WHR – Blowing Dust

Our first morning waking up to full hookups in an actual RV park after some time in the desert was very different. It shouldn't have been but it was. It might have been because I stayed up until midnight watching movies. I hadn’t done that in a while and loved to be able to settle on the couch and just curl up. I still woke up at the same time I normally do every morning except that this morning, I just looked at the clock and rolled over for an extra hour or two of sleep. Boy, did it feel good. What a lazy day! It was wonderful!

I’m not saying we don’t like being in an area without hookups. We do because we normally have a huge site but this time we had been out there an awful long time. Having a working inverter makes all the difference in the world too. I’m sure that once we get used to the RV resorts and all the amenities, we will also look forward to getting away from it all again.

Upon arrival we had washed our car and the motorhome. We were cleaning off the dust and the dirt we had been carrying around from the BLM. It sure felt good to have the grit gone …… but, wait a minute! It didn’t stay gone long. Sunday morning our neighbors pulled their motorhome out and a workamper showed up with a blower. He was blowing all the dust and dirt from the now vacated site onto our site, our patio, our motorhome, our bikes and our car. He could have blown it back towards the fence or even towards the street but he didn’t. He commented that he wanted a clean site for new arrivals. Since we had to clean off our patio again, we just hope if we get new neighbors, they stay longer than we do. That way they will get our dust and dirt and we won't get theirs again.

Since we’re back in WINCO land we had to make a trip there. We also stopped by Costco. We even stopped by the Thousand Trails park hoping to get our reservations moved up a week but they are so packed this time of year.

For some reason we had forgotten about all the traffic in this area and all the people in the stores. What a congested area this is and now we’re re-thinking our next destination. We’re again looking for that perfect place to go. Is it west or should we turn around and head east?? (No, Sabrina, not Kalama at this time of year!)

Banjo Jack and California

My cousin, Wally, twisted our arm and twisted it. We had to go. He left us no choice. After all, he had said that Banjo Jack was the best Ukulele player in the whole wide world. It wasn’t that we wanted to go listen to someone play the banjo. Neither of us are really into that. However, boy, are we ever glad we went. This fella was fantastic. It wasn’t just the ukulele he played that was fascinating. It was everything else. He started off with a guitar, then a ukulele and then this thing that was half violin with two horns on it. His wife, Jeanette, played a Dobra. Do you know what that is? I didn’t. Evidently she has been competing for years and has won several competitions.

In addition to being fantastic musicians, they are both excellent entertainers. The energy just flowed. I had a tough time getting pictures because Banjo Jack was moving all over the place. It was a fun evening. They did quite a mix of songs. Some of them we had heard before but many we had not. The last time we went to a similar event the musicians asked for requests of songs folks grew up with …. in the 30’s and 40’s. We guess we might have moved forward a bit because Banjo Jack did songs from the 50’s mainly. Perhaps, the next time we go to a similar event we will actually be listening to songs we know from the 60’s and 70’s. Either way .. it was great!

We said our goodbyes, went back to the Cocopah Casino where we were again sandwiched in and got ready to pull out the following morning. That was a tad difficult as the casino was hosting a marathon. Roadways were blocked off, tents were up and the place was packed. Finally, we made it through and were on the road again. This time to California.

Traveling from Yuma to Indio is a snap and the terrain changes constantly. We passed the sand dunes. Since it was Saturday they were full of week-enders riding in their sand buggies. The road turned to desert, then through the bustling town of Brawley and eventually skirted the Salton Sea. We could even see the snow tipped mountains as we continued northwest. It was a great drive and 140 miles later we pulled into our new site at Indian Waters RV Resort.

It had been a long time since we had actually had electricity. We were looking forward to plugging in to it. The park has green grass, a hot tub and even a swimming pool. It’s definitely been a while since we had such amenities. For a few days we’re here and then another destination and another park. What a decision! We're toying with heading all the way to the Pacific or just another park 20 miles away. Who knows ..... we certainly don't.

It’s Over!

Janice discovered two Burrowing Owls who had made a home in the sand behind where we were parked. It’s amazing how many times I walked Duchess up that little road previously but never noticed them. Once discovered I made several trips just to check on them. They certainly checked on me as I walked by each time too. The Burrowing Owls are a protected species.

We finally got the inverter fixed the way we wanted it. However, it wasn’t done by RV Masters who we paid to do it. After five trips to their service department and having a job half done and ordering the wrong parts, Terry finally called the manufacturer and had the correct remote switch sent directly to us. Amazing …. a couple hours later and everything works perfectly.

Lunch on Wednesday was with Lee and Loralei. We hadn’t met before but had followed each other’s blog and felt we knew each other. It was a great time talking with them. We had been many of the same places so as we reminisced about past adventures we also got to discover some that might be fun in the future. We’re looking forward to doing it again. Perhaps, next time we meet it will be in Washington State.

Thursday was another barbecue. This time it was steak and shrimp shared with relatives. We all seem to have a few of those …. relatives, that is. Even though my cousin was providing the food we were still buttering him up by gracing him with our presence. Actually, I don’t think he’d put it that way but since it’s my blog I can word it anyway I want. Anyway, he has the most gorgeous area for dry camping at his home in Washington. We’re hoping to visit this summer and park the motorhome overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a few days.

Friday …. well, originally we didn’t have any plans. Terry wanted to keep it that way but it didn’t work out and we do now. Evidently the best banjo player in the world will be putting on a show. At least we were told he was the best banjo player in the world at least ten times. I think we have to go. Oh well ….. departure from the area has now been moved back one day to Saturday.

I’m sure glad we’re flexible with our schedule. I can’t imagine being on such a tight schedule that everything is written in stone. Having just completed a fairly large group outing, I’ve learned everyone else is not so flexible. Potlucks seem to be the most fun. Actually, everything around food seems to work best. I sure do appreciate the folks who stepped up to the plate and got the food lines going for something fun to do and knew enough to cancel those when the wind blew sand and dust to the other side of the world. We had one potluck canceled because all our belongings were being sent to Mexico. However, a couple hours later the wind calmed down and it was on … well, part of it was on. What a great idea! I loved the impromptu food events even though I didn’t always have anything to share but it didn't matter. I loved sitting outside and talking to those who were also outside looking for someone to chat with. For most of us .. it was an absolutely great time. Thank you to the fire-starters and those who brought wood. Thank you, Toni, for all the potluck food events. Thank you, Sandie, for helping to organize and keeping us in line. And, to everyone else … thanks for the opportunity to meet once again and for everything you contributed to the fun event. It’s over but I thought it was perfect!! No complaints here.

Squaw Lake, Senator’s Wash, Imperial Dam LTVA

We took an interesting drive around the Yuma area. We had actually seen part of this area a couple years ago. This time we went a little farther and were very surprised with what we discovered. We found the most gorgeous LTVA BLM. This area is dry camping for self-contained RVs but water, garbage and a dump is available. Also, there is a boat ramp and even picnic tables. The only downside was that we had no ATT cell service. My guess is that due to the location there may not have been any cell reception regardless of the carrier. Oh well … it was still beautiful to look at. We even found some burros off to the side of the road.

We also drove through the Hidden Shores RV Park. This RV park is just west of the Yuma Proving Grounds. Just about all conveniences including a small golf course was available.

Another day and another sightseeing adventure. We hadn't visited the lakes the last couple of years we had been here so wanted to check them out. We still have one more we'd like to see and that's Martinez Lake. I'm not sure we'll get a chance to drive out there this year and right now don't believe we'll return to the Yuma area next winter. We're thinking Texas might be the place.

We had been parked at the Elks Lodge in Yuma. When we first arrived a couple days previously there were lots of empty spots. It didn’t stay like that. RVs ended up being packed in like sardines. With no hookups most were using generators a great deal. We had a neighbor who ran their generator all day and most of the night. It wasn’t the noise that bothered us but the fumes. We couldn’t sit out or even leave our door open without diesel fumes coming inside. Guess what we did? We moved. We may still be dry camping but we’re doing it with grass all around and on pavement. We’re not on sand or dirt and it feels so clean. It’s almost a dry camper’s Eden.

P.S. Remember my dead phone? It dried out and everything is working like it should be. Yippee!

My Phone is Dead

I have realized something. I realized that if your dog throws up on your phone, (mainly from drinking too much water too fast) the phone may die. Don’t ask me how I know. I just do. Now parts of the phone still may work. It may still ring, send and receive a text but you won’t be able to hear anyone speak unless it’s on speaker and the person on the other end definitely won’t hear anything you say.

I also know that if you try the hair dryer hoping to dry it out, it still won’t work. The only thing I don’t know is if it will clean out and dry up by the next day. I don’t know if the moisture will be gone but I’m betting it just might not be. If not, the only alternative is to head off to the phone store, give them plenty of $$$ and get a new phone.

I also know that cameras may not be quite so easy to destroy.

I just know these things. It’s not something I really wanted to learn.

The Blonde and the Motor Home

A blonde goes to a restaurant, buys a coffee and sits down to drink it.

She looks on the side of her cup and finds a peel off prize label.

She pulls off the tab and yells, "I WON! I WON! I WON a motor home, I WON a motor home!"

The waitress runs over and says, "That's impossible. The biggest prize given away was a mini van!"

The blonde replies, "No. I WON A motor home, I WON a motor home!"

By this time the manager makes his way over to the table and says,

"You couldn't possibly have won a motor home because we didn't have that as a prize!"

Again the blonde says, "No, no mistake, I WON a motor home, I WON a motor home!"

The blonde hands the prize ticket to the manager and he reads, "WIN A BAGEL."

Good-bye Carolyn

Carolyn Ann Leclerc passed from this life on Saturday, January 22nd. She was our daughter’s mother-in-law, a good mother to her two sons and a loving grandmother to the grandchildren we shared. Michael and Sandi were truly blessed to have been able to call her “grandmother”.

She will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Robert and his family at this time.

Finishing Up in Yuma

Look who’s driving Joe’s rig - It’s not Joe! It’s a Bandit!

This was to be our last “official” day to plan any outings. The only reason I used the word “official” was because we kind of had a planned outing and it was definitely our last day together. Actually, there really aren’t many people left at the old reunion grounds west of Winterhaven to plan much with. Our numbers had dwindled down to six rigs as of Saturday afternoon. By Sunday afternoon the number will be down to one …. Freddy and Delcie will be the only ones who remain.

On the agenda for Saturday was a barbecue being held at another RV park close to Old Town Yuma. It was a little confusing what was on the menu but that’s okay. We’re pretty easy folks to please especially when it comes to food. What started out being barbecued ribs, chicken and ham really ended up being just the ribs. The price was $6 per person and I didn’t have to do the cooking so it was okay with me. Food always draws a crowd and there was definitely a crowd at their place!

However, that wasn’t the only meal of the day. We also had an impromptu event. Eight of us started out eating that day at the Quechan Casino with a breakfast buffet for $5.99. The food line just continues and most of us are always standing in it. I'm sure the little crystal ball sees the word “diet” in most of our futures. Ugh … we really, really hate that word. Really!

Yep … we’re definitely finishing up with the group in Yuma. We ended the day with lots of food and one more campfire. And, of course, one more ripping wind came through during the night which caused us again to bring our slides in and our antenna down. So until next year .... bye all!

Today we’re On the Road Again!

Graduation and Heading Out

June is coming. What happens in June? Well, our oldest grandson, Justin, will be graduating from high school and also be receiving his Associates Degree from the local college. We got a reminder of this when his graduation pictures were sent. Isn’t he one fine looking fella?

He needs someone to pay for the rest of his education. He's decided to let the Navy do it. So, after graduating it's "Anchors Away" for a few years.

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We’ve had a great time reuniting with friends in Yuma. It’s been a real busy time too. The reunion is nearly over and people are heading out in all directions. It’s fun to sit and listen to past travels and future destinations. After all, that’s where the ideas come from for the next trip. Well, sometimes it does. Some places we actually refuse to visit and other places we just may want to visit. If you’re in Arizona in January, it’s hard to want to venture too far or you might encounter a little ice, a little snow and definitely much colder weather.

We had four rigs pull out on Friday and by Monday just about everyone will be gone from our meeting grounds. Some of the folks who are pulling out have decided to stop by Quartzsite. This is the time of year that the little town of just a few thousand hosts their annual RV event which brings in several hundred thousand RVs. The place really is hopping in January with all the vendors, displays and events.

Others are heading on to Lake Havasu, the Slabs by the Salton Sea and some are even sticking around Yuma a while. Well, that is other than, Joe. Joe seems to think that the place to head is California and then on up north to the state of Washington. I think it’s a little early to be going too far north but then again, Joe’s a big boy. He can make his own plans.

Where are we heading? Well, we’re still trying to decide that. The first thing we want to do is go to a park with full hookups to clean out the sand and grit that we’ve accumulated dry camping. We have nothing in mind and our plan is to move on Sunday. With all the snowbirds and RV’ers in Yuma, many places are full. Oh well, I guess we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it but we’re not far down the road from that bridge now.

After that …. well, we’ll probably hang around Yuma for a few days, up to Quartzsite for a few more and possibly on to Palm Springs and back to San Diego. Or, we could even head towards the hill country in Texas. The problem with going east is that it’s COLD that direction. It’s hard to let you know where we’re going when we don’t even know ourselves. I’ll tell you though that it sure would be nice to sit on a beach with my feet dangling in the salt water. The more I think of that, the more I like the idea.

Even though our group is getting smaller and smaller, we’re still eating lots, enjoying the company and burning up the last of the wood in the evening campfires.

Things have been good and weather is perfect.

Changes to National Parks

These are the type of blogs I have available for an occasional post when either nothing is going on or too much is going on and I don't have time. In this case ... a lot has been going on and I'm just too pooped to blog.

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Many campers and RV’ers are asked to fill out comment cards when leaving National Parks, COEs and other public campgrounds. These comment cards are used to find out about hazards and improvements to the area. The idea is to leave nature to enjoy but clean up and improve areas where possible.

The U.S. Forest Service also ask those using their facilities to leave comments. The little cards and pencils are available. It’s kind of like asking a restaurant patron to comment if the bathroom needs cleaning. The problem with comment cards is that some folks want nature improved in a way that most others don’t.

The following are just a few examples of actual comments and future improvements suggested by users in the National Park System. It’s another one of those Can You Believe it? Or, aren’t you glad they don’t take all the suggestions to heart?

• “A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”

• “Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”

• “Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”
• “Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”
• “Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.”
• “All the mile markers are missing this year.”
• “Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.”
• “Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
• “Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”
• “Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter.”
• “Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”
• “The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.”
• “Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”
• “Need more signs to keep area pristine.”
• “A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.”
• “The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
• “Too many rocks in the mountains.”

Another Bath and Da Boyz

Wednesday was another warm day. We were certainly glad we had already planned on another trip to the Hot Springs LTVA. The water might have been warm too but it was wet and wonderful. We also discovered that we could fit six people in the small tub comfortably. Just like a few days before, we loved the shower and the opportunity to soak in the tub. What a great place and best of all …. IT’S FREE!

Our generator charged our batteries up to peak prior to dinner out. After all, American Idol was starting another season and we wanted to watch it. The timer was set on our DVR, the inverter left on and I was ready to leave knowing that when we returned I’d be able to watch my favorite show.

Da Boyz Italian Cuisine was the place. The food and the service was fantastic!! The people we were with … well, check them out. It was a huge group and the restaurant had a nice private room that they let us use. We will definitely be returning to this place.

During the night we had a rocking wind come through. It rocked and rocked our motorhome. Duchess didn’t like it and neither did we. Finally, about 2:00 AM we got up and took down our little outside room and pulled in our slide because our slide topper was really, really flapping. While we were at it we even pulled the antenna down. We noticed several others were running around the area securing chairs and other outside items too. Jerry and Janice came over to help us do what we needed to do. It was so noisy from the racket the wind was making I’m sure everyone had a difficult time sleeping. Finally the wind died down and we were able to get back to sleep ... finally!

Busy in Yuma

The week is winding down and so is the reunion but we’re still very busy. Even as we’ve had a few folks join our group, we’ve had others moving on. The time is getting short as folks are preparing to head out to their next adventure. Some have decided to head on to “Q” but not too many. We’re not quite sure what direction we’ll go but right now we plan to stick around the Yuma area for another week or so. Then, out comes the little map and we’ll see where the road leads.

Boys at play

Tuesday the temperature was pretty hot. Now I know that 83 degrees doesn’t seem like hot to some but by the time you add that to an RV that soaks up the heat, it easily reaches 88 or 89 inside the tin boxes. That’s just what happened yesterday. Most of the generators and air conditioners were kicked on for a little bit.

When the wind picked up around here all the awnings had been stowed. However, on Tuesday everyone was looking for a little relief from the sunshine and the awnings started coming down again. We ended up putting up our little outside room just to keep the sun out. The last place we used this was in Washington. It really needs to be scrubbed and we’re hoping to do that at the next real “park” we pull into.

Tuesday is the day of the Farmer’s Market in Old Town Yuma right in front of Da Boyz Italian Cuisine – home of our Wednesday night outing. Terry and I rode along with Joe. Joe was the shopper in the group .. at least at the Farmer’s Market. He loaded his little bags, not once but twice with all the fresh produce. (We actually had to make two trips there for him.) Bachelor Bob serenaded the shoppers. Other vendors lined up with their jewelry and wares.

Dinner was at Cocopah Casino with the Lavins. The casino had the most delicious ribs ever and a super salad bar. We also spent a little time at the slots. This time we really didn’t donate anything. They actually paid us a few bucks to play … not much but just a few bucks. Last year we stayed in the casino’s RV parking area so we had to check it out. It was packed with RVs. Even the over-flow area was full. You can sure tell it’s winter in Yuma!

Wednesday another trip to the hot springs is planned in the morning plus another meal out at Da Boyz. Thursday is Algodonas and potluck and Saturday is barbecue at another RV park in Yuma. It’s sure been a busy and fun time. We need to go someplace to rest!

Hot Springs – Best Kept BLM Secret

Sunday was definitely an interesting day. We have been boondocking just west of Yuma, Arizona. If you know what boondocking means, you know that it also means very short showers because you need to conserve on water. The long daily showers just don’t exist ………….. unless you know about the Hot Springs LTVA. We discovered it. It was absolutely amazing and we’re already planning our next trip. Anyone for a group outing here?

The Hot Springs Long Term Visitor’s Area is located just off the I-8 freeway by Holtville, California. The hot springs flow through it. As a matter of fact, two concrete hot tubs are available for RV’ers with hot mineral water and a wonderful hot shower … and, it’s all free!!

Cool oasis pool plus dressing rooms

We wanted to see it. Jerry and Janice had already visited the hot springs last year. Jerry suggested we put on our swimsuits and really check it out. We did. It was only about a 30-minute ride west. The springs are visible from the freeway if you know where to look. They sit in an oasis.

It’s an oasis in the middle of the desert. There are two concrete hot tubs. One of the pools had a temperature of about 104-105 degrees. The other one was about 101 degrees or so. If that was too warm, you could swim in the actual oasis which has much cooler water. The shower temperature could be adjusted. The higher it was, the cooler the water by the time it hit the pool and so on. Even dressing rooms are available. We felt like we were in heaven and can hardly wait to go again. The pools are drained and cleaned once a week.

You could either take a shower or soak in the tub. Some people brought jugs along with them to collect the hot water in. When they left they took the hot water with them back to their rigs for dishes and numerous other purposes.

After thoroughly enjoying the long soaking in the hot tub, it was time to head back. We arrived just in time to welcome new arrivals, Bob and Linda. The late afternoon also brought uninvited guests but we were glad they decided to buzz by us in the sky. The temperature was warm. It was a fantastic day in paradise.

Every evening seems to bring the group out. Sunday was no exception. It started around dinner and then moved around the campfire again.

I wonder what new adventure Monday will bring. It's a holiday. Perhaps, we'll take it off.