Fountain of Youth

We arrived Sunday at noon.  Easy trip from Quartzsite 2 hours.  We were going to dry camp here, but I decided to get hook ups.  Our water heated is not working which involves the furnace also, so at least can run the electric heater.  Have a very nice spot just down the road from Jim and Linda.  Great view with beautiful palm trees in front.

This is Monday morning and as you can see it is a beautiful day.  The weather forecast is looking dismal for the end of the week, so we decided to take a ride today.  Jim and Linda were on board so off we went.  Headed South from the park and ended up at the beginning of the Glamis dunes, which is a huge area going to the border.  It is very popular, but as we were at the very start, there was little activity.  A little different than our Oregon dunes - not quite as tall and more dips and bowls.  Plenty challenging though. 

Was a great day for riding did 70 miles.  Thanks Jim and Linda for showing us the way.

Dan, Tawni and boys are in San Diego and will be heading to Palm Springs tomorow or the next day.  The weather doesn't look good, but at least they have had 3 good days.  They can veg in our hot tubs here nice and warm.  Looking forward to seeing them.

We are taking the motor home into Indio today to have  work done on the water heater system.  We are lucky as there is a mechanic very familier with this system here in Palm Springs.  He is down from La Pine for the winter so will be meeting us there. 

Gary is down at the flying field and I need to get out for a walk.

Settled in Quartzsite

I have been remiss in blogging, so will try to get back on track.

We arrived in Quartzsite the 1st of November and stayed in the desert.  It happened to be the week of 90 degree weather, so was pretty warm.  We were driving around town and found a lot for rent and called to get info about it.  Rent was $125 plus power and water.  Seemed a no brainer for us so in we came.  It is a small corner lot with 2 nice trees.  We did some trimming and raking (instead of mowing) and here we are.

Very nice neighbors - most of them from Utah.  People behind and next to us are from Southern Cal and only come over occasionally so very quiet.  Lots of quail and the  gold finch came flocking in the minute I put out the thistle seed.  Also bunnies that enjoy petunias hence keeping the plants off the ground.

Have settled into a routine.  Gary goes to the field to fly most every morning depending on the wind.  We have gotten involved at the Alliance church and joined the choir so Wed am is practice.  I have a Bible study on Tues and then there are jams every day and night.  So you can get involved as much or little as you want.

Dave and Verna Dee Christopher are in a park at Hope which is about 30 miles east of us.  We have enjoyed visiting with them and plan to do some riding.  We found a utility trailer in Phoenix so we can trailer the RZ without having to pull the big cargo trailer.  Have been looking for a Jeep wrangler and found several here, but when we looked into actually purchasing one licensing and getting insurance seemed like too much trouble.   So we called  home and low and behold, they just happened to have one on the lot.  So we went ahead and got it.  Gary is going to fly home on the 3rd and drive it back down.  There is a lot of exploring we can do with it.  The main goal is the ability to put it in the cargo trailer so I don't have to drive separate.  Although will have to tow it home behind the pickup..

We licensed the RZ so we can drive it on the streets.  It makes it nice when we both have to go somewhere at the same time.  No matter where you live in town, it is only a matter of minutes and you are on your way for a ride.

The town is very busy in January and February - huge RV show and gem and mineral.  Traffic is awful and lined up for miles with people trying to get in.  Luckily we are in walking distance to all that. We have friends coming in for it so have a good place for them to park.

We spent Christmas day with the church family for dinner.  Way too much to eat.  We certainly miss our family and friends at home.  We are leaving tomorrow for the Salton Sea to spend a week.  The kids are coming to Palm Springs so will be closer to visit. Looking so forward to seeing them  wish that Scott could have come too.  So nice to have this lot as we can leave the cargo trailer and other stuff and have it be safe.   Hoping the weather will be nice for them.  Sunny again but a little cool.

We are very thankful in this beautiful season for all the blessing God have provided.

Moab Utah

This area is very popular and very busy.  There are so many activities – jeeps,atv’s  mountain biking, climbing, hiking, rafting, plus the National Parks.  It seems a little like Sisters but larger.

We parked in a RV park as we didn’t know the availability of BLM camps.  Normal park although we were able to do a pull through so didn’t have to unhook the trailer. The best part of this was the couple next us.  He is a professional photographer living in Flagstaff and was in Moab on a photo trip.  Well need I say more that he and Gary hit is off.  Gary actually has a lens that he would like and he helped Gary with photo programs.  They were very easy to be with and both of us had a good time visiting.

Checked out 2 BLM camps that would have worked for us, but we decided to stay put as you have to travel for atv riding and had thunder showers causing the trails to be pretty muddy.

Did both National parks, Arches and Canyon lands with many side roads.  The area excels in dramatic red cliffs and deep ravines.  Every turn in the road brings another vista that is breath taking.  Weather was a little wet, but goes thru so quickly you don’t really mind.

After 3 nights we decided to head South.  We went straight South on 191 and played tagged all day with thunder showers.  Had one strike of lightening right off my door.  I am sure it was far off, but didn’t feel like it.   We were fortunate that we stayed on the edge of them.  Rain drops are HUGE like saucers hitting the windshield.

The terrain was never without character during the 500 mile trip.  Yes I said 500 miles.  We had planned on staying in Show Low, but the Wal Mart wasn’t conducive to parking so we decided to make for Globe. It was quite a trip down  steep canyons and then of course back up.  Back in forests of junipers and pines.  Made it just before dark and turned into a Wal Mart.  We were pretty tired needless to say and after getting all settled a knock on the door from the manager stating no overnight parking.  aghhhhhhhhhhh.  by that time there were 2 other rigs parked next to us.  No signs posted so after much discussion, she made an exception and allowed us to stay.  We need to be more proactive in our search of places to stay.  After looking on the net, there are many Wal Marts in AZ that have no overnight parking.  Up to the individual managers.

Next day was an easy trip 150 miles to Benson which is 40 miles East of Tucson just off I 10.  We are in an Escapee’s park.  Have a nice roomy lot  as the owners rent their lots out when they aren’t here.  On the front row so a great view of the desert and mountains.  Desert birds are back, quail, doves, hummingbirds and finches.  Put my plants out they have been riding in the back of the pickup so a little beat up but not bad.

Plan on staying here for a week then on to Quartzsite or the mining camp of Stanton.

End of a Week in Marysvale

 

It is Saturday night, we are packed up and ready to pull out in the morning.

Has been a great week with weather to match although a little on the cool side in the higher elevations.  We rode everyday except Tuesday, when we enjoyed a trip to Bryce Canyon.

Took a side road there that went thru cattle ranches and alfalfa fields.  Did get to see a herd of antelope also.  The houses are mostly brick or stone and are quite nice.  Bryce was awe inspiring not enough adjectives to describe it.  A hikers dream – trails all thru the bottom of the canyon.  We did not partake need to be in a lot better shape than we are for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gary really got some great pics, these are my feeble attempts.

The ATV riding is so free here.  On one ride we were on the highway for several miles.  Go into the gas stations and fill up.  It is more friendly than Arizona for sure.

Yesterday Gary wanted to ride separate so I drove the RZ.  We were are 11,100 feet and above the tree line. Here is what it looked like with me following.

I kept my eyes off the canyon and straight ahead as it is a longggggggggg way down.

Here he is coming down a side trail that led up to a small miners cabin.  Glad I didn’t follow him on that one.  Lots of history with many mining camps dotted thru the mountain.  It is hard to imagine the hardships they went thru in the late 1800 and early 1900.  Gives you an appreciation of all you have. 

We have met so many nice and helpful people.  Most of them from Utah, so they are a wealth of information.  We will be on the road to Moab tomorrow.  The weather is taking a turn with rain and thunder storms in this area and to the South.  Looks like just one rainy day there so hopefully they are right.  We plan to stay in the BLM camping, but will have to see how it looks.

Marysvale, Utah

 

Arrived yesterday afternoon.  Two RV parks in this small town (store, gas station, Baptist and LDS church), we chose the newer of the two as has tons of room for the trailer.  Owners are very friendly and accommodating.  Surrounded with mountains and riding out of the park in any direction.

We were invited to ride with 3 other couples today.  That is the great thing about RVers no one is a stranger.  They live in Utah in the Provo area so are very familiar with the area.  Was to be a short ride as one of the ladies is not as experienced.  So 60 miles and 4 hours later we made the loop.

We are in a valley with alfalfa fields, sage brush and small juniper trees.  Started into the mountain with rock walls on each side and a winding stream.  The fall foliage is at different stages according to elevation.  Lower has oak, maple, cottonwood which were beautiful.  By the time we were at 10,000 feet, yes, I didn’t add too many 0’s, we were in aspen and fir.  It was a great road actually for jeeps and pickups.  Nothing too steep or rutted.  We had snow at the summit and pretty muddy going.

I was so impressed with the aspen.  They are great white sentinels along the road and meadows.

Gives you a feel of the terrain.  We would have taken many more pictures, but didn’t want to hold the group up.  Plenty of time to do that this week, when we are riding by ourselves.  Have a feeling it will take a long time to make a ride as every corner there is a picture.

The group left to go to Bryce and ride for a few days, they kindly invited us to go, but as we had just gotten here, didn’t want to break camp so soon.

They may hook up with us at Moab as they are wanting to ride there and of course know the area well.

The weather is sunny and cool.  Had to dig out the winter gear for riding - the higher the elevation the cooler the temp.  Forgot sun screen today and both our faces are pretty red.  Looks good for sun this week and then showers for the weekend.  They tell us Moab is 10 degrees warmer.

The LDS steeples are prominent in all the little towns in the valley.  Friday night we were hunting a place to stay and thought about pulling into their parking lot, then again NOT.  Had planned on a Wal Mart in Tooele, but that was not to be.  Very busy and no easy in and out so continued on down the path.  The Garmin failed us told us to turn right and should have been left.  Doesn’t sound like much, but when you are 66 feet long, you don’t turn around on a dime.

All in all and great trip with no mishaps.  Thanks to all who have been praying for a safe trip.  Prayers answered!

On Our Way- Burns First Stop

 

We spent 3 nights in Eugene.  First at Valley River which was very nice.  If we had arrived earlier, we could have walked the path along the river.  Scooted out of there early and headed for the alignment place.  Out of there by 11 and then over to the RV lot for the work on the motor home.  They got started on the solar panels and we goofed around Eugene.  Stayed in their lot that night.  A little different than the range.  Lots of light and noise (trains near by).

We were all ready this morning and went to put the hitch on the motor home and alas it was too long.  Luckily Gary’s brother works at a welding shop just down the road so we zip over there and had it cut. Left Eugene at noon.

Beautiful drive up the McKenzie pass.  It certainly is the easiest of the passes.  I followed so can see if there are any problems.  Leaves are getting to the end of their brilliance.  As we were coming into Sisters I told Gary say good by to Douglas Fir, blackberries, maples and brush in general.  He stated we were trading blackberries thorns for another type of sticker.

We are in a nice rest area 20 miles West of Burns.  Got here just at sunset, so Gary was out shooting pics.  Nice path up the hill so got in a little walk too.

 

As I traveled along behind, it seems so bizarre to think that this is it our home going down the road. 

Certainly a new chapter in our lives.

Leaving the Range

 

Today is the day we left our Home on the Range.  We are excited for the new adventure, but sad to leave family and friends.

We have had a great time watching Kyler play football and Gary has been involved with picture taking.  The boys are a joy as they are so appreciative of us showing up to their events.  Wish we could see the end of the season, but the road calls

Everyone looks happy – first game and we Won!!!

We are so thankful for our time on the range.  What a great place to stay.  Our mantle of oak trees have started loosing their leaves and the acorns thunk regularly on the roof.  Walking thru the leaves trying to pop the little puff balls on the ground brought back many memories of childhood in our oak grove on the farm.

The silver greys are scampering up and down collecting  their winter food.  We started feeding the blue jays our hen scratch from the house to get rid of it and found the turkeys love it.

We have 10 of them every morning having breakfast with us.

Walking the archery trail yesterday were bunnies and a doe with her twin fawns.  The grass is green with many leaves along the way.  Will have a whole different look next Spring when we arrive back.

This being Sunday we went to our last church service here and had lunch with friends, came back packed it all up and headed out to Valley River in Eugene.  I pulled the trailer with the pickup as we are taking the motor home in for some work tomorrow and Tuesday.  Will be staying in the RV lot tomorrow night.

Hopefully we will be done and able to head out on Wednesday – hope to get to Burns the first night on our way to Utah.  Gary will pull the trailer behind the motor home then and I will follow in the pickup.  We will be quite the caravan.  I am glad he is used to the length of the tractor trailer as he is stretching out to 65 feet or so. 

Thank you in advance to those of you who will be praying for our safety.  We do so appreciate this.  Next post from Burns Lord willing.

Trip up the North Coast

 

We decided to head North Saturday as we haven’t been to Astoria in ages .  Got a late start but onward we went.

Nehalem Bay was our first stop as there were many boats out crabbing.  Got the scoop on boat launching etc.  They had big tubs full of live crab for $8.00 so really probably cheaper to buy them than haul the boat up and go out, but of course it is the experience of catching them. Also stopped at a winery just up the river a mile.  Very nice and free tasting.  A lot of fruity wines that reflected the fruit they came from.

Drove thru Cannon Beach, which is a lovely community.  Full of art and also people – was like driving thru Sisters in the summer.  All the condo and cabins were full.

Seeing the Columbia at its mouth is awesome.  There were quite a few small boats out, I assume salmon fishing.  We stop at a drive thru coffee shop to ask about a good chowder or fish and chips place.  She recommended a place farther up on 101 stating it was a “boat”  Hmmmm  I thought will maybe a restaurant inside a ship.  No she really meant a BOAT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was quite a line so we jump in.  All they serve is fish and chips whole order or half.  This boat was used on the Columbia in the 30’s for fishing and the owner decided to put it in the service of selling the fish.  Very tight kitchen, but they were the best we have ever had . Halibut and it was so dense it was almost like a chicken strip.  Certainly our recommendations if anyone is in Astoria.

This was right off the wharf so a great view of the river.  Walked up the hill from there to take some pics of the historic home in that area.  You need several days to see all the sights. Will definitely need to come back with the motor home and stay .

We thought we would be here another week, but Tuesday they cut back on trucks and Gary was one of those cut.  So brought the truck back on Wednesday and motor home on Thursday.  Before we left the rv park a couple was camping from Vancouver BC on their way to Argentina on motorcycles!!   We had a good visit with them – probably in their late 40’s both riding and planning a 5 month trip.  They have a spot with them so said they would invite us into the site so we could follow their journey.

The RV park we stayed at was Camper Cove in Beaver, which is 11 mile south of Tillamook.  It is a lovely park and the owners went over and above board to accommodate everyone.  They are heading south this winter, so we hope to connect with them in Arizona

We are back at the archery range.  I wish we could have stayed a little longer in Tillamook, but nice  to have all the room and quiet of the range.

Right now our plans are to leave for Utah the end of September.

On The Move

 

We left our little spot (key word little) at Leone’s the end of July.  It lacked shade which made the motor home a pretty hot box during those high temp days. 

We moved out to the archery range in Lacomb, which is 8 miles North of Lebanon.  It is a glorious area all shaded with oak trees and completely private with tons of room for the trailer and quads.  We were range hosts which consisted of checking people to make sure they were members when they came out to shoot.

 

Gary had sold most of his archery equipment in all of our garage sales, so got a used bow from one of the guys.  There is no way we could stay here without being able to shoot.  The trails are groomed so it made it great for walking.

He is working for Knife River but hard to get 5 days in a row.  It is hard to believe the summer is going by so quickly.  We are hoping to head South the middle of September.  We want to go thru Utah to ride on our way.

Last week Oregon Mainline called with work in Tillamook for at least 2 weeks.  We decided it would be a good push to end the season as the job is 12 hours a day.  Brutal for Gary, but for a short period of time he was game to go.

One advantage of living full time in the motor home is there is no packing and unpacking when you need to move, however we had a lot of outside STUFF.  I indulged in several large flower pots and a hanger.  Sharon was kind enough to keep the large ones and we packed up the rest.  Had to load everything else in the trailer which we left at the range.

We took the truck over first to check out RV parks.  Gary really wanted to make one trip with me driving the motor home, but never having driven this one I balked.  Parked the truck at the site for the plant which is in the middle of a dairy field.  See cows in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took the motor home and pickup over the next day and I did drive for several miles to get the feel of this one.  Much harder to steer than the Dutch Star so I heard a lot of “Get off the fog line” which is usually what I hear when I drive.  The traffic was horrible so Gary took over for which I was grateful.

We found a great Rv spot 5 miles from the job.  Tucked in the trees just off 101.  A creek, lots of flowers – I am happy.  There is lots of opportunity to do yard work as quite a few weeds in the flower beds.  The owners are happy to let you dive in so worked on it yesterday.

We drove in so the front window is facing trees and the creek rather than the road.  It is very private.  We drove over to the coast on Sunday, a beautiful day and did some picture taking.  Has been very hot in the valley so we are enjoying the cool of the coast.

So the plan is to be here for 2 weeks, or until the job is done.  We never know what will happen with construction but that is what  makes it the adventure.

The Journey of House on Wheels Begins

 

WE DID IT!!!  The house sold, have a newer motor home which is now Home.  This has been an exciting, grueling, anxious filled 2 months.  We really had no expectation that the house would sell.  We did drop the price by $20,000 and 2 days later had an offer.  Pretty much all the Stuff is gone.  Several weekends of garage sales and word of mouth.  We have a 24 foot cargo trailer that is full of things we can’t live without soon to be gone through and more things eliminated.

We made the big move across the street to Leone’s as she has RV hook ups and a place for the trailer and the big truck.  We left the house at 3:30  and the new people were moving in at 4:00.  Odd to see all the changes going on but all for the best.  I have kept 4 flower pots, my bird feeders and one bird house stuffed in the back of the jeep.   Spent 4 nights here and then off to Fossil for the bluegrass festival.

Got to the fairgrounds early so found a good spot.  We are rather large now 40 feet in length so not every place works for us.

 

This is our third year now at the festival.  Weather was cool, but much better than the 100 degrees last year.  Had time to do a little exploring and picture taking.  We love the country East, just a slower pace.

 

We are now back in our little spot at Leone’s enduring this hot weather.  Motor home is definitely not as cool as our house.  Gary has worked the last 2 days and I am watering for friends that have gone to the coast for 10 days.  Enjoy the watering and getting in on a nice garden.  It is interesting to stand and look across at our house and yard.  They are doing a lot of work (all good) so fun to watch the progress.

Plans now are to leave in mid September and go with friends to Utah and ride the trails there and then continue South all subject to change of course.

Las Vegas and Home

 

We left Quartzsite around 9 on Sunday and had a nice leisurely drive to Vegas.  Our friends had given us the name of an RV park that was close to the freeway for easy off and on.  The GPS took us right to the spot without a hitch.  Was the typical park with the rigs slap dab together.  The positive was hook ups.  First time since we were in Quartzsite in December when Gary was sick.   

Whit and Rom (boyfriend) came over late that afternoon and took us out to dinner at the neighboring casino.  Had a great visit and we are impressed with Rom.  His parents were physicians in the Philippines,  but now that they are living in the United States are working as nurses in the hospital. 

• Monday Gary and I took off to get familiar with the city and hit a few hobby shops of course.  Also Rudy was out of dog food.  As we went a block down the road from the rv park, behold, another one more spacious and half the price.  Oh well next year we will be more savvy.  We were not too impressed with the city – just dry desert without much character.  Gorgeous buildings on the strip and then vacant lots next to them.

This was taken from Whit’s Moms condo.

Tuesday Whit came and we girls took off for the day to sight see and celebrate her birthday.  First off court house to take care of a ticket.  As we went thru the security area, I set the alarm off.  A rather  severe looking gentlemen asked me over to do the hand wan. Whit promptly said “What did you do Grandma, forget to take your belly button ring out”  He cracked up and sent us on our way.  She certainly takes after her Aunt Tawni in the sass department.

We took in several casinos on the strip, The Venetian and the Plazzio.  Very elegant and expensive shops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had a nice lunch here and then off to see where she works.  Rom is also employed there and is going to school to become and Physical Therapy Tech.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whit is doing Mary Kay with her Mom so back to her condo for a meeting that evening.  Whit was recognized for her sales for the quarter.

It was so nice to be with her and be able to have a picture in my mind when we talk about things she is doing.

Left the next morning for home.  We stayed just outside of Reno and woke up to snow on all the hills around.  Had not planned to drive more than 6 hours, but with the threat of snow we did the 12 hour drive home from Reno.  Had snow flurries, but the roads were not bad.

Very good to be home.  Things were fine and the yard looked great thanks to our neighbor.

We are so grateful for this 5 months of rest and relaxation.  God has truly blessed us big.

The Last Ride

Today is our last day so we took off on a 30 mile loop leaving and returning to the motor home.  Had a few geo cashes in the GPS to look for on the way.  Also more pictures of flowers and blooms on cactus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  I am not sure what type of cactus the top one is, the bottom is a prickly pear.  In 2 more weeks I’m sure they will all be in bloom.

We were going thru a canyon that takes us to the Colorado River and thus the California line.  We got to the beginning and there were two ladies on quads stopped on the road.  They weren’t sure where this road would take them so we informed them of the loop and they decided to follow us.  Gary checked with them to make sure they had enough fuel.  The road was good but a little steep in some places so he advised them on how to put the quads in low range as they had no idea.  We decided that they probably were not too experienced.

Arrived at our geo cache, was fairly easy to find.  They were excited about the cache as had heard of them but didn’t realize what was involved in finding them  The ground was full of rocks and uneven of course.  One of the ladies was having difficulty walking and stated she wished she had her CANE. !! She is in need of double knee replacements.  Oh my goodness I thought, get her back on the quad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They were really good sports about all this and commented once that “this was exhilarating”

On the return loop we followed the freeway but did have to wander thru the hills.  These little roads were worse than the canyon road.  Pretty steep and loose rocks.  We held our breath as they followed us along.  They did get a little scared they said on a couple of the hills, but just went for it.  When we returned to the motor home, we stopped and chatted with them.  One of the ladies is 77 and the other 72 aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  We told them they did GREAT .  Complained a little of sore thumbs – both have arthritis in their hands.  We exchanged emails, the  older one lives here year round.  So we promised to look them up next year.

Had our last campfire tonight and are ready and packed  to leave in the morning.  We had some noise in the pickup that sounded like we had snow tires on.  I was concerned of course as I have to drive the thing home.  Gary took it in and sure enough is was a wheel bearing on the right front.  So glad to have that fixed before we start.

Heading for Las Vegas tomorrow and will stay until Wednesday.  Looking forward to our visit with Whit. Staying at a nice RV park with HOOK UPS no less.  Has been 3 months since we have had power and water.  Plan on taking some nice long showers.

Pray for God’s blessing on our traveling.

Dome Rock

We left the long term area and are up in the desert with a view. We needed propane and dump so decided not to spend another $40 and headed for the 14 day free area. We look down on the town and the freeway so is lovely at night.  Rudy is not as happy as we are back to the larger rocks so is harder for him to get around.  We weren’t going to put our little room up but after a day, Gary decided to just put up half of it.  So we have an 8 x 8 instead of the 8 x 16.  Works out great, nice wind break, although we are thankful for the wind now as it has warmed up.  Makes a great little hobby room for him. 

 

 

 

 

 

We took a ride yesterday to check out the flowers.  Still a little early but did get some shots.

The fragrance is fabulous – can’t describe it other than a sweet sage.  Taking many deep breaths as we are riding.  Poor Rudy is not inclined to be in the sun.  Left him in the seat while we were taking pictures and looked over - didn’t see him as he was on the ground under a bush.  Took a dive off the seat to get out of the sun.  Poor guy – back seems to be ok.

It took the humming birds 2 days to find us. Have seen several gold finch, but not going to buy thistle seed for these guys will save it for the birds at home.

The weather has warmed up into the 80’s this week.  Main reason we decided to stay down a little longer especially after looking at the weather at home.  There is always a nice breeze so the motor home stays cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening sunsets.

Will be enjoying the few days left we have in the desert.  Looking forward to being with family and friends again