Day 48, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Time change to Eastern Time.  Finally in the right time zone!

Had lunch with Barb today.

Drove through the Smokey Mountains.  Missed all the good shots, but trust me, they were beautiful.

Got to the RV resort.  Decided showers tonight as temperatures again suppose to be in the 20s, so will disconnect the hose prior to going to bed.  Getting tired of this cold weather.

Day 47, Monday, March 12, 2018

Dreaded Monday.  Can't wait until they find my replacement and I can officially retire.

Saw Quilt Store advertised on one of those attraction blue highway signs.  What!  Can't pass that up.  Off we go.  Nanette said it was a very good quilt store.

Breckenridge Lake RV Resort tonight.  Most of their water was off due to a leak they can't find, but they did find us a place with water.  Of course, it is going to be down in the 20s tonight, so after dinner, disconnected the water and brought in the hose.

Later this week, temperatures are suppose to be in the 70s.  Just our luck.

Day 46, Sunday, March 11, 2018

Since today is a travel day, makes sense that the winds picked up last night.  Was going to leave early, but because of Day Light Savings time, got up late, late start.

Covered 3 states today, OK, AR, TN.

As we entered Arkansas, my thoughts were we have definitely left the wide open roads of the West and have entered the congested highways of the East.

Day 45, Saturday, March 10, 2018

Quilt Store #1

Zeke has been having issues with new dog food, so we decided it was time to find his regular dog food.  Went on the manufacturer's web site and found several. Since the closest store was 45 miles away, started to call to make sure they had it.

Petco, Broken Arrow, OK  no don't carry it
Petco, Tulsa, OK, no don't carry it
Southern Agriculture, Tulsa, OK, no don't carry it, but our store on 71st does.  Yes, says they have 3 bags.
Southern Agriculture, Tulsa, OK at 71st, yes we have.  Please hold it we are an hour and a half away.

Off we go, bought the food and what?  A quilt store just half a mile away.  How can we pass that up?

Off we go.  Find found.  What?  Another quilt store just a mile down the road.  As you know, can't just visit one quilt store, they come in twos.  Off we go.

Nanette and Zeke happy eguals Bob happy.

Quilt Store #2

Day 44, Friday, March 9, 2018

Wide open road, don't see this in the East

Seems like the longer drives now are the norm vs. the exception.  Not sure why.  Wide open roads of northern Texas and Oklahoma.  Not much traffic.

Rush Hour in Oklahoma look carefully

When exiting off a highway onto a state road, Nanette and I both heard something.  Nanette suggested I pull over to check it out; my exact thoughts.  When I got out of the RV, an older couple pulled up along side and said, "So you heard it too?  Your hubcap is up at the ramp entrance".  I thanked them and off they went.  I walked back, rear RV wheel looked good, left side of the Cube; yep both hubcaps there, right side of Cube, sure enough both hubcaps there, left side of the RV, wheels look good, over to the right front of the RV, missing hubcap.  Isn't that how it always is?  You always find what you are looking for in the last place you look?  Why is that?  Walked back up the ramp, got the hubcap, put on, kicked it several times to make sure it was seated properly and off we go.

Zoom of Rush Hour Photo

Hour later, in a construction zone where they closed one lane of a two lane highway, we had to follow one of those flag trucks.  We were last in line and all of a sudden I heard that noise again.  Pulled over best I could (I was completely off the road thankfully), walked back and got that hubcap.  Put the hubcap in the RV and had to wait for the flag truck to come back the other way, then turn around and come back the way we were headed and joined the line of cars, bringing up the rear again.

Upon inspection of the hubcap, sure enough one of the four thingys that hold it onto the wheel had come off.  They are rivoted on, so manufacturing defect.  Will have to take care of that when we get home.

Day 43, Thursday, March 8, 2018

Up early, on the road by 8:30am.  Major accomplishment.  Long drive today AND we lose an hour changing time zones.

At Matador, TX, Nanette wanted to go and pick up some groceries.  Grocery and hardware in the same store.  Brocolli next to the bolts.  Nice small town, but very depressed.  Not much happening in "Downtown".

Off to the Roaring Springs Ranch RV Park.  During check in they warned us of wild boars seen by others.  We were like, right we will keep an eye out, but sure enough as soon as we pulled into our site, there was a wild boar.  Kinda cool.

Nice place, but no cell phone coverage, no internet.  Bit difficult to get any work done....

Day 42, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Hose started to freeze last night, so Nanette went out, disconnected the hose and brought it in.  When I woke up, it was 26*, but 16* in Tijeras, NM, so not sure how cold it actually got.

Two quilt stores today.  While Nanette shopped, Zeke and I sat outside and enjoyed the weather while people watching.  Of course, Zeke's nose got a work out.

Then we were off to Petco, Zeke's favorite store.

Day 40 & 41, Monday & Tuesday, March 5 & 6, 2018

Official start of return trip to home.  Kinda sad and happy all at once.

Went through Hatch, the Pepper Capital of the World and of course had to buy some - fresh green chili peppers, dried red peppers and roasted green peppers.  That should get things moving.






Also tried to eat at the World Famous Sparky's, home of the Green Chili Pepper Cheeseburger.  Need to try that.  Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Bummer...



However, across the street at the antique store, they had a couple of old cars, Hudson and Plymouth.  Nice consolation prize.

Typical landscape of southern New Mexico.  A lot of land here and few inhabitants between.

Day 38, 39, Saturday/Sunday, March 3 & 4, 2018

Zeke Chilling

Saturday, Nanette and Shirley went to the Quilt and Craft Show held in Mesa.  Nanette really liked it as it was not only Quilts but also crafts of all sorts.

Dad and I went to the club for lunch.  Nice relaxing day.











 

Sunday, Dad, Shirley and I went to the Highland Games in Pheonix.  They had a British car display as well as all the Highland games, Hay Throw, Weight Throw, Hammer Throw, etc.  I enjoyed street juggler.

Day 37, Friday, March 2, 2018

The wonders of travel.  Lost 3 hours today.  One hour due to time change (Arizona does not go on Day Light Savings), one hour due to meetings I had to attend (still trying to retire, unsuccessfully so far) and one hour due to Phoenix rush hour travel because we lost the other two and ended up going through Phoenix at the height of rush hour.  Ugh.

While driving through southwest California/western Arizona, I  just reflected on the wide open spaces found in the West.  So very different than the congestion of the East.  We have such a diverse country, not only in land/landscapes, but in people, customs, opinions, etc.  This is what makes America great.

Of course, entering Arizona, at the Welcome Center they warn you of the poisonous snakes and insects.  Hummmm.

Day 36, Thursday, March 1, 2018

Rained heavily last night.  Big storm moving in today.  Thought if we could leave by 8am we might be between systems.  Worked out great.  Some rain, but not bad.

A few hours after leaving San Jose

Amazing what a few hours and a couple hundred of miles can do.  Went from rain to sunshine.

Day 35, Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Zeke with mouth on Miska's neck - no harm, just playing

Relaxing day visiting with Dave and Diane.

Zeke loved playing with Miska, their dog.  Zeke chased Miska all over the yard, they would wrestle and box as well.  Think Zeke loved seeing grass again after nearly a month without.

Miska and Zeke boxing

Day 34, Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Rained all night last night.  Should have ended at 2am, but steady rain at 5 - 6 am when I got up.  Going to be fun breaking camp in the rain.  By the time we broke camp it was just misting, so not bad.

Stayed at Diane and Dave's home in San Jose.  Haven't seen my cousins in many years.  Great seeing them.

Had a great dinner of smoked baby backs, with home made macrooni and cheese, home baked bread, etc.  Think we will need to stay here a bit longer

Day 33, Monday, February 26, 2018

Researched all the great things to do in Fresno, CA

Chaffee Zoo, Regional Park, Japanese Gardens, Waterpark, etc. - No - it is cold outside - and cloudy.  How about something indoors?

Foresteirre Underground Gardens - Yes!  Closed months of December, January and February.

Meux Home Museum - Yes.  Opened only on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, bummer.

Kearney Mansion Museum - Awesome, let's go.  Open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fashion Fair Mall - Are you kidding?

The first day we were in Las Vegas we found a Steak n Shake, so decided to go.  After driving the 10 miles to get there, found out it was likely in the Student Union at the University - read no parking.  Bad news.  Back to the RV to make dinner.

Since so much to do indoors here, we found another Steak n Shake, let's go!  Had a great lunch, then took Zeke to Pet Smart - he loves outings especially at pet stores there are so many smells.  We let him pick out a treat, $5.00, but hey we are on vacation - back to the RV, Zeke demolished that treat in 10 minutes.  2 minutes per $1.00, not bad.

Day 32, Sunday, February 25, 2018

Beautiful sunrise this morning.  Very nice camp site as well.

Travel Day.  Decided to take a detour and go to Sequoia National Forest and see those huge trees, so divert we did.  Got to the entrance, $30 to get in, good thing we have Senior Pass; our cost $0.  Drove two miles to the Visitors Center.  No RVs allowed - too sharp of turns on the road.  Plus, all cars must have chains!  Apparently they had a large winter storm last week and there is a bit of snow and ice up there.  The Sequoia's only grow between 6000 feet and 8500 feet. What a bummer.

Lake Isabella Camp Site View

Based on the forecast, checked the weather at Bass Lake, our camp site for tonight - expect winter storm Monday - Tuesday with highs in the 40s and lows in the teens.  We are not set up for cold weather camping, so decided on alternative - found a place in Fresno, CA.

Day 31, Saturday, February 24, 2018

Zeke in Jail on way to Death Valley

Travel Day, with bit of a detour through Death Valley - hottest spot in the US.  We are looking for warmth!

Most seneanic drive we have had so far.  Decending into the Valley, through the Valley, then ascending out of the valley.  Wonderful.

Descending into Death Valley

Stopped at the Visitors Center located in Furnance Creek - elevation 190 feet below sea level.  Not quite the lowest point in the US, but close - Badwaters is 278.9 feet below sea level.  It was a bit of a detour to go to Badwaters, so we decided not to.

Did stop at the Sand Dunes in the Valley.  What a varied landscape from one side of the Valley to the other.

After Death Valley drove through parts of the Sequoia National Forest, but did not see any of the huge trees.  Onto Lake Isabella, our camp site for the night

Sand Dunes in Death Valley

Out in the middle of nowhere

Day 27, 28, 29 and 30, Tuesday thru Friday, February 20 - 23, 2018

Nanette and Zeke stayed at the RV while I attended the ISWM Conference.  Saw many people I know - have been a member of this organization since 1985.  If you look real close you will see me in the photo below (hint white shirt)

Nanette did a lot of quilting over the days.

When we first got to the RV park, while manuvering the RV into place, Nanette sat on the picnic table.  New table, got pine sap all over her pants.  Went to the office, they had no issues whatsoever covering the cost to have them cleaned.  New tables, said that they sanded and sealed them, but apparently not well enough.  Nanette was not a happy camper that night.

Day 26, Monday, February 19, 2018

Headed up to Las Vegas for the International Society of Weighing and Measurements Conference. 

Winds moved in last night (of course) and because we were headed west had a direct head wind, so fought the winds all day.  Then north on AZ Route 95, along the Colorado River to Havasu Falls where we stayed the night. 

When we got off Interstate 10 to go north on 95, on the shoulder of the road were three buses painted in psychedelic colours and 8 or so free spirit youngsters (called hippies in my day) with a sign asking for help - Out of Diesel.  After we refueled, pulled over and Nanette gave them $20.  Heart of gold.  One of the many reasons why I love her.

Stayed the night in Havasu Falls best known for The London Bridge, built in the 1830's, spanned the Thames River.  In 1967, Robert McCullock had the bridge dismantled and relocated here.  Not sure why he moved it here, but it does span the "main land" to an island in the Colorado River.

Day 25, Sunday, February 18, 2018

Last day with Dad and Shirley.  Dad and I took the RV up to get the propane filled - we were empty.  Relaxing day.  Had to take a group photo before our departure tomorrow:

Day 24, Saturday, February 17, 2018

Relax day..... for me.  Shopping day for Nanette.  Two quilt stores, don't know how many dollars later, Nanette was gone all day. 

For all the time Nanette was gone, she came home with amazingly little.

Day 23, Friday, February 16, 2018

Our longest travel day of the trip so far.  Up and out at 8AM.  But had to dump the tanks, then go 17 miles out of our way to get fuel.  This is the West.  It can be 40, 50, 60 miles between gas stations and not knowing our route and what, if any gas stations were along the way, decided to play safe and go where the gas was.

Really off at about 9AM due to the "delays", arrived at Dad and Shirley's around 7, 397 miles.  But in our defense we did lose an hour - Arizona does not observe Day Light Savings!

Went through Quartzsite, City of RVs.  RV park after RV park.  RVs out in the boondocks.  Never seen so many except at an RV show!  Interesting town for sure.

Long day, but well worth it.  Steaks cooked on the grille for dinner!  Yeppee!  Love steak.

Day 22, Thursday, February 15, 2018

Great day to visit Uncle Ray.  Haven't seen him in about 8 years.  96 years young, still active, still driving, still sharp mind.  Great time visiting him and talking about old times.  Had lunch with Uncle Ray, then had to think about going back since we left Zeke at the RV.

On the way, since this site had no TV reception and all Nanette wanted to do since she retired is to watch the Olymics, decided to stop and purchase a Dish Network automatic antenna.  Did so, purchased the "basic" plan.  All excited now.  Got back to the RV, hooked everything up, and no NBC, ABC, CBS, etc.  Those are local channels so have to purchase that package as well.  Called Dish, they had a minor technical problem, solved while I was on hold, time to give payment.  As I was giving credit card information I hear "Mr. Clark, Mr. Clark, you still there?"  Yes, yes yes I am I authorize you to charge my card, click.  No go.  No cell phone coverage.... Ugh.

Day 21, Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Happy Valentines Day.

Left Yuma in route to Aguanga, CA our next home.

Before leaving Yuma had to visit Marthas Gardens Date Farm so Nanette could load up on dates - in anticipation of this year's Jensen date auction.

 Up in the mountains, northwest of Escondido, home of my Uncle Ray.  Three miles up a dirt road with "minor" incline - read steep climb up a mountain.

Not many people here.  Zeke loved it - first place in days with grass.  He sure did take advantage of it, lying on the ground enjoying the 70*F temperature and sunshine.

Nanette's comment: "This is the type of camping I like - no one around with hook ups!"

Day 20, Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Nanette was able to visit another quilt store, Granma Jo's.  Zeke and I patiently waited outside.  Only an hour.  Not nearly as long as the other guy.

Farm Tractor to pick up a T pin for the car dolly since I inadvertently left the one for the dolly somewhere along the way.  Thank goodness for safety catch it has.

Over to Aunt Shirley and Jim's for visit and great steak dinner cooked on the grille by Jim.  Nanette doesn't eat meat, but that is what was served so as a good trooper, she ate the T-bone.  She can't stop talking about how good, how tender it was.  All in the meat and how it is cooked.  Dea, the lady Aunt Shirley and Jim rent their space from joined us.  Very nice lady.  Many of the houses here have a concrete slab poured along side them and offer full hook ups and the residents rent them out by the day/month.  Interesting concept.

Day 19, Monday, February 12, 2018

Time to say goodbye to great Jensenite friends.  Headed to Yuma to see my Aunt Shirley whom I haven't seen for 10 years!

Of course, one hour before departure the clouds move in and the winds start a blowing.  Once again fighting the steering wheel and winds to keep the RV on the road.

Made it to Yuma, lettuce capital of the US.  This is where your winter lettuce comes from.  Met up with Aunt Shirley and Jim.  Great visit, will see them again tomorrow.

Day 18, Sunday February 11, 2018

On way to Casa Grande RV Park to meet up with some Jensen friends.

After getting on the road found a place that would be great place to let Nanette drive.  So did so. 
Nanette's maiden voyage.  She seemed a bit nervous, but most likely not nearly as nervous as was I.  After about 40 minutes of driving, the WIND warnings started to appear, so into a gas station we go to change drivers.  Not bad for her first time.  But need to work on those white knuckles and aching arms from gripping the steering wheel so hard.

Met up with Brett, Kathy, Arv and Deb from our Jensen group just in time for Happy Hour!  Always great meeting up with friends on the road.

Went to dinner at a place called The Thirsty Donkey.  It is one of those I Pour It places.  I have never heard of them before, but great place.  You get a wrist band and you pour your own beer.  They had about 40 taps available.  Place wrist band on the one you want, it activates it and you can pour however much you want.  It measures by the tenth of an ounce; priced by the ounce, so you can drink as much or sample as much as you want (up to the 40 oz limit).

Just had to try, so I sampled six different kinds of beer and had a whooping 8.6 ounces.  Oh it was good.  The food was great as well!  Go figure!

Day 17, Saturday, February 10, 2018

Another Travel Day.

You know you are in the desert when yesterday was 78*F and this morning when I woke up it's 33*F!

Fought the wind all day again today; west Texas, New Mexico.  Speed limit 75, but drove at 65 due
to the winds.   Looked over at the right outside mirror and saw the trim moulding flying in the wind.  Nanette rolled down her window and pulled it in, closed the window on it so we wouldn't lose it.  Always something.






 Everyone talks about how flat and boring crossing Kansas is.  Well, got to tell ya, Kansas has nothing on New Mexico.  Straight, flat, windy.  At least in Kansas you can watch the wheat sway in the wind.

Arrived at our camp site for the night.  Out in the middle of nowhere.  We were about 10-15 miles north of Deming, NM.  No cell phone coverage, no internet, no TV.  What is this?  Camping or something?

Did minor repair job to put moulding back on.

Day 16, Friday, February 9, 2018

Off to Carlsbad Caverns.   Huge Caverns.  The Big Room is over 8 acres in size.  Stalagmites as high as 68 feet - that's almost a 7 story building in height! 

Nanette and I rented the audio tour thingy, $5 each.  Not many people do that.  We noticed the same thing at the Biltmore when we visited.  Don't understand.  With the audio tour you get some education, learn things that you just don't get by reading the placards and the rentals are cheap!  Well off that soap box...

We took a ton of photos.  Difficult to determine which ones to use.  So beautiful. 

We took the elevator 750 feet down to the Big Room, then

took the tour of about a mile to see the Temple of the Sun, Twin Domes, Hall of Giants, Top of the Cross, Mirror Lake, Bottomless Pit, so much more.  Spent two hours touring down there.  Wonderful.  Nanette loved the 56*F temperature, I on the other hand...... 

Unfortunately, I really wanted to see the 500,000 bats fly out of the cave which they do every day around dust, but they are in Mexico!  I remember by parents bringing us here when I was very young (pre driving days) and I remember it to be an absolutely amazing sight!  Apparently they winter in Mexico and summer here.  The Caverns were discovered because of them.  Well, we are about a month too early.  Guess we will have to come back.  Breaks my heart.