2018-11
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| 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.
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| Cochiti Lake, New Mexico, Juniper Loop |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Lynn, good friend and former co-worker |
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| Lynn and I ate out on the patio but there is good seating inside as well |
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| 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.
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| a whole row of lilacs at a Taco Bell |
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| 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.
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| the robellini palms are doing well (pygmy palms) |
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| poor foxtail didn't do well and will be replaced |
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| a picture of the renter's 5th wheel on lot 56 |
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| 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.
Always fun and enjoyable reading about your exploits. You are a hoot!
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