Aug 22nd to 25th - Bernalillo

Aug 22nd – Mon – Bernalillo
I researched on the computer for oil change places and we went to find one. On the way we saw a WalMart and decided to try it again. This time the employee knew how to find the torque that he needed (a large chart that the other store should have had?) and there was no one in line. Getting an oil change at WalMart also gives you something to do while you are waiting!
As we were going to our next errand, we realized that we could get a $2.99 breakfast at the casino and since it was after 10 it was a good idea. Of course it cost us a bit more with some gambling but not much.
We went to a trailer supply place that a neighbor in the park told us about to get new spring-loaded clips for the landing jacks. One of them broke when we were in Canon City and the repair shop welded it but it didn’t slide well and Terry didn’t trust it. At the store we discovered that there are 2 sizes and we didn’t know our size so off we went to find an RV dealer with a Montana. We finally found one and decided not to buy their clips at $59.00 a pair but went back to the first place to buy them for $33.
On the way back we had to go right past another large casino. The weather was very hot and air conditioning sounded good so we stopped. I did OK and slowed the losses even if I didn’t cover Terry completely. Back at the rig we turned on the air & TV and enjoyed a drink before dinner. We stumbled onto a TV program called “American Ninja”. It was an entertaining 2 hours about 10 Americans trying to complete an obstacle course in Japan.

Aug 23rd – Tues – Bernalillo
After coffee & a bowl of fruit, we went to see the camp host and pay for our site. It costs $22 a night and includes 50 amp electric & water. There is no sewer but there is a dump in the park. We figure it is a good price and we can pay an extra $5 to wash the 5th wheel so we will stay a few more days. We ended up chatting with the host (Nancy) and a city employee – this is a city owned campground – for quite a while.
The water pressure disappeared late yesterday and was still bad this morning. Terry checked every connection as it seemed as if there was more water at the tap than in the rig. When we talked to Nancy we found out they had the same problem and then we saw a short item on TV that said Bernalillo lost a water pump so we knew it wasn’t just us. But that put a crimp in the plans to wash the rig.
I made breakfast about 11 and then we went to check out a golf course that we can see from the campground. We had to go past the casino to get there and decided on the way back that we could play golf tomorrow morning (when it is cooler) or we could spend the money in casinos. You can probably guess what we chose!! Yep, the casino again where we played a long time on half our normal allowance.
We had more water when we returned so Terry got everything out and washed the 5th wheel. I cleaned one recliner and washed the fan blades (embarrassing!) before helping Terry by using a long handled squeegee to wipe off the water.
We were just finishing when a neighbor moved in. We found out that they (Bob & Leah) lived in Pierre SD and lost their home in the recent floods. Of course in an area that rarely floods, they did not have flood insurance so they bought an older motor home & tow vehicle and are heading for San Diego for a new start. We invited them to join us for hamburgers for dinner which we were able to enjoy outside in our private casita which is another reason why we like this park.

Aug 24th – Wed – Bernalillo
Here is something you haven’t heard for a while – jelly biscuits for breakfast. Then we did more cleaning & organizing & visiting with neighbors before finding a laundromat. Yesterday laundromats and car washes were closed in Bernalillo due to the water pump problem.
Then we felt we deserved a break and headed once more to the nearby casino as they had specials today for 50 & “better” card holders. Terry once again won some money and kept us going for the rest of the afternoon.
About 4:30 we decided to take advantage of the half price, very good buffet for us older folks.
We came back to the rig expecting it to be cool from the air conditioning that we left running. Oops, Terry cannot read the thermostat and just turned on the fan so it was HOT.
There have been thunderstorms and flash flood warnings all over New Mexico since we have been here but we are not in an area affected by the floods. We had a bit of rain in the evening – naturally since we washed the rig!

Aug 25th – Thurs – Bernalillo
There was a lot of lightning, thunder and short rain storms last night. We didn’t sleep too well so were lazy and watched TV in bed before getting going. After breakfast, I backed up files on the computer and worked on expenses while Terry washed the outside of the windows on the 5th wheel. The weather is still very hot so this time we set the air conditioner correctly before going for a drive and then stopping for groceries & misc items at WalMart.
We have been looking at the Atlas and browsing the internet to decide where we are going from here and finally decided that we are going back to San Antonio TX. The weather was cool and rainy when we stopped there previously so we want to check it out again.