Aguanga, CA

We stopped to check out another ESK Campground. Boots wasn’t feeling well so we didn’t get the tour. The desert campground is outside of Temecula, CA up a 2-lane hilly road. So, we probably wouldn’t want to be there again anyway.

Bakersfield, CA

We are in the middle of the orange orchard again but this time we knew better than to let any of the trees touch us and give us ants. We didn’t want to bring ants to Santee again.

West Sacramento, CA

We spent the night in a Wal-Mart parking lot on our way south. After much research, we have finally found our membership club (Coast-to-Coast, with Resorts of Distinction thrown in) and a really good deal. If you are thinking about them check with us. The economy has made the lifetime contracts very very very cheap. We now have access to $0 (really – no tricks, but really $0) to $10 a night. The camps are destination/resort RV parks – you know pools, spas, etc. etc. etc. While we aren’t really into destination/resort RV parks, the number and varied locations across America's destination RV parks provide safe and cheap destination while we travel.

When we move from Santee back to see the kids in Quincy for Spring, we will be checking out a number of these campgrounds. Hopefully, we can get at least one week near Sacramento. We want to check it out next.

Quincy, CA

Ruthi’s knee has returned to a semi-normal stage. So, she was able to do her “break camp” chores. We have divided the chores between us. If one of us is unable to do their particular share or an individual task, it really puts a wrench in the routine to get ready to leave a camp site. We are staying here in Reno long enough to establish a primary care doctor relationship. She (a native of Belorussia) has been here about 6 years. We are getting all set up for labs and appointments for when we come back through in April. Another interesting store name: Nothing Bundt cakes

Quincy, CA

The adults in Bodhi’s life celebrated his birthday today. It was a beautiful warm fall day. Even Bodhi’s Great-Gramma Mary was there. Bodhi got great gifts (whirly-gig, slinky, basketball/hoop, socks, etc.) He is a great receiver of gifts. He shared them with us all and even showed us how much better he was at the whirly-gig then the adults.

Quincy, CA

We love spending time with grandkids and kids. It’s been fun and active. This is the second time we’ve been here and the novelty has worn off. We have some traditions (Monday’s Fish Tacos from Pangaea, local health food pub/restaurant; any day of the week breakfast at Morning Thunder, local biker cafe). Reading books, Ruthi jumping on trampoline, and other activities, and trips to the toy store with Bodhi (about to be 5 YO) and feeding Karma anything and everything imaginable with Tara (10 months old).

It’s getting cooler sooner than we had hoped and we don’t leave until the 21st. Last year we were here earlier and it was way too hot for Boots (don’t know if it’s ever too hot for Ruthi). So, we came later this year – just can’t seem to get it right (70-80 degrees all day long; cooler nights would be perfect). Boots has been over at the kids’ house making super supper soups for us all to enjoy. Bodhi calls them Boots’ soups. Since we have tried to avoid cold weather, Boots hasn’t had weather or space to make her wonderful soups most of our travels.

While Ruthi has always had creaky knees, her right one is really acting up. She has lots of sharp pains when it is in a certain position seating or standing or walking or whatever. When the pain hits it’s so bad, Ruthi can’t remember what she might have done to cause it. Ruthi went to emergency for some relief but not much beyond ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. She will see an ortho specialist either in Reno or more likely when we get to San Diego (since we will be there 5 months).

Quincy, CA

The daily temperature range is wild. It can go from 45 in the morning to 85 in the late afternoon. Gees, you’d think we were back in Alaska in the spring time.

Quincy, CA

Ruthi’s knee is giving her a lot of trouble – aching most of the time, difficult to do the steps/bend, and sleeping is sporadic. We think her usual aches and pains were all activated because we did the long continuous drive across country (Chicago to Reno). She was keeping the knee in the same position (bent at the knee) during the long days. She went to the ER at the local hospital. They made sure it wasn’t a major problem (infection, vein clot, broken, etc.) and recommended anti-inflammatory meds and elevation. Boots drove into Reno to find a soft brace to help immobilize the knee.

The brace helped keep the knee from further stress and Ibuprofen cut the inflammation. Here’s hoping its better for when we leave for Southern California.

Quincy, CA

Niece Tonya and Sergio Mitre had a daughter Senya Ariella Mitre today - Our Great Niece.

Quincy, CA

We are trying to work our travels so that we can be here every 6 months – after travels before winter (September) and after winter before travels (April). Last year we were here August and September but it was too hot for Boots. So, this year we thought September into October (Bodhi’s birthday is the 20th) would be cooler. Well, that is true. Sunday morning we woke up to 31 degrees outside and 45 degrees inside. Our water hose was frozen but we have internal storage tank and pump so we had water until the sun thawed the outside hose. BUT we were out of propane – both tanks were empty. Therefore the furnace was blowing cold air.

So, off I go with 2 tanks jammed into the truck in such a way as to keep them upright, secure and safe. Quincy is a small town with only a few (3) public gas stations – none of which seem to sell propane. I ask around and find out the only places that sell propane on Sundays are the 2 RV parks (ours and the one on the East side of town). Not wanting to wake up any of our fellow campers, I try the other park. No, their certified propane pumper is out of town. So, I go back to our campground (River Ranch RV Park) to see if anyone is up yet. No such luck. We wait a little more (until 10am) and then ask the camp manager. She says sure the guy has already been awaken by someone else looking for propane. Alas, we aren’t the only ones not watching our levels against the cool weather use. So, we are back in warmth of our humble abode. And promising to be more vigilant in the cooler climates AND/OR avoid the cooler climates all together.