2013-2 Preparing to Head on Out

2013-2

Tucson Arizona, Desert Trails RV Park

Preparing to Head on Out.  ETD:  19 March 2013

It’s getting closer to the date to start my spring and summer adventures back out on the open road.  The winter months in Tucson this year were pretty chilly and we didn’t have enough warm evenings for those wonderful happy hours around the campfire.  A wave of flue, the crud and colds and sniffles filled the air for months as well.  I was under the weather for a full month, a real bummer for sure.

Snow dusted the cactus recently in Tucson

The snow lasted all of two hours

quite a site in sunny Arizona

But the time is getting closer with each day to head on out and the travel bug has once again caught me in it’s grip.  My first destinations will be in New Mexico where I plan to spend up to two  months exploring that great state from top to bottom.  I plan on signing up for their yearly park pass at $250 for out of stators which gets me into all the state parks and camping for that yearly price.  Elect is an additional $4 a night.  What a great deal for camping and exploring all those great State Parks in NM.

I was hoping to meet up with fellow campers here at Desert Trails along the way, but they have obligations to head on back to Washington State and won’t be able to explore other states along their route back home.

Photo Clubs trip to De Grazia Museum

I’ve been leading the RV Travel Club this winter at Desert Trails and we’ve had a wonderful time sharing stories about states we’ve visited, places to stay and things to see and do in each one.  Had an open forum style this past week which was just a blast to share and learn from others.

De Grazia chapel

The dynamics of wintering in one location is quite different than being on the open road.  I get a chance to meet new people, gain friendships that often last for years to come.  The only part that’s a downer is that I have to move on down the road eventually and it’s not easy leaving all those friends behind.  Thank goodness for e-mails, blogs and face-book to keep us all in touch with each other.

A Trip to the Gem and Mineral Show, Tucson AZ

Here is a list of a few places I’m planning on heading to in New Mexico in the coming months:

City of Rocks State Park, near Silver City

Elephant Butte Lake State Park, near Truth or Consequences

Ruidoso

Albuquerque

Cochiti Lake Reservoir, near Santa Fe

Chaco Cultural NHP

This a just a partial list of all the many places I hope to get to in the coming months.  From there, I’ll most likely begin to head north and east with possible visits to my sisters in northern and southern Michigan and possible stops to visit relatives in Minnesota.

Possible other locations for this summers travels include Wisconsin, stays in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Who knows how long it will take to travel to all these destinations as I plan this year on staying in each area for longer periods of time, exploring and discovering all those hidden places along the way.

I’m looking forward to sharing those stories with you.  So all you arm chair travelers, get your arm chairs fluffed up and ready for the next adventure.  Oh and let me know what great adventures you have planned for this coming season.  Happy Travels!

2013-1 Wintering in Tucson Arizona

2013-1

A New Year for Travels.

Desert Trails Rv Park

Campground:  Desert Trails RV Park, Tucson AZ.  $485 monthly Elect included.

I thought I should start the new year with a basic rap up of the life of a full time Rv-er.  Of course like so many full timers, I spend the winter months, hopefully, in a warmer climate.  The settling in for a few months provides a number of benefits to the full-timer.  It’s time to get back together with friends and it’s time to get all those doctors appointments out of the way.  For me that’s dermatology, eye exams and a yearly check up to get my prescriptions renewed.  I had skin cancer again, this time on my forehead.  The Dr. removed a large circle of cancer leaving me with a rather gulf ball size hole on top. Over the following weeks it has healed up rather nicely (stitches were not used) and during that time I have been going through a regiment of face peals.  Where I have to put on a lotion that attacks any pre-cancer cells.  It’s done a great job and I’ve completed the two sets of treatments. Of course at a cost of $750 per small container of cream, it should work well. Oh and my face has all new skin where the treatments were accomplished.  I haven’t gotten all the Dr.s bill back regarding the surgery and follow-ups yet but my insurance will cover most of that as well.

 Of course my truck must have overheard part of this conversation because one day it’s engine light came on requiring my taking it in for maintenance.  The nice part is that when I’m settled in for a few months, there’s plenty of time to get all those appointments taken care of so that I’ll be ready to start the new year with everything in tip top shape.  EGR problems and finally a warped air filter caused all the problems.  That cost another $750.  After three trips to the dealers repair facility, it’s now working fine.

Photo Club, Martha giving instructions

The fun part is getting together with friends for happy hour, dinners and outings to the flea market, movies or maybe Rv window shopping.  I’ve once again joined a few clubs here at Desert trails and have started one myself.  It’s the RV Travel Club where we discuss two states each week.  Sharing places to visit, campgrounds to stay at and sometimes roads to avoid.  I’m also active in the photography club and writers club.

The Writers Club, so many interesting stories

I’m trying to work out my itinerary for the coming year as well and hoping the RV Travel Club will give me some clues.  I’ve traveled a good portion of the country in my 8 years on the road, and yes I’m starting my 9th year.  So this year I’ve got it in my mind to try and stay in an area for a month at a time before moving on down the road.  A few places I’m thinking about are, Cody WY, Santa Fe NM, Visits with my sisters in Lower and Upper Michigan, Ashville NC and Pigeon Forge TN.

Tucson is in a valley surrounded by bare mountains on most sides.  Desert Trails RV Park is on the west side of town about 12 miles out in the desert.  For the first timer there are lots of places to tour and visit.  Aviation Museums, Old Tucson Movie Studios, The Triton Missile site, Copper mines and lots of small towns with Mexican and wild west flavors.  Tucson itself is a large sprawled out city with a University right in the center of town.

Usually the winters are mild, but this winter, we’re experiencing a weeks worth of hard freezes down to the 28 degree level.  That’s when we Rv-ers disconnect our water hoses after filling our holding tanks with fresh water.  This helps avoid frozen water lines since our RV basements and holding tanks are heated.  Today, after a hard overnight freeze, the sun is out and feels pretty good, though still chilly.

And even though I had my flu shot, I still got it.  Maybe not as severe as if I didn’t have the flu shot, but still 10 days of aches and pains and congestion.

Now it’s back to work getting ready for another Travel Club meeting. That involves some of the following chores:

Reviewing my own Blog for each state to be discussed.  I put the name of the state in the upper left     hand corner search box in my Blog and it gives me all the Blogs I’ve written on that State.

Next, I list a couple of Web sites that I think the group will find helpful.

Then I set up a couple of routes using Microsoft Street and Trips.  This way the group can see
Where we are on the map when discussing each state.

If time permits, I have a few Picasa photo albums ready for display on the video projector and I’m                  ready for this weeks RV travel Club.

I’ve got a little over a month and a half to go (March 15) before I once again head on out for the summer.  With a little planning and dreaming, the next adventure will begin before you know it.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

2012-40 Tucson Arizona, ANNUAL TRAVEL EXPENSE REPORT

2012-40

Tucson Arizona

Desert Trails Rv Park  (Winter campsite)

view looking out front of my campsite

I’ve made it to my winter destination at Desert Trails Rv Park.  After settling in, I’m right next to the swimming pool which is a great spot, but I have had people occasionally walking through my campsite.  Kind of startling when I’m just relaxing reading a good book and suddenly someone walk right through my campsite.  I finally put up a sign letting folks know it’s not a pass-thru but a campsite.  Most folks understand that it’s rude to walk through someone’s campsite, but until they get used to where all the pass-through walkways are located in this quirky campground, they often end up taking the shortest route back to where ever they are going.

new patio area next to the swimming pool

All the clubs are starting up and I’ve committed to doing one called  the RV Travel Club.  We’ll be covering where to go, what to see, best campgrounds and best routes to take in each state.  Should be lots of fun.  I’m helping out the photo club get going as well, but don’t plan on being the lead throughout the winter as it would be just too much for me.  I’m enjoying the Writers Club and this wonderful group of writers and all their stories.

Since I’m settled in, it’s that time of year to review what the costs have been over the past summer.  The expenses cover my campsite, fuel (diesel) and misc. expenses which involve all those unexpected expenses like a new tire, insurance, health bills etc.  It does not cover my daily living expenses such as food and entertainment.  I hope the figures will help others who are thinking about traveling as a full-timer understand the costs of traveling as a full timer .  It should also be noted that I usually stayed at least a week If not longer in most locations and only traveled on average about 150 miles between campground/destinations.  That makes a huge difference on the daily/weekly and monthly expenses.

click on image to enlarge

If you are new to this Blog and have any questions regarding camping, please drop me a line.  My e-mail address is listed on the right hand sidebar.

2012-39 Lake Havasu Arizona

2012-39

Lake Havasu AZ

Campground:  Campbell Cove RV Resort, 1523 Industrial Blvd. Lake Havasu City AZ, 86403
Local: (928) 854-7200.  PA rate: $21.00, Normal Price: $42.00.  Nice park.  Back to back sites (site are close together), but you can pull thru if no one is in the other site.  Some pull thrus for very large rigs.  2 miles from center of town.  Spotty Verizon service as this is a roaming area for Verizon.

Campground:  Shady Lane Rv Park.  $17 full hookup.  Pull-thru sites.  gravel.  185 N hwy 95 Quartzsite AZ.  Last stop before reaching winter destination. Monthly rate:  $200 + electric.

Distance traveled:  55 miles

Somehow I thought the distance would be a bit further, so when I got to Lake Havasu after only about an hour I was really surprised.  The temperatures in the 90 degree range on this fall day and I’m having trouble relating to those up north who are already experiencing freezing weather.  The sun is so bright out here I’m having to wear sunglasses all the time.  My sister Dorothy sent me some wonderful pictures of all the fall color in her town of Whitehall Mich. and it got me in the mood to have some fall color in the camper.  So off to the Dollar store to buy some fall leaves (silk of course).  Made up a couple nice arrangements to remind me it really is fall.

London Bridge, the #2 attraction in Arizona

I was saved from having another time change as Arizonans don’t change their clock for the daylight saving change.

The local news has a big article about a flood control project our here.  The first phase has cost 4 million dollars to stop flooding along one of the many washes that run through this area.  Three big earthen reservoirs have been constructed.  The next phase will cost 6 million dollars to build concrete channels in the Horizon Six subdivision.  Imagine, they built a subdivision in a flood zone.  Then Dah, they realized that it would flood during any heavy rain.  Now did the subdivision or the developer have to pay for the ten million dollar diversion of water?  I think you know the answer.

numerous washes throughout the Lake Havasu City

It is a little hard to realize in this extremely dry desert area that one would have to worry about flooding.  But as I drive around the Lake Havasu area, I do notice very large and deep washes that indicate that when it does rain, the water runs right through this whole.  Those washes are like large dry river beds with deep gouges and walls of loose gravel and sand winding their way through this arid land.  The campground I’m in is actually a high peninsula with those washes defining each side, creating an island effect overlooking Lake Havasu.

I’m enjoying just living in this area for the week, without much touring.  The London Bridge and Lake Havasu being the major attractions in the area.  Doing my little chores like washing the truck, which was covered with bug doo doo splattered on the front grill, vacuuming and other household chores.  I’ve been working on a “water fountain” but so far I’ve come up with a couple snags.  The flower pot I planned to use leaks like a sieve and the pump doesn’t shoot up much water, so this is one project that needs a lot more work.

looking across Lake Havasu into California

It’s super windy out today and I’ll head out for my last leg of my journey south towards Tucson AZ, my winter destination.  This Blog will be fairly quiet for the next couple of months as I take the winter off and play in the desert.  It sure has been fun having everyone along on my journey for the past 8 months.  Wishing everyone a super great time as you explore your part of the world.

I invite you to explore the Blog and re-visit some of the past destinations.  A search at the top left corner of the blog is a great way to explore.  Simply type in the State you're interested in and all the articles that originated from that state will show up.  Or, click on the table of contents on the right hand side by Month and Year and explore that way.  If you're interested in pictures, go to the PICASA website and explore all the pictures associated with this Blog.

2012-38 Bullhead City Arizona

2012-38

Bullhead City Arizona
Bullhead City Arizona
Oatman Arizona

Campground:  Silver View RV Resort, 1501 Goldrush Rd, Bullhead City AZ, 86442. Local: (928) 763-5500 PA rate: $14.95 - $17.45, Normal Price: $29.90 - $34.90  Spectacular views of Laughlin and Bullhead City. Nice large and wide sites and pull-thrus.  Back-ins overlooking the river, high on the bluff are also prone to heavy winds. Full hookups, 50amp, cable tv.

Campground:  Snowbird Rv Park.  1600 Joy Lane,  Bullhead City AZ, 86426, Local: (928) 768-7141 PA rate: $15.00 + $2 cable tv, Normal $30.00 Sites are close together.  Older park.  Concrete patio, full hookup w/cable tv.

Distance traveled:  153 miles

The Colorado River and Laughlin NV

Heading south from Las Vegas on  hwy 95, I’m impressed by the scrub covering the dry desert valley.  It has rained in this area recently and the valley looks quite green.  I’ve even seen water standing on the flat desert sand as underneath is a hard packed ground that does not absorb any water.

Then heading east along hwy 163 the sharp craggy mountains have a quality unlike any I’ve seen elsewhere.  I really don’t know what it is.  The casual observer would probably think they all look pretty much the same.  But to me, there is something that attracts me to them.  The sharp edged mountain ridges, the sandy earthen color of the sloping sides dotted with desert ironwood and a few yucca’s and Joshua trees.  Views of canyons as the hwy descends over 2,000 feet down to Laughlin and  Bullhead City.  The Colorado River sparkling blue against the desert scenery.

Opps.  I went to set up at the Silver View Rv park today and after disconnecting the truck and camper, I couldn’t get the tail gate to go down.  Locked in place.  No way to remove the campers hitch over the top of the tailgate, so I reconnected everything and drove it all into the Chevy dealer.  One of the tailgate latches broke loose.  The only thing connecting it is a tiny piece of plastic which broke apart.  Imagine, a plastic piece that probably cost two cents to manufacture.  The service guy came out to the truck, assessed the problem, brought me into the parts department where we purchased the $9 part.  He then showed me how to install it, saving me a $100+ repair bill.  Nice guys.  Thanks Findlay Auto Center.

Went out for breakfast today.  I’ve been going to Subway’s as they make a breakfast sandwich out of egg whites.  I have them add ham, green peppers and onion and cheese making it basically a Western sandwich.  Really good and their Seattle’s Best coffee is great.  I asked the guy making my breakfast what his favorite sandwich was.  He said he rarely eats there, as he’s been working for them for 6 years and after making all those subs, doesn’t have an appetite for any of them.  Did you know they have a veggie patty that’s supposed to be pretty good as well.  I do try to eat healthy when I can.

Haven’t gone into the casino’s on the other side of the river in Laughlin.  Guess I’m burned out on seeing them all over Nevada in the past month.  I’m sure I’ll make it into one of them in the next couple of days.

Distance Traveled:  10 miles

Well that was a short trip.  The previous Passport America site would only let me stay 3 days, even though they had lots of space available.  So I moved down the road to an older park I’ve stayed in before, the Snowbird Rv park.  After setting up I went back to K-mart and spent my $5 gift card for signing up for their rewards card.  Got a 75 oz bottle of Xtra laundry detergent for $1.99 and a bag of Halloween candy discounted the day after Halloween.   Both for under $5.00.   Two great bargains and both free.  You know that’s my favorite price.

Being on the south end of Bullhead City, I’m very close to Oatman.  An old mining town that is on the original path of the famous Route 66.  Oatman is a great place for all you budding photographers and folks who enjoy seeing wild burros and a bit of the old west.  The tourist shops cater to the biker clubs and t-shirt lovers.  Later, after taking a bunch of photos and talking to the locals, none over enthusiastic by the way, I headed back into town and across the Colorado River to the Avi Casino for lunch.  The Restaurante Aviano
Is right next to the buffet which is not open for lunch.  Which worked to my advantage, as I probably wouldn’t have tried the Aviano as it looks and feels very upscale.  What I found is a great place for lunch with prices in the $6.95 range.  Wonderful breadsticks, pizza made to order, make your own sandwiches with very fresh ingredients and good service and salad bar.  So good I’m going back and trying one of their pasta dishes.  I don’t usually talk about restaurants all that much since I often eat at the most average of places.  This one was top notch and if you're in the Laughlin area, go a little further and eat at the Avi Casino.

Oatman AZ

I’ll head to Lake Havasu next then on into Tucson.  My final winter destination.

A final shout out to my sister Ann, wishing her many happy years in her new senior apartment.  Knowing she’s in a safe comfortable place at senior prices and surrounded by friends, starting a new chapter in her life brings a big smile to my face.  Nice to know we can all continue to change and enjoy life no matter what age.  PS, I’m two years younger than she is.

Moro photos on PICASA