DEC 30, Wednesday; Last day in Winterhaven
A beautiful sunny day with a light wind! It’s been a good 10 days here, very busy with geo-caching, socializing with friends, visits from family and just a good time all around. We packed all our stuff getting ready to leave tomorrow then we went to the post office to mail a birthday card to my daughter, Rochelle and to pick up some milk and beer. We went over to Pat & Rick where Glenda and Terry met us and we had one last happy hour together. Of course, I got teased for getting stuck in the sand on our last outing in the desert. We had a nice time and it was soon time for us to say goodbye and head home for dinner.
After reading Glenda and Terry's blog, I realized that I forgot to mention we had an earthquake late in the morning. The epicentre was in Calexico at 5.9 on the richter scale. We felt our rig rocking back and forth and a few after-shocks. It was quite an experience
DEC 31, Thursday, to Desert Hot Spring, California
Last day of 2009! We packed the rest of our stuff and left Winterhaven around 10 a.m. We drove west on I-8 then northwest on 111 to 78 and eventually Hwy 86. We stopped at a casino for fuel for both our truck and our bodies. They were advertising steak and eggs for $4.99...hard to resist, right!? Fuel was at $2.86/gal.
We finally arrived on Dillon and followed that to our next site, Catalina Spa RV Resort. We are at site 238, next to Marcel and Audrey (Val’s sister). This is a very nice park with lots of palm trees and well manicured. The best thing is that there is NO wind and it is warm. After setting up, we had happy hour with the Lemieux’s. Audrey had some chicken and we had that for dinner along with a potato salad and a green salad.
At 9 p.m. we went to the club house and danced our way to Midnight! It was fun and a lot of people were in attendance. Marcel even sang a couple of songs. Lots of laughter and the New Year arrived with a bang and lots of kisses and hugs. We finally went home around 1 p.m. and ended at Marcel and Audrey for a nightcap. Finally called it quit around 3 a.m.
We travelled 158 miles (255KM) in 4 hours at an average 45 MPH.
N 33* 54’ 46”
W 116* 26’ 16”
Alt: 950 feet
HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS! SEE YOU ALL IN 2010!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
December 26 to 29, 2009; Life in Winterhaven
DEC 26, Saturday, Algonodes, Mexico
Mim called around 9:20 to say they were on their way to the Mexican border so we took off and met them at the border. We all walked across into the town and began sightseeing and shopping of course! Ed and Julie bought a couple things and so did Jack and Mim. Dan bought a sweater for a friend and we bought a stained window that matches our decorations in the screen door. We had a couple of beer and tacos at a local restaurant then walked some more. After a couple hours of this, everyone wanted to call it quit but not before having another beer at a local bar where two guys were playing guitar and singing. They were pretty good too!
We crossed back into the USA around 1 pm and we came home to get Tucker then drove to Mim and Jack’s place and had happy hour with the crew. We came home around 5 p.m. and had stew for dinner which Val cooked two days ago.
It was cold while in Mexico and not all that warm while at Jack and Mim. I hope it warms up soon.
DEC 27, Sunday, Geo-Caching
Pat & Rick, Glenda & Terry came over around 11 a.m. We went to search 7 caches and found 4. One cache was on top of the mountain but by the time we got to it, it was late in the afternoon so we gave up. Glenda and Pat & Rick did very well searching and finding the caches. I think that Pat is sold on this. We went back to Glenda and Terry’s place and had happy hour. Glenda served chilli with all kinds of trimmings to it. It was delicious. Terry showed us a few comical movies and Glenda showed us a few pictures. We came home around 8 pm.
Overall it was a successful day and I think everyone enjoyed their day including us.
DEC 28, Monday, change of plan
We were to play golf today with Glenda & Terry and Rick and Pat but due the lousy weather and the wind, we cancelled out after talking to everyone.
We had to go to BEST BUY to get cards for our internet so we decided to go back to a couple caches we couldn’t find and...solve the problem we did! We found every one of them. Amazing what a night off will do. We resolved 4 caches and put a travelling bug in one of the caches. We eventually got to BEST BUY and bought what we needed then we went to TARGET to buy a new ice maker. Terry finally convinced me that it was a good deal!
We came home and got dinner going. We called the “crew” and told them the news about the caches.
DEC 29, Tuesday, to Algodones, Mexico
Glenda and Terry picked us up at 9 am and we drove to the casino near the border for breakfast. We paid a whole $12 for four for all you can eat.
From here, we drove to the border, parked and walked across to Algodones, Mexico and found a cache inside a restaurant. It was under the counter but you could see it through the glass. We signed it then went shopping into the market area. I bought a hat and Glenda bought a sweater. We then went to a huge liquor store and bought some tequila and a bottle of vodka. We also sampled some other tequila while there. We met Rick, Pat, Charlie and Julie while in the store.
We crossed back into the US without any problems and came back to our place. Glenda and Terry left and Val did the laundry. I called Jack and Mim but there was no answer so we didn’t get to meet them again before leaving.
Mim called around 9:20 to say they were on their way to the Mexican border so we took off and met them at the border. We all walked across into the town and began sightseeing and shopping of course! Ed and Julie bought a couple things and so did Jack and Mim. Dan bought a sweater for a friend and we bought a stained window that matches our decorations in the screen door. We had a couple of beer and tacos at a local restaurant then walked some more. After a couple hours of this, everyone wanted to call it quit but not before having another beer at a local bar where two guys were playing guitar and singing. They were pretty good too!
We crossed back into the USA around 1 pm and we came home to get Tucker then drove to Mim and Jack’s place and had happy hour with the crew. We came home around 5 p.m. and had stew for dinner which Val cooked two days ago.
It was cold while in Mexico and not all that warm while at Jack and Mim. I hope it warms up soon.
DEC 27, Sunday, Geo-Caching
Pat & Rick, Glenda & Terry came over around 11 a.m. We went to search 7 caches and found 4. One cache was on top of the mountain but by the time we got to it, it was late in the afternoon so we gave up. Glenda and Pat & Rick did very well searching and finding the caches. I think that Pat is sold on this. We went back to Glenda and Terry’s place and had happy hour. Glenda served chilli with all kinds of trimmings to it. It was delicious. Terry showed us a few comical movies and Glenda showed us a few pictures. We came home around 8 pm.
Overall it was a successful day and I think everyone enjoyed their day including us.
DEC 28, Monday, change of plan
We were to play golf today with Glenda & Terry and Rick and Pat but due the lousy weather and the wind, we cancelled out after talking to everyone.
We had to go to BEST BUY to get cards for our internet so we decided to go back to a couple caches we couldn’t find and...solve the problem we did! We found every one of them. Amazing what a night off will do. We resolved 4 caches and put a travelling bug in one of the caches. We eventually got to BEST BUY and bought what we needed then we went to TARGET to buy a new ice maker. Terry finally convinced me that it was a good deal!
We came home and got dinner going. We called the “crew” and told them the news about the caches.
DEC 29, Tuesday, to Algodones, Mexico
Glenda and Terry picked us up at 9 am and we drove to the casino near the border for breakfast. We paid a whole $12 for four for all you can eat.
From here, we drove to the border, parked and walked across to Algodones, Mexico and found a cache inside a restaurant. It was under the counter but you could see it through the glass. We signed it then went shopping into the market area. I bought a hat and Glenda bought a sweater. We then went to a huge liquor store and bought some tequila and a bottle of vodka. We also sampled some other tequila while there. We met Rick, Pat, Charlie and Julie while in the store.
We crossed back into the US without any problems and came back to our place. Glenda and Terry left and Val did the laundry. I called Jack and Mim but there was no answer so we didn’t get to meet them again before leaving.
Friday, December 25, 2009
December 21 to 25, 2009; to Winterhaven, California
DEC 21, Monday; to Winterhaven, California
We left Casa Grande around 10:30 am after saying goodbye to all our new found friends. We headed south on 387 then west on 84 which eventually connected with I-8. We stopped for lunch pass Gila Bend then as we arrived in and around Yuma, we called Glenda and Terry to let them know we were here.
We arrived in Winterhaven, California, a few minutes later (it is only 8 miles from Yuma) and booked in at Pilot Knob RV Park, an AOR member! Our cost: $90 for 10 days; can’t complaint at that! We set up and tried calling Marcel and Audrey but there was no answer. We got a call from Glenda inviting us to dinner at the Casino on the road to Algonodes, approx. 5 minutes from here so we accepted.
We went over at 5 pm and had a smorg for $12 for both of us. WOW! And the best of it, it was very good. Afterwards, we played a few machines and “Lucky Pat” won $200. We had a beer then came home with plans for the crew to come over tomorrow.
We travelled 188 miles (303KM) in 4 hrs @ an average 52 MPH.
N 32* 44’ 45”
W 114* 45’ 53”
Alt: 254 feet
DEC 22, Tuesday, Visitors
We got up to a beautiful sunshine so I finished setting up the satellite dish and the X-Mas lights. It was a good thing because the wind began blowing and we had a sand storm come through our area which it lasted all afternoon.
Marcel and Audrey (Val’s sister) arrived around 3 pm so we sat and visited for the rest of the afternoon. For dinner, we went to the casino that we went to last night and had dinner there ($24 for the four of us) . Afterwards, we played the machines and Audrey won but then lost everything. We came home and visit some more then it was bedtime.
DEC 23, Wednesday, Winterhaven
We got up around 8 am. Marcel and Audrey had already showered so we got dressed and went to the Casino again for breakfast ($24 for the four of us) and all you can eat. It was delicious! Of course, Audrey wanted to play more machine afterwards; she won then lost everything. We then drove to a little place across the highway from where we live called “The Centre of the Earth” ( figuratively speaking of course) and we were each given a certificate that stated we had been there. We were then given a tour of the place and then we walked don our own. Unfortunately, I didn’t have our camera but will come back later.
We came back to our place and Marcel and Audrey left. In the afternoon, we went to the laundry then headed to Glenda & Terry and Rick and Pat RV Park for happy hour. We had a nice visit and came home around 7 p.m and had dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
DEC 24, Thursday, X-Mas Eve
What a wonderful day this was, full of surprises! First, we got a call from Mim and Jack, friends of ours at our home park in the Shuswap, who are presently camping here in Yuma so we made arrangement to meet them later in Welton where Ed & Judith and Dan & Heather are staying. We went shopping for the stuff Val needs for the dinner tomorrow then we drove to a Park on the East side of Yuma and visited with a co-worker where Val worked. We had received an e-mail telling us that they were here so we went to visit them. We had a drink with them and a pleasant visit then we drove to Welton, 20 miles away, to meet up with Ed & Judith, Dan & Heather and Jack & Mim. It was so strange to meet so many of our neighbours from home and to top it up, they insisted that we stay for dinner, a full hen dinner with all the trimmings and dessert to boot made by Mim. We had a really fantastic time. We finally left around 7:30 pm and came home.
While there, we call a call from Audrey and Marcel saying that they had finally found Bud and Judy in Phoenix and were getting drunk at the local bar.
DEC 25, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We called our kids this morning and had a wonderful talk with everyone. Everyone was in a good mood of course and Santa was good to the kids. We also got a call from Mim and Jack inviting us to go to Algonodes, Mexico, tomorrow and we accepted. We also called Karen here in Yuma but she is busy the next few days so we won’t be seeing here this time...too bad! Val cooked a dish for dinner at Glenda and Terry tonight. We met everyone at their park, Cocopah Golf and RV, around 3 p.m. and we had a wonderful time. The turkey dinner was a success and we even played some dice games afterwards and won a few pennies. Present were Glenda & Terry, Pat & Rick and Charlie & Julie, friends of Glenda and Terry.
We came home around 10 p.m. and Tucker was sure happy to see us.
We left Casa Grande around 10:30 am after saying goodbye to all our new found friends. We headed south on 387 then west on 84 which eventually connected with I-8. We stopped for lunch pass Gila Bend then as we arrived in and around Yuma, we called Glenda and Terry to let them know we were here.
We arrived in Winterhaven, California, a few minutes later (it is only 8 miles from Yuma) and booked in at Pilot Knob RV Park, an AOR member! Our cost: $90 for 10 days; can’t complaint at that! We set up and tried calling Marcel and Audrey but there was no answer. We got a call from Glenda inviting us to dinner at the Casino on the road to Algonodes, approx. 5 minutes from here so we accepted.
We went over at 5 pm and had a smorg for $12 for both of us. WOW! And the best of it, it was very good. Afterwards, we played a few machines and “Lucky Pat” won $200. We had a beer then came home with plans for the crew to come over tomorrow.
We travelled 188 miles (303KM) in 4 hrs @ an average 52 MPH.
N 32* 44’ 45”
W 114* 45’ 53”
Alt: 254 feet
DEC 22, Tuesday, Visitors
We got up to a beautiful sunshine so I finished setting up the satellite dish and the X-Mas lights. It was a good thing because the wind began blowing and we had a sand storm come through our area which it lasted all afternoon.
Marcel and Audrey (Val’s sister) arrived around 3 pm so we sat and visited for the rest of the afternoon. For dinner, we went to the casino that we went to last night and had dinner there ($24 for the four of us) . Afterwards, we played the machines and Audrey won but then lost everything. We came home and visit some more then it was bedtime.
DEC 23, Wednesday, Winterhaven
We got up around 8 am. Marcel and Audrey had already showered so we got dressed and went to the Casino again for breakfast ($24 for the four of us) and all you can eat. It was delicious! Of course, Audrey wanted to play more machine afterwards; she won then lost everything. We then drove to a little place across the highway from where we live called “The Centre of the Earth” ( figuratively speaking of course) and we were each given a certificate that stated we had been there. We were then given a tour of the place and then we walked don our own. Unfortunately, I didn’t have our camera but will come back later.
We came back to our place and Marcel and Audrey left. In the afternoon, we went to the laundry then headed to Glenda & Terry and Rick and Pat RV Park for happy hour. We had a nice visit and came home around 7 p.m and had dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
DEC 24, Thursday, X-Mas Eve
What a wonderful day this was, full of surprises! First, we got a call from Mim and Jack, friends of ours at our home park in the Shuswap, who are presently camping here in Yuma so we made arrangement to meet them later in Welton where Ed & Judith and Dan & Heather are staying. We went shopping for the stuff Val needs for the dinner tomorrow then we drove to a Park on the East side of Yuma and visited with a co-worker where Val worked. We had received an e-mail telling us that they were here so we went to visit them. We had a drink with them and a pleasant visit then we drove to Welton, 20 miles away, to meet up with Ed & Judith, Dan & Heather and Jack & Mim. It was so strange to meet so many of our neighbours from home and to top it up, they insisted that we stay for dinner, a full hen dinner with all the trimmings and dessert to boot made by Mim. We had a really fantastic time. We finally left around 7:30 pm and came home.
While there, we call a call from Audrey and Marcel saying that they had finally found Bud and Judy in Phoenix and were getting drunk at the local bar.
DEC 25, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We called our kids this morning and had a wonderful talk with everyone. Everyone was in a good mood of course and Santa was good to the kids. We also got a call from Mim and Jack inviting us to go to Algonodes, Mexico, tomorrow and we accepted. We also called Karen here in Yuma but she is busy the next few days so we won’t be seeing here this time...too bad! Val cooked a dish for dinner at Glenda and Terry tonight. We met everyone at their park, Cocopah Golf and RV, around 3 p.m. and we had a wonderful time. The turkey dinner was a success and we even played some dice games afterwards and won a few pennies. Present were Glenda & Terry, Pat & Rick and Charlie & Julie, friends of Glenda and Terry.
We came home around 10 p.m. and Tucker was sure happy to see us.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 16 to 20, 2009: last days in Casa grande
DEC 16, Wednesday, Laundry day
After Val’s exercises, it was time for laundry chores. I replaced a couple bulbs that were burned out and then I worked on the AV Receiver trying to get the radio to work properly. (Successful) then I went with my neighbour, Ron, to town to get propane, some groceries and tool parts at Ace Hardware.
In the afternoon, we sat around and read our books. It was a nice sunny day, low 70’s. Mel came over late in the afternoon and we went over a few caches for tomorrow
DEC 17, Thursday, Geo Caching then dinner out
We went geo-caching with Mel and Lorna around Casa Grande Mountain Park. We had 15 caches total but only searched for and found 6. The terrain was quite rugged and lots of cholla which we all had encounters with. Believe me when I say that they are prickly and hurtful. We came back around 3 p.m. and we, Val and I, got ready for dinner out with Uncle Bud and Judy and Cousin Bill and Glynnis from Oliver, BC who are staying at a RV Park in Arizona City. We had a very nice visit then we went our own way after saying our goodbyes. We watched “Survivors” in the evening
DEC 18, Friday, Casa Grande
A warm day it was! After showering, I took the truck to the Ford dealership to get a fuel valve replace compliments of a recall! The amazing thing is that the last time we had a recall, we were also in Casa Grande. While there I got a lube & oil, fuel & air filter change.
From here, I went into town to get my laptop looked at as the “Virgin Mobile” stick(Internet hook-up) would not hook up. I went to Best Buy and they fixed it without any cost. When I came home Val had disappeared to a bead class and she was gone most of the afternoon so while she was gone, I read.
For dinner, I BBQ’ed pork chops which were absolutely delicious!
DEC 19, Saturday, Casa Grande
Sunny and warm! We went to get some groceries at Safeway and some cash for tonight. Spent the afternoon reading and visiting with neighbours. A few more BC’ers are here now. I had bought “WIN7” at Costco the other day so I installed it ( a clean install). I had a couple problems but got them straighten out. We will see if it was worth the expense!?
We went to the club house for dinner, steak & baked potato, salad and dessert. It was delicious. At 7 pm we went back to listen to a family (Whistle Stop) playing Gospel and Blue Grass music. They were quite good and we enjoyed the evening. Of course, we met more people. We came home around 9 pm
DEC 20, Sunday; last day in Casa Grande
A cloudy morning greeted us but it is warm!
We had a lazy morning and I cooked breakfast! A busy afternoon it was. First, Lorna and Melvin came over for a visit and to say good-bye then a couple of other neighbours came over. Val was busy being the social butterfly while I loaded the kayaks, the bikes and put away the BBQ and chairs. Later in the afternoon, I read and Val enjoyed talking to the neighbourhood ladies. It wasn’t all that warm as the sun never really came out but it wasn’t cold either.
For dinner, Val made chili and it was delicious; now we relax. Tomorrow we head out and west!
After Val’s exercises, it was time for laundry chores. I replaced a couple bulbs that were burned out and then I worked on the AV Receiver trying to get the radio to work properly. (Successful) then I went with my neighbour, Ron, to town to get propane, some groceries and tool parts at Ace Hardware.
In the afternoon, we sat around and read our books. It was a nice sunny day, low 70’s. Mel came over late in the afternoon and we went over a few caches for tomorrow
DEC 17, Thursday, Geo Caching then dinner out
We went geo-caching with Mel and Lorna around Casa Grande Mountain Park. We had 15 caches total but only searched for and found 6. The terrain was quite rugged and lots of cholla which we all had encounters with. Believe me when I say that they are prickly and hurtful. We came back around 3 p.m. and we, Val and I, got ready for dinner out with Uncle Bud and Judy and Cousin Bill and Glynnis from Oliver, BC who are staying at a RV Park in Arizona City. We had a very nice visit then we went our own way after saying our goodbyes. We watched “Survivors” in the evening
DEC 18, Friday, Casa Grande
A warm day it was! After showering, I took the truck to the Ford dealership to get a fuel valve replace compliments of a recall! The amazing thing is that the last time we had a recall, we were also in Casa Grande. While there I got a lube & oil, fuel & air filter change.
From here, I went into town to get my laptop looked at as the “Virgin Mobile” stick(Internet hook-up) would not hook up. I went to Best Buy and they fixed it without any cost. When I came home Val had disappeared to a bead class and she was gone most of the afternoon so while she was gone, I read.
For dinner, I BBQ’ed pork chops which were absolutely delicious!
DEC 19, Saturday, Casa Grande
Sunny and warm! We went to get some groceries at Safeway and some cash for tonight. Spent the afternoon reading and visiting with neighbours. A few more BC’ers are here now. I had bought “WIN7” at Costco the other day so I installed it ( a clean install). I had a couple problems but got them straighten out. We will see if it was worth the expense!?
We went to the club house for dinner, steak & baked potato, salad and dessert. It was delicious. At 7 pm we went back to listen to a family (Whistle Stop) playing Gospel and Blue Grass music. They were quite good and we enjoyed the evening. Of course, we met more people. We came home around 9 pm
DEC 20, Sunday; last day in Casa Grande
A cloudy morning greeted us but it is warm!
We had a lazy morning and I cooked breakfast! A busy afternoon it was. First, Lorna and Melvin came over for a visit and to say good-bye then a couple of other neighbours came over. Val was busy being the social butterfly while I loaded the kayaks, the bikes and put away the BBQ and chairs. Later in the afternoon, I read and Val enjoyed talking to the neighbourhood ladies. It wasn’t all that warm as the sun never really came out but it wasn’t cold either.
For dinner, Val made chili and it was delicious; now we relax. Tomorrow we head out and west!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 12 to 15, 2009; Casa Grande
DEC 12, Saturday, yard sale
We got up early so that we could participate in the yard sale this morning. We had a few items which were uselessly floating around in the basement so we put them up for sale. Lorna and Mel dropped off an item they wanted sold (they were going to Mesa) but it didn’t sell. They only thing we were able to get rid of, was the coffee pot, so now Val some spending money.
In the afternoon, we went to “Michaels” so Val could get some explanations on a pattern she is working on and I went looky-look in Best Buy, next door. (Didn’t buy anything). We stopped at the video store and dropped off seen videos then came home. Being a very nice and warm day, we sat on the porch and read until it cooled off.
After dinner, we went to the club house and listen to this guy playing guitar, telling stories and singing. Hi name is Johnny Bencomo, half Comanche, half Mexican, half American and the other half; he doesn’t know but thinks it’s Coyote! He was REALLY GOOD and entertaining. He played 3 different guitars: one had 6 strings, the second had 12 strings and the main one had 18 strings, all acoustic and man, was he ever good with those 18 strings. The sound flowed off the strings.
We listened to him for 3 hours and finally got home around 10:30 p.m.
DEC 13, Sunday, More Geo-Caching
One might think we have been bitten by the bug... And they would be right! Val went to do some exercises with a lady friend then we met Lorna and Mel after lunch for some more Geo-Caching. We drove to a park East of I-10 which was very spread out with lots of rock mounts. We searched for and found 9 caches around here and must have walk 2-3 miles in total...good exercise! We had fun which is the main thing and found some that were quite hard such as micro caches which are caches with little containers hidden under rocks or in trees.
We came home around 4:30 p.m. and went our respective houses for the evening. Now I have to go on line and register our finds.
We watched “Express Train to Christmas” on a local TV channel then it was bed time. Tucker slept most of the evening wearing off all this exercise.
DEC 14, Monday, Tucson to visit friends
We went to Tucson today for two reasons; we wanted to visit friends Carla and Ed and we also wanted to go on top of Mt Lemmon. Well, we left Casa Grande and as we drove towards Tucson, the sky got more and more grey and it started to rain. Not long but enough to quash our plans to visit the mountain so we ended spending more time with our friends which was better anyway! They are set up in their motorhome on a parking lot in town selling Christmas trees. The place was not busy when we got there so we got to visit but as it got nearer 4 p.m., it became busier so we said our goodbyes and returned to Casa Grande.
DEC 15, Tuesday, Phoenix to visit family members
We took hwy 387 & 87 to Phoenix for something different. We came upon a Costco by pure chance so we stopped and bought a few things, actually more than we anticipated but...what the heck! We then drove to Camping World and managed to buy what we actually went there for and no more...Amazing!
Anyway, after lunch, we drove to Bud and Judy’s place (Val’s cousin) and had a marvellous visit with them. We went to a local restaurant for happy hour and dinner then we went our different ways with plans to meet again Thursday. We came back to our house and put everything away. It was a good day; the temperature actually got up to 72*F (21*C) and it is still 60*F at 8 p.m.
We got up early so that we could participate in the yard sale this morning. We had a few items which were uselessly floating around in the basement so we put them up for sale. Lorna and Mel dropped off an item they wanted sold (they were going to Mesa) but it didn’t sell. They only thing we were able to get rid of, was the coffee pot, so now Val some spending money.
In the afternoon, we went to “Michaels” so Val could get some explanations on a pattern she is working on and I went looky-look in Best Buy, next door. (Didn’t buy anything). We stopped at the video store and dropped off seen videos then came home. Being a very nice and warm day, we sat on the porch and read until it cooled off.
After dinner, we went to the club house and listen to this guy playing guitar, telling stories and singing. Hi name is Johnny Bencomo, half Comanche, half Mexican, half American and the other half; he doesn’t know but thinks it’s Coyote! He was REALLY GOOD and entertaining. He played 3 different guitars: one had 6 strings, the second had 12 strings and the main one had 18 strings, all acoustic and man, was he ever good with those 18 strings. The sound flowed off the strings.
We listened to him for 3 hours and finally got home around 10:30 p.m.
DEC 13, Sunday, More Geo-Caching
One might think we have been bitten by the bug... And they would be right! Val went to do some exercises with a lady friend then we met Lorna and Mel after lunch for some more Geo-Caching. We drove to a park East of I-10 which was very spread out with lots of rock mounts. We searched for and found 9 caches around here and must have walk 2-3 miles in total...good exercise! We had fun which is the main thing and found some that were quite hard such as micro caches which are caches with little containers hidden under rocks or in trees.
We came home around 4:30 p.m. and went our respective houses for the evening. Now I have to go on line and register our finds.
We watched “Express Train to Christmas” on a local TV channel then it was bed time. Tucker slept most of the evening wearing off all this exercise.
DEC 14, Monday, Tucson to visit friends
We went to Tucson today for two reasons; we wanted to visit friends Carla and Ed and we also wanted to go on top of Mt Lemmon. Well, we left Casa Grande and as we drove towards Tucson, the sky got more and more grey and it started to rain. Not long but enough to quash our plans to visit the mountain so we ended spending more time with our friends which was better anyway! They are set up in their motorhome on a parking lot in town selling Christmas trees. The place was not busy when we got there so we got to visit but as it got nearer 4 p.m., it became busier so we said our goodbyes and returned to Casa Grande.
DEC 15, Tuesday, Phoenix to visit family members
We took hwy 387 & 87 to Phoenix for something different. We came upon a Costco by pure chance so we stopped and bought a few things, actually more than we anticipated but...what the heck! We then drove to Camping World and managed to buy what we actually went there for and no more...Amazing!
Anyway, after lunch, we drove to Bud and Judy’s place (Val’s cousin) and had a marvellous visit with them. We went to a local restaurant for happy hour and dinner then we went our different ways with plans to meet again Thursday. We came back to our house and put everything away. It was a good day; the temperature actually got up to 72*F (21*C) and it is still 60*F at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
December 7 to 11, 2009, Casa Grande, AZ
DEC 7, Monday, Casa Grande
Clouds and rain greeted us today! I made a call to our UPS store and had our mail forwarded to us. Val went for exercises in the morning then we went to a shopping mall nearby where we bought a few items at Fry’s then I dropped off my jacket to have the zipper replaced/repaired. We also went to the bank to get some cash and quarters for the laundry.
We found a Blockbuster Video store and got a couple movies then came home. Val cooked a marvellous dinner consisting of spare ribs, potatoes and vegetables. It was delicious especially since it was cooked in beer. In the evening we watched a movie and listen to the wind storm happening out there. It blew so hard that everything went flying outside: table, BBQ, tools and even the satellite dish was knocked over to the ground ripping the pickets right out of the ground. Actually the wind was so strong that the trailer was rocking on its wheels and Tucker was crawling to us trying to get reassurance that all was well. It lasted late in the night.
DEC 8, Tuesday, Casa Grande
We got up to more strong wind this morning but at least the sun is shining. Val went for her exercises and I put everything back in place outside including the satellite dish. (no damage, thank goodness)
Lorna and Mel came over for a visit. They are a couple that Carla and Ed had told us about and are into Geo-Caching. We had a nice visit. Afterwards, I went to a seminar on electricity and power protection devices. I met Mel there and we were to try out the web site on Geo-Caching but unfortunately, the net was really slow so we gave up.
Left over for dinner then we watched a video called “Letters from Iwo Jima”
DEC 9, Wednesday, Casa Grande
Back to clouds today, Val got a call yesterday that her aunt passed away and this morning she wasn’t in form for exercises so she stayed home. Throughout the day, I attended a couple seminars: one on how to protect your electrical system and the other on cellular antenna and internet hook-ups. We went over to Mel and Lorna afterwards and Mel showed me how to get around the geo-caching site. We went home for dinner and watched a movie.
DEC 10, Thursday, Casa Grande
I went on the net this morning to the geo-cache site and downloaded 4 caches around here and near the shopping centre. On our way to the Centre we looked for the cache. We found two of them. One was a puzzle and we just couldn’t make sense of it so gave up after searching for 20 minutes.
We went to Michaels where Val bought some wool for knitting and I went to Best-Buy and got a stick for the internet through Sprint. The nice thing about this is you only pay for the time you use; there is NO contract. I picked up my jacket at the dry cleaner with a new zipper on it then we went to Wal-Mart and got some groceries and home.
I installed the internet stick and got it working.
DEC 11, Friday, Geo Caching
Today we went Geo-Caching with Lorna and Mel but first Val went for her exercises and I attended a general meeting with the Park manager where we were told what is new & old and upcoming events such as X-Mas dinner.
In the afternoon, the four of us went on a round trip to Arizona City, south of here, and looked for and found 6 caches. Mind you, they weren’t all that difficult. One was quite a way in the desert but we were able to drive up to it so not much of a challenge. We took Lorna and Mel to a micro cache we hadn’t had looked for previously but hadn’t found. Lorna found it almost immediately. It was a magnet bolt on a metal pole and once you unscrewed the nut form the bolt, it was hallow and inside was a rolled up piece of paper with signatures inside. Quite neat and innovative!
We came home around 4 p.m. It was a really good day!
Clouds and rain greeted us today! I made a call to our UPS store and had our mail forwarded to us. Val went for exercises in the morning then we went to a shopping mall nearby where we bought a few items at Fry’s then I dropped off my jacket to have the zipper replaced/repaired. We also went to the bank to get some cash and quarters for the laundry.
We found a Blockbuster Video store and got a couple movies then came home. Val cooked a marvellous dinner consisting of spare ribs, potatoes and vegetables. It was delicious especially since it was cooked in beer. In the evening we watched a movie and listen to the wind storm happening out there. It blew so hard that everything went flying outside: table, BBQ, tools and even the satellite dish was knocked over to the ground ripping the pickets right out of the ground. Actually the wind was so strong that the trailer was rocking on its wheels and Tucker was crawling to us trying to get reassurance that all was well. It lasted late in the night.
DEC 8, Tuesday, Casa Grande
We got up to more strong wind this morning but at least the sun is shining. Val went for her exercises and I put everything back in place outside including the satellite dish. (no damage, thank goodness)
Lorna and Mel came over for a visit. They are a couple that Carla and Ed had told us about and are into Geo-Caching. We had a nice visit. Afterwards, I went to a seminar on electricity and power protection devices. I met Mel there and we were to try out the web site on Geo-Caching but unfortunately, the net was really slow so we gave up.
Left over for dinner then we watched a video called “Letters from Iwo Jima”
DEC 9, Wednesday, Casa Grande
Back to clouds today, Val got a call yesterday that her aunt passed away and this morning she wasn’t in form for exercises so she stayed home. Throughout the day, I attended a couple seminars: one on how to protect your electrical system and the other on cellular antenna and internet hook-ups. We went over to Mel and Lorna afterwards and Mel showed me how to get around the geo-caching site. We went home for dinner and watched a movie.
DEC 10, Thursday, Casa Grande
I went on the net this morning to the geo-cache site and downloaded 4 caches around here and near the shopping centre. On our way to the Centre we looked for the cache. We found two of them. One was a puzzle and we just couldn’t make sense of it so gave up after searching for 20 minutes.
We went to Michaels where Val bought some wool for knitting and I went to Best-Buy and got a stick for the internet through Sprint. The nice thing about this is you only pay for the time you use; there is NO contract. I picked up my jacket at the dry cleaner with a new zipper on it then we went to Wal-Mart and got some groceries and home.
I installed the internet stick and got it working.
DEC 11, Friday, Geo Caching
Today we went Geo-Caching with Lorna and Mel but first Val went for her exercises and I attended a general meeting with the Park manager where we were told what is new & old and upcoming events such as X-Mas dinner.
In the afternoon, the four of us went on a round trip to Arizona City, south of here, and looked for and found 6 caches. Mind you, they weren’t all that difficult. One was quite a way in the desert but we were able to drive up to it so not much of a challenge. We took Lorna and Mel to a micro cache we hadn’t had looked for previously but hadn’t found. Lorna found it almost immediately. It was a magnet bolt on a metal pole and once you unscrewed the nut form the bolt, it was hallow and inside was a rolled up piece of paper with signatures inside. Quite neat and innovative!
We came home around 4 p.m. It was a really good day!
Monday, December 07, 2009
December 4 to 6, 2009; Casa Grande, Arizona
DEC 4, Friday, to Casa Grande
It was a cold night! 28*F this morning at 7:30 a.m. Val went for her exercises one last time and I got the rig ready in the meantime.
We were on the road by 11 a.m. after paying our used electricity . We headed west on Hwy 82 then turn north on 83 in Sanoita. Hwy 83 is a scenic by-way and it lived up to its reputation. We were stopped at a Border patrol check point and asked for our visa. This is the second time we’ve been asked for our passport. The young man was polite and chatted with us about Canada for a while. A few miles later, we turned west on I-10 and arrived in Casa Grande around 2:30 p.m.
After paying our dues (102$ for 20 days), we set up in site 170. At 5 p.m., we went for the Friday night steak dinner at the club house and met some new people at our table. A good day overall and it feels good to be here. We went from 4300 feet down to 1300’ and from 47* to 62*F. (9* to 11*C)
We travelled 224 km (140 miles) in 3 hrs @ an average speed of 53 MPH
N 32* 55’ 14”
W 111* 45’ 16”
Alt: 1390 feet
DEC 5, Saturday, Casa Grande
There was a craft display in the park this morning so Val wanted to take a look. I walked Tucker afterwards then we went to town to the shopping mall where Val bought some cosmetic stuff. We stopped at a “Pet Smart” and bought a new leash for Tucker and some treats of course. We then went to “Best Buy” where I bought an FM booster antenna for our new A/V Receiver.
I fuelled up @ $2.69/gal. and got some propane @ $17. and we came home. Val had a craving for chilli so that’s what we had for dinner.
It’s been a cool and cloudy day. I think it only got up to 62*F (16*C)!
DEC 6, Sunday, to Mesa Swap-Meet
It is a bit cool today and cloudy although the sun is trying to get out once in a while. Val phoned her cousin Bud to let them know we are here and to make plans on meeting. We decided to go to the Swap-Meet today in Mesa. We took the long way around as we wanted to see new country side. We drove 387 to 87 and Florence which we hadn’t seen before. We drove through the historic downtown but only took one picture. From here we headed north on 79 to Hwy 60 which took us to the Swap Meet on Baseline Road.
The Swap-Meet consists of 4 long tents side by side. I would venture to say it is at least 2 miles of walking in total or so it seems and they have everything you can shop for, kitchen stuff, as seen on TV stuff, RV stuff, souvenirs, paintings, etc... You get the idea!
Anyway, we bought a couple things and only two rows. We decided we would come back at a later date.
We came back home via 202 and I-10, had dinner then watched Sunday Night Football.
It was a cold night! 28*F this morning at 7:30 a.m. Val went for her exercises one last time and I got the rig ready in the meantime.
We were on the road by 11 a.m. after paying our used electricity . We headed west on Hwy 82 then turn north on 83 in Sanoita. Hwy 83 is a scenic by-way and it lived up to its reputation. We were stopped at a Border patrol check point and asked for our visa. This is the second time we’ve been asked for our passport. The young man was polite and chatted with us about Canada for a while. A few miles later, we turned west on I-10 and arrived in Casa Grande around 2:30 p.m.
After paying our dues (102$ for 20 days), we set up in site 170. At 5 p.m., we went for the Friday night steak dinner at the club house and met some new people at our table. A good day overall and it feels good to be here. We went from 4300 feet down to 1300’ and from 47* to 62*F. (9* to 11*C)
We travelled 224 km (140 miles) in 3 hrs @ an average speed of 53 MPH
N 32* 55’ 14”
W 111* 45’ 16”
Alt: 1390 feet
DEC 5, Saturday, Casa Grande
There was a craft display in the park this morning so Val wanted to take a look. I walked Tucker afterwards then we went to town to the shopping mall where Val bought some cosmetic stuff. We stopped at a “Pet Smart” and bought a new leash for Tucker and some treats of course. We then went to “Best Buy” where I bought an FM booster antenna for our new A/V Receiver.
I fuelled up @ $2.69/gal. and got some propane @ $17. and we came home. Val had a craving for chilli so that’s what we had for dinner.
It’s been a cool and cloudy day. I think it only got up to 62*F (16*C)!
DEC 6, Sunday, to Mesa Swap-Meet
It is a bit cool today and cloudy although the sun is trying to get out once in a while. Val phoned her cousin Bud to let them know we are here and to make plans on meeting. We decided to go to the Swap-Meet today in Mesa. We took the long way around as we wanted to see new country side. We drove 387 to 87 and Florence which we hadn’t seen before. We drove through the historic downtown but only took one picture. From here we headed north on 79 to Hwy 60 which took us to the Swap Meet on Baseline Road.
The Swap-Meet consists of 4 long tents side by side. I would venture to say it is at least 2 miles of walking in total or so it seems and they have everything you can shop for, kitchen stuff, as seen on TV stuff, RV stuff, souvenirs, paintings, etc... You get the idea!
Anyway, we bought a couple things and only two rows. We decided we would come back at a later date.
We came back home via 202 and I-10, had dinner then watched Sunday Night Football.
Friday, December 04, 2009
December 1 to 3, 2009; last days in Huachuca City
DEC 1, Tuesday, Sierra Vista
Yes, Val went for her exercises! It is sunny but cool today and we can see new snow on the top of the local mountains.
We went back to Best-Buy as I am still having problems with the sound system on this new system and after some advise, I bought a new digital cable that will, hopefully, resolve my problem. We went for a drive into Ramsey canyon reserve but it was closed when we got there so we turned around and went to another canyon where we drove up the mountain up to 6400 feet before turning around and yes, we were in snow which seemed weird this far south. We took a couple pictures then came back home. First, though, we stopped at a local saloon I had seen a couple times and we stopped for a beer. Well, this place had locals in and they were in the mood for a happy time. After our first beer, we left but not before a few laughs.
We came home and I hooked up the cable and “VOILA”, we now have surround sound with our “Blue Disk” player.
DEC 2, Wednesday, repair shop
After Val did her exercises, we took “Bear” to RV CITY which is about 5 minutes from here and had a couple of warranty jobs done: The faucet in the kitchen had come loose and so did the one in the bathroom and the antenna/TV control switch had cease to work so that was replaced. While the work was being done, we drove to “FRY’s” and picked up a couple grocery items and some lunch meat for our hike tomorrow. We came back to RV CITY and picked up our rig, drove back to our site and re-set everything. I had just unhooked and left all the hose and cable at our site. By the way, Val took the rig to the garage and I am not sure whose nerves were frayed the most...mine or hers!? She did OK! Got propane at the campsite @ $21.54 (2.90/pound)
DEC 3, Thursday, hike at Parker Lake
We left at 8 a.m. in Mary’s car to go on a hike. There were just four of us, Mary, us, Larry and Tucker of course. We drove west on 82 then south on 83 to the lake. The drive was really pretty with some awesome scenery. We arrived at the lake an hour later and hiked around the lake; five miles of easy walking. We saw a deer, a couple of cranes, a Mexican blue Jay and a few other birds. The scenery again was awesome and we had a good time. It took us almost 2 hours to walk around the lake. We had to go around a few inlets which made the hike even more interesting. We stopped for a snack half way at the dam which is retaining the water for the lake. Tucker had a good time too.
We got back to our site around 1 p.m. and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. This is our last day here; tomorrow, we move to Casa Grande.
At 4 p.m. we went to the club house for one last time. They call it “grazing” in this park!?
I posted more pictures in folder #53
Yes, Val went for her exercises! It is sunny but cool today and we can see new snow on the top of the local mountains.
We went back to Best-Buy as I am still having problems with the sound system on this new system and after some advise, I bought a new digital cable that will, hopefully, resolve my problem. We went for a drive into Ramsey canyon reserve but it was closed when we got there so we turned around and went to another canyon where we drove up the mountain up to 6400 feet before turning around and yes, we were in snow which seemed weird this far south. We took a couple pictures then came back home. First, though, we stopped at a local saloon I had seen a couple times and we stopped for a beer. Well, this place had locals in and they were in the mood for a happy time. After our first beer, we left but not before a few laughs.
We came home and I hooked up the cable and “VOILA”, we now have surround sound with our “Blue Disk” player.
DEC 2, Wednesday, repair shop
After Val did her exercises, we took “Bear” to RV CITY which is about 5 minutes from here and had a couple of warranty jobs done: The faucet in the kitchen had come loose and so did the one in the bathroom and the antenna/TV control switch had cease to work so that was replaced. While the work was being done, we drove to “FRY’s” and picked up a couple grocery items and some lunch meat for our hike tomorrow. We came back to RV CITY and picked up our rig, drove back to our site and re-set everything. I had just unhooked and left all the hose and cable at our site. By the way, Val took the rig to the garage and I am not sure whose nerves were frayed the most...mine or hers!? She did OK! Got propane at the campsite @ $21.54 (2.90/pound)
DEC 3, Thursday, hike at Parker Lake
We left at 8 a.m. in Mary’s car to go on a hike. There were just four of us, Mary, us, Larry and Tucker of course. We drove west on 82 then south on 83 to the lake. The drive was really pretty with some awesome scenery. We arrived at the lake an hour later and hiked around the lake; five miles of easy walking. We saw a deer, a couple of cranes, a Mexican blue Jay and a few other birds. The scenery again was awesome and we had a good time. It took us almost 2 hours to walk around the lake. We had to go around a few inlets which made the hike even more interesting. We stopped for a snack half way at the dam which is retaining the water for the lake. Tucker had a good time too.
We got back to our site around 1 p.m. and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. This is our last day here; tomorrow, we move to Casa Grande.
At 4 p.m. we went to the club house for one last time. They call it “grazing” in this park!?
I posted more pictures in folder #53
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