I was able to acquire one more story from the Desert Trails Writers Club. Mary Scholz has written a great story for all you Rv'ers or want to be Rv'ers. The story will bring you into the whole new world of living in an Rv. Enjoy.
The Experiment March 14, 09
In 2004 we took the plunge and leapt into the world of RVing, and a strange new world it was too. For years we had talked about our long range plans for retirement. We knew we wanted to RV! We considered (as I’m sure all of you did) things like ‘a motor home and a tow vehicle’, ‘a travel trailer’ or ‘a 5th wheel and truck’. And so, after years of discussing the pros and cons we decided on a 5th wheel. But then came the ‘gas’ or ‘diesel’ decision. This was before the price of diesel suddenly appeared to equal that of gold bullion. But diesel it was.
You all know there are dozens of other choices that had to be made, length, type of walls, interior lay out, the choices go on and on.
After picking our 5th wheel we were then invited by the sales person to look in their RV store. Their what? An RV store?
As soon as you put the letters ‘RV’ in front of any system in your rig, everything changes. You are now into ‘specialty’ products. Take the plumbing system (sometimes you’d like someone to do just that). Not only do you have to put chemicals in the toilet for ‘that stuff’; you also need to add a chemical to help dissolve paper. On top of that, no ordinary paper will do, we have to purchase ‘special’ toilet paper at $1 a roll or more! What is a person to do?
Well, like many questioning individuals, we found it hard to just take the word of the suppliers and retailers. One of our conversations went a bit like this.
Us “What do you mean we can’t use regular toilet paper?”
Them “It is too thick and can clog your system.”
Us “Why do we have to add this chemical for the paper?”
Them “It helps to break the paper down more and decreases the risk of clogging your system.”
Us “Let me see if I’ve got this right. We have to buy special paper so that the system won’t clog and we have to buy paper dissolving chemical so that the system does not clog.”
Them “That’s right!”
Not wanting to “clog our system” but finding it hard to believe all this sales talk (especially for my husband, a plumber) we reluctantly bought the recommended products but just knew this was not the end of the discussion.
And so, on our first trip with our brand new Rockwood 5th wheel we decided to experiment.
Picture this scene. Taking 4 matching wine glasses we measured equal amounts of water into each of them and then we separated them into 2 pairs. Into the 2 glasses on our left we measured ½ teaspoon full of paper dissolving chemical. The other 2 glasses on our right had none.
Using good scientific methods, we then took 2 sheets of the cheapest Dollar Store toilet paper and added them to one of the glasses on the left and another 2 sheets into one of the glasses on the right. We repeated this with the ‘special’ paper, 2 sheets in the chemically changed and 2 in the non-chemically changed water.
We all know that results don’t just happen while you watch so we left the experiments to ‘work’ for a day like they would in the real situation. Every now and then we would hold a glass up to the light to see if we could see a difference but we refrained from sniffing for bouquet!
Fortunately no one came to visit us during this time so we did not have to explain toilet paper in wineglasses sitting on the tiny kitchen counter.
Not having read any scientific method on how to interpret the results of such an experiment, we had to guess. After waiting for about 12 hours we took out 4 clean dinner knives and gently stirred the contents of each glass 3 times then raised the knife straight up. We discussed and recorded the clarity/cloudiness of the water with dissolved paper and the amount clinging to the knife, for each glass. Then we waited another 12 hours and repeated the process. How many molecules NOW stick to each knife?
By now someone out there must be thinking “Don’t those guys have anything better to do than stir toilet paper in wine glasses with dinner knives? Heck, if you are going to stir something in a glass it better be drinkable and done with a swizzle stick!”
After 24 hours of science, the results were in.
In our opinion cheap paper is not only fine, it’s better. But you don’t have to take our word for it, you can check for yourselves. Firstly, take 4 matching wineglasses . . .
Mary Scholz (maryscholz@shaw.ca)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
03-2009 Tombstone, Bisbee Arizona and Geocaching
Tombstone AZ
Bisbee AZ
Geocaching
My remaining time in the Tucson area has picked up some steam as I’ve done a bit of touring and joined a Geocaching group. Along with the usual prep work required in getting the camper ready for its travels this summer.
I headed out with my neighbors Chris and Tom to Tombstone about an hour and a half drive from Tucson, The town too Tough to Die. It was a wild and dangerous town back in 1878 when it was founded. By 1881 when Wyatt Earp had his big shoot out with the Clanton gang at the OK Coral, an entire grave yard up on Boot Hill was filled with young and old who were shot dead.
This mining town founded on huge vein of silver and gold grew up overnight. The boom lasted until water started to fill the mines and they were finally abandoned. Now just think of it, a few good water pumps and you could be mining all that sliver and gold that remains in Tombstone, buried like the lawless criminals that once ruled the area. Who knows, the water may be more valuable than the gold and silver.
Searching out the history of the town though the tourist shops and privately owned “museum” one can still get a sense of what the area was once like.
The State of AZ runs a good museum in the old court house where a platform still stands out in the courtyard with two hanging nooses.
After a not so noteworthy lunch, we headed on
down the road another 25 miles to the old copper mining town of Bisbee. Quite a change from the flat desert surrounds of Tombstone, Bisbee in nestled in the Mule Mountains. The main street winds its way up through mountains. Beautifully maintained Victorian houses line the sides of the mountain ranges and look down on the town below. Bisbee has become an artist “free-spirit” haven and has a really nice feel to it. Unlike so many towns close to the Mexican boarder, this one does not feel like a boarder town.
Later in the week, I finally joined the Geocaching group from Desert Trails. There were over 30 people going out in search of these hidden treasures. We were divided up into groups of 5 or 6 and given coordinates for each geocach.
If your not familiar with Geocaching, it’s a game where people all over the world have hidden little treasures in small boxes or containers some the size of a plastic film container or even smaller. The GPS coordinates are recorded on a web site with a brief description, many times with a devious clue to help you find the geocach item.
Our lead had their handheld GPS with the coordinates loaded in for a half dozen sites to find. We drove all
around Tucson, getting out and searching for each geocach. We were unlucky and did not find the first one, later finding out that it was no longer there. Our group had more success finding the second one under a rock and the third one had a clue indicating that we should be careful and not “get wet”. The micro geocach was discovered in the head of a fake sprinkler head.
Friends of mine, Cloyd and Jean, who had visited me earlier in the month (we had originally met a couple years ago on one of my first trips out west) are into Geocaching. As they travel around in their camper, they go online and find geocaches in the area they are staying. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a bit of fun finding hidden treasures.
After finding the treasure, you write your name on a log that is in with the treasure. You can remove one of the small prizes, but are usually expected to replace it with something else. Wouldn’t this be a fun exercise to get kids interested in the outdoors and away from their play stations and TV’s?
Well, I have to go, I’m joining some neighbors and we’re going out to breakfast this morning at Ryan Field (a small local airport).
For more info on Geocaching go to: http://www.geocaching.com/
Bisbee AZ
Geocaching
My remaining time in the Tucson area has picked up some steam as I’ve done a bit of touring and joined a Geocaching group. Along with the usual prep work required in getting the camper ready for its travels this summer.
I headed out with my neighbors Chris and Tom to Tombstone about an hour and a half drive from Tucson, The town too Tough to Die. It was a wild and dangerous town back in 1878 when it was founded. By 1881 when Wyatt Earp had his big shoot out with the Clanton gang at the OK Coral, an entire grave yard up on Boot Hill was filled with young and old who were shot dead.This mining town founded on huge vein of silver and gold grew up overnight. The boom lasted until water started to fill the mines and they were finally abandoned. Now just think of it, a few good water pumps and you could be mining all that sliver and gold that remains in Tombstone, buried like the lawless criminals that once ruled the area. Who knows, the water may be more valuable than the gold and silver.
Searching out the history of the town though the tourist shops and privately owned “museum” one can still get a sense of what the area was once like.
The State of AZ runs a good museum in the old court house where a platform still stands out in the courtyard with two hanging nooses.
After a not so noteworthy lunch, we headed on
down the road another 25 miles to the old copper mining town of Bisbee. Quite a change from the flat desert surrounds of Tombstone, Bisbee in nestled in the Mule Mountains. The main street winds its way up through mountains. Beautifully maintained Victorian houses line the sides of the mountain ranges and look down on the town below. Bisbee has become an artist “free-spirit” haven and has a really nice feel to it. Unlike so many towns close to the Mexican boarder, this one does not feel like a boarder town.Later in the week, I finally joined the Geocaching group from Desert Trails. There were over 30 people going out in search of these hidden treasures. We were divided up into groups of 5 or 6 and given coordinates for each geocach.
If your not familiar with Geocaching, it’s a game where people all over the world have hidden little treasures in small boxes or containers some the size of a plastic film container or even smaller. The GPS coordinates are recorded on a web site with a brief description, many times with a devious clue to help you find the geocach item.
Our lead had their handheld GPS with the coordinates loaded in for a half dozen sites to find. We drove all
around Tucson, getting out and searching for each geocach. We were unlucky and did not find the first one, later finding out that it was no longer there. Our group had more success finding the second one under a rock and the third one had a clue indicating that we should be careful and not “get wet”. The micro geocach was discovered in the head of a fake sprinkler head.Friends of mine, Cloyd and Jean, who had visited me earlier in the month (we had originally met a couple years ago on one of my first trips out west) are into Geocaching. As they travel around in their camper, they go online and find geocaches in the area they are staying. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a bit of fun finding hidden treasures.
After finding the treasure, you write your name on a log that is in with the treasure. You can remove one of the small prizes, but are usually expected to replace it with something else. Wouldn’t this be a fun exercise to get kids interested in the outdoors and away from their play stations and TV’s?
Well, I have to go, I’m joining some neighbors and we’re going out to breakfast this morning at Ryan Field (a small local airport).
For more info on Geocaching go to: http://www.geocaching.com/
Monday, March 9, 2009
My Life as a Saguaro by Kim Hirschman
The following article was presented at the Desert Trails Rv Parks Writers Group. I was so impressed by the story, I asked Kim if I could have a copy to share with my readers. The story embodies the life of a Saguaro cactus, I hope you will enjoy this unique story
MY LIFE AS A SAGUARO by Kim Hirschman
I was born in the great Sonoran Desert 209 years ago, the year was 1800. If I could only tell you what I have witnessed, the changes that have occurred, and about the people that have passed my way, what a story I could weave.
If I could only show you the place of my beginning. From a tiny seed, germination began, thanks to the shelter of a palo verde, my “nurse” tree. She provided shade from the unbearably hot sun and moisture from the dry, parched air. I grew slowly, about an inch a year, to my present height of 25 feet. While I am not the tallest saguaro nor have the most arms, I have lived longer then most any other plant or cacti in this area.
If I could only explain my magnificent home, I would tell you the Tucson Mountains are to my north. In the early evenings, the hills turn a beautiful shade of red. Northwest are the Santa Rosa Mountains and to the south are the Sierritas. My views are quite awesome in any direction. From the quiet sunrise to the colorful sunset, life in the desert continues on its daily quest for survival.
If I could only tell you about the wildlife here at my home. Mornings begin with the chatter of the Curved Bill Thrasher and the cooing of the White Winged Doves. Many of the Gila Woodpeckers and Gilded Flickers are already at work; several have bored their homes into my trunk through the years. Cottontail and jackrabbits are out scrambling for nourishment, while hawks fly overhead in search of their next meal. As the day progresses and warms, the lizards, rats and snakes make their appearance, each with their own agenda. The circle of life continues with the need to feast. As another day draws to an end, the javelina re-group to satisfy their hunger, perhaps on a nearby prickly pear. The coyote partake in a family reunion, their songs of joy filling the evening air. Great horned owls are heard, and their search begins. Everyday is the same.
Everyday is different.
If I could only describe my appearance, I would tell you my skin is green and smooth, with almost a waxy feel to it. Two-inch spines grow along my ribs. In the spring, large white flowers with yellow centers adorn my arms. The three B’s pollinate- birds, bees and bats. I am old and weathered now, my trunk is turning brown and my arms grow weary. Pictures of my youth would indicate how robust and healthy I was. At the age of 85, my first arm developed. While the flora about me changed from palo verde to cacti, I flourished. A second arm began at the age of 110 and yet another when I was 130. Summer monsoons bring the necessary waters to me in the arroyo beside me. I am grateful for the water, I can absorb up to 200 gallons at a time, and I expand and prosper.
People pass by me daily, some glancing my way as they read the sign on front of me, indicating I am over 200 years old. If I could only tell you about the people I have seen.
Four different peoples have made their home with me. Long ago, when I was young, Native Americans made their way thru this desert land. If I could only tell you how much I miss their simple life, their respect of land and nature. They traveled in small packs, or large, some by foot, some by horseback. The bands of the Tohono O’odham and even some Apache.
Later, the Spanish arrived. Some dressed as soldiers with iron helmets, others in long robes with large crosses about their neck.
Following the Spanish, this land became part of Mexico. Many raids took place. People shifted, borders shifted, flags changed yet again.
Then the Anglo-Americans arrived, and still another flag was raised. Finally, the state of Arizona was recognized. All was peaceful for a time. Everything changes. Everything remains the same.
The miners passed our way, heading to the hills with high hopes. Cowboys wandered here and some did not make it through the desert. Some died at our feet with their ribs bleached white, resembling a fallen saguaro.
If I could only tell you how lucky I was to survive-out of 4,000 seeds from a single fruit, I have witnessed over 200 years of history.
For nearly 30 years now there has been a camp set up near by. These people reside here throughout the winter months. Many faces have become familiar as they take their daily strolls through the desert, many with walking sticks or cameras about their neck. Some familiar faces have not returned, but there are many new ones to replace them. The aging process continues in them, as well as me.
Next time you wander by, stop awhile and just imagine. I have so much to tell you, if you will only listen.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
02-09 Tucson Arizona Adventures
Tucson Adventures.
From 14 mile bike rides, eating in old downtown Tucson, picnics at Desert Trails, exploring the desert surroundings, my time in Tucson is nearing it’s end.
I’ll be back on the road again in 4 weeks, but before heading out I’m continuing to enjoy the Tucson area. My neighbors, Chris and Tom and I went up to Biosphere II the other day for one of their tours. I’ve written about Biosphere II before, but just had to go see it again. If you enjoy architecture, earth sciences, learning about our planet, this is the place to come too. It’s been turned over to the University of Arizona who’s using it for experiments on affects of green house gasses on our planet as well as many other experiments that can be done using the controlled environments of 5 different eco systems. Many other universities and scientists from around the world are now using it as well for their experiments.
The location of the Biosphere is at the base of Mount Lemon, which is on the outskirts of Tucson. Mt Lemon is the southern most location for skiing in the U.S. and yes, we were able to see the snow high up on the mountain range. Haven’t gotten up on the Mt yet, but would be tons of fun to see snow again and go skiing.
Last night I went to a concert in the club house of accordion players. They did a most eclectic mix of Easter songs, cowboy western and show tunes. You haven’t lived to you’ve heard songs from Porgy and Bess done on an accordion. I felt like I’d been transported to the beaches of Fla and the Keys at sunset with songs like Moon River and other 50’s classics. When the Geography Professor did a solo number of Rhapsody in Blues, I was transported to Moe mart in Paris and to Italy. And of course when the musicians did The Hills Are Alive from the Sound of Music I was racing across the hills of Bavaria. It was most unusual. Perhaps it was the slower rhythm of the accordion playing that permitted the mind to wonder to these places.
Then, half way through the presentation, a good friend, Grace, said she was going outside to see a comet. Before I knew it, I joined in on the search. We drove with a few other folks up into the Saguaro National Park to get away from the city lights. The mountain range shielded us from the city lights and the lights down in the valley as we climbed up to the higher elevations. We finally stopped off of the pitch black road onto one of the pull-outs that are all along the twisting and winding roadway. Except for the occasional car going by it was pitch black, the silhouette of the saguaro cactus and the black outline of the mountain range was all that could be seen. Until we looked up and saw an explosion of stars, the big dipper and little dipper, the north star and Pleiades were all seen against the blackness of space and the blanket of stars, the sliver of a crescent moon with Venus off to its side, now dimmer due to thin patches of cloud cover moving in. Standing there in small groups, talking quietly about life and the expanse of the universe, each connecting in their own way to this most unusual night. The stillness of the cool air, the quiet only interrupted by a car going by, it’s blinding lights going by, then fading off into the distance as it dipped around one last curve in the road. Silence once again. I never was able to see the orange blob that was the comet through the binoculars, but it didn’t matter. I’d experienced being in the darkest part of the desert, stars above, what more could I ask for.
The following day I drove over to the Tohono O’odham Swap Meet. A great Indian flea market with tons of cheap stuff. I found a whole slew of Tony Hillerman novels which I’ve been reading lately and ended up purchasing about 10 more books. His characters are Navaho Indians living in the 4 corners region and through his writing one is able to learn so much about the Native American Indians life. If you enjoy western novels, Tony Hillerman is a great writer and worth checking out.
I’m beginning my preparations for leaving the Tucson area and it appears I will be heading up to Globe AZ and Roosevelt Lake before heading to Cottonwood where I’ll have another eye exam to insure my eye drops are working correctly for my Glaucoma.
We’re almost “on the road again”…..
For more info on Biosphere 2:
Book: Life Under Glass by Ailling, Nelson and Silverstone
Book: Eating In by Sally Silverstone
Book: The Human Experiment by Jane Poynter (recommended)
WEb: www.janepoynter.com
www.biospheres.com
From 14 mile bike rides, eating in old downtown Tucson, picnics at Desert Trails, exploring the desert surroundings, my time in Tucson is nearing it’s end.
I’ll be back on the road again in 4 weeks, but before heading out I’m continuing to enjoy the Tucson area. My neighbors, Chris and Tom and I went up to Biosphere II the other day for one of their tours. I’ve written about Biosphere II before, but just had to go see it again. If you enjoy architecture, earth sciences, learning about our planet, this is the place to come too. It’s been turned over to the University of Arizona who’s using it for experiments on affects of green house gasses on our planet as well as many other experiments that can be done using the controlled environments of 5 different eco systems. Many other universities and scientists from around the world are now using it as well for their experiments.
The location of the Biosphere is at the base of Mount Lemon, which is on the outskirts of Tucson. Mt Lemon is the southern most location for skiing in the U.S. and yes, we were able to see the snow high up on the mountain range. Haven’t gotten up on the Mt yet, but would be tons of fun to see snow again and go skiing.
Last night I went to a concert in the club house of accordion players. They did a most eclectic mix of Easter songs, cowboy western and show tunes. You haven’t lived to you’ve heard songs from Porgy and Bess done on an accordion. I felt like I’d been transported to the beaches of Fla and the Keys at sunset with songs like Moon River and other 50’s classics. When the Geography Professor did a solo number of Rhapsody in Blues, I was transported to Moe mart in Paris and to Italy. And of course when the musicians did The Hills Are Alive from the Sound of Music I was racing across the hills of Bavaria. It was most unusual. Perhaps it was the slower rhythm of the accordion playing that permitted the mind to wonder to these places.
Then, half way through the presentation, a good friend, Grace, said she was going outside to see a comet. Before I knew it, I joined in on the search. We drove with a few other folks up into the Saguaro National Park to get away from the city lights. The mountain range shielded us from the city lights and the lights down in the valley as we climbed up to the higher elevations. We finally stopped off of the pitch black road onto one of the pull-outs that are all along the twisting and winding roadway. Except for the occasional car going by it was pitch black, the silhouette of the saguaro cactus and the black outline of the mountain range was all that could be seen. Until we looked up and saw an explosion of stars, the big dipper and little dipper, the north star and Pleiades were all seen against the blackness of space and the blanket of stars, the sliver of a crescent moon with Venus off to its side, now dimmer due to thin patches of cloud cover moving in. Standing there in small groups, talking quietly about life and the expanse of the universe, each connecting in their own way to this most unusual night. The stillness of the cool air, the quiet only interrupted by a car going by, it’s blinding lights going by, then fading off into the distance as it dipped around one last curve in the road. Silence once again. I never was able to see the orange blob that was the comet through the binoculars, but it didn’t matter. I’d experienced being in the darkest part of the desert, stars above, what more could I ask for.
The following day I drove over to the Tohono O’odham Swap Meet. A great Indian flea market with tons of cheap stuff. I found a whole slew of Tony Hillerman novels which I’ve been reading lately and ended up purchasing about 10 more books. His characters are Navaho Indians living in the 4 corners region and through his writing one is able to learn so much about the Native American Indians life. If you enjoy western novels, Tony Hillerman is a great writer and worth checking out.
I’m beginning my preparations for leaving the Tucson area and it appears I will be heading up to Globe AZ and Roosevelt Lake before heading to Cottonwood where I’ll have another eye exam to insure my eye drops are working correctly for my Glaucoma.
We’re almost “on the road again”…..
For more info on Biosphere 2:
Book: Life Under Glass by Ailling, Nelson and Silverstone
Book: Eating In by Sally Silverstone
Book: The Human Experiment by Jane Poynter (recommended)
WEb: www.janepoynter.com
www.biospheres.com
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
01-09 First Report of the New Year, Tucson Arizona
Report From Tucson 2009
I thought I’d start off the New Year with a few more tips for the Rv’r. Hope they’re of some help to my fellow travelers.
For those who need an additional step for outside the camper, purchase an aerobic step from Wal-Mart or a Thrift shop. They usually come with a spacer to raise the height or lower it and it has a wide sturdy base. They run new for about $30 or as low as a couple dollars at the thrift store. Sure beats the cost of an extra step ($50-95) at Camping World.
If your camping in an area that could get down to freezing overnight, run your tap water. A trickle will do the job to keep the pipes from freezing. If you have an outdoor shower, you can let it run out on the ground and not worry about filling your holding tanks.
Critters getting into ones camper can be a real annoyance. Seems they can get in through the smallest of openings. Two methods seem to work quite well. Dryer sheets or peppermint essence. I’ve been using the dryer sheet method and it sure seems to do the job. Just place them anywhere a critter could get in. Peppermint essence can be purchased at an herbal drugstore. Put a few drops on some cotton balls, place in small baggies with a few holes punched into the bags. Place around any storage compartments as well as the electric and water intake areas. Some Rv’ers also use the dryer sheets tied around any hoses on their vehicles, as rodents enjoy nibbling on them as well.
For cat lovers, here’s a good tip. Instead of having a portable scratching post for your cats, wrap a heavy rope around the post of your dinette table. It looks great and the cats will be very happy.
More campers tips can be found at: http://rovingreportsbydougp.blogspot.com/2008/01/1-08-tips-and-tricks-for-rv-campers.html
It looks like 2009 is going to be a great year for campers, as the price of fuel has gone down dramatically and hopefully will stay down for the rest of the new year. So get out there and start camping.
I visited the Pima Air and Space Museum here in Tucson. One of the main reasons I wanted to visit this museum is that they have an addition tour that goes onto the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where they have over 4,800 airplanes in storage. It’s called the “Bone Yard”. These are all military planes that are currently not needed or are available for spare parts. It’s the only government facility that actually makes money. About $17 for every dollar in paid salaries. Each of the planes is prepped for storage, all sensitive electronics and fuel are removed. Then the plane is sealed and wrapped in plastic to keep them protected in the desert setting. For me it was an exciting ride up and down the long rows and rows of planes of every size and description. Back at the museum, they have large displays of military and some commercial aircraft. Over 300 volunteers run the museum which gets no government funds for it’s operation. An impressive display of what can be done without government help. And for those of you who are getting close to retirement, a good example of the many places one can volunteer.
Back here in the park, The Desert Trails Rv park, I’m being kept very busy with all the activities that are going on. I love the music jam sessions they have here in the park and just know that my friends Loraine and Dave Bird would enjoy being around fellow musicians. There’s one heavy set guy here in the park that used to perform in Nashville who has a voice and plays the guitar so well, I feel like I’m at a live concert. They also have paid performers at least twice a week in the evenings.
I’m continuing to enjoy the bike rides, writing class and computer classes and plan on joining a photo shop class as well this week. Hoping I’ll get some great tips on taking pictures so I can send you some awesome photo’s this coming year. Hopefully this will give my former co-worker, Al, an idea that one can truly enjoy retirement and not get bored. Personally, I’ve been so busy, I barely have time to do my chores like laundry and grocery shopping. How did I every find time to work???
Over the next couple of days, I did some great touring with fellow campers Tom and Chris.
They live in Washington state and now Rv during the winter months. We decided to go to the Pinal County Fairgrounds for a little festival held there this time of year. We heard a great group called The Keepsakes. A family affair of great singers doing the Doo-Wap era songs. The folk music was not up to par with what I’m used to from back east, but at least they were energetic and were having fun trying.
They also had an antique car show with a special category of Model A-Hillbilly cars. Check out the photo’s. They were lots of fun, celebrating everything hillbilly.
After the fair, we were so close we decided to check out the historical site, Casa Grande Ruins. It’s about half way between Phoenix and Tucson. This is the site of a large “grand house” created by the Hohokam Tribe out in the desert. It’s the remains of a 4 story high structure that was used to track the summer solstice and the 18 year phase of the moon. The 4 foot thick walls were made of caliche, a material found a couple feet below the surface of the desert made up of a mix of clay, sand and lime and is as hard as concrete. The structure has been standing for about a thousand years. One of the guides pointed out inside the museum, a large pot that was found on site. It had been buried by the sands and the old stage coach line ran right over it. The large pot, about 3-4 feet in diameter was preserved and in perfect condition. It was originally used to store food or water. The site also contained the remains of a vast canal system for watering their crops. Quite impressive.
I learn more each time going out to these Native Indian sites. Very rewarding.
I thought I’d start off the New Year with a few more tips for the Rv’r. Hope they’re of some help to my fellow travelers.
For those who need an additional step for outside the camper, purchase an aerobic step from Wal-Mart or a Thrift shop. They usually come with a spacer to raise the height or lower it and it has a wide sturdy base. They run new for about $30 or as low as a couple dollars at the thrift store. Sure beats the cost of an extra step ($50-95) at Camping World.
If your camping in an area that could get down to freezing overnight, run your tap water. A trickle will do the job to keep the pipes from freezing. If you have an outdoor shower, you can let it run out on the ground and not worry about filling your holding tanks.
Critters getting into ones camper can be a real annoyance. Seems they can get in through the smallest of openings. Two methods seem to work quite well. Dryer sheets or peppermint essence. I’ve been using the dryer sheet method and it sure seems to do the job. Just place them anywhere a critter could get in. Peppermint essence can be purchased at an herbal drugstore. Put a few drops on some cotton balls, place in small baggies with a few holes punched into the bags. Place around any storage compartments as well as the electric and water intake areas. Some Rv’ers also use the dryer sheets tied around any hoses on their vehicles, as rodents enjoy nibbling on them as well.
For cat lovers, here’s a good tip. Instead of having a portable scratching post for your cats, wrap a heavy rope around the post of your dinette table. It looks great and the cats will be very happy.
More campers tips can be found at: http://rovingreportsbydougp.blogspot.com/2008/01/1-08-tips-and-tricks-for-rv-campers.html
It looks like 2009 is going to be a great year for campers, as the price of fuel has gone down dramatically and hopefully will stay down for the rest of the new year. So get out there and start camping.
I visited the Pima Air and Space Museum here in Tucson. One of the main reasons I wanted to visit this museum is that they have an addition tour that goes onto the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where they have over 4,800 airplanes in storage. It’s called the “Bone Yard”. These are all military planes that are currently not needed or are available for spare parts. It’s the only government facility that actually makes money. About $17 for every dollar in paid salaries. Each of the planes is prepped for storage, all sensitive electronics and fuel are removed. Then the plane is sealed and wrapped in plastic to keep them protected in the desert setting. For me it was an exciting ride up and down the long rows and rows of planes of every size and description. Back at the museum, they have large displays of military and some commercial aircraft. Over 300 volunteers run the museum which gets no government funds for it’s operation. An impressive display of what can be done without government help. And for those of you who are getting close to retirement, a good example of the many places one can volunteer.Back here in the park, The Desert Trails Rv park, I’m being kept very busy with all the activities that are going on. I love the music jam sessions they have here in the park and just know that my friends Loraine and Dave Bird would enjoy being around fellow musicians. There’s one heavy set guy here in the park that used to perform in Nashville who has a voice and plays the guitar so well, I feel like I’m at a live concert. They also have paid performers at least twice a week in the evenings.
I’m continuing to enjoy the bike rides, writing class and computer classes and plan on joining a photo shop class as well this week. Hoping I’ll get some great tips on taking pictures so I can send you some awesome photo’s this coming year. Hopefully this will give my former co-worker, Al, an idea that one can truly enjoy retirement and not get bored. Personally, I’ve been so busy, I barely have time to do my chores like laundry and grocery shopping. How did I every find time to work???
Over the next couple of days, I did some great touring with fellow campers Tom and Chris.
They live in Washington state and now Rv during the winter months. We decided to go to the Pinal County Fairgrounds for a little festival held there this time of year. We heard a great group called The Keepsakes. A family affair of great singers doing the Doo-Wap era songs. The folk music was not up to par with what I’m used to from back east, but at least they were energetic and were having fun trying.They also had an antique car show with a special category of Model A-Hillbilly cars. Check out the photo’s. They were lots of fun, celebrating everything hillbilly.
After the fair, we were so close we decided to check out the historical site, Casa Grande Ruins. It’s about half way between Phoenix and Tucson. This is the site of a large “grand house” created by the Hohokam Tribe out in the desert. It’s the remains of a 4 story high structure that was used to track the summer solstice and the 18 year phase of the moon. The 4 foot thick walls were made of caliche, a material found a couple feet below the surface of the desert made up of a mix of clay, sand and lime and is as hard as concrete. The structure has been standing for about a thousand years. One of the guides pointed out inside the museum, a large pot that was found on site. It had been buried by the sands and the old stage coach line ran right over it. The large pot, about 3-4 feet in diameter was preserved and in perfect condition. It was originally used to store food or water. The site also contained the remains of a vast canal system for watering their crops. Quite impressive.
I learn more each time going out to these Native Indian sites. Very rewarding.
Out last stop was at a small bar called the Gallopin’ Goose in the small town of Coolidge AZ. Waylon Jennings started his solo career here and used to stop in unannounced and sing even after he became famous.Finally on Sunday we went off to a small local theatre, the Red Barn and saw a small play called “Alone at Last”. All local actors. They tried their best and the very small audience of about 8 folks enjoyed…. By the way, the old building had a fascinating history as a Chinese restaurant, a mattress factory, bar, among other lives. Funky, odd and charming in it’s own right.
Hope your all having a splendid winter.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
35-08 Peace On Earth, Tucson AZ
Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth Good Will to Men. That’s a
phrase you hear all the time around this time of year. And for good reason. Of all the gifts one could receive, peace is one that all mankind can relate to and desire for ourselves our families and the world. Well we’ll get back to that thought in a bit. My stay here in Tucson has been full of activity. The time is moving along so quickly. The park I’m staying in for the winter, Desert Trails, is filled with good people and lots of activities to keep me busy. I’m enjoying the writers group I’ve joined, along with a computer club and a bike riding club. I’ve done some hiking in the desert and look forward to much more of that in the coming weeks. Entertainment is provided almost every night of the week.
The writing club has been very inspiring and one of the writers has encouraged all of us to write stories about our family to share with family and friends. Encourage your older relatives to tell their story and to write them down. Time goes so quickly, it’s a gift you can give your children. I’ll be forwarding another story I wrote shortly.
We had a crafts show up at the club house the other week along with a white elephant sale. I sold about $35.00 worth of stuff. How do I keep collecting all this stuff in such a small camper/home? Actually part of it is that I have to continually see if I’m using something, if not, it’s time to pitch it. So it either gets donated to Good Will or sold at a garage sale. And no to the “other Doug” I did not get rid of the small plastic bins that you wanted. They are very helpful and I may even purchase a few more in the future. Well, about 10 minutes before we were going to wind up the elephant sale, someone backed into my truck as it sat in the parking lot. Darn. After a bit of hassle, the guy who hit my truck has paid me $1,000 and still owes me a few hundred more. Decided not to go through the insurance company. Probably a good thing for both he and I since neither one of us wanted our insurance to get canceled or go up. The truck has already been repaired and looks as new as the day I purchased it.
I’ve finally gotten out and done a bit of local exploring. Tucson is an easy town to get around in as long as one avoids the congestion of construction on I-10. I’ve discovered a great back road to get to town, Gates Pass which goes through the Senora Desert over the Tucson Mountain range and drops down into the valley where Tucson sits.
Out in the desert is Old Tucson Studio’s where they’ve filmed a number of westerns. It’s still an active film studio but mainly a tourist attraction. I visited it the other day and really enjoyed wondering around, watching the various outdoor shows and looking at the sets used in those old John Wayne movies. Much of the desert has become populated with 1-5 acre home sites. Double wide mobile homes, simple homes to communities of newer adobe homes. Most are single story affairs that at first glance are hidden behind the desert landscape of mesquite trees, scrub and cactus. After driving around the area for the past month, I’m able to see that the desert is much more populated than I ever imagined especially in the outlying areas surrounding Tucson.
South of town is a huge open pit copper mining operation. And at the edge of that is the site of the last remaining Titan Missile Silos. It has been preserved as a historical museum and I visited in yesterday. Originally there were 13 Silos that surrounded Tucson, manned 24 hours a day for over 20 years. A small team of military personnel manned each site in 24 hour shifts. Turning over control to the next team who had to inspect every aspect of the site each time they did the turn over.
I descended into the underground control room, down metal stairs, the clanking sound of our feet echoing against the 4 to 8 feet thick reinforced walls. Locked doors at each entry point. Black phone on the wall used to identify and provide
security codes for entry. We reached the control room, a round room built on huge spring shock absorbers to protect it from the day the Titan rocket would be launched. I sat at the control panel with key in hand, simulating a real launch. I turn the key synchronized with the backup person. Target one, two or three. They wouldn’t tell me what the targets were set on. Lights flashing, codes verified and accepted, bells and sirens piercing the air. The launch sequence had been accepted. Lift-off. Thank God it’s a simulation only. We walk down a long concrete tunnel filled with metal girders and thick black cables to the silo containing the Trident missile. It’s warhead and fuel removed 25 years ago. A symbol of Peace through mutual deterrence. We’ll annihilate you if you annihilate us. The cold war over, we and Russia have dismantle hundreds of sites like this. Over 100 Titan Missile sites have been destroyed. The missiles have all been able to be used for peaceful purposes, launching satellites into space. Probably many of the satellites you utilize to watch TV, make phone calls and for your GPS signals.
Is it all over. Hardly. They tell me over 400 other missile sites exist throughout the U.S. Still providing that deterrent. Keeping the peace we all hope for. Peace on Earth, good will to men. A bit eerie to be visiting a site like this a week before Christmas. But this is the reality of the world we’re living in.
I haven’t purchased anything for Christmas, just being able to enjoy this wonderful desert scenery is gift enough for me. They tell me that Mount Lemon has snow on it and I may drive up there to frolic in it in a few days. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.
From Tucson AZ, your buddy, Doug P
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