Tuesday, April 24, 2018

2018-11 Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico


2018-11

Orange poppies, it's springtime

Santa Fe New Mexico


Campground: Cochiti Lake (an Army Corp developed campground) 50 amp. $10 senior rate. Lower campground loops have electric and water at sites. All sites have paved pad and many sites have covers over the picnic table. 50+ over-the-air tv stations and strong Verizon signal.

Cochiti Lake, New Mexico, Juniper Loop
I've had my welcome sign
for a few years and had
to glue the bear back to-
gether again
The winds have been an almost constant factor this week, making for poor conditions to do any exploring outdoors. Though I’ve had to do a number of chores that have kept me busy. Returning the second electric generator since I could not get it to start. Finally after having a repair guy at Home Depot where I had purchased the generator check it all out it was determined that the damage done to the unit during shipping and other factors, my best option was to once again return it for a full refund.

Plan B was put in place to order a third generator, this was a Champion brand which I ordered through Walmart/3rd party order. Had to have it sent to the FEDEX distribution center in Santa Fe and I’ll pick it up early next week before once again heading out on the road, hopefully to destinations with less wind in the forecast.

My other project was to get my eyes examined specifically eye pressure since I recently had laser surgery on both eyes and needed to see what changes had occurred with that. The Dr at Eye Mart Express determined that the pressures were good at 14 and 16. Though I know my specialist would like to see them lower. At least it’s within an acceptable range. While there, I also got an eye glass prescription renewed since I haven’t had new glasses in about 6 years, maybe more.

two new eye glasses, done in 1 1/2 hours
It was a quick experience selecting new glasses and both pairs were made in less than an hour and a half. First time I’ve ever had such speedy service. One pair has the transition lenses which I like. Learned a new trick, if the glasses don’t go dark enough all I need do is put the eye glasses in the freezer for less than an hour and they will be rejuvenated back to normal. And although they advertise $38 glasses, you know that never is what you’ll pay. My cost for two pairs: $550+

Although there are just a ton of good things to see and do in the area, with the winds and cooler weather, I’ve not done the exploring I’ve done in the past in this area, just enjoying local scenery and an impromptu get together with friends Chis Lynn and Ginny and new friends Gracie and Mike who are camp hosts at Cochiti Lake campground. Gracie and Mike are on their second year full-timing with plans to camp host 6 months and then travel the other 6 months. While up at the front check in office, I met a guy who’s been on the road for 30 years. He was telling us that his first 5 years were long excursions using only his Prius car. Said is was an awesome vehicle for getting around, besides the great gas mileage since it runs on electric and gas. A feature he really enjoyed was that he could set the temperature in the car at night to around 65 degrees. When the batteries got low, the engine would come on for about 15 minutes, recharging the batteries and keeping the car cozy and comfortable for a good nights sleep. There are so many ways to “camp out” or go full-timing. Now he has a van camper with only the very barest of necessities. But it fits his lifestyle completely.





Stopped into the FEDEX store today to pick up my generator, after going to the distribution center I’d put on the mailing label I was redirected to a small local FEDEX ground shipping center. When I got there, they had the generator, but only a couple of women operating the store…. Obviously they couldn’t help lift a 135 lb generator into my truck, so I’ll go back later in the day when two strong young men will be there to help out.

should be a great addition for my dry camping adventures

I have one more day in the area and will drive down to Albuquerque to visit a former co-worker Lynn Mroz. And what a pleasant visit we had. Having brunch on the outdoor patio at Hannah and Nate’s in Corrales NM. Always fun to catch up with former co-workers and friends. A bit nostalgic since my sweet Niece “Heidi” once lived in this area. She is missed but resides with the angels. And a big congratulation as Lynn is now a proud Grandma. And what a sweet little baby she has to dote on like all good Grand Mama’s.

Lynn, good friend and former co-worker

Lynn and I ate out on the patio
but there is good seating inside as well
 Hannah and Nate’s restaurant
I would highly recommend the place

Needless to say this isn’t so much of a travel journal this week, but more of what a full time camper needs to do on occasion while on the road. It’s not always touring, exploring, finding new adventures and that’s ok. Though those things make for a very interesting lifestyle, it’s nice to know one can just spend a week doing those projects that need attending too before they pile up and become overwhelming.

a whole row of lilacs at a Taco Bell

and yes, I filled my nose with the beautiful scent
of lilacs 


Update on generator:


Well after the first two generators did not work, of course I returned them to Home Depot for a full refund. And I’ll admit they were very kind about taking them back, I ordered a Champion 3800 watt dual fuel generator. It arrived via Fedex and after setting it up in the back of the truck, connecting the propane tank, flipping a few switches, it started up right away. This one does have an electric start and a manual choke feature which makes it much easier to start. For a cost of around $569.00 I think is was a good deal. And should be a great asset for when I boondock/ or dry camp.

Update on rental Rv lots:


I currently have both of my Rv lots in St Cloud Florida tentatively rented out. Lot 56 has a young couple on it right now and Lot 55 is scheduled to have someone move in May 15. It’s nice to know that while traveling around the country my sister is able to aid me with the rentals.

I’m also having a few palm trees replaced as they were cold sensitive and didn’t fair too well during this past winters hard freeze in central Florida.

the robellini palms are doing well (pygmy palms)

poor foxtail didn't do well
and will be replaced

a picture of the renter's 5th wheel on lot 56

may have these Christmas Palms replaced

I’ll be heading out tomorrow morning traveling through NW New Mexico before getting into Colorado and Utah and Northern Arizona where my plan is to get to Lake Powell for a water adventure.

More photos:








1 comment:

walterterry said...

Always fun and enjoyable reading about your exploits. You are a hoot!