OK, it’s Winter. I had to put on socks, shoes and long pants. There were a couple of rainy cold days and I needed more clothes. Now, that the record breaking torrential down pour in the desert has ended, I‘m back to shorts and t-shirts. I’m sure January will bring some more cooling weather but now that it’s warm enough for our daily bike ride I’m happier. We have the furnace turned down at night to 55° and it rarely turns on. For Karma’s morning walk (around 8:30), I try to stand in the sun as much as possible.
We have found 1 American food restaurant that we like and 1 Mexican restaurant that we love; so, eating out works for me. Surprise surprise, there are no oriental places. There are a lot of food vendors already set up with more to come in January. Vendors have snack type of offerings (corn dogs, tacos, lemonade, fried cheese curds (whatever they are), pie, etc.).
We have DirecTV installed with a portable dish/tripod. It was a challenge to figure out the setup and to get reception. The primary problem was getting the TV to the correct input mode. We had been provided a Satellite finder but returned it. Just doing it by hand is easier.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Day 187 (Quartzsite, AZ)
(Sorry, haven't posted in several weeks so this is a long backlog.)
We’ve been here now almost 2 weeks. What to say about Q, as they call it?
Interesting, unique, a bit wacky, a bit tacky – the frontage road on the south side of I-10 consists of 2% sticks and bricks businesses and 98% temporary vendors, here mainly for the winter RVers, and it looks like a big flea market. On the frontage road to the north (Main Street), you’ll find the majority of the town’s sticks and bricks businesses with about 25 % temporary vendors.
Most of the restaurants in town have the same meat and potatoes menu, with lots of fried food and a real scarcity of green vegetables. There are a few Mexican restaurants (some with no Mexican involvement at all so again a bit disappointing) - I guess I really should call them restaurants that serve ersatz Mexican food. There is one that qualifies as a Mexican restaurant and we like it – eat there several times a week – excellent chile verde and yummy beans), a pizza place called Silly Al’s (haven’t tried it yet) and 5 fast food franchises. Of course, there are lots of those temporary vendors selling food as well – but its just more of the same. There are a couple of small grocery stores, a dollar store and a Beall’s.
You get the idea!
We ride our bikes around and explore the permanent and the temporary parts of town. We’ve made a trip to Blythe CA – about 27 miles to the west (actually we had to have the truck towed there) - and another drive to Parker AZ about 35 miles to the north. Blythe has an Albertsons and Parker has a Safeway and a Basha’s (I’d never heard of it – it’s smaller than the Safeway). We have a trip planned to Lake Havasu City (about 75 miles north) where there’ll be more choices. We particularly want to find a Pet Smart and a health food store AND an off-leash dog park.
This is definitely not my cup of tea so, although we’ll enjoy our sojourn here (why ever not!), I can’t imagine ever making a second trip here. One of our goals in coming here was to learn more about RVing, get some upgrades and some repairs done.
We’ve already scheduled –
toilet repair, day/night shade repair, a fix for the truck/RV electrical hook-up that our person in Anchorage screwed up (which resulted in our having to have the truck towed to Blythe our first week here), and today we go to arrange our Satellite TV with DirecTV and DVR set-up.
We’ve yet to get out into the desert desert. Having gotten a fair amount of rain lately, the desert should be blooming. That should add to the allure of the place. In our RV park, many of our fellow residents here have elaborate Xmas light displays – also nice! And there have been some spectacular sunset - very nice!
We’ve been here now almost 2 weeks. What to say about Q, as they call it?
Interesting, unique, a bit wacky, a bit tacky – the frontage road on the south side of I-10 consists of 2% sticks and bricks businesses and 98% temporary vendors, here mainly for the winter RVers, and it looks like a big flea market. On the frontage road to the north (Main Street), you’ll find the majority of the town’s sticks and bricks businesses with about 25 % temporary vendors.
Most of the restaurants in town have the same meat and potatoes menu, with lots of fried food and a real scarcity of green vegetables. There are a few Mexican restaurants (some with no Mexican involvement at all so again a bit disappointing) - I guess I really should call them restaurants that serve ersatz Mexican food. There is one that qualifies as a Mexican restaurant and we like it – eat there several times a week – excellent chile verde and yummy beans), a pizza place called Silly Al’s (haven’t tried it yet) and 5 fast food franchises. Of course, there are lots of those temporary vendors selling food as well – but its just more of the same. There are a couple of small grocery stores, a dollar store and a Beall’s.
You get the idea!
We ride our bikes around and explore the permanent and the temporary parts of town. We’ve made a trip to Blythe CA – about 27 miles to the west (actually we had to have the truck towed there) - and another drive to Parker AZ about 35 miles to the north. Blythe has an Albertsons and Parker has a Safeway and a Basha’s (I’d never heard of it – it’s smaller than the Safeway). We have a trip planned to Lake Havasu City (about 75 miles north) where there’ll be more choices. We particularly want to find a Pet Smart and a health food store AND an off-leash dog park.
This is definitely not my cup of tea so, although we’ll enjoy our sojourn here (why ever not!), I can’t imagine ever making a second trip here. One of our goals in coming here was to learn more about RVing, get some upgrades and some repairs done.
We’ve already scheduled –
toilet repair, day/night shade repair, a fix for the truck/RV electrical hook-up that our person in Anchorage screwed up (which resulted in our having to have the truck towed to Blythe our first week here), and today we go to arrange our Satellite TV with DirecTV and DVR set-up.
We’ve yet to get out into the desert desert. Having gotten a fair amount of rain lately, the desert should be blooming. That should add to the allure of the place. In our RV park, many of our fellow residents here have elaborate Xmas light displays – also nice! And there have been some spectacular sunset - very nice!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Day 184 (Quartzsite, AZ)
Today is 6 months since we left Anchorage!!! We still love our home and are happy we ‘hit the road’.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Day 171 (Quartzsite, AZ)
Having toured the community in an hour yesterday (we drove very slow and had lunch too). We think we will like the quaintness and characters of the desert.
I got up early this morning to get to the local medical center early as the doctor is only in town 2 hours on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Well, the truck failed to start and had a “wrench” symbol. So, I got one of the bikes down and started pedaling. It was about 2 miles with a slight incline so a good cool morning for the ride. The doctor comes out of his Blythe, CA office and when his office told me he’d be there 8:30 to 10:30 it was California (Pacific time) not Arizona (Mountain time). So, I was first in line and an hour early and he was late anyway. So, I have met some of the other retired residents. They told me their stories as we waited for the doc and his staff to arrive.
I got up early this morning to get to the local medical center early as the doctor is only in town 2 hours on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Well, the truck failed to start and had a “wrench” symbol. So, I got one of the bikes down and started pedaling. It was about 2 miles with a slight incline so a good cool morning for the ride. The doctor comes out of his Blythe, CA office and when his office told me he’d be there 8:30 to 10:30 it was California (Pacific time) not Arizona (Mountain time). So, I was first in line and an hour early and he was late anyway. So, I have met some of the other retired residents. They told me their stories as we waited for the doc and his staff to arrive.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Day 169 (Quartzsite, AZ)
On the way from Yuma to Quartzsite, AZ at about 90 miles north of the Mexican border, we had to go through US customs. Seemed a little strange to be in the middle of nowhere, having not left America to be going through Customs. I will have to say compared to the Canadian and Northern US agents at least the questions asked this time seemed to make sense. Did we have anyone in the back and were we American citizens (passports were not requested)? Other than to appreciate our beautiful dog, they did not seem concerned about her health records.
We arrived in Quartzsite Dec. 1 and got settled in at Holiday Palms RV Park on Main Street. The park is rather - well, I guess, ‘plain’ is a good word but its appearance is helped by dozens of palm trees. There are lots and lots of full-time residents with elaborate set-ups adding outdoor ‘rooms’ and such. There are fake lawns everywhere.
OK, Quartzsite is small small small. Though when all of the other snow birds get here it is said to be a small city of RVs and “mature” (age-wise at least) citizens. The crowds are expected to peak around the start of January though it looks like others are coming in with us today.
We arrived in Quartzsite Dec. 1 and got settled in at Holiday Palms RV Park on Main Street. The park is rather - well, I guess, ‘plain’ is a good word but its appearance is helped by dozens of palm trees. There are lots and lots of full-time residents with elaborate set-ups adding outdoor ‘rooms’ and such. There are fake lawns everywhere.
OK, Quartzsite is small small small. Though when all of the other snow birds get here it is said to be a small city of RVs and “mature” (age-wise at least) citizens. The crowds are expected to peak around the start of January though it looks like others are coming in with us today.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Day 168 (Yuma, AZ)
We left San Diego on today and picked up I-8 a few miles from our RV Park and headed east. Four mountain passes (Laguna Summit elev. 4055’, Crestwood Summit elev. 4109’, Tecate Summit elev. 4140’, Mountain Springs Pass elev. 3241’) with high wind warnings kept us on our toes for the first 90 miles. We continue to be amazed by the variation in appearance/geological composition of the mountains we see – it boggles the mind (or, at least, MY mind). We must have met at least a hundred toy haulers apparently coming from the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area in the southeast corner of California. There were lines of them at rest areas waiting to use the RV dump stations courtesy of the Interstate system, I guess.
Things flattened out by the time we reached El Centro (about 10 miles from border with Mexico). Agriculture along the way included whatever you plant to get hay (bright green crops) and something in the cabbage family – thick, almost blue leaves.
Arrived in Yuma about 3:30 and got situated in an RV park on the outskirts of town. We don’t usually unhook for overnites but wanted to check Yuma out for future wintering – weren’t terribly impressed but we’ll drive down again while we’re here - it’s 85 miles from Quartzsite. Ate a very disappointing dinner at a Mexican restaurant – just proves being near Mexico doesn’t guarantee good Mexican food.
Planes Trains and Automobiles – Throughout Canada and our trip down the West coast, we have stayed in RV Parks adjacent to railroad tracks. Well-used RR tracks, I might add. Tonight we had a 1-night stand (so to speak) in Yuma, AZ and once again picked a railroad neighborhood. Added to that was Yuma International Airport and 2 highways that intersected out our front window.
We had hoped to be able to check out Yuma but only had a couple of hours to explore the area we were camped in. Yuma has an Olive Garden but not Costco and no Ford dealership. Overall we aren’t impressed yet. So we’ll, have to give it a little more time on down the road.
Things flattened out by the time we reached El Centro (about 10 miles from border with Mexico). Agriculture along the way included whatever you plant to get hay (bright green crops) and something in the cabbage family – thick, almost blue leaves.
Arrived in Yuma about 3:30 and got situated in an RV park on the outskirts of town. We don’t usually unhook for overnites but wanted to check Yuma out for future wintering – weren’t terribly impressed but we’ll drive down again while we’re here - it’s 85 miles from Quartzsite. Ate a very disappointing dinner at a Mexican restaurant – just proves being near Mexico doesn’t guarantee good Mexican food.
Planes Trains and Automobiles – Throughout Canada and our trip down the West coast, we have stayed in RV Parks adjacent to railroad tracks. Well-used RR tracks, I might add. Tonight we had a 1-night stand (so to speak) in Yuma, AZ and once again picked a railroad neighborhood. Added to that was Yuma International Airport and 2 highways that intersected out our front window.
We had hoped to be able to check out Yuma but only had a couple of hours to explore the area we were camped in. Yuma has an Olive Garden but not Costco and no Ford dealership. Overall we aren’t impressed yet. So we’ll, have to give it a little more time on down the road.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Day 165 (Santee, CA)
It’s time to start thinking about our 2 months in Quartzsite AZ. (By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about Q, click here: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/rv/Quartzsite.htm)
There is only one small grocery store there so some stocking up will be necessary. With a very small frig and freezer, most of the stocking up will be pantry-type items. The nearest full-sized grocery story is in Blythe CA about 25 miles away and a couple more in Parker AZ about 30 miles away.
Nights will be cooler than we’ve had so far so we’ll be tweaking this and that. For example: a warm bathmat, that Karma won’t be interested in eating, for those barefoot trips in the middle of the night.
We’ll need to dig out some warmer clothes than we’ve been wearing for the past 5 months (hard to believe it’s been that long) - nights can get into the mid-30’s in Quartzsite and, on occasion, drop below freezing!
And we need to stock up on books again. There’s been no substitute anywhere for our favorite used book store in Anchorage (Titlewave Books). We’ve gathered a few here and there at thrift stores but “pickins’ are slim”. I am so resistant to paying full price for new books.
(I do have a few book recommendations for anyone interested: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig, and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen . Just thought I’d throw that in - Boots)
There is only one small grocery store there so some stocking up will be necessary. With a very small frig and freezer, most of the stocking up will be pantry-type items. The nearest full-sized grocery story is in Blythe CA about 25 miles away and a couple more in Parker AZ about 30 miles away.
Nights will be cooler than we’ve had so far so we’ll be tweaking this and that. For example: a warm bathmat, that Karma won’t be interested in eating, for those barefoot trips in the middle of the night.
We’ll need to dig out some warmer clothes than we’ve been wearing for the past 5 months (hard to believe it’s been that long) - nights can get into the mid-30’s in Quartzsite and, on occasion, drop below freezing!
And we need to stock up on books again. There’s been no substitute anywhere for our favorite used book store in Anchorage (Titlewave Books). We’ve gathered a few here and there at thrift stores but “pickins’ are slim”. I am so resistant to paying full price for new books.
(I do have a few book recommendations for anyone interested: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig, and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen . Just thought I’d throw that in - Boots)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Day 159 (Santee, CA)
Well, after a lot of internet research we spent all day yesterday interviewing dog daycare facilities. None were of the quality of Anchorage’s own Dog Tired Day Care. We had found 4 in downtown San Diego to check out. Only 1 of these was up to our standards – but central San Diego is hard to navigate with traffic and narrow streets.
While doing the evaluations of them and them of Karma, we found a magazine – SDPets. And guess what? There’s a nationwide daycare organization (Camp Bow Wow) and a PetSmart PetsHotel in El Cajon, which is only a few miles away from the Santee Lakes RV Parks. So, Karma is back in school, at least for a few hours / a few days each week. The national aspects of these options means we’ll know ahead of time if there’s a facility on our travel path. For example, we want to spend some time in Austin, Texas. Knowing there are 2 Pet Smart Pets Hotels and 1 Camp Bow Wow will make it easier to exercise Karma and have time to do dog-free things without spending all that time researching the area for options.
After touring the day care sites, we took Karma back to Dog Beach for a run. She loves the waves and runs at top speed and leaps over them to retrieve the ball. She was so anxious to stay in the waves that at one point she squatted and pooped right there in the ocean - there wasn't a danged thing we could do but watch in horror; so much for a clean eco-system. There are a lot of other dogs and owners at the beach enjoying the sun and surf. After we drag her back to the truck, we rinse her with clear water, dry her and give her very own water bottle.
While doing the evaluations of them and them of Karma, we found a magazine – SDPets. And guess what? There’s a nationwide daycare organization (Camp Bow Wow) and a PetSmart PetsHotel in El Cajon, which is only a few miles away from the Santee Lakes RV Parks. So, Karma is back in school, at least for a few hours / a few days each week. The national aspects of these options means we’ll know ahead of time if there’s a facility on our travel path. For example, we want to spend some time in Austin, Texas. Knowing there are 2 Pet Smart Pets Hotels and 1 Camp Bow Wow will make it easier to exercise Karma and have time to do dog-free things without spending all that time researching the area for options.
After touring the day care sites, we took Karma back to Dog Beach for a run. She loves the waves and runs at top speed and leaps over them to retrieve the ball. She was so anxious to stay in the waves that at one point she squatted and pooped right there in the ocean - there wasn't a danged thing we could do but watch in horror; so much for a clean eco-system. There are a lot of other dogs and owners at the beach enjoying the sun and surf. After we drag her back to the truck, we rinse her with clear water, dry her and give her very own water bottle.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Day 154 (Santee, CA)
We are still ant-free! Hooray! Now we're thinking maybe we brought them with us from one of our one-night stopovers on the way from Coarsegold. We don't usually do the Borax thing for overnights unless we see ants. Big mistake apparently! (Ruthi said one of the orange trees in Bakersfield was touching the RV and that may have been their access point. If so, the Borax wouldn't have helped anyway.)
Well, now we can put San Diego back on our list of winter locations we like. It suits us on several levels. Santee is not a big, bustling town, which we like but, if we want excitement, it's 5 miles or less to various freeways into the city, the beaches and all sorts of great places to visit AND there's a trolley(station 3 miles away) that will get us to most of those locations, too.
The weather (when it's not being really unusual like it's been off and on since we got here!) is good. Actually, even though it's been much warmer than normal lately - over 90! - it's cool enough before 9:30 and after 4:30 to ride our bikes.
We'd be foolish not to be concerned about fires given what's going on in the L.A. area right now. But, at least, we're mobile, as long as there was advanced warning, which is not always the case. It's certainly something to ponder.
Well, now we can put San Diego back on our list of winter locations we like. It suits us on several levels. Santee is not a big, bustling town, which we like but, if we want excitement, it's 5 miles or less to various freeways into the city, the beaches and all sorts of great places to visit AND there's a trolley(station 3 miles away) that will get us to most of those locations, too.
The weather (when it's not being really unusual like it's been off and on since we got here!) is good. Actually, even though it's been much warmer than normal lately - over 90! - it's cool enough before 9:30 and after 4:30 to ride our bikes.
We'd be foolish not to be concerned about fires given what's going on in the L.A. area right now. But, at least, we're mobile, as long as there was advanced warning, which is not always the case. It's certainly something to ponder.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Day 149 (Santee, CA)
Finally, we have found a solution to the hordes of ANTS! The ant "stakes" did indeed attract ants and so far we are ant-free!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Day 148 (Santee, CA)
THE INVASION OF ANTS. We were sooooo spoiled in Alaska with few to no bugs. We have had a few encounters with ants, spiders, and tarantulas but the ants in San Diego have taxed all of our ECO solutions and we have had to resort to serious attacks.
First,we started with the amazing effective BORAX (or at least it was elsewhere) all around our RV and anything that touched rig, i.e., water hoses, electricity, cable, etc. Ants usually take the Borax back to their nest and everyone in the colony that eats it dies. That did not have the same successful results as before, so we moved to applying Vaseline to all surfaces that feed the rig, i.e., jacks and stabilizers. Vaseline is supposed to stop them from getting up the entry points. We then applied an ECO safe spray to all exterior storage areas, propane tanks, batteries, and other openings.
Still no relief and we can’t seem to figure out what they want. Since we once lived in the lower 48, we had already canned or plastic boxed all food stuffs. Ants are just running around the interior searching for who knows what. People here have suggested they seek water or something sweet. So, we keep looking at the sinks, toilets, shower, Pepsi re-cycle bag, etc., and find few ants there.
Sometimes we come back from outside activities and the ants have taken over the interior scrambling here and there to no discernable purpose or destination. The RV Park sprayed the campsite with a “safe” compound. But still ants are taking over our home and life. We stand at a wall or cabinet and kill, kill, kill ants – 50 in 10-15 minutes. Finally someone who has lived in the area forever, told us to get ant “stakes” and lay them around the rig. Off we went to the grocery stores in the area looking for “stakes.” They are really like ant hotels and can be stuck in the ground or laid flat on counters or in cubby holes. We have placed 10 “stakes” around the rig. Here’s hoping they work!!!!
First,we started with the amazing effective BORAX (or at least it was elsewhere) all around our RV and anything that touched rig, i.e., water hoses, electricity, cable, etc. Ants usually take the Borax back to their nest and everyone in the colony that eats it dies. That did not have the same successful results as before, so we moved to applying Vaseline to all surfaces that feed the rig, i.e., jacks and stabilizers. Vaseline is supposed to stop them from getting up the entry points. We then applied an ECO safe spray to all exterior storage areas, propane tanks, batteries, and other openings.
Still no relief and we can’t seem to figure out what they want. Since we once lived in the lower 48, we had already canned or plastic boxed all food stuffs. Ants are just running around the interior searching for who knows what. People here have suggested they seek water or something sweet. So, we keep looking at the sinks, toilets, shower, Pepsi re-cycle bag, etc., and find few ants there.
Sometimes we come back from outside activities and the ants have taken over the interior scrambling here and there to no discernable purpose or destination. The RV Park sprayed the campsite with a “safe” compound. But still ants are taking over our home and life. We stand at a wall or cabinet and kill, kill, kill ants – 50 in 10-15 minutes. Finally someone who has lived in the area forever, told us to get ant “stakes” and lay them around the rig. Off we went to the grocery stores in the area looking for “stakes.” They are really like ant hotels and can be stuck in the ground or laid flat on counters or in cubby holes. We have placed 10 “stakes” around the rig. Here’s hoping they work!!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Day 145 (Santee, CA)
Karma has met the ocean. We took her to an off-leash beach in San Diego. Like always she is very ball focused and really doesn't care who does the throwing. Since I forgot the "chucker" in the truck, the throws were not going far enough for her. So, she kept asking other humans on the beach with "chuckers" to throw her ball.
If the ball went out on a wave, off she went to retrieve it leaping over wave after wave in pursuit of her "prey." Luckily the water is shallow for a long ways out – but it kinda scared me when she showed no fear. She had been very timid at her pervious prior water exposures (a creek); so this bravery was a surprise.
Even though she has "swum" at her physical therapy sessions following her surgery this spring, she wasn't excited about swiming at the creek. Maybe she's only interested in salt water exercises.
If the ball went out on a wave, off she went to retrieve it leaping over wave after wave in pursuit of her "prey." Luckily the water is shallow for a long ways out – but it kinda scared me when she showed no fear. She had been very timid at her pervious prior water exposures (a creek); so this bravery was a surprise.
Even though she has "swum" at her physical therapy sessions following her surgery this spring, she wasn't excited about swiming at the creek. Maybe she's only interested in salt water exercises.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Day 144 (Santee, CA)
Well, the RV repair man only charged us $60 to locate and fix the problem - the internal power switch has inadvertently been pushed in and neither of us thought to check it. Did we feel dumb!!!
The election is over, which brought a huge sigh of relief along with quite a bit of rejoicing. We now have more time on our hands since we’re not so focused on following every bit of news that comes down the pipe. We’ve begun our daily bike rides around the park. We like what we’ve seen of Santee - lots of choices for shopping and for eating within 3 or 4 miles.
We’ve discovered that there’s a couple of off-leash dog parks, each about 7 miles away – one in El Cajon and one in La Mesa. Have we mentioned Karma LOVES off-leash dog parks and so, naturally, we do, too. We’ve been to both of them already.
Our only complaint is the ever present ant or hordes of ant. None of our usual methods have eliminated them; we’ve just slowed them down. Fortunately, they’re fairly harmless though extremely annoying.
The San Diego beaches are 20 – 25 miles away. It’s hotter than usual (again!) and is forecast to be 88 tomorrow. Seems like a day to head for the ocean.
The election is over, which brought a huge sigh of relief along with quite a bit of rejoicing. We now have more time on our hands since we’re not so focused on following every bit of news that comes down the pipe. We’ve begun our daily bike rides around the park. We like what we’ve seen of Santee - lots of choices for shopping and for eating within 3 or 4 miles.
We’ve discovered that there’s a couple of off-leash dog parks, each about 7 miles away – one in El Cajon and one in La Mesa. Have we mentioned Karma LOVES off-leash dog parks and so, naturally, we do, too. We’ve been to both of them already.
Our only complaint is the ever present ant or hordes of ant. None of our usual methods have eliminated them; we’ve just slowed them down. Fortunately, they’re fairly harmless though extremely annoying.
The San Diego beaches are 20 – 25 miles away. It’s hotter than usual (again!) and is forecast to be 88 tomorrow. Seems like a day to head for the ocean.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Day 139 (Santee, CA)
Only 76 miles to go today (this is a great way to travel!). We cut through the countryside for first 20 miles and then its I-15 to San Diego. It’s much hotter than is usual (this has happened to us repeatedly since entering CA in late June) but a few degrees cooler as we pull into Santee Lakes Regional Park. And it is a lovely park – it will be great for bike riding.
Karma thinks we are headed to an off-leash dog park and begins to ‘talk’ like crazy. In spite of being harnessed, she manages to get her front end down into the foot well and somehow takes 3 tennis balls out of the ‘let’s-play-ball’ bag. Poor dog, there is no ‘off-leash’ area here and, so far, we’ve been unable to locate one in a 15 mile radius. Guess we’ll have to venture farther afield.
We do only the absolute essentials of setting camp until it gets a bit cooler. The ceiling vent fans are running rather than the AC. We return from completing the set-up later on and find the fans are off. Closer inspection reveals that we have no 12 volt power at all! By the time we researched the problem a bit, it was too dark out to check whether it’s a battery problem. We did back the truck in close and re-connect to see if that changed anything - it didn’t. But we picked up a fuse puller and tester in town as well. It being a week-end, we don’t want to get ‘professional help’ if we can solve it ourselves.
Karma thinks we are headed to an off-leash dog park and begins to ‘talk’ like crazy. In spite of being harnessed, she manages to get her front end down into the foot well and somehow takes 3 tennis balls out of the ‘let’s-play-ball’ bag. Poor dog, there is no ‘off-leash’ area here and, so far, we’ve been unable to locate one in a 15 mile radius. Guess we’ll have to venture farther afield.
We do only the absolute essentials of setting camp until it gets a bit cooler. The ceiling vent fans are running rather than the AC. We return from completing the set-up later on and find the fans are off. Closer inspection reveals that we have no 12 volt power at all! By the time we researched the problem a bit, it was too dark out to check whether it’s a battery problem. We did back the truck in close and re-connect to see if that changed anything - it didn’t. But we picked up a fuse puller and tester in town as well. It being a week-end, we don’t want to get ‘professional help’ if we can solve it ourselves.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Day 138 (Hemet, CA)
Today we had another short day – 180 miles to Hemet CA and it was definitely not boring. We headed ESE out of Bakersfield through Tehachapi Pass (elev. 4064’), then south for a while (flat) then SE – all this was an effort to avoid I-5 and the dreaded Grapevine area. Our route took us to the east of L.A. before going further south – just as we got into the San Bernardino Mountains, we drove some dramatic landscape with incredible rock formations. I’m always amazed at how mountainous southern CA is. Gypsy (our GPS) “misguided” us as we passed through San Bernardino (she doesn’t realize we’re towing a 31’ long, 14,000 lb. RV) but a quick check of the map had us on an alternate route that worked our really well.
Because these were short driving days, we didn’t prep for them food-wise. The ‘orange grove’ was a bit remote and, since we don’t unhitch for overnight stays, we had to scrape dinner together – poor us! Fearing the same might be true in Hemet, we watched for one of those rare occasions when you can find a restaurant that’s easy on/easy off the highway and RV accessible. Not having found one as we got close to our destination, we grabbed on opportunity to pull to the side of the street and take turns running into fast food places to buy both lunch and dinner. We arrived at our RV Park to find it in walking distance of several eateries. I think, in future, we should ask about such things when making a reservation. But we did walk to one of them for breakfast in the morning.
This RV Park was largely a retirement village with lots of park models. It was beautifully landscaped with lots of amenities and, naturally a bit expensive.
Because these were short driving days, we didn’t prep for them food-wise. The ‘orange grove’ was a bit remote and, since we don’t unhitch for overnight stays, we had to scrape dinner together – poor us! Fearing the same might be true in Hemet, we watched for one of those rare occasions when you can find a restaurant that’s easy on/easy off the highway and RV accessible. Not having found one as we got close to our destination, we grabbed on opportunity to pull to the side of the street and take turns running into fast food places to buy both lunch and dinner. We arrived at our RV Park to find it in walking distance of several eateries. I think, in future, we should ask about such things when making a reservation. But we did walk to one of them for breakfast in the morning.
This RV Park was largely a retirement village with lots of park models. It was beautifully landscaped with lots of amenities and, naturally a bit expensive.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Day 137 (Coarsegold, CA)
We left Park of the Sierras this morning for a short day of driving to reach Bakersfield (only 150 miles). 30 or so miles down CA 41 to Fresno where we picked up CA 99 South. I must say it was a fairly boring drive from that point – we left gorgeous rolling hills (in Coarsegold) to drive through flat, bleak, odiferous (cow mostly) areas, with lots of very dusty winds thrown in for the last 60 or so miles.
Fortunately our RV Park was a bit of an oasis – built in an orange grove! Every space had 2 or 3 orange trees loaded with fruit. It rained quite a bit during the night-only our second real rain since Whitehorse YK in June. In the a.m., there was no indication that it had rained – completely soaked into that dry, dry soil.
Fortunately our RV Park was a bit of an oasis – built in an orange grove! Every space had 2 or 3 orange trees loaded with fruit. It rained quite a bit during the night-only our second real rain since Whitehorse YK in June. In the a.m., there was no indication that it had rained – completely soaked into that dry, dry soil.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Day 132 (Coarsegold, CA)
(Coarsegold, CA): While it has definitely cooled off in the past couple of days, the prediction is to be back around the 80’s in a couple of days. If I have to wear shoes (instead of flip flops) it will be too cold for me. Jeans, and maybe a light jacket, in the morning (to walk the dog) is as cool as I would like it.
The park we are in is a membership / co-op built into the foothills of Yosemite. It’s nice but too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter (they get snow –ugh). The spaces are well designed and have a lot of high dessert vegetation and critters (snakes and tarantulas – both big on OUR list). There is even a dog park of sorts – dry, dusty acreage on a hill. Karma loves it – being free with a ball – what more could she want.
But the “small town” atmosphere of everyone knowing everyone would drive me nuts. I like the anonymity of the big city. Seeing new places and meeting new people that’s good; what’s bad is getting shoddy service but not knowing it for miles (or hundreds of miles). I got my bike’s flat tires repaired just before we left Quincy. Then 2 days later when I took it down off the rack, they were flat again.
Now that we are on our own agenda – granddaughter is back in Alaska after her month at OTIS (in LA) this summer. We spent 6 weeks bonding with the 3, almost 4, year old grandson in Quincy CA. Now we need to figure out our routines.
The park we are in is a membership / co-op built into the foothills of Yosemite. It’s nice but too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter (they get snow –ugh). The spaces are well designed and have a lot of high dessert vegetation and critters (snakes and tarantulas – both big on OUR list). There is even a dog park of sorts – dry, dusty acreage on a hill. Karma loves it – being free with a ball – what more could she want.
But the “small town” atmosphere of everyone knowing everyone would drive me nuts. I like the anonymity of the big city. Seeing new places and meeting new people that’s good; what’s bad is getting shoddy service but not knowing it for miles (or hundreds of miles). I got my bike’s flat tires repaired just before we left Quincy. Then 2 days later when I took it down off the rack, they were flat again.
Now that we are on our own agenda – granddaughter is back in Alaska after her month at OTIS (in LA) this summer. We spent 6 weeks bonding with the 3, almost 4, year old grandson in Quincy CA. Now we need to figure out our routines.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Day 110 (Coarsegold, CA)
(Coarsegold, CA): Now, we are in the foothills of the Yosemite for a month in a co-op SKP (Escapes) park (about 40 miles NE of Fresno CA). They have done a great job of fitting the sites into the natural landscape.
Drove up (8,000 feet) to Yosemite National Park and back down (2,000 feet) in one day. The trip up via Routes 41, 49, 140 was picturesque but scary in that it was again straight down on the side of the road. Lots and lots of rock going up and wonderful large trees in their Fall colors (red, yellow, orange) coming down. Some rocks were as big or bigger than houses.
Drove up (8,000 feet) to Yosemite National Park and back down (2,000 feet) in one day. The trip up via Routes 41, 49, 140 was picturesque but scary in that it was again straight down on the side of the road. Lots and lots of rock going up and wonderful large trees in their Fall colors (red, yellow, orange) coming down. Some rocks were as big or bigger than houses.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Day 109 (Delhi, CA)
(Delhi, CA): not pronounced like Delhi India but like Del Hi. Nice camp ground but we were only there over night. Then to a truck stop car wash to get the grime off.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Day 105 (Auburn, CA)
(Auburn, CA): RV driving school - really got a lot out of it. We learn better if we have some time to practice/try things out. So after our 4,000 miles the instructor was able to focus on the major problem - backing up (straight and into RV park spaces). It was well worth it. He gave us directed practice and showed us the tricks to backing up (straight and into sites). We haven’t had any chances to try the tricks since class but we have gained valuable confidence in maneuvering the rig.
Besides we needed to have a “bumper” welded on to the back frame so we could mount our new bike rack. He sent us to his welder and we were able to get it done ASAP.
Besides we needed to have a “bumper” welded on to the back frame so we could mount our new bike rack. He sent us to his welder and we were able to get it done ASAP.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Day 103 (Verdi, NV)
(Verdi, NV): Another casino – oh, oh. We have found that this full-time RVing isn't quite as free-flowing as we thought. Without reservations, you are stuck. With the temperatures in California in the 90's and 100's we have been a little more rigid. Next Spring we are heading East for our tour of family and "old" haunts (NY and Boston). Then back to see son/family (Quincy CA) and then South West for Winter. At least that's what we think today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Day 56 (Quincy, CA)
(Quincy, CA): Just outside the metropolis of Quincy California, population 5000. Very nice wooded campsite, concrete patio pad, with a river (inaccessible though) on one side and a really nice bike trail on the other. Now that Boots has a bike from the local bike shop, we are getting in a lot of bike riding around town, back and forth to John’s or just to pick up the Sacramento Bee each morning. In the other direction the bike trail goes to Feather River Community College. They have an equestrian program and the trail goes along beside the horse corral/pen so a nice ride that way as well.
We got a “Walky Dog” attachment for the bike to have Karma run along side without getting in the way. It also helps that she sometimes likes to pull us along.
Well, Karma has recovered from the 14-day 3,600 mile rush to LA. Ginger is a regular in her breakfast (and dinner if we have day-long trips on the agenda). Once we settle in a new RV Park she is right at home looking for the nearest Dog Park. We have found a couple of great parks both in the RV parks and the nearby cities.
What she can’t figure out is why we only stay at the parks for an hour. She keeps looking for Dog Tired Daycare staff to materialize out of the bushes. Though she is totally worn out from chasing, being chased and playing catch; she wants to rest and then go back at it.
With her black coat, she is having a struggle with the high temperatures (90s and 100s). We have found a river/creek that she can explore and get cooled off in. A few more visits and she should be swimming with the best of them.
The big news is - she has fallen in love. The object of her adoration is Boots’ 3, almost 4, year old grandson (Bodhi). She is very gentle with him and he is warming up to her. Bodhi’s prior experiences with dogs were of the outdoor type, not family pet – sleep-in-my-bed, kiss-my-face type. So, he is a little tentative with her.
Karma thinks he is the best thing to come into her life. She wants to sit by him even if he’s not eating. She will drop the ball or Frisbee at his feet over and over again, no matter how many times he asks her to “sit” and then throws it out for her to go get. Karma has finally found her “boy.” Bodhi bought her some treats and a rawhide bone confirming the love goes both ways. He and I are working on practicing having Karma on leash with him thinking he’s in control. If you recall Karma is a little leash adverse so this will be a real test of her love and my strength. Anyway, it is a joy to watch them play.
Quincy is a great little town. We are regulars (along with Bodhi and his parents) at Pangaea for lunch and dinner and the Morning Thunder Cafe for breakfast.
We enjoy reading the small town papers. Here's some information from the “Law and Order” page of Feather River Bulletin :
1) “Trying to Paint Him into A Coroner”; In Quincy at American Valley Aviation, a caller reported that someone placed a rag with turpentine over his air vent while he was in a paint booth.
2) From CHP; Dana Wells, 19, of Quincy was travelling East bound on Highway 70 near Locke Avenue at approximately 22-23 MPH, When Steve Shores, 30, also of Quincy overtook her at a stated speed of 25 MPH. Shores failed to notice he was traveling faster than Wells and struck the rear of her car.
3) “Not Stranded”; In Lake Almanor, a caller reported her husband was out on the lake in an aluminum fishing boat and he was stranded. Information was given to an officer who was enroute back to the lake to assist him. The caller called back to cancel, she advised that her husband wasn’t stranded just fishing.
We got a “Walky Dog” attachment for the bike to have Karma run along side without getting in the way. It also helps that she sometimes likes to pull us along.
Well, Karma has recovered from the 14-day 3,600 mile rush to LA. Ginger is a regular in her breakfast (and dinner if we have day-long trips on the agenda). Once we settle in a new RV Park she is right at home looking for the nearest Dog Park. We have found a couple of great parks both in the RV parks and the nearby cities.
What she can’t figure out is why we only stay at the parks for an hour. She keeps looking for Dog Tired Daycare staff to materialize out of the bushes. Though she is totally worn out from chasing, being chased and playing catch; she wants to rest and then go back at it.
With her black coat, she is having a struggle with the high temperatures (90s and 100s). We have found a river/creek that she can explore and get cooled off in. A few more visits and she should be swimming with the best of them.
The big news is - she has fallen in love. The object of her adoration is Boots’ 3, almost 4, year old grandson (Bodhi). She is very gentle with him and he is warming up to her. Bodhi’s prior experiences with dogs were of the outdoor type, not family pet – sleep-in-my-bed, kiss-my-face type. So, he is a little tentative with her.
Karma thinks he is the best thing to come into her life. She wants to sit by him even if he’s not eating. She will drop the ball or Frisbee at his feet over and over again, no matter how many times he asks her to “sit” and then throws it out for her to go get. Karma has finally found her “boy.” Bodhi bought her some treats and a rawhide bone confirming the love goes both ways. He and I are working on practicing having Karma on leash with him thinking he’s in control. If you recall Karma is a little leash adverse so this will be a real test of her love and my strength. Anyway, it is a joy to watch them play.
Quincy is a great little town. We are regulars (along with Bodhi and his parents) at Pangaea for lunch and dinner and the Morning Thunder Cafe for breakfast.
We enjoy reading the small town papers. Here's some information from the “Law and Order” page of Feather River Bulletin :
1) “Trying to Paint Him into A Coroner”; In Quincy at American Valley Aviation, a caller reported that someone placed a rag with turpentine over his air vent while he was in a paint booth.
2) From CHP; Dana Wells, 19, of Quincy was travelling East bound on Highway 70 near Locke Avenue at approximately 22-23 MPH, When Steve Shores, 30, also of Quincy overtook her at a stated speed of 25 MPH. Shores failed to notice he was traveling faster than Wells and struck the rear of her car.
3) “Not Stranded”; In Lake Almanor, a caller reported her husband was out on the lake in an aluminum fishing boat and he was stranded. Information was given to an officer who was enroute back to the lake to assist him. The caller called back to cancel, she advised that her husband wasn’t stranded just fishing.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Day 54 (Minden, NV)
(Minden, NV): We are here for 2 nights of giving money to the casino and gaming commissions. Every casino looks the same. Dark - no natural light, loud, smoky, and takes my money every time. We try think of it like going to the movies - tickets, popcorn, drink, etc.(entertainment). But we could easily just keep betting. Living in Nevada is not going to happen.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 53 (Lee Vining, CA)
(Lee Vining, CA):
The first half of today's drive was 'inetersting' - one of those roads where you can see 7 - 10 miles ahead with intriguing landscape. A solar farm, tons of hay bales stacked nest to highway with no sign anywhere of hay fields, and some fairly bleak looking little towns. Also saw what appeared to be burned, ragged stones/small boulders. We later learned this was volcanic rock.
Then we got into mountains and were amazed by the variety of composition(?) - different colors, different kinds of stone.
Passed salt flats, incredible colors in lakes and rivers, and some quaint small towns. But it was too hot to stop plus there were no easy places to pull over in these towns. Temps were in upper 90's so Boots was not a happy camper when stopping was a necessity, which of course is was on several occasions.
About 50 miles before our destination, the temps dropped into upper 70's/low 80's. Lee Vining is a tiny (also quaint) community in the high Sierra Mountains. The RV park is across the highway from Mono Lake - gorgeous, gorgeous blue water.
Unlike the Canadian Rockies, these mountain roads had white lines, shoulders, guard rails, land on the other side of the guard rails, and subtle curves and declines - whew. Of course, we were going so slow we created our own parades.
The first half of today's drive was 'inetersting' - one of those roads where you can see 7 - 10 miles ahead with intriguing landscape. A solar farm, tons of hay bales stacked nest to highway with no sign anywhere of hay fields, and some fairly bleak looking little towns. Also saw what appeared to be burned, ragged stones/small boulders. We later learned this was volcanic rock.
Then we got into mountains and were amazed by the variety of composition(?) - different colors, different kinds of stone.
Passed salt flats, incredible colors in lakes and rivers, and some quaint small towns. But it was too hot to stop plus there were no easy places to pull over in these towns. Temps were in upper 90's so Boots was not a happy camper when stopping was a necessity, which of course is was on several occasions.
About 50 miles before our destination, the temps dropped into upper 70's/low 80's. Lee Vining is a tiny (also quaint) community in the high Sierra Mountains. The RV park is across the highway from Mono Lake - gorgeous, gorgeous blue water.
Unlike the Canadian Rockies, these mountain roads had white lines, shoulders, guard rails, land on the other side of the guard rails, and subtle curves and declines - whew. Of course, we were going so slow we created our own parades.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 52 (Victorville, CA)
(Victorville, CA): August 6 The brakes were indeed "shot" and needed to be replaced, which took a little longer than we had planned on. We didn't leave Ventura until about 4 pm and had no idea where we might stay for the night. Looked in on the Camperworld in Castaic but parking lot was filled already. We kept driving and checking for a RV-friendly WalMart. It was really too hot to stop until at least sunset as we would have no electric hook-up and therefore no air conditioning. We wound up on the edge of the Mojave Desert in Victorville CA. It was our first night driving with the RV in tow and our first Wally parking lot stay and (panic!?) there were no other RVs there. In spite of our anxiety about what that might mean, we stayed. And were thrilled to verify that we could put out the slides, run the overhead fans, etc. It was only about an hour before the cool temps of the nighttime desert set in anyway.
Up early to head up 395 through miles and miles of desert. The price of gas was the lowest we have seen in the trip.
Up early to head up 395 through miles and miles of desert. The price of gas was the lowest we have seen in the trip.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day 51 (Ventura, CA)
(Ventura, CA): We start our trip to Quincy Ca tomorrow. We’ll see how towing affects the numbers. Actually, we'll be making a detour into Ventura to Bill's RV (he appeared regularly on the RV Today TV show). We have various things for them to look at, including the brakes. There were moments of concern on the trip down that they might need work.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Day 21 (Santa Paula, CA)
(Santa Paula, CA): The heat finally outdid our air conditioner and we found another RV Park WITH TREES. The temps is a bit lower here as well. Boots thinks she might survive now. The RV Pk has a laundry, lemon orchards all around, nice areas for walking Karma, so it's a huge improvement. The camp ground is full of full-timers – or the employed might be a better way of describing the other residents. We are finding a lot of people who are RVing to the locally available jobs. This is the most expensive spot so far. Probably because it’s private and in the LA area. Santa Paula is a small but nice town. It’s not far from Oxnard and Ventura so we have city-fixes. For those of you who don't know, Ventura is on the ocean so temps there are great.
We are just now recovering from the 14 day drive down (and Hell Canyon!). After Kassie finishes her college session and returns to Alaska, we will begin travelling in earnest. We will probably get out of the West and travel to family this fall or next spring. We want to sort of hopscotch across America - drive 1-3 days and stay for 20-30; drive 1-3 days and stay for 20-30, etc. So we aren’t sure if it fits in this fall or next spring.
We don’t have our TV on satellite yet and our internet air-card coverage is spotty in the high canyon campgrounds. So, we are reading a lot and working on our plans.
We left Alaska with diesel $5.79 and our mileage at 10.3. I’m not even going to talk about the details in Canada. But today we paid $4.59 and are getting 13.7 miles to the gallon. For the last month we have been stationary.
We are just now recovering from the 14 day drive down (and Hell Canyon!). After Kassie finishes her college session and returns to Alaska, we will begin travelling in earnest. We will probably get out of the West and travel to family this fall or next spring. We want to sort of hopscotch across America - drive 1-3 days and stay for 20-30; drive 1-3 days and stay for 20-30, etc. So we aren’t sure if it fits in this fall or next spring.
We don’t have our TV on satellite yet and our internet air-card coverage is spotty in the high canyon campgrounds. So, we are reading a lot and working on our plans.
We left Alaska with diesel $5.79 and our mileage at 10.3. I’m not even going to talk about the details in Canada. But today we paid $4.59 and are getting 13.7 miles to the gallon. For the last month we have been stationary.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Day 15 (Tapo Canyon, CA)
(Tapo Canyon, CA): Just outside of Simi Valley in a county park. Due to prior years’ fires, there are few trees and intense heat!. A concrete slab surrounded by dirt. Only 3 other RV's there. By the time we backed in *^!@&#!, and set up, Boots totally lost it - an hour long crying jag. She calls it "Hell Canyon". It's so not our ideal spot!!!
Weak phone coverage and no WIFI access via the Air Card. Our refrigerator has not been able to keep our food cold in these temps so all mayo, milk products, etc are gone. The freezer is useless. Daily trips to buy bags of ice are necessary. We do everything necessary to minimize heat getting in but it's a losing battle. The one saving grace is that nights are cool. We don't even mind being awakened by the coyote kill/celebration routine around 2 every morning.
We do like the town of Simi Valley - 3 miles down a windy road. Easy to find what we needed – public transportation to LAX (getting Kassie), easy driving (oxymoron in LA traffic) into LA (to check out school and then drop Kassie off), food, movies, etc.
Gas costs spreadsheet for 14 days from Anchorage Alsaka to Los Angeles California available upon request.
Weak phone coverage and no WIFI access via the Air Card. Our refrigerator has not been able to keep our food cold in these temps so all mayo, milk products, etc are gone. The freezer is useless. Daily trips to buy bags of ice are necessary. We do everything necessary to minimize heat getting in but it's a losing battle. The one saving grace is that nights are cool. We don't even mind being awakened by the coyote kill/celebration routine around 2 every morning.
We do like the town of Simi Valley - 3 miles down a windy road. Easy to find what we needed – public transportation to LAX (getting Kassie), easy driving (oxymoron in LA traffic) into LA (to check out school and then drop Kassie off), food, movies, etc.
Gas costs spreadsheet for 14 days from Anchorage Alsaka to Los Angeles California available upon request.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Day 14 (Kettleman City, CA)
(Kettleman City, CA): Desolate, bleak, sad - we got in late, office closed so we spent too much time trying to figure out which space was moderately level and also had working hook-ups. We were able to miss any snakes but the gopher holes everywhere were a bit disconcerting.
From here to LA, straight down to the part of 5 that is called the Grape Vine. Very steep and curvy around Santa Clarita. Motorists advised to turn air conditioners off - Boots loved that part.
From here to LA, straight down to the part of 5 that is called the Grape Vine. Very steep and curvy around Santa Clarita. Motorists advised to turn air conditioners off - Boots loved that part.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Day 13 (Oroville, CA):
(Oroville, CA): We're at River Reflections RV Park. John and Bodhi have been to visit. Bodhi was full of questions about our 'house'.
He thought Karma would be smaller. He remembered her from the webcam calls.
We're going to make a stop between here and L.A. but there's not much to choose from along that section of I-5. It's also a very boring area!
Just driving and driving and driving.
He thought Karma would be smaller. He remembered her from the webcam calls.
We're going to make a stop between here and L.A. but there's not much to choose from along that section of I-5. It's also a very boring area!
Just driving and driving and driving.
Friday, June 27, 2008
DAY 12 (Red Bluff CA)
(Red Bluff CA): Another nice RV Park but it was in the upper 90's as we were getting set up, which was truly awful. Have I mentioned Boots hates temps over 78!! She's not happy that we'll have days and days of these temps ahead. The smoke was annoying but not a problem.
We'll be able to have a leisurely start to our day since the park is a short straight road down to Oroville to meet up with son/grandson for visit. Bodhi (3 yo) thought Karma would be smaller. He remembered her from the webcam calls.
Other observations – The fires are surrounding Oroville so the smoke is pretty thick here. Though I can’t smell the fires, Boots can.
Karma checked out the Feather River tonight.
We'll be able to have a leisurely start to our day since the park is a short straight road down to Oroville to meet up with son/grandson for visit. Bodhi (3 yo) thought Karma would be smaller. He remembered her from the webcam calls.
Other observations – The fires are surrounding Oroville so the smoke is pretty thick here. Though I can’t smell the fires, Boots can.
Karma checked out the Feather River tonight.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
DAY 11 (Springfield OR)
(Springfield OR): OK, more twist and turns through Southern Oregon and Northern California. Again, we are moving to somewhat flatter, straighter roads!!!
As we head south on I-5, the fires are just west of us. The smoke blocks the sun. Otherwise, the 99° would be even hotter. We will need to acclimate pretty soon or we’ll melt.
Karma is going to need to be groomed with a shorter cut to endure this heat.
As we head south on I-5, the fires are just west of us. The smoke blocks the sun. Otherwise, the 99° would be even hotter. We will need to acclimate pretty soon or we’ll melt.
Karma is going to need to be groomed with a shorter cut to endure this heat.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
DAY 10 (Rochester WA)
(Rochester WA): Now that we are stateside there is less new/exciting to report. Biggest excitement today - finding a gas station with diesel that was assessible to a 45' rig. We wound up driving around Seattle (near 405) for 20 minutes or so before finding one. A problem we had not encountered before.
When we get to LA we’ll try to set up a blog that you can read at your leisure or not and save filling your email box. Then Boots can added her perspective.
Other observations – Portland rush hour is more bearable than Seattle’s. I think 205 does a better job missing the commuter in Portland than does 405 in Seattle.
Karma was able to play ball at the Rochester RV Park. That’s the first time since the beginning of April. Was she ever thrilled. She carried her ball back from the dog run by herself. This dog run was not as big but did allow her to run and run!
Even though we had washed tons of muck off the RV in Whitehorse, it was still pretty dirty. There was a truck wash near the RV park so we spent a couple of hours there, in line with the 18 wheelers and one other RVer, and got cleaned up.
When we get to LA we’ll try to set up a blog that you can read at your leisure or not and save filling your email box. Then Boots can added her perspective.
Other observations – Portland rush hour is more bearable than Seattle’s. I think 205 does a better job missing the commuter in Portland than does 405 in Seattle.
Karma was able to play ball at the Rochester RV Park. That’s the first time since the beginning of April. Was she ever thrilled. She carried her ball back from the dog run by herself. This dog run was not as big but did allow her to run and run!
Even though we had washed tons of muck off the RV in Whitehorse, it was still pretty dirty. There was a truck wash near the RV park so we spent a couple of hours there, in line with the 18 wheelers and one other RVer, and got cleaned up.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
DAY 9 (Hope BC):
(Hope BC): Goal was cross back into US. Interesting about the custom agents (CA) at both ends. Canadian CA asked: did we own guns-no, did we have guns-no, did we have Mace or pepper spray-no, did we have a Taser-no, did we have knives -yes, kitchen ones, did we have any self defense mechanism-no (we thought our personalities were enough). I guess he thought we needed protection from the people, vegetation or wildlife. American CA asked: did we buy any fruit while in Canada-yes, cherries, blue berries, and bananas. That was it.
Then we entered the US and began the real lesson in driving a 45 foot rig in super highway mode (50-60 mph). Tried to stay on the far right lane but with merging traffic there were a few panics. Boots thought this was bad but she was in the navigator seat. I thought it had its moments but over all was ok. I guess because I remember driving these types of roads and it seemed more usual than the mountain edges. Also, no height issues to deal with.
Other observations – no one gives an inch in rush hour traffic. Again trains, Karma doesn’t seem to mind. Karma is back to her usual self.
Then we entered the US and began the real lesson in driving a 45 foot rig in super highway mode (50-60 mph). Tried to stay on the far right lane but with merging traffic there were a few panics. Boots thought this was bad but she was in the navigator seat. I thought it had its moments but over all was ok. I guess because I remember driving these types of roads and it seemed more usual than the mountain edges. Also, no height issues to deal with.
Other observations – no one gives an inch in rush hour traffic. Again trains, Karma doesn’t seem to mind. Karma is back to her usual self.
Monday, June 23, 2008
DAY 8 (Quesnel BC):
(Quesnel BC): Goal was to get near US border. We thought we were past the narrow mountain ups and downs. Not so, it was the very worst today. Boots drove most of the way. I’m not sure which is worse, driving with fear or sitting there with terror. We are now searching for the flattest straightest road from LA to Alabama and beyond. We may never go “up” again because that means we need to come “down” at some point.
Nice RV park on a lake - Boots really liked it, I wasn't very impressed - inconsiderate pet owners and geese everywhere.
Other observations – No wild life to speak of today or we were too afraid to take our eyes off the road to check. Again train throughout the night.
Ginger seems to have done the trick. Karma is even putting her head out the window.
Nice RV park on a lake - Boots really liked it, I wasn't very impressed - inconsiderate pet owners and geese everywhere.
Other observations – No wild life to speak of today or we were too afraid to take our eyes off the road to check. Again train throughout the night.
Ginger seems to have done the trick. Karma is even putting her head out the window.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
DAY 7 (Caron Creek BC):
(Caron Creek BC): Goal: slow, relaxing day – we met that. Hardly any traffic today until we hit the cities. Now we have a 4 lane highway most of the time. So, we are learning how to negotiate the city quirks. Less wildlife today – see below. From the time we left camp until 2 ½ hours of winding roads, we did not have the power cord connected to the 5th wheel. This means we had no lights but worse still we had no breaking control. Once we discovered our dilemma, we crawled for the next 6 miles looking for somewhere to safely pull off and solve the problem. Yikes!!!! When we left Anchorage, I hadn’t secured the plug tightly. What with all the bouncing up and down it had jiggled it self loose. So, we survived and learned another lesson. Cell service still on/off but no air card.
We pulled into RV park early. The first attractive, green, welcoming park since Tok. We put up the awning for the first time since leaving Alaska, did some laundry and used the parks showers - incredible. Roomy, lots of water pressure - it was heaven!
Other observations – Little to no traffic until we hit the “cities.” We saw a peregrine falcon, llamas, waterfalls, lots of iris, lupine, and dead black fir trees (someone told us why but we have forgotten) and lots of farm land. We were camped near the rail and trains seem to run very regularly but we were too tired to care.
We gave Karma ginger today which seems to have helped. We think besides the stress, she gets car sick – no throwing up but you see she was “green around the gills” so to speak. We are hoping this will work.
We pulled into RV park early. The first attractive, green, welcoming park since Tok. We put up the awning for the first time since leaving Alaska, did some laundry and used the parks showers - incredible. Roomy, lots of water pressure - it was heaven!
Other observations – Little to no traffic until we hit the “cities.” We saw a peregrine falcon, llamas, waterfalls, lots of iris, lupine, and dead black fir trees (someone told us why but we have forgotten) and lots of farm land. We were camped near the rail and trains seem to run very regularly but we were too tired to care.
We gave Karma ginger today which seems to have helped. We think besides the stress, she gets car sick – no throwing up but you see she was “green around the gills” so to speak. We are hoping this will work.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
DAY 6 (Sikanni BC)
(Sikanni BC): Goal: not hit any of the wildlife. Roads better and better closer to civilization. Today had a few scary sections but the sections only last a few miles (2 to 10). As has been our pattern, we set up camp, ate dinner, checked Milepost to set a destination for tomorrow and see where the potential fuel stops would be, then fell into bed.
Other observations – more traffic today because it’s Saturday or we’re closer to the few cities up this far north. No live wildlife today, except a dead moose on the side of the road. Couldn’t tell if it died of natural causes or was hit by a vehicle. Sad that it wasn’t harvested and just left to rot.
As noted before, we are using the Milepost as our guide on this trip. It is extremely helpful in so many ways, such as knowing when a rest stop or a 'pull-out' is coming up. You definitely have to be prepared when pulling the rig off the road. There is only 1 little quirk for traveling South. You have to read it backwards – bottom right to upper left. A little like Hebrew. I think they should do like manuals in multiple languages do – Front to Back North bound; turn it over and it’s Front to Back South Bound. (Boots tore the sections out and stapled them together backwards, which helped some. We'd finish a section and toss it.)
There also seem to be more campgrounds, services, etc. for the Northbound traffic side. Hmm. Cell service is on/off again today. Not able to use my “air card” at all and camps’ WIFI is not very effective.
Other observations – more traffic today because it’s Saturday or we’re closer to the few cities up this far north. No live wildlife today, except a dead moose on the side of the road. Couldn’t tell if it died of natural causes or was hit by a vehicle. Sad that it wasn’t harvested and just left to rot.
As noted before, we are using the Milepost as our guide on this trip. It is extremely helpful in so many ways, such as knowing when a rest stop or a 'pull-out' is coming up. You definitely have to be prepared when pulling the rig off the road. There is only 1 little quirk for traveling South. You have to read it backwards – bottom right to upper left. A little like Hebrew. I think they should do like manuals in multiple languages do – Front to Back North bound; turn it over and it’s Front to Back South Bound. (Boots tore the sections out and stapled them together backwards, which helped some. We'd finish a section and toss it.)
There also seem to be more campgrounds, services, etc. for the Northbound traffic side. Hmm. Cell service is on/off again today. Not able to use my “air card” at all and camps’ WIFI is not very effective.
Friday, June 20, 2008
DAY 5 (Coal River YT)
(Coal River YT): Goal survive the roads and not hit any of the wildlife. This section of road (between Watson Lake and Ft Nelson) was the worst!! Palmer to Glenallen paled by comparison. The road surface was frost heaved and rutted no white line, no shoulder, no guard rail and only air off the edge. Then Stone Sheep (smaller than Dall) are all over the place eating on the roadway.
Other observations – still few others going our way and passing us easily. Boots drove most of the bad parts and I appreciated that. Two other Alpenlite today, 2 Buffalo, 1 black bear, 2 grizzlies, 2 moose, 1 caribou (either a scout or very lost as they almost always travel in herds), 10+ horses, about 30 Stone sheep in various groupings, SNOW on the side of the roadway, strawberry patches on side of road and the last remaining suspension bridge (as you can imagine I was thrilled).
Karma is not travelling very well. She can’t figure out what’s that huge thing following us is and how come we just ride and ride and ride. She has been very used to doing duty in the same place/with only her smells now she is in a different place every time and there are millions of smells.
Other observations – still few others going our way and passing us easily. Boots drove most of the bad parts and I appreciated that. Two other Alpenlite today, 2 Buffalo, 1 black bear, 2 grizzlies, 2 moose, 1 caribou (either a scout or very lost as they almost always travel in herds), 10+ horses, about 30 Stone sheep in various groupings, SNOW on the side of the roadway, strawberry patches on side of road and the last remaining suspension bridge (as you can imagine I was thrilled).
Karma is not travelling very well. She can’t figure out what’s that huge thing following us is and how come we just ride and ride and ride. She has been very used to doing duty in the same place/with only her smells now she is in a different place every time and there are millions of smells.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
DAY 4 (Whitehorse YT)
Goal : leave Whitehorse YT; get beyond Watson Lake for Buffalo Burgers and real ice cream ($40.00 and not very tasty and certainly not worth the long day of driving - 11 hours.) We have met our goals for today by minutes – restaurant closes at 6-6:30pm! Rained all day. Roads were very good today. We have permanently hauled the bike up the back ladder and tied it with 'miles' of nylon rope so is not usable until we get a bike rack - too bad I ate that ice cream.
Other observations – still few others going our way and passing us easily. At this point, the only thing we’d be able to speed up and pass would be someone on a riding mower. Again lots more coming towards us today, probably 100 or so motorcycles, cloudy rainy day, saw 1 other Alpenlite again coming to Alaska, 2 Bison, Sitka Rose and strawberry patches on side of road. We left Anchorage with 10.5 miles per gallon average today we are at 10.3. We paid 5.80 per gallon again today.
Other observations – still few others going our way and passing us easily. At this point, the only thing we’d be able to speed up and pass would be someone on a riding mower. Again lots more coming towards us today, probably 100 or so motorcycles, cloudy rainy day, saw 1 other Alpenlite again coming to Alaska, 2 Bison, Sitka Rose and strawberry patches on side of road. We left Anchorage with 10.5 miles per gallon average today we are at 10.3. We paid 5.80 per gallon again today.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
DAY 3 (Beaver Creek YT)
Goal: leave Beaver Creek YT, get to Whitehorse – where I spent 10 days waiting for auto parts from Detroit in 1971. We have met our goals for today! Boots is now driving half of the time. Roads were mixed today but steadily improved as we move further on down the road. We need to find some solutions to the bike (no bikes rack for RV in Anchorage so it goes inside while we're driving; has a tendency to move around) and desk (bounces around and slips off the slide ledge; drawers come out). You never know what you'll find when entering the RV but usually you have to climb over various and sundry stuff!! They seem to be the most impacted by the bouncing around. We seem to do pretty well with securing everything else.
Other observations – still few others going our way, those that are, pass us and leave us in their dust. Again more are coming towards us today. A big rain last night and a cool cloudy rainy day for traveling. Saw: another Alpenlite coming to Alaska, grizzly, wolf, and no flowers on side of road. We left Anchorage with 10.5 miles per gallon today we are at 10.3. We paid 5.80 per gallon today.
Other observations – still few others going our way, those that are, pass us and leave us in their dust. Again more are coming towards us today. A big rain last night and a cool cloudy rainy day for traveling. Saw: another Alpenlite coming to Alaska, grizzly, wolf, and no flowers on side of road. We left Anchorage with 10.5 miles per gallon today we are at 10.3. We paid 5.80 per gallon today.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
DAY 2 (Tok AK)
Goal leave Tok AK in the morning, get somewhere in Canada to sleep . We have met our goals for today! It’s all in how you set them. We left before noon and took the first campground (Beaver Creek) in Canada to sleep. Yukon Territory is on Pacific Time. So if was later then we wanted to drive. The roads were rough but not as bad as from Palmer to Glenallen. Boots finally drove. She is a much better navigator than I am and it’s hard to type this but I think she might be a better driver than me, too!
Other observations – still no one going our way, more coming towards us today, a little rain last night but clear summer skies all day (cooler though), saw 1 other Alpenlite coming to Alaska, raspberries, forget-me-nots and fireweed on side of road, and still poor gas mileage - calculation being worked. We paid 5.35 per gallon today.
Other observations – still no one going our way, more coming towards us today, a little rain last night but clear summer skies all day (cooler though), saw 1 other Alpenlite coming to Alaska, raspberries, forget-me-nots and fireweed on side of road, and still poor gas mileage - calculation being worked. We paid 5.35 per gallon today.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Alaska to LA in 14 days
DAY 1 (Anchorage AK):
We are on to semi-retirement adventure. Full-time RVing will be our life.
We are being challenged for space and having to make hard decision about some items – so really there is no extra space. We have a 5th wheel AlpenLite 31 foot. We have replaced the heavy mattress with an air mattress and memory foam. The heavy couch has been replaced with a very light desk for sewing OR working. Now we are working to fit all of our necessities into the RV. I think we will most certainly re-think our “necessities”.
Goal: leave Anchorage at 7am, get to Tok in 6 hours
Ok, we left at 7:40am with an escort for a half a block. I guess Jim and Joe couldn’t stand going so slow! We got into Tok at 4:30pm very tired. The road from Palmer to Glenallen was the worst. Lots of frost heaves (for those non-Alaskans, those are acute depressions in the roadway that surprise you and bump the hell out of everything.) and worst of all sheer cliffs and no guard rails. Well, my fear of heights was in full swing. This being our 'maiden voyage', the noises, down-shifting, revved-up rpms etc of towing 14,000 pounds through steep acsents and descents with sharp curves thrown in - well it was not the best way to begin this journey of ours. Add to that a dog pacing back and forth non-stop - - - - let's just say, it was exhausting.
Other observations – no one was going our way, few coming towards us, Alaskans will pass anytime they want-no matter what the center line looks like, clear summer skies after Glenallen (81°), saw 2 other Alpenlites coming to Alaska, forget-me-nots and fireweed on side of road, and very poor gas mileage - calculation still being worked.
We are on to semi-retirement adventure. Full-time RVing will be our life.
We are being challenged for space and having to make hard decision about some items – so really there is no extra space. We have a 5th wheel AlpenLite 31 foot. We have replaced the heavy mattress with an air mattress and memory foam. The heavy couch has been replaced with a very light desk for sewing OR working. Now we are working to fit all of our necessities into the RV. I think we will most certainly re-think our “necessities”.
Goal: leave Anchorage at 7am, get to Tok in 6 hours
Ok, we left at 7:40am with an escort for a half a block. I guess Jim and Joe couldn’t stand going so slow! We got into Tok at 4:30pm very tired. The road from Palmer to Glenallen was the worst. Lots of frost heaves (for those non-Alaskans, those are acute depressions in the roadway that surprise you and bump the hell out of everything.) and worst of all sheer cliffs and no guard rails. Well, my fear of heights was in full swing. This being our 'maiden voyage', the noises, down-shifting, revved-up rpms etc of towing 14,000 pounds through steep acsents and descents with sharp curves thrown in - well it was not the best way to begin this journey of ours. Add to that a dog pacing back and forth non-stop - - - - let's just say, it was exhausting.
Other observations – no one was going our way, few coming towards us, Alaskans will pass anytime they want-no matter what the center line looks like, clear summer skies after Glenallen (81°), saw 2 other Alpenlites coming to Alaska, forget-me-nots and fireweed on side of road, and very poor gas mileage - calculation still being worked.
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