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.
Friday, October 30, 2009
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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