Waze Craze and Stopped by a Cop

 

"The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry."

 

Christmas and New Years are now behind us. So, what's next?  We are certainly not going to sit still.  The weather should start improving in a few days and we're really looking forward to that.  Amazing how much better you feel when the sky is blue and the weather warm.

Tomorrow is moving day.  Actually, we're half moved.  We drove into the BIG CITY today with the Razor loaded on the trailer.  The idea was to mark our spot at our next RV park and then move the rest in the morning.  That we did so we're getting ready to itch that hitch and I'm so glad. 

We received a couple Olive Garden gift cards for Christmas.  On the way back to Casa Grande we figured it was a perfect time to stop for lunch.  Check out my plate ..... mussels, scallops and shrimp.  It was a meal made in Heaven!  Well ... kinda.

Mussels, shrimp and scallops …. 

We'll probably hang around the Phoenix area for another week.  That'll give us time to visit a little more with Terry's mom and stock up on supplies.  After that we're off to meet friends in Quartzsite for the biggest RV event of the year.  That’s about the time the Big Tent goes up and hundreds of thousands of other people converge on the little town. Fun, fun, fun. 

Have you been hooked with the Waze craze?  This is a fun app for your iPhone.  It's a navigation device and gives you real-time driving conditions where you are and where you're heading.  The idea is to outsmart the traffic, save time and gas money.  It's fun, fun, fun and it's free.  The app also notifies you of accidents, hazards and other events you see on the road.   Waze is hands-free and voice-operated. 

 --- Check it out here

Another great feature is being warned of  hidden police.  I know they say having police on the road is for safety.  I would definitely agree if they would actually patrol the roads and not hide where speeders and dangerous drivers can't see them.  Just being visible can prevent all kinds of highway calamities.  It's difficult to understand how their presence can be for safety when their hiding behind bushes or other contraptions.  Have you ever noticee how many actually drivers slow down and drive sane when a state patrol car is seen cruising down the highway?  Now that's  preventive and probably eliminates many accidents.

Speaking of police .....  I'm all in favor of having more police officers but not to fill the shoes of those hiding or harassing.  How many times have you or your family been stopped by the police?  If you live in a large town, maybe not at all because the odds are in your favor.  However, if you live in a small town, there aren't many other folks and the odds turn against you.     Our son and his family live in a town with a population of about 4,000.  Their family has been stopped about 8 times in the last two or three years.  Okay this might be an embellishment but not by much.   Out of those eight stops or so only two tickets were actually issued ... once for license tags that had been expired for about 18 days and the other time was when Jordan didn't make a complete stop at a stop sign.  The other few times no tickets were written .. of course.

Well, when I was with Sabrina over the holidays she got stopped .... again.  I didn't remember to post it because she wouldn't let me take a picture of her with the two cop cars and their lights flashing.  If I can't take a picture, I can't be responsible for remembering events.   I wanted that picture!!! 

The conversation began with the officers telling her they had seen us come into town on  a street we hadn't been on.  Not hardly as it would have been very much out of our way.  Supposedly their first issue was with that car ....  or was it just a ploy?  The next issue was her headlight.  After that came the tint on the car windows.  There was no after-market tint but they were so sure there was, they tested it.   It tested perfect.  She wasn't given a ticket.  There was nothing to give her a ticket for just like most other times their family had been stopped.    I'm all for having police officers and making our towns and streets safe but not like this.

Living in a small town definitely isn't like living in a large town.  In a large town there are lots of infractions and lots of people to keep the police busy.  In a small town ... not so much.  That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.  

Remember yesterday I made a comment that we're tired of pulling a trailer?  Well, we have a plan to eliminate that trailer!

‘Tis life on the road.

Auld Lang Syne

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

 

I could have posted a title wishing everyone Happy New Year.  I figured there would be lots of blogs out there with that.  2012 is now behind us and all that remain are the memories.  Thus, Auld Lang Syne  … for the sake of old times ... is pretty relevant.

--  Soon this park tree will be  boxed and stored for another Christmas.

The clubhouse at the park had a New Year’s get together last evening.  Terry, of course, didn’t go because he’s still on an uphill battle trying to knock the bug he picked up.  I walked to the clubhouse with Toni and Doug for about an hour.    I think if you knew a lot of folks it would be fun visiting but most found a chair, ate some finger foods and talked to folks at their own table.  The best part to me were the Lairds.  They are certainly mighty fine people.  Our RVs have been back to back for nearly a month.  However, tomorrow we’ll be saying So Long for a few weeks as we both head our separate ways.

Instead of staying up late to bring in the New Year Terry and I rolled into bed before the clock struck twelve.  Once the sun goes down it gets pretty chilly but snuggling under the electric blanket makes that chill not so noticeable.  However, this morning it seemed nippier than ever. The temperature in the motorhome had dropped to 47 degrees.  Now that’s cold.  Even though it was still only 4:30 AM, I hopped out of bed and had our propane heater and our electric heater going.  It’s still not as cozy as being under an electric blanket but those little heaters make a big difference and keeping Duchess warm is important too.  Besides I can always take a nap later.

Party Hats -- 

With each year come changes.  2012 was no different.  We had a few changes.  We sold our cabin close to the lake only to regret it and buy another cabin just down the road.  That’s a continuing work-in-progress project.  We also sold a couple of the ATVs we bought the year before and replaced them with a Polaris RZR – that will probably change this year too.  We're tired of pulling a trailer and all the extra work having one brings. Terry also lost his father.

In the meantime we feel we have the best of all worlds.  We have the absolute best family and some mighty wonderful friends who are scattered all over this country.  Speaking of this country … we also know we live in the best country on earth.  I would say we’re mighty lucky people. 

Now come the resolutions for some.  I long ago stopped making those resolutions.  They cause stress.  I’ve come to learn there's no reason to make them if I’m not going to keep them.  Diet is at the top of many lists. If I made resolutions maybe that would be on mine too.  However, that would mean I'd have to give up good food.  We all love to eat and especially at the holidays.  Lots of people worry about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year but they really should be worry more about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.

 -- Here's a toast to you and to the New Year.  I have to toast you with hot tea as it's too cold for anything else!!  

We're wishing the best of everything to our family, friends and fellow bloggers during 2013.  I’m sure a lot of adventures await all of us over the next twelve months.  Here's our toast to you and we're hoping the adventures are all good ones.

Happy New Year.

‘Tis life on the road.

Let's Have A Barbecue

"The brighter you are, the more you have to learn."

I have hitch-itch.  Most of us know what that is.   I'm ready to get moving but Terry's not been feeling well so our departure has been delayed by a few days. It's that time of year and the germs are out there. Not sure where we're going or when but the road is calling.  In the meantime besides sewing, reading and watching TV, I've jotted down a few nonsense blogs.  This is one.

RVers love the out of doors.  Well, they do sometimes and that’s if things go right.  If the weather is at least a little warm being outside to barbecue with friends is close to the top of the list.   Almost all RVers carry a barbecue grill of some kind.  Some even cook breakfast, lunch and dinner on their grills.

When we first started out we had a small charcoal grill and a small gas grill.  Cooking with charcoal and wood chips definitely gives the food more flavor and hands down the finished food is much tastier.  However, starting those grills isn’t quite as easy as starting a gas grill.  In a gas grill it’s either a push of a bottom or a strike of a match.  Charcoal many times takes a little lighter fluid.  Depending on the size of the grill and whether it’s for warmth in an outside fireplace where friends and fellow RVers can circle or at the bottom of the cooker, it can be difficult.  Here’s a little idea that really works and gets those charcoals burning.  It’s an egg carton.  This works either as a six-pack or a twelve pack.

In looking for other barbecue ideas the other day I ran across an old newspaper article.   Even Homer Simpson enjoys barbecuing.  He had a few grilling tips.  

These are Homer's tips – not mine.

1) To make grilled food taste terrific, add beer.  It’s a secret ingredient.  Add 72 ounces to the stomach first, then cook.  Add half a pound of meat to a veggie burger.  It really wakes up the flavor.

2) Keep kabob skewers handy but don’t use them for kabobs.  They are for the unwanted guests that tend to arrive when the smell of barbecue floats through the air.

3) Grilling vegetables for the vegetarians in your life is important.  You’ve got to keep them happy but no matter how you do it, veggies are healthy so they always taste bad.

4) Every get-together should have a theme.  The guests love it.  A couple favorite themes have been “Quadruple Bypass Anniversary Party” and “The Great Smoke-Out.”

5) Leftovers?  What’s the best thing to do with them?  The answer is not to have them.  Eat everything the first time around.

Now speaking of barbecue.  Having an outside campfire many times means that marshmallows and hot dogs are also planned.  Not everyone is lucky enough to have a fancy hot dog roaster stick with them.  Making a couple for yourselves or even as extras is easy. 

Start with 1” wood dowels and cut them into pieces about 10" long. Next drill a hole in the center and glue a straightened recycled wire hanger into the hole.  The fun part comes with decorating.    Cheap, fast and fun. 

Sometimes when we're outside trying to enjoy that barbecue we get bombarded with mosquitoes.  Spraying Raid around the barbecue or even our site isn't something we're always fond of doing.    “Original” Listerine works well to repel mosquitoes.  We sometimes also discover friendly ants want to join our barbecue.  They weren't invited and we'd rather not have them around.  We sprinkle Comet or Ajax around our tires and the cords that touch the ground.  That helps keep them out of our motorhome and away from our picnic table. 

Sometimes all those spices and seasonings we tend to carry with us takes up way too much space.  Those old Tic Tac containers can come in handy to downsize the spice container.  Check this out.

That’s it.

‘Tis life on the road.

 

Emergency Items to Carry Along

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

A couple years ago one newspaper printed a list of a ten essentials to keep in your vehicle for emergencies.  No one wants to experience an emergency of any kind.  However, I still thought it a good idea to post some these … just in case especially since most of the folks I know spend a great deal of time on the road.

1. Duct Tape

We all know that duct tape is good for almost anything.   Duct tape can be a lifesaver on the road, to fix a dangling side mirror, a dragging bumper, or a broken hose. It can even keep the doors closed if the locking mechanism stops working in a wreck. Duct tape is cheap.  Add a couple bungee cords along with it and you’ve got options just in case it’s needed  for quick repairs.

2. Flashlight

Critical in a nighttime breakdown. Consider one with a base that will stand upright..  However, having a flashlight of any kind is better than no flashlight at all.  There are even those that you can wear on your head keeping your hands free to make repairs.  You might also think about adding a couple extra batteries to your emergency pack .. just in case.

 
 
 



3. Reflective Triangle, Flares, or Glow Sticks
They warn other motorists if you you're on the side of the road or need to stop to help others.  There are many different kinds.  Some require batteries and others do not.  The best ones to leave in your vehicle are the ones that aren’t in danger of having the batteries go down.

 

4. Tool Set

Most vehicles come with a jack and a lug wrench for changing the tires. For other jobs, such as tightening battery cables, include a small set of tools. Even if you don't know how to use them, the Good Samaritan who stops to help you will need something to work with. Consumer Reports suggests motorists carry socket and open-ended wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver, and pliers.

5. Tire Inflator

Ever have a flat along the road and need something to get you down to the next stop?  We’ve had more than our share of flats this year.  I’m not so sure I would use this in a tire on our motorhome.  However, we’ve had three flats in the Jeep, one in the ATV and a couple on the bikes.  This is definitely a handy item to carry with you.  Well, either this or SLIME.

 

6. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables can restart your battery if there's a second car to give you a boost.  We always carry jumper cables … just in case.  Thank goodness we haven’t had to use them much but at least we have them.

 
 
7. First-aid Kit

Every vehicle should have a first aid kit of some kind.  It’s another one of those items that you hope to never need but you have it just in case.  Choose a kit that helps care for minor cuts or burns and has plenty of bandages.

 

8. Gloves and Rags
Car repair is dirty work. Having some gloves and extra rags just may come in handy.
 

9. Pen and Paper
Don't overlook that you may need to leave a note on your car if you leave to find help.  Or, maybe you just need a pad and paper as a reminder of something you need to take care. 

 

10. Water and Non-perishable Snacks

You may be stranded for several hours so snacks can keep you going, and in a pinch, water can help cool down and over-heating engine.

 



 

You could buy a kit already put together or put together your own.  There are a couple things I would add to this list.  One is a cell phone.  Another would be to carry an extra blanket or two in your vehicle.  This summer we were the first to arrive at an accident.  It was dark and in a dangerous location as curves were on both sides of it.  We didn’t have blankets, flares or even a flashlight.  Others who eventually showed up on the scene provided them. 

There are many little things you could add to this kit depending on your location and time of year.  I'm sure there are items many folks would add to this.  I can think of a few more too.  In some places having de-icer and a scraper could be important.  In most places …  extra cash – just in case ATMs are down or worse yet ... your credit card gets compromised -- been there, done that.

Be safe.  Be prepared.


‘Tis life on the road..

Unique Gifts and Flight to Phoenix

"Fate is for those too weak to determine their own destiny."

 

On my last blog I posted some of the unique food items Sabrina had made for Christmas Day.    Check out her masterpieces here.

  --  Want some Reindeer Noses?

 

Terry and I had an amazing Christmas.  Most importantly we shared it with family.  We also received lots of wonderful gifts.  I can't list them all but want to mention just a couple unusual ones.

This was an engraved necklace from my DIL, Sabrina. Thank you for raising the man of my dreams.	Folks who know me also know that genealogy has been my hobby for over 35 years. This is a vial to collect samples for DNA testing from Tammi!! In about three weeks I should have information on my own unique 23 pairs of chromosomes!!

Gifts for Justin gave all of us a challenge. After all, he only has a small locker on-board the ship. He doesn’t have room for big gifts.  Since he had chosen to take his leave time to spend the holidays with us a lot of effort was put into those gifts. It started with the Soldier Emergency Kit on Christmas Eve and continued on to Christmas Day with others.

--- Jordie came up with a Tootsie Roll container filled with what appeared as 40 pieces of candy.    Twenty of the candy pieces had been replaced with dollar bills and rewrapped in the original wrappers.

Tammi was responsible for coming up with the  “Date Night” gifts for Jordie and boyfriend, Brendan.  She was also responsible for the Soldier Emergency Kit given to Justin.  What fun both of those ideas were as gift after gift just added to the fun we had on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Here’s Justin trying to open the small package Sabrina made.  Hopefully, there would be room in his locker for something of this size.   -----   

Each and every one of us had a marvelous time sharing family time, fun and laughter.  It was another amazing get together.

---- Black balloons tumbled out of one box. The card on the box was attached with a safety pin.  He had to pop all the balloons to find the ones with gift cards in them.

We also had several amazing hand-made items. Tammi and Sandi made us some beautiful ceramic items.   Sabrina's first knitted project was a  beautiful scarf for Tammi.

The day after Christmas was spent getting ready to head back to Arizona.  We boxed the gifts that were going with us.   Last year I checked packages back on Southwest too.  However, once checked I never saw my suitcase or its contents again.  I figure the loss was about $500 but none of it was covered by Southwest.  That’s one of the downsides of employee stand-by travel.  Some airlines will still guarantee checked items and others won’t.  We rarely check anything but once in a while there is no choice.  At least Terry was on a confirmed ticket so checking wasn’t such a gamble this time.  Besides … this time I took pictures of all the items in both boxes as we put them in row by row.

Michael and Sandi drove us to the airport.    With storms all over the nation, many flights were delayed or cancelled.  That can cause a lot of havoc when traveling on a stand-by basis.  We were prepared for the long wait.  Luck was on my side as I was given a seat on the first flight I tried.  Yippee!  However, the flight was going to Sacramento so there was still one more chance I just might not get to Phoenix.

Being the last one on the plane meant a middle seat but at least I had a seat so I was still happy.   Playing  “elbows” isn’t a lot of fun but sometimes a necessary activity when you’re in the middle and the occupants in the seats next to you attempt to claim the armrests by spreading their wings.  At least playing “elbows” isn’t as bad as having overflowing bodies in my seat.  Yep … I was happy.   

The good news was … I made the flight on to Phoenix.  Terry’s flight was on a non-stop from Portland.  It left a couple hours after I took off but we arrived within 15 minutes of each other. About 3:30 AM we finally fell into our own bed in the motorhome. 

Duchess was happy.  She was so happy in fact that she slept the rest of the night on the floor in the bedroom instead of in the living area where she normally sleeps. She had been well taken care of by Toni and Doug.

That’s it!  Now it’s time to think about moving on again.  Where to and when are the questions facing us now.

‘Tis life on the road.

Time to Head Back to Arizona

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be."

 

I hardly know where to begin with our activities over the last few days. It sure has been a busy time.  The shopping got done.  The wrapping of dozens and dozens of gifts was finally behind.  Now it was time to  relax and enjoy the festivities with family.

Christmas Eve was spent at Tammi’s house.  We started eating her turkey, ham and all the trimmings early.  Then, we munched the rest of the day on them.  After church services the first round of gifts began.  The gifts were fun gifts.  Well, some were pretty serious but most of all we had a lot of good laughs.

Tammi started with plastic bins to Terry, Justin and Jordan.  To Terry the bins eventually held sugar-free snacks --- unwrapped one by one.  To Justin – it was to hold “soldier’s” survival needs.  Again, a lot of fun items were unwrapped one by one.  Jordan (and boyfriend, Brendan) had two bins.  They were date night bins for two dates.  Future items they unwrapped either went towards date #1 or date #2.  One date was a dinner date and another date was a night at the movies complete with gas money, snacks, tickets and popcorn – unwrapped one by one. 

Christmas Day was at Lee and Sabrina’s so the next round of festivities moved there. And, as usual, Sabrina was very creative with her dinner menu and buffet table. We unwrapped gifts most of the day taking breaks periodically to reorganize and rest. By the time late afternoon rolled around we were all ready for a nap I’m sure. However, I’m the only one that took about a 15 minute shut-eye. It was definitely needed.

Justin had a 6:00 AM flight to catch on Wednesday. He was heading back to Norfolk. Next week he will be going to Jacksonville for search and rescue certification. After that … well, he’s off to see the world as his ship is being deployed …. somewhere.

With all the weather problems today across the nation many flights have been delayed or cancelled. That’s not a fun thing after the holidays. One flight was cancelled out of Portland – oops. Another one was cancelled into Phoenix --- oops again. Sometimes it’s difficult to get the planes from one place to another when the weather grounds either them or the crew.

However, we’ll be heading to the airport shortly. Hopefully we’ll make it out tonight. Terry has a confirmed ticket back. Me? I’m winging it as usual. Duchess is waiting back in Arizona for us. 

Next post I have a few very unique gifts to report …………..  right now it’s time to get ready to head to the airport.  As usual … my fingers and toes are crossed. 

‘Tis a wonderful life!

A Few Christmas Gift Suggestions

                                 

The best gifts in life will never be found under a Christmas tree. Those gifts are friends, family and the ones you love.   

                                                 

It’s Christmas Eve and I hope you’ve finished your shopping.  We finally have!! Remember your presence is more important than your presents.

                                                 

The last few days have definitely been very busy getting ready for Christmas.  With shopping and wrapping and family around, it’s also been a pretty marvelous time.  However, thank goodness the shopping and wrapping is now behind.  The problem is every time I’m out finishing up, I find something new for someone else and then … the numbers are off again.

                               

With gifts in mind here are a few Christmas gift suggestions we’ve seen printed year after year:  To your enemy, give forgiveness.  To a customer, give service.  To an opponent, give tolerance.  To a friend, give your heart.  To all, give charity.  To every child, give a good example.  To yourself, give respect.

                         

Terry has arrived so let the festivities begin!  Oh … wait … they already have.  Duchess is in charge of holding down the motorhome in Arizona and will be celebrating her Christmas with Toni, Doug and Parker.  Her biggest Christmas wish is that they save a few turkey nibbles for her. 

                                    
I’ve had too many other things on my list (just like Santa) to take many pictures and the brain is in “coast” mode so all I really want to do is wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

           

There is a reason for this season.

        

 

‘Tis life on the road, in the air or celebrating with family and friends.  No matter where you are  … we wish you a wonderful day and  safe travels over this holiday season. 

Wrapping and Wrestling

"A life that hasn't a definite plan is likely to become driftwood."

I left Arizona very early Thursday morning.  I consider pulling out of our RV park at 4:30 AM …. very early.  The windows had ice on them.  Thankfully it wasn’t a hard ice.  It was actually colder in the morning in Arizona than it was that morning in Washington.  However, as we descended through the clouds it was easy to see that even though it wasn’t as cold as Arizona had been, the weather was still pretty miserable.  The cloud cover was very thick and the plane jerked and jumped a tad as we plowed through it.  On the ground it was raining.  I’m going to guess that it’ll probably rain most of the time I’m here.

--- Delegating the wrapping of gifts

Ironically, Tammi was also arriving at the same time.  She was flying in from Spokane.  The timing wasn’t planned.  It just happened.  Even though Justin had originally planned to pick me up, this little stroke of luck saved him a 60 mile round trip.

Most important on my agenda for the day was to sort through the three boxes of Christmas gifts we had shipped via FedEx earlier this month.  Then, I was in charge of wrapping them.  However, I’m a strong believer in delegation.  I delegated the job.  As usual, we ran out of boxes so even though most of it has been finished, we still need to really finish it another day.

Justin came to watch cousin Sandi wrestle ---

Sandi had a wrestling meet that evening at the high school.  Wrestling is one sport that I really don’t like to watch one of my own in.  I cringe and then cringe some more.  It always looks like they’re going to get hurt but she didn’t and that was a good thing.

Friday we shopped and we shopped and we shopped. There's always last minute little gifts to even out the tree.  Then, instead of heading to south Portland and delivering groceries to my brother as a Christmas gift, I went to Winco for a gift card and then the post office.   Next, we were on our way to visit 93-year-old Aunt Jenny.  Santa was out waving at all the traffic.

We were just in time to join the Christmas Party at the memory care facility where Aunt Jenny now resides. Our timing was perfect as the group was opening gifts.  Thus, she was thrilled to have one more gift to open than all the rest of the folks there had. 

It certainly is a busy season.  Today I plan on getting this shopping behind me … just like thousands of other folks out there. First, Justin and I are going out to breakfast together.  He's been pretty busy while he's home on leave.  The day after Christmas he heads back to Norfolk.   After breakfast, I'm hoping to be off to check on our cabin.  Well, that’s after I make sure there’s no snow on the windy little roads first.  If there's time left in the day, I also want to go to the craft store for my own Christmas present to me.    I'd really like to visit the huge Fabric Outlet in Portland but time isn't on my side right now.  That will have to wait for the next trip!

UPDATE:  Not going to the cabin.  I just called and found out the main roads had been plowed but side roads had about 6 inches of slushy snow on them.  Aargh!

‘Tis life on the road.

Heading Out for the Holidays .. Maybe

"Life is a great bundle of little things."

Wednesday -

Today will be a very busy day.  Usually the day before travel it is.  When I’ve had my fill of coffee I’ll get to work getting ready for it.  Yesterday was busy too.  After a bit of running around and getting last minute items, we also had a “farewell” barbecue for IYQ at Toni’s place.  He’s pulling out this morning and heading back to his spot in California.  I guess farewell isn’t the right word since we’ll see him again in “Q” next month.  We’re already looking forward to heading that way again.  Seeing all the people and the activity they bring to that little oasis in the desert is certainly something to look forward to.

The temperature in the motorhome dipped down to 57 overnight.  Needless to say, on came the furnace and a heavy bathrobe.  I’m beginning to think Arizona just isn’t far enough south this time of year.  I wish they’d get going on that bridge from the west coast to Hawaii but am starting to think it won’t be completed in my lifetime.

This morning I’m going to print out all the non-stop flights on Alaska Airlines, Southwest and US Air from here to Portland.  Hopefully there will be one empty seat for me on one of those planes … hopefully.  If not, I might be at the airport all day long or worse yet …. Terry might have to drive back and pick me up late tomorrow night.  Just in case I’m also filling my iPad with books and movies.  I have a feeling it will be a very long day.  It’s not often I really want to be wrong.  However, this time I really want to be wrong.  Terry?  Well, he actually has a confirmed ticket on Sunday.  Let’s hope he doesn’t make it ahead of me.  After all, I have a little shopping to finish once I get up there, people to see and presents to wrap.

The good thing is I have only a couple small Christmas presents with me.  We shipped everything else so we wouldn’t have to worry about checking boxes and have them get lost …. been there, done that.

Daylight is starting to peak out.  That’s the signal to get myself dressed and sort laundry so I can get it ready and pack the few items I plan on taking.  Hopefully, my next blog will be written from the state of Washington. 

Thursday  Morning -

Our plan was to leave Casa Grande for the Phoenix airport about 4:30 AM.  That's what we did.  There was ice on the car windows and it was definitely chilly.  However, it was also a much easier day than expected.  An hour before flight time the first flight I tried to stand-by for had one empty seat.  I just knew I wouldn't get that one.  That doesn't happen unless I'm flying American.   I just knew all the employees from Southwest would rush to the gate in front of me.  Thus, just as I pulling up the internet on my iPhone to check on Alaska Airlines,  my name was called and I was given a ticket.  So much for all those books and movies I had loaded on my iPad.  I wouldn't need them this day.  Yipee!!  I have arrived now and the day is still young.
 



‘Tis life on the road.

Traveling with Trailers

"Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene."

It’s about time the sun is back to shining.  Over the last few days clouds and rain have covered the Arizona deserts.  We didn’t like it one bit.  Most of us travel south to get away from those exact things.  Some also run from the snow.  We don’t like that either.  We lived in the south for 20 years.  We certainly don’t want to spend our winter in the rain, the snow or even the ice.

Our first year was spent in a 5th wheel going back and forth between Arizona and Texas.  We mainly stayed at Thousand Trail parks  and also at COE (Corp of Engineer) parks. What we were doing and where we were going was new and exciting.  At that time we had a big contractor’s generator and definitely were not equipped for boondocking.  Heck!  We didn’t even know what that meant.

The next year we ventured to Alabama and Florida.  I think this year was the most fun for me because of all the new places we had stopped.  We have never started out trying to go to all 50 states like others do.  We’d already visited each and everyone of them.  We just wanted to go and enjoy and that we really did.  There were so many new experiences.

 

Eventually we had a brainstorm. We decided we wanted a couple ATVs.  It would be so much fun to ride them in the desert and on the trails.  That’s what we did and it was so much fun to ride them.  We rode them constantly in Arizona and Utah but they definitely limited our travel.  However, what we also discovered is that our summer place in Washington State was not ATV friendly.  Other than a couple rides the toys stayed pretty much on the trailer all summer long. Not fun.  So, what did we do?

We had another brainstorm.  We sold them, hauled the trailer south with us and bought a 2-seater RZR.  We were off to the BLM and more short-lived fun, fun, fun.  However, there is a huge downside on all this fun.  One of those downsides is we’re always hauling a trailer.  We can’t always get into every park we might like to stay at because there is no room for the trailer. 

We’re fueling up two vehicles instead of one.  Besides that we’ve only used the RZR a little less than 2 weeks because we are not in a park where we can ride it nor have we been most of the time.  Now we do know that we will probably have a good 4 weeks of using the RZR when we head back to Quartzsite.  We also know that once spring and summer come, there will be no riding at all.  There are lots of things to think about.

Here’s one more thing we’ve discussed …… leaving our motorhome in Arizona and not driving it back to Washington.  After all, we do have a place to stay there.  Do we really need to drive it back when we rarely use it there?  Do we really need to be in Washington from April to October?  Well, we'd certainly get a tongue lashing from Sabrina if we didn't.  Our daughter-in-law might be small but she sure is mighty!  Even we're afraid to cross her!  (That's a joke). 

Obviously, we have a dilemma.  We may just enjoy this toy this year and graduate into another toy that doesn’t require a trailer next year.  Kayaks anyone?  Only time will tell.  Thank goodness we don’t have to make a decision today.  Today?  We're packing for our Christmas adventure.

‘Tis life on the road.