only in our 5th wheel or want to have a “home” for part of the year.
Next on to the Mesa Marketplace (swap meet) with a stop for lunch first. We only had time to wander down half the rows before vendors started closing for the day.
Oct 24th - Sat - Gold Canyon
We went earlier to the Mesa Marketplace today and had breakfast there. Eggs, really good potatoes, toast & coffee for $3.00. We finished walking all the rows and bought a few things.
Then more driving to find interesting RV parks but nothing struck our fancy. Back to the park and into the pool - hot again today. I put my toaster oven outside and burned brownies and banana bread before moving inside for the evening.
Oct 25th - Sun - to Mesa
Only had a 25 minute drive this morning to Good Life RV Park in Mesa. The security staff got us a spot and we were set up by 11:00. Our neighbors, Judy & Darrell immediately introduced themselves and when they heard that we were only staying a week suggested we might want to change out minds and stay all winter as this is a very friendly & fun park. And they were right.
After lunch, we went for a bicycle ride around the large park (1100+ sites) and chatted with a couple when we paused to check out their bicycle cover. A quick trip to a grocery store and then it was time for a swim where we talked to some more residents, all of whom thought we might want to stay longer.
Oct 26th - Mon - Mesa
I started the day by joining Judy for water exercises as 8:00. She introduced me as we walked into the pool area and I had someone to talk with during the whole class hour - exercising is just an excuse to visit! But the 92 year old lady leading the class kept us moving the whole time. While I was in the pool, Terry went to the office to register & pay for our stay.
We had banana bread for breakfast and went for another bike ride around the park. Then off to look for a pair of tennis shoes for Terry as half the sole came off his OLD pair yesterday. He hates to shop for shoes! We went to a Famous Footwear (FF) store and immediately found a pair of sandals similar to a pair that bit the dust in Florida and which he loved. But they did not have the right size so after trying on many tennies, we continued on to another FF store which had the sandals. The FF stores have a “buy one, get one ½ off” sale right now. Terry asked it they had a pair of socks so he could try on tennis shoes. The clerk said they only had nylon footies and tried to sell him socks for $10. Anyone who know Terry will understand when he walked out without buying anything.
Next a walk around a large shopping center where nothing was right - except he food court for lunch. So, on to the third FF store (thanks, Wanda) where they did not have the sandals but had a wonderful saleslady. She found the correct size of sandals at another store and then gave Terry a sock so he could try on tennis shoes as well. At the 4th store we got the sandals and a pair of tennis shoes. Only took most of the day!!
Back at the park, our neighbor Judy was talking to another couple who had just arrived so she introduced us and we chatted for a while before settling in for a drink & TV before dinner.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Oct 20th to 22nd - Gold Canyon
Oct 20th - Tues - Gold Canyon
We made a trip to the nearby grocery store for doughnuts this morning. Haven’t done that for a while!
After some computer time & TV, we went for a drive. Checked out a couple of RV parks and ended up at a casino. Luckily we decreased our “allowance” as it didn’t last too long.
For dinner, we went to the good Chinese buffet that we discovered during our last stay in Mesa. It was as good as the first time and we ate too much just as we did before.
Oct 21st - Wed - Gold Canyon
Laundry day. This park uses a card that you load with money rather than quarters for the washers & dryers. We already had a card but you can only use them at the park where you get them (makes sense as the originating park has the money). The card costs $3 - non refundable - which is a pain when you will only be using it one time. So a very nice lady who works in the office ran home to get her card and let us use it. We put more money on it than we needed so gave her the extra instead of throwing the card & any balance in a drawer to possibly never be used again.
After lunch we went looking for a new printer. We have been carrying a large one from our previous life and figured it was time for a more streamlined model with a copy/scan feature as well. Found what we wanted at good ol’ WalMart and got it all set up and tested.
I had put a pork roast & sweet potatoes in the crock pot so just had to add a salad for an easy dinner. We went for a fast bike ride around the park to settle dinner.
Oct 22nd - Thurs - Gold Canyon
Wish the grocery store wasn’t so close as Terry figured we needed doughnuts again for breakfast. We followed them up with another, longer bike ride around the park. Then we drove to check out another housing area. We stopped at the grocery store on the way back to pick up some booze on a rain check. Can’t pass up half gallons of Scoresby for $14.99.
After lunch we got the truck washed and vacuumed it. After letting lunch digest a bit, we went to the pool where we ended up chatting with a lady from Kamloops B.C. Her daughter teaches school in Horse Lake which is really close to 100 Mile House where my sister Marg lives - small world again.
When we stopped at the grocery store we checked the meat department and found a decent price on Porterhouse steaks which Terry cooked on the BBQ. They were excellent so we might have to return to get a couple for the freezer.
We are parked in the short-term area which is almost empty now. Another fifth-wheel pulled in today but parked at the other end from us. Then a HUGE rig parked closer to us. It looks like a class C but with a full size diesel cab. Haven’t met the owners yet.
We made a trip to the nearby grocery store for doughnuts this morning. Haven’t done that for a while!
After some computer time & TV, we went for a drive. Checked out a couple of RV parks and ended up at a casino. Luckily we decreased our “allowance” as it didn’t last too long.
For dinner, we went to the good Chinese buffet that we discovered during our last stay in Mesa. It was as good as the first time and we ate too much just as we did before.
Oct 21st - Wed - Gold Canyon
Laundry day. This park uses a card that you load with money rather than quarters for the washers & dryers. We already had a card but you can only use them at the park where you get them (makes sense as the originating park has the money). The card costs $3 - non refundable - which is a pain when you will only be using it one time. So a very nice lady who works in the office ran home to get her card and let us use it. We put more money on it than we needed so gave her the extra instead of throwing the card & any balance in a drawer to possibly never be used again.
After lunch we went looking for a new printer. We have been carrying a large one from our previous life and figured it was time for a more streamlined model with a copy/scan feature as well. Found what we wanted at good ol’ WalMart and got it all set up and tested.
I had put a pork roast & sweet potatoes in the crock pot so just had to add a salad for an easy dinner. We went for a fast bike ride around the park to settle dinner.
Oct 22nd - Thurs - Gold Canyon
Wish the grocery store wasn’t so close as Terry figured we needed doughnuts again for breakfast. We followed them up with another, longer bike ride around the park. Then we drove to check out another housing area. We stopped at the grocery store on the way back to pick up some booze on a rain check. Can’t pass up half gallons of Scoresby for $14.99.
After lunch we got the truck washed and vacuumed it. After letting lunch digest a bit, we went to the pool where we ended up chatting with a lady from Kamloops B.C. Her daughter teaches school in Horse Lake which is really close to 100 Mile House where my sister Marg lives - small world again.
When we stopped at the grocery store we checked the meat department and found a decent price on Porterhouse steaks which Terry cooked on the BBQ. They were excellent so we might have to return to get a couple for the freezer.
We are parked in the short-term area which is almost empty now. Another fifth-wheel pulled in today but parked at the other end from us. Then a HUGE rig parked closer to us. It looks like a class C but with a full size diesel cab. Haven’t met the owners yet.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oct 17th to 19th - Tucson to Gold Canyon
Oct 17th - Sat - Tucson
We went to the Tanque Verde flea market this morning. I thought it would be open early but even when we were done at 10:30 there were still vendors setting up. It was VERY hot wandering around and we tended to linger longer in covered sites.
So again we chose to go to a casino to cool off. I think Tucson casinos have seen the last of us for a while! Next to a large mall to look for a comforter for our bed. I am tired of Terry saying that he hates the look of our current bedding. We found exactly what we wanted at Anna‘s - but they did not have it in our size and neither did their other two stores in Tucson. We have driven past the end of the mall several times since we have been here and didn’t even realize it was there.
Back to the RV park to fall in the pool. I also visited the park library to exchange a couple of books. The library is wonderful - totally lined with books, puzzles & magazines. It also has groupings of comfy chairs and a couple of tables for jigsaw puzzles.
Oct 18th - Sun - to Gold Canyon AZ
Arrived at the Canyon Vistas RV Resort (PA) just after 11 and a 2 hour drive. We will be staying here for a week. The office was not open today so the security staff checked us in. We had the truck unhooked and were hooking up electric & water when a security guy came over and said we were supposed to be parked back further and suggested that our sewer hose might not reach since the connection was all the way to the back of the site. So - hook up again and back up a few feet which puts our steps right at the back end of the concrete pad which is towards the front of the large site. I am sure that RV parks are designed by people who have never parked an RV. We still need all 30 feet of our sewer hose to reach the dump.
After lunch, we rode our bikes to check out the park. Very hot weather so next was a visit to the pool where we chatted with some friendly folks. The PA sites here have our door facing west so we pulled the truck up close to the patio so we could get some shade to sit out for a drink and TV.
Oct 19th - Mon - Gold Canyon
Unseasonably warm so had to have the AC on all night and left it on when we got up. I was able to sit outside for coffee since the chairs were in the shade. Went for a drive to find a grocery store and ended up cruising some housing developments first. There are a lot of nice houses here which is only a few miles from the east edge of Mesa. I bought ingredients for a nice breakfast which we enjoyed before riding our bikes to the office to finish registration.
Terry relaxed while I worked on the computer - catching up expenses took most of the time. Then had to head to the pool to cool off again. There was a little breeze so you actually felt cold for a few minutes when you got out of the pool. We did not even sit outside when we got back - just too hot. Terry went out to BBQ steaks and then in for the evening.
We went to the Tanque Verde flea market this morning. I thought it would be open early but even when we were done at 10:30 there were still vendors setting up. It was VERY hot wandering around and we tended to linger longer in covered sites.
So again we chose to go to a casino to cool off. I think Tucson casinos have seen the last of us for a while! Next to a large mall to look for a comforter for our bed. I am tired of Terry saying that he hates the look of our current bedding. We found exactly what we wanted at Anna‘s - but they did not have it in our size and neither did their other two stores in Tucson. We have driven past the end of the mall several times since we have been here and didn’t even realize it was there.
Back to the RV park to fall in the pool. I also visited the park library to exchange a couple of books. The library is wonderful - totally lined with books, puzzles & magazines. It also has groupings of comfy chairs and a couple of tables for jigsaw puzzles.
Oct 18th - Sun - to Gold Canyon AZ
Arrived at the Canyon Vistas RV Resort (PA) just after 11 and a 2 hour drive. We will be staying here for a week. The office was not open today so the security staff checked us in. We had the truck unhooked and were hooking up electric & water when a security guy came over and said we were supposed to be parked back further and suggested that our sewer hose might not reach since the connection was all the way to the back of the site. So - hook up again and back up a few feet which puts our steps right at the back end of the concrete pad which is towards the front of the large site. I am sure that RV parks are designed by people who have never parked an RV. We still need all 30 feet of our sewer hose to reach the dump.
After lunch, we rode our bikes to check out the park. Very hot weather so next was a visit to the pool where we chatted with some friendly folks. The PA sites here have our door facing west so we pulled the truck up close to the patio so we could get some shade to sit out for a drink and TV.
Oct 19th - Mon - Gold Canyon
Unseasonably warm so had to have the AC on all night and left it on when we got up. I was able to sit outside for coffee since the chairs were in the shade. Went for a drive to find a grocery store and ended up cruising some housing developments first. There are a lot of nice houses here which is only a few miles from the east edge of Mesa. I bought ingredients for a nice breakfast which we enjoyed before riding our bikes to the office to finish registration.
Terry relaxed while I worked on the computer - catching up expenses took most of the time. Then had to head to the pool to cool off again. There was a little breeze so you actually felt cold for a few minutes when you got out of the pool. We did not even sit outside when we got back - just too hot. Terry went out to BBQ steaks and then in for the evening.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Oct 14th to 16th - Tucson
Oct 14th - Wed - Tucson
When we checked into the RV park, we received a coupon for one admission to the Desert Museum. We have been there before but had planned to go again so took advantage of the coupon to go this morning. The forecast was for very warm weather so we made sure we had hats, water & sunglasses. We took our time wandering the whole grounds and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a such a wonderful mixture of zoo, gardens, history and minerals.
We made a stop at Camping World for a couple of items and then on to a grocery store where I finally found Yoshida sauce that I have been trying to find for 3 months. Put groceries away, had dinner and finished riding our bikes around all the streets of the park.
Oct 15th - Thurs - Tucson
After breakfast, Terry cleaned the bugs off the front of the 5th wheel while I cooked eggs & potatoes for salad and used up some stale bread for croutons. Then I helped Terry with the cleaning for a while until it was just too hot. We rode our bikes to a hair salon in the park and made an appointment for tomorrow for a haircut for me.
A casino was calling (they are nicely air conditioned!) so that was our next activity. I won a few dollars right away and thought it would be a good day but………not so much! Terry was down to his last shekels when he rallied for a while but eventually gave it all back. Stopped for some necessities (booze!), then home for dinner.
Oct 16th - Fri - Tucson
We spent time this morning picking out some PA parks for the next 5 weeks. We want to check out some different parks & areas before we go to Yuma for a couple of months. Breakfast and then rode our bikes to the office to pick up our forwarded mail.
We continued cleaning the outside of the 5th wheel as the temperature got hotter & hotter. Of course we were working only in the shade but each walk with the bucket to the water tap let me know how hot it was.
I rode my bike to my hair appointment - Terry escorted me and then settled in with a beer in front of the outside TV. Shortly after I got back, we went for a swim - but first rode back to the hair salon to pick up my forgotten sunglasses. The pool was almost too warm to be refreshing.
Back to relax with a drink before dinner.
When we checked into the RV park, we received a coupon for one admission to the Desert Museum. We have been there before but had planned to go again so took advantage of the coupon to go this morning. The forecast was for very warm weather so we made sure we had hats, water & sunglasses. We took our time wandering the whole grounds and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a such a wonderful mixture of zoo, gardens, history and minerals.
We made a stop at Camping World for a couple of items and then on to a grocery store where I finally found Yoshida sauce that I have been trying to find for 3 months. Put groceries away, had dinner and finished riding our bikes around all the streets of the park.
Oct 15th - Thurs - Tucson
After breakfast, Terry cleaned the bugs off the front of the 5th wheel while I cooked eggs & potatoes for salad and used up some stale bread for croutons. Then I helped Terry with the cleaning for a while until it was just too hot. We rode our bikes to a hair salon in the park and made an appointment for tomorrow for a haircut for me.
A casino was calling (they are nicely air conditioned!) so that was our next activity. I won a few dollars right away and thought it would be a good day but………not so much! Terry was down to his last shekels when he rallied for a while but eventually gave it all back. Stopped for some necessities (booze!), then home for dinner.
Oct 16th - Fri - Tucson
We spent time this morning picking out some PA parks for the next 5 weeks. We want to check out some different parks & areas before we go to Yuma for a couple of months. Breakfast and then rode our bikes to the office to pick up our forwarded mail.
We continued cleaning the outside of the 5th wheel as the temperature got hotter & hotter. Of course we were working only in the shade but each walk with the bucket to the water tap let me know how hot it was.
I rode my bike to my hair appointment - Terry escorted me and then settled in with a beer in front of the outside TV. Shortly after I got back, we went for a swim - but first rode back to the hair salon to pick up my forgotten sunglasses. The pool was almost too warm to be refreshing.
Back to relax with a drink before dinner.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Oct 10th to 13th - Albuquerque to Tucson AZ
Oct 10th - Sat - Albuquerque
We, Gary & Karen, Wayne and Mel caught the bus about 6:15 again this morning. There was a huge crowd of people at the balloon park as there was a mass ascension today - some of the special shapes balloons and hundreds of the regular balloons. We set our chairs again where balloon rides were launching. These balloons are huge in order to support up to a dozen riders and the whole row starts inflating and launching to get out of the way before the masses. Incredible!
The “Albuquerque Box” was working this morning. The winds at a lower level were north-to-south. Then the balloons would climb a bit and hit the wind going south-to-north. It was amazing to look up and see balloons traveling in both directions. The sky was filled with balloons as they drifted off to the north.
There were no games after the launch and the lines at the food vendors were huge so we all went back to our sites. We took Gary & Karen and Wayne and headed for a big flea market at the fairgrounds. We stopped at Denney’s for a late breakfast - we had to wait and we were all starving. Wandered around the flea market. We each bought a couple small items but then found the vendors repetitive and headed back.
I worked on my pictures so I could use Karen’s program to put names on the special shape balloons. The guys were all sitting out so Karen, Darlene & Kathleen joined me inside for a little “girl talk” for a change.
Back on the bus for the evening glow program. We were a little late and by the time we got to the balloon grounds, the balloons were deflating due to too much wind. They try to salvage what they can so the pilots did a “candlestick” glow where they fire their burners - minus balloons - in unison. Not too exciting. At least we did not have to wait around too long as the fireworks show started early. Again, it was a first class show. More buses than riders tonight. We chatted with neighbors before calling it a night.
Oct 11th - Sun - to Deming NM
Up at 5:30 again but when Terry stuck his head out the door it was obvious that it was too windy for the final mass ascension this morning. And it was cold! We and Gary & Karen had decided yesterday that we would stay tonight since we would be going to the mass ascension and the price was right - $0. I had got up & dressed and then crawled back into bed to read since Wayne was leaving with his generator. Suddenly Terry came in and said that because it was so cold, everyone was leaving. So we packed up, said our goodbyes to our great new friends and hit the road.
We found a PA park (Little Vineyard) to stay for 2 days. Nice to have electricity, as much water as we want to use and cable TV. I used up some leftovers for lunch before we went to WalMart for groceries.
When we returned we saw a truck & 5th wheel belonging to Lloyd & Pat who were at the balloon fiesta with us but it did not appear that they were home. We put away groceries, relaxed with a drink and then went to the clubhouse to have a hamburger for dinner. The park has started their winter activities and tonight was $3 for a hamburger with all the fixings, chips & dessert.
On the way back to our rig, we knocked on Lloyd & Pat’s door and sat & chatted with them until it was too cold for our shorts & T-shirts.
Oct 12th - Mon - Deming
A “down” day today. After a nice breakfast we went to do laundry as I had to take advantage of 75 cent washers & dryers - and I needed to do laundry. 4 loads and 3 washers but it was a nice day so Terry wandered around while I found some books to read. Terry went back to get a couple of hangers that we left in the laundry room and discovered another laundry room closer to our site that had 7 washers & 7 dryers!
We made a trip into town for milk and found a car wash to get the worst of the crud off the truck. Then Terry boiled baby backs while I worked on email & pictures. We chatted with a couple from Seattle who have been full timing for 10 years and have wintered in this park for 4 years. It does get cold with a freeze sometimes but it is inexpensive - $225 a month plus electricity.
I finally finished putting captions on some pictures and posted 2 more albums to the link on our blog.
Oct 13th - Tues - to Tucson AZ
Headed west to Arizona this morning - about 3 ½ hours to Rincon Country West RV (CCUSA) in Tucson. We stayed here last spring with Claude & Val and wanted a few more days to get the feel of the place to see if we want to stay here longer on another trip.
As Terry was backing into our spot, I heard air hissing by the 5th wheel tires and discovered a nail in our brand new tire. So Terry took it off and went to a tire shop to have it repaired - for $21! He replaced the tire and we hooked up. I had mentioned when Terry returned that we should have requested a north facing site so our rig would provide shade for sitting out. Terry said we were OK but changed his mind, drove to the office and got a new spot. So - unhook, put the slides back in (luckily I had not set up inside) and move across the street. Much better!
Since AZ does not go on daylight savings time, we gained an hour. Due to our tire problem, we did not eat lunch and the banana for breakfast had long disappeared so we ate dinner at 4. Then went for a bike ride around the park. Put in 3.5 miles when my stomach started feeling queasy. Maybe should have waited a bit after dinner as I felt OK after sitting for a while.
We, Gary & Karen, Wayne and Mel caught the bus about 6:15 again this morning. There was a huge crowd of people at the balloon park as there was a mass ascension today - some of the special shapes balloons and hundreds of the regular balloons. We set our chairs again where balloon rides were launching. These balloons are huge in order to support up to a dozen riders and the whole row starts inflating and launching to get out of the way before the masses. Incredible!
The “Albuquerque Box” was working this morning. The winds at a lower level were north-to-south. Then the balloons would climb a bit and hit the wind going south-to-north. It was amazing to look up and see balloons traveling in both directions. The sky was filled with balloons as they drifted off to the north.
There were no games after the launch and the lines at the food vendors were huge so we all went back to our sites. We took Gary & Karen and Wayne and headed for a big flea market at the fairgrounds. We stopped at Denney’s for a late breakfast - we had to wait and we were all starving. Wandered around the flea market. We each bought a couple small items but then found the vendors repetitive and headed back.
I worked on my pictures so I could use Karen’s program to put names on the special shape balloons. The guys were all sitting out so Karen, Darlene & Kathleen joined me inside for a little “girl talk” for a change.
Back on the bus for the evening glow program. We were a little late and by the time we got to the balloon grounds, the balloons were deflating due to too much wind. They try to salvage what they can so the pilots did a “candlestick” glow where they fire their burners - minus balloons - in unison. Not too exciting. At least we did not have to wait around too long as the fireworks show started early. Again, it was a first class show. More buses than riders tonight. We chatted with neighbors before calling it a night.
Oct 11th - Sun - to Deming NM
Up at 5:30 again but when Terry stuck his head out the door it was obvious that it was too windy for the final mass ascension this morning. And it was cold! We and Gary & Karen had decided yesterday that we would stay tonight since we would be going to the mass ascension and the price was right - $0. I had got up & dressed and then crawled back into bed to read since Wayne was leaving with his generator. Suddenly Terry came in and said that because it was so cold, everyone was leaving. So we packed up, said our goodbyes to our great new friends and hit the road.
We found a PA park (Little Vineyard) to stay for 2 days. Nice to have electricity, as much water as we want to use and cable TV. I used up some leftovers for lunch before we went to WalMart for groceries.
When we returned we saw a truck & 5th wheel belonging to Lloyd & Pat who were at the balloon fiesta with us but it did not appear that they were home. We put away groceries, relaxed with a drink and then went to the clubhouse to have a hamburger for dinner. The park has started their winter activities and tonight was $3 for a hamburger with all the fixings, chips & dessert.
On the way back to our rig, we knocked on Lloyd & Pat’s door and sat & chatted with them until it was too cold for our shorts & T-shirts.
Oct 12th - Mon - Deming
A “down” day today. After a nice breakfast we went to do laundry as I had to take advantage of 75 cent washers & dryers - and I needed to do laundry. 4 loads and 3 washers but it was a nice day so Terry wandered around while I found some books to read. Terry went back to get a couple of hangers that we left in the laundry room and discovered another laundry room closer to our site that had 7 washers & 7 dryers!
We made a trip into town for milk and found a car wash to get the worst of the crud off the truck. Then Terry boiled baby backs while I worked on email & pictures. We chatted with a couple from Seattle who have been full timing for 10 years and have wintered in this park for 4 years. It does get cold with a freeze sometimes but it is inexpensive - $225 a month plus electricity.
I finally finished putting captions on some pictures and posted 2 more albums to the link on our blog.
Oct 13th - Tues - to Tucson AZ
Headed west to Arizona this morning - about 3 ½ hours to Rincon Country West RV (CCUSA) in Tucson. We stayed here last spring with Claude & Val and wanted a few more days to get the feel of the place to see if we want to stay here longer on another trip.
As Terry was backing into our spot, I heard air hissing by the 5th wheel tires and discovered a nail in our brand new tire. So Terry took it off and went to a tire shop to have it repaired - for $21! He replaced the tire and we hooked up. I had mentioned when Terry returned that we should have requested a north facing site so our rig would provide shade for sitting out. Terry said we were OK but changed his mind, drove to the office and got a new spot. So - unhook, put the slides back in (luckily I had not set up inside) and move across the street. Much better!
Since AZ does not go on daylight savings time, we gained an hour. Due to our tire problem, we did not eat lunch and the banana for breakfast had long disappeared so we ate dinner at 4. Then went for a bike ride around the park. Put in 3.5 miles when my stomach started feeling queasy. Maybe should have waited a bit after dinner as I felt OK after sitting for a while.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Oct 8th & 9th - Albuquerque
Oct 8th - Thurs - Albuquerque
The winds are generally quieter and more reliable early in the morning so balloons start ascending as soon as it is light - about 6:45. We will be getting up early for a few days!
There are morning events starting as early as 5:45 (we will skip that one!) and evening events starting at 5:45 with not too much going on in between. This results in massive traffic jams 4 times a day as crowds come & go from the fiesta. School buses are provided to shuttle RV residents to the balloon grounds - close to a mile across a major street. This morning we and 3 of our neighbors caught a bus right outside our doors at 6. When we got to the balloon park, Terry & I went to get coffee and we didn’t see them again until we were walking to catch the bus back. But we did bump into 2 other neighbors and spent time with them.
The first event was the special shapes rodeo. 89 “special shape” balloons assembled on the field, inflated their envelopes and ascended in waves. Spectators can walk among the balloons on the field and balloon operators are always looking for crew members for the day. Flight directors called zebras (for their black & white striped clothing) control the launch. Several balloons take off at once and you hardly know where to look. It was very calm so the balloons drifted very slowly across the field and we had lots of time to see them all and take pictures.
Then there were “games” for regular balloons. Pilots take off away from the balloon park, fly to the park and drop markers on a target on the field or try to grab an envelope from the top of a pole. Not too many balloons took part as the winds were not very good to get to the park. Terry and I went to get breakfast and wandered the long row of vendors before we headed back.
Terry worked on the generator and we went to get a spark plug which still didn’t fix the problem. He finally decided to take Wayne up on his offer to use his generator for the rest of our stay. While Terry was busy, I put a casserole together for dinner and baked some brownies. After a very early dinner, we made a quick trip to WalMart for a couple of smaller, inexpensive folding chairs to carry to the fiesta events.
Caught a bus again for the Special Shapes Glowdeo. At 5:45, special shape balloons started inflating but this time they stayed on the ground. We walked around taking pictures. The sun sets about 6:30 and the pilots fire their burners to make the balloons “glow”. It was wonderful. Again, lots of pictures.
But we are not done yet. All the balloons were deflated and packed away and at 8 there was a beautiful fireworks show which we could enjoy in comfort on our new chairs. The first part of the fireworks were typical, but amazing, high flyers. Then there was an incredible “wall” of lower fireworks on another side of the field before the finale at end of the field where they started.
We headed for the bus after the fireworks and discovered a very long line. Terry & I waited for the bus but our neighbors, who would have been way behind us in the line, decided to walk and actually beat us back but not by much. We all sat out for a drink and to rehash the day’s events before calling it a day.
Oct 9th - Fri - Albuquerque
Similar schedule to yesterday. We decided that we didn’t have to go so early so didn’t catch the bus until 6:15! We stuck together this time, set up our chairs and watched the special shapes take off again. We were quite a ways down the field and the wind blew all the balloons right over us. It was just as wonderful the second time. By the time the special shapes were disappearing, the field was cleared and set up for the regular balloons coming in for the “games”. Today the winds were more favorable and there were lots of pilots taking part. We got breakfast & coffee and sat watching the show.
Then we all walked to check out the chain saw carving competition, picked up our chairs and came back to the park. Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park and on a bike path along the road outside the RV parking area. We were going to go to a grocery store, asked our neighbors for directions and ended up having a beer and never going to the store. 2 other neighbors joined us for another drink before we left for the evening glowdeo and fireworks. It was slightly warmer tonight, the fireworks were possibly even more spectacular than last night and extra buses were brought in so we didn’t have to wait long to get back.
Another absolutely wonderful day! It is so cool to be on the bus that gets to use special lanes and watch the traffic gridlock from people driving to the park. Park & ride areas have been set up and continuous lines of buses head in & out to those spots also.
Wayne went to bed and turned off the generator so I better get this posted before the battery runs down on the computer.
The winds are generally quieter and more reliable early in the morning so balloons start ascending as soon as it is light - about 6:45. We will be getting up early for a few days!
There are morning events starting as early as 5:45 (we will skip that one!) and evening events starting at 5:45 with not too much going on in between. This results in massive traffic jams 4 times a day as crowds come & go from the fiesta. School buses are provided to shuttle RV residents to the balloon grounds - close to a mile across a major street. This morning we and 3 of our neighbors caught a bus right outside our doors at 6. When we got to the balloon park, Terry & I went to get coffee and we didn’t see them again until we were walking to catch the bus back. But we did bump into 2 other neighbors and spent time with them.
The first event was the special shapes rodeo. 89 “special shape” balloons assembled on the field, inflated their envelopes and ascended in waves. Spectators can walk among the balloons on the field and balloon operators are always looking for crew members for the day. Flight directors called zebras (for their black & white striped clothing) control the launch. Several balloons take off at once and you hardly know where to look. It was very calm so the balloons drifted very slowly across the field and we had lots of time to see them all and take pictures.
Then there were “games” for regular balloons. Pilots take off away from the balloon park, fly to the park and drop markers on a target on the field or try to grab an envelope from the top of a pole. Not too many balloons took part as the winds were not very good to get to the park. Terry and I went to get breakfast and wandered the long row of vendors before we headed back.
Terry worked on the generator and we went to get a spark plug which still didn’t fix the problem. He finally decided to take Wayne up on his offer to use his generator for the rest of our stay. While Terry was busy, I put a casserole together for dinner and baked some brownies. After a very early dinner, we made a quick trip to WalMart for a couple of smaller, inexpensive folding chairs to carry to the fiesta events.
Caught a bus again for the Special Shapes Glowdeo. At 5:45, special shape balloons started inflating but this time they stayed on the ground. We walked around taking pictures. The sun sets about 6:30 and the pilots fire their burners to make the balloons “glow”. It was wonderful. Again, lots of pictures.
But we are not done yet. All the balloons were deflated and packed away and at 8 there was a beautiful fireworks show which we could enjoy in comfort on our new chairs. The first part of the fireworks were typical, but amazing, high flyers. Then there was an incredible “wall” of lower fireworks on another side of the field before the finale at end of the field where they started.
We headed for the bus after the fireworks and discovered a very long line. Terry & I waited for the bus but our neighbors, who would have been way behind us in the line, decided to walk and actually beat us back but not by much. We all sat out for a drink and to rehash the day’s events before calling it a day.
Oct 9th - Fri - Albuquerque
Similar schedule to yesterday. We decided that we didn’t have to go so early so didn’t catch the bus until 6:15! We stuck together this time, set up our chairs and watched the special shapes take off again. We were quite a ways down the field and the wind blew all the balloons right over us. It was just as wonderful the second time. By the time the special shapes were disappearing, the field was cleared and set up for the regular balloons coming in for the “games”. Today the winds were more favorable and there were lots of pilots taking part. We got breakfast & coffee and sat watching the show.
Then we all walked to check out the chain saw carving competition, picked up our chairs and came back to the park. Terry & I went for a bike ride around the park and on a bike path along the road outside the RV parking area. We were going to go to a grocery store, asked our neighbors for directions and ended up having a beer and never going to the store. 2 other neighbors joined us for another drink before we left for the evening glowdeo and fireworks. It was slightly warmer tonight, the fireworks were possibly even more spectacular than last night and extra buses were brought in so we didn’t have to wait long to get back.
Another absolutely wonderful day! It is so cool to be on the bus that gets to use special lanes and watch the traffic gridlock from people driving to the park. Park & ride areas have been set up and continuous lines of buses head in & out to those spots also.
Wayne went to bed and turned off the generator so I better get this posted before the battery runs down on the computer.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Oct 5th to 7th - to Albuquerque
Oct 5th - Mon - Las Cruces
We pulled up a list on the computer of tire shops in Las Cruces and Terry made many phone calls looking for the right tire for our 5th wheel but had no luck. One store which normally carries the right size said they could not even order one right now as the distributors were out of stock. After breakfast we went sightseeing and kept an eye out for tire shops. When we were nearly back at the RV park, we spotted a small tire shop on the other side of the divided road, made a few turns to get back to it and they actually had 6 of the tires that we needed. We made a quick trip to the park to get the spare and had the new one on in no time. Have to get lucky sometime!!
I did not want to worry about doing laundry next week so did a couple loads. Quite painless as the laundry room was very close to our site and we were able to sit out & watch TV between trips to the laundry room.
Oct 6th - Tues - to Isleta NM
We planned to stop at a PA park in Truth or Consequences (yes, that is the name of a town!) but it appeared to be in the middle of nowhere so kept on driving. Anyone familiar with New Mexico or following our progress on a map will see that we are headed north again and are very close to Albuquerque. That is because we are going to spend 4 days at the Balloon Fiesta starting tomorrow. So we ended up in the Isleta Lakes RV park which is near the Isleta Casino and a very short drive for us tomorrow to the Balloon Fiesta park.
I made a very late lunch (we didn’t want to stop as this park does not accept reservations and they had 4 sites left when we were 1 ½ hours away. Then there were at least 7 sites open when we got here!) and then we made a short trip to fill a propane bottle. Of course we had to visit the casino. Terry blew through his allowance but I got lucky on a bonus so I could give him some more money and bring part of it home. We had a sandwich before heading back to catch DWTS results.
Oct 7th - Wed - to Albuquerque
Wednesday is Seniors’ Day at the casino so we had to make a trip to take advantage of the $2.99 breakfast and $5 in free play on each card. Did not turn the free play into take home money but did use the small amount of points on our cards so breakfast only cost 33 cents! Then we dumped tanks, filled up the fresh water and headed for the Balloon Fiesta park which was about 20 minutes away. We will be dry camping here for 4 days.
Breezed through registration and were escorted to a spot with neighbors already set up on both sides. Set up and then went for a walk. It rained here last night - the evening show was canceled - and some areas are really muddy. Luckily we are on packed gravel. RVs are parked in a huge area so we took a shortcut and then got the bikes and rode around the whole thing. Next a trip to get gas for the generator and had a late lunch. Terry had started the generator before we went to get gas but after we got back and he topped up the gas, it would not start again. He had quite a bit of help but couldn’t get it running. So our neighbor Wayne said “no problem” and plugged our cord into his big generator.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening meeting & visiting with really nice neighbors. Wayne is from Minnesota, Gary & Karen are from Cascade Idaho, Mel & Darlene are from Vancouver B.C. and Scott is from Phoenix.
We pulled up a list on the computer of tire shops in Las Cruces and Terry made many phone calls looking for the right tire for our 5th wheel but had no luck. One store which normally carries the right size said they could not even order one right now as the distributors were out of stock. After breakfast we went sightseeing and kept an eye out for tire shops. When we were nearly back at the RV park, we spotted a small tire shop on the other side of the divided road, made a few turns to get back to it and they actually had 6 of the tires that we needed. We made a quick trip to the park to get the spare and had the new one on in no time. Have to get lucky sometime!!
I did not want to worry about doing laundry next week so did a couple loads. Quite painless as the laundry room was very close to our site and we were able to sit out & watch TV between trips to the laundry room.
Oct 6th - Tues - to Isleta NM
We planned to stop at a PA park in Truth or Consequences (yes, that is the name of a town!) but it appeared to be in the middle of nowhere so kept on driving. Anyone familiar with New Mexico or following our progress on a map will see that we are headed north again and are very close to Albuquerque. That is because we are going to spend 4 days at the Balloon Fiesta starting tomorrow. So we ended up in the Isleta Lakes RV park which is near the Isleta Casino and a very short drive for us tomorrow to the Balloon Fiesta park.
I made a very late lunch (we didn’t want to stop as this park does not accept reservations and they had 4 sites left when we were 1 ½ hours away. Then there were at least 7 sites open when we got here!) and then we made a short trip to fill a propane bottle. Of course we had to visit the casino. Terry blew through his allowance but I got lucky on a bonus so I could give him some more money and bring part of it home. We had a sandwich before heading back to catch DWTS results.
Oct 7th - Wed - to Albuquerque
Wednesday is Seniors’ Day at the casino so we had to make a trip to take advantage of the $2.99 breakfast and $5 in free play on each card. Did not turn the free play into take home money but did use the small amount of points on our cards so breakfast only cost 33 cents! Then we dumped tanks, filled up the fresh water and headed for the Balloon Fiesta park which was about 20 minutes away. We will be dry camping here for 4 days.
Breezed through registration and were escorted to a spot with neighbors already set up on both sides. Set up and then went for a walk. It rained here last night - the evening show was canceled - and some areas are really muddy. Luckily we are on packed gravel. RVs are parked in a huge area so we took a shortcut and then got the bikes and rode around the whole thing. Next a trip to get gas for the generator and had a late lunch. Terry had started the generator before we went to get gas but after we got back and he topped up the gas, it would not start again. He had quite a bit of help but couldn’t get it running. So our neighbor Wayne said “no problem” and plugged our cord into his big generator.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening meeting & visiting with really nice neighbors. Wayne is from Minnesota, Gary & Karen are from Cascade Idaho, Mel & Darlene are from Vancouver B.C. and Scott is from Phoenix.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Sept 30th to Oct 4th - Carlsbad, Alamogordo,Las Cruces
Sept 30th - Wed - Carlsbad
We decided to stay here another day and take advantage of a low green fee ($12.50) at the municipal course. We need the exercise so set out to walk the course about 9:30. It was already quite warm but there was a breeze so it was perfect. The course was hilly and we enjoyed the first 8 holes. On 9, the green was flooded by sprinkler overuse so we could not finish the hole. We caught up to 3 nice young men on the 10th tee box as they had to wait for the group in front of them. They said we might as well join them as they had been waiting on most holes. When one young man threw his club after a couple of bad shots, we picked up our balls and went on to hole 11 which we played. We teed off on 12 but the approach to the green and the green were being watered by 4 big sprinklers. By this time our enjoyment of the game was totally gone so we decided to bag it. As we walked past the tee box on 13 we saw the fivesome that was causing the slow play as there were no players on the holes ahead of them.
By the time we walked along 13, 14 & 1 to get back to the clubhouse, I was very hot & cranky so didn’t go in to complain - thought I would send an email when I cooled down, physically & mentally. Wrong - no email address on the golf course web site.
Oh well, we did enjoy 8 ½ holes of golf. We found a shady spot at a large park along the Pecos River to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the park to do laundry.
Oct 1st - Thurs - to Alamogordo NM
Just over 3 hours to drive to Alamogordo via Cloudcroft. This is the most direct route from Carlsbad but also the most hilly. Carlsbad is at 3110, Cloudcroft is 8650 feet and Alamogordo is 4600. There are 16 miles of 6 percent grade coming down into Alamogordo. The drive was really nice with trees already changing color at the highest elevations. We are at the Boot Hill RV park (PA) which is new & clean with large sites and very friendly owners.
After setting up & lunch, we headed out to explore. Our first stop was just down the road at a pistachio & wine shop. We walked into the gift store and someone greeted Terry by name. It was Mike who we met briefly when we were walking down the Natural Entrance at Carlsbad. He & his wife Mary (yes, another Mike & Mary couple in our lives!) were waiting for a farm tour so we joined them and learned about pistachio growing & harvesting. The one tidbit that I will pass on is that pistachios naturally split before they are harvested. Also, for Larry Barker, the whole shells are not bio-degradable due to the high oil content. They must be crushed to decompose.
We continued on to White Sands Ntl Monument as did Mike & Mary. Terry & I took a mile loop walk through the dunes and a short loop on a boardwalk where we saw Mike & Mary again. They had a couple of sleds so we said we would join them to watch Mary crash & burn. Mary & I climbed a dune first and rode the round saucers down the sand. They did not go as fast as we thought they would. Then the guys got into the act and we all took a couple more rides and took pictures.
Mike & Mary are staying in Ruidoso and had to drive past our campground so we invited them to stop for a drink. They live in North Carolina and are going from here to Phoenix for a week and then home. We hope to stay in touch and see them sometime in the future.
Oct 2nd - Fri - Alamogordo
After coffee & fresh baked muffins, we headed to Ruidoso for some sightseeing. We followed the “Billy the Kid” scenic byway which is a triangular loop near Ruidoso. It wasn’t as interesting as the brochures sounded. We stopped and wandered through a couple of huge buildings with “antiques & collectibles”. Less junk than usual but I still have to wonder - who buys it all?
Then we went to the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino and hotel which is a beautiful establishment. We were there a couple of years ago but I don’t think we wandered into the hotel lobby which is amazing. There is a 3 story wall of windows, topped with an arched roof, that looks over a lake and a golf course to the mountains beyond. A double set of stairs curve to the lower level and between them is a fountain in a shallow basin made to look like a woven basket. Very impressive.
Before we got to the business of donating some money to pay for all this opulence, we had a late lunch at the buffet which was excellent. They seem to have a slightly smaller selection of items but do each of them very well. The dessert selection was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Good thing that this meal was also dinner.
Oct 3rd - Sat - Alamogordo
Woke up to rain this morning and then discovered that an Albuquerque TV station broadcasts live for 2 hours in the morning from the Balloon Fiesta which started today. So we stayed in bed, listened to the rain and enjoyed the show!
We wandered over to the office to pay for another day and ended up talking with the owners over a cup of coffee. Then we drove into town and ended up at 3 stores before we found a memory chip for our camera. The one we had was so small that I would run out of space for pictures and I knew I would want to take a lot of pictures at the Balloon Fiesta which we will be going to on the 7th.
Terry had noticed that the spare (used) tire that he had put on the 5th wheel in CA was wearing badly on the inside so he decided to swap it for the new spare. Of course the tire was under the large slide so we had to move stuff and pull the slides in so he could work. Everything went well until his attention wandered and he stripped a nut as he was putting the tire back on. We finished up, put the slides back out and went shopping. We got a couple of nuts but the post was too messed up. This time, Terry went shopping and got a file and a new post. He couldn’t file the stripped post enough so decided to drive tomorrow with one missing nut and work on it again in Las Cruces.
We had an early dinner so we could go listen to a band here at the park at 7. It was a bluegrass group from Roswell. The park has a large pavilion with a stage and seating for events. The band was named Vintage which describes the type of music they prefer. They played for 2 hours with a 5 minute break - very enjoyable.
Oct 4th - Sun - to Las Cruces NM
We took our time leaving this morning (watched balloons on TV again) as the RV park that we selected in Las Cruces has a noon check in time and it was less than 1 ½ hours to drive. Clear & cool this morning with clouds appearing as we got closer to Las Cruces.
We are at Shady Acres RV Park. Huge spaces, and very wide interior roads give a spacious and private feel. Most sites have mature trees for shade.
Before we put out the slides, Terry took off the 5th wheel tire again to find a solution to the stripped lug post. He started to cut off the end with our tiny hacksaw but the blade ended up with no teeth after cutting about 1/8th inch. So he pulled out the bearings so he could remove the stud and see if the one he bought yesterday was OK. Of course it was the wrong size so he took off to find the right one. After several referrals to parts stores he returned with “close but no cigar” on another post. He also bought a decent hacksaw, was able to cut the stripped end and got the nut to start - hooray! By the time everything was back together and Terry was showered and I finished setting up, it was 3 o’clock and time to relax.
We went for a walk around the park before dinner and chatted with the owner who was dragging a contraption on the roads to level the already nearly level gravel. He identified an odor that we noticed when we first arrived and several times after. It smelled like something cooking and sometimes burning. Turns out it was chilies being roasted about ½ mile away. It is not an offensive odor, just different.
I thought I posted my blog yesterday morning but it appears as if I did the entry and then forgot to post. Sorry!
We decided to stay here another day and take advantage of a low green fee ($12.50) at the municipal course. We need the exercise so set out to walk the course about 9:30. It was already quite warm but there was a breeze so it was perfect. The course was hilly and we enjoyed the first 8 holes. On 9, the green was flooded by sprinkler overuse so we could not finish the hole. We caught up to 3 nice young men on the 10th tee box as they had to wait for the group in front of them. They said we might as well join them as they had been waiting on most holes. When one young man threw his club after a couple of bad shots, we picked up our balls and went on to hole 11 which we played. We teed off on 12 but the approach to the green and the green were being watered by 4 big sprinklers. By this time our enjoyment of the game was totally gone so we decided to bag it. As we walked past the tee box on 13 we saw the fivesome that was causing the slow play as there were no players on the holes ahead of them.
By the time we walked along 13, 14 & 1 to get back to the clubhouse, I was very hot & cranky so didn’t go in to complain - thought I would send an email when I cooled down, physically & mentally. Wrong - no email address on the golf course web site.
Oh well, we did enjoy 8 ½ holes of golf. We found a shady spot at a large park along the Pecos River to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the park to do laundry.
Oct 1st - Thurs - to Alamogordo NM
Just over 3 hours to drive to Alamogordo via Cloudcroft. This is the most direct route from Carlsbad but also the most hilly. Carlsbad is at 3110, Cloudcroft is 8650 feet and Alamogordo is 4600. There are 16 miles of 6 percent grade coming down into Alamogordo. The drive was really nice with trees already changing color at the highest elevations. We are at the Boot Hill RV park (PA) which is new & clean with large sites and very friendly owners.
After setting up & lunch, we headed out to explore. Our first stop was just down the road at a pistachio & wine shop. We walked into the gift store and someone greeted Terry by name. It was Mike who we met briefly when we were walking down the Natural Entrance at Carlsbad. He & his wife Mary (yes, another Mike & Mary couple in our lives!) were waiting for a farm tour so we joined them and learned about pistachio growing & harvesting. The one tidbit that I will pass on is that pistachios naturally split before they are harvested. Also, for Larry Barker, the whole shells are not bio-degradable due to the high oil content. They must be crushed to decompose.
We continued on to White Sands Ntl Monument as did Mike & Mary. Terry & I took a mile loop walk through the dunes and a short loop on a boardwalk where we saw Mike & Mary again. They had a couple of sleds so we said we would join them to watch Mary crash & burn. Mary & I climbed a dune first and rode the round saucers down the sand. They did not go as fast as we thought they would. Then the guys got into the act and we all took a couple more rides and took pictures.
Mike & Mary are staying in Ruidoso and had to drive past our campground so we invited them to stop for a drink. They live in North Carolina and are going from here to Phoenix for a week and then home. We hope to stay in touch and see them sometime in the future.
Oct 2nd - Fri - Alamogordo
After coffee & fresh baked muffins, we headed to Ruidoso for some sightseeing. We followed the “Billy the Kid” scenic byway which is a triangular loop near Ruidoso. It wasn’t as interesting as the brochures sounded. We stopped and wandered through a couple of huge buildings with “antiques & collectibles”. Less junk than usual but I still have to wonder - who buys it all?
Then we went to the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino and hotel which is a beautiful establishment. We were there a couple of years ago but I don’t think we wandered into the hotel lobby which is amazing. There is a 3 story wall of windows, topped with an arched roof, that looks over a lake and a golf course to the mountains beyond. A double set of stairs curve to the lower level and between them is a fountain in a shallow basin made to look like a woven basket. Very impressive.
Before we got to the business of donating some money to pay for all this opulence, we had a late lunch at the buffet which was excellent. They seem to have a slightly smaller selection of items but do each of them very well. The dessert selection was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Good thing that this meal was also dinner.
Oct 3rd - Sat - Alamogordo
Woke up to rain this morning and then discovered that an Albuquerque TV station broadcasts live for 2 hours in the morning from the Balloon Fiesta which started today. So we stayed in bed, listened to the rain and enjoyed the show!
We wandered over to the office to pay for another day and ended up talking with the owners over a cup of coffee. Then we drove into town and ended up at 3 stores before we found a memory chip for our camera. The one we had was so small that I would run out of space for pictures and I knew I would want to take a lot of pictures at the Balloon Fiesta which we will be going to on the 7th.
Terry had noticed that the spare (used) tire that he had put on the 5th wheel in CA was wearing badly on the inside so he decided to swap it for the new spare. Of course the tire was under the large slide so we had to move stuff and pull the slides in so he could work. Everything went well until his attention wandered and he stripped a nut as he was putting the tire back on. We finished up, put the slides back out and went shopping. We got a couple of nuts but the post was too messed up. This time, Terry went shopping and got a file and a new post. He couldn’t file the stripped post enough so decided to drive tomorrow with one missing nut and work on it again in Las Cruces.
We had an early dinner so we could go listen to a band here at the park at 7. It was a bluegrass group from Roswell. The park has a large pavilion with a stage and seating for events. The band was named Vintage which describes the type of music they prefer. They played for 2 hours with a 5 minute break - very enjoyable.
Oct 4th - Sun - to Las Cruces NM
We took our time leaving this morning (watched balloons on TV again) as the RV park that we selected in Las Cruces has a noon check in time and it was less than 1 ½ hours to drive. Clear & cool this morning with clouds appearing as we got closer to Las Cruces.
We are at Shady Acres RV Park. Huge spaces, and very wide interior roads give a spacious and private feel. Most sites have mature trees for shade.
Before we put out the slides, Terry took off the 5th wheel tire again to find a solution to the stripped lug post. He started to cut off the end with our tiny hacksaw but the blade ended up with no teeth after cutting about 1/8th inch. So he pulled out the bearings so he could remove the stud and see if the one he bought yesterday was OK. Of course it was the wrong size so he took off to find the right one. After several referrals to parts stores he returned with “close but no cigar” on another post. He also bought a decent hacksaw, was able to cut the stripped end and got the nut to start - hooray! By the time everything was back together and Terry was showered and I finished setting up, it was 3 o’clock and time to relax.
We went for a walk around the park before dinner and chatted with the owner who was dragging a contraption on the roads to level the already nearly level gravel. He identified an odor that we noticed when we first arrived and several times after. It smelled like something cooking and sometimes burning. Turns out it was chilies being roasted about ½ mile away. It is not an offensive odor, just different.
I thought I posted my blog yesterday morning but it appears as if I did the entry and then forgot to post. Sorry!
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