Winter is Over

This week marked the end of our winter journey as we once again did the marathon trip home.  As always we tried to find a three day window where there was clear weather from south to north in order to have an enjoyable trip home.

Since we thought we found that window, we only spent one night at Virgin River Campground instead of the several that we do prefer as the campground has a beautiful setting as well as relatively quiet.  After leaving the campground we spent a night in Idaho Falls, one in Medicine Hat, and then we were home.  Along the way there were a number of interesting things.

I find that in many cities in the southwest tend to make concrete overpasses and noise dampeners rather decorative and interesting.  Below is a sample of some as we drove the freeway through Las Vegas.

Then there were the signs all along the freeway through Utah.

Or in the centre of the round-a-bout in Idaho Falls

And finally the beautiful snow at Monida Pass

However, the entire trip saw clear roads, no wind, cool temperatures - perfect driving.

As the week came to the end, I went up to Saskatoon to watch a couple of grandkids in provincial sports.  The trip up was at the start of a nasty blizzard but fortunately, the roads were fairly decent most of the way which wasn't the case for many folks that had to come up later in the day.  Fortunately the blizzard was over for the trip back so the roads were great.

The competition was very successful for the two kids - the granddaughter got second in provincial cheerleading, and the grandson got first in wrestling.

This will be the end of my blog for the time being - likely until mid-June.  At that time we are planning on heading north so I will continue with a tale of our travels.

Until then, thanks for joining in our winter travels and hopefully you will join us again in a couple of months.

A Week of R n R

As usual, the week has flown by with little to show for what we have done.  We are still in Lake Havasu City enjoying some of the weather (I say some as the past couple of days have been cool and windy).  We did get a few chores done but on the most part, we spent most of the time just relaxing and thinking that soon, the days of relaxation will be over!

As usual, we did help out the economy a bit as we checked out the various stores and there is always a bargain to be had.  Stopped in at a Tractor Supply store (similar to our Peavy Mart back home) and they were selling chicks.  Some of them that were a bit older (were already getting their feathers) were being sold for 25c each - I think that is quite a bargain.

One of the grocery stores must of had some excess cucumbers so I picked up a package of 5 for 59c - we made some refrigerator pickles.  That is too good a bargain to pass up.

Last weekend we went to the swap meet.  The one here in Lake Havasu is quite large and really very interesting.  There was a travel trailer on display - sleeps 4 and is built for rugged back country camping and I understand that it is built in Alberta.  Very interesting indeed.

Right near us there was a bike race which was part of a triathlon which was being held today.  It was interesting that some of the policing for events such as this is done by volunteers.

Every day you see a plane fly around towing a large sign.  I would think that this we be a very expensive form of advertising but perhaps it is more effective - who knows?

While not as often as in some other places we have been but there were some military helicopters flying by.  I have wondered why they always fly in pairs.  One day I may think to ask and then maybe I will know.

Since we will likely be leaving Arizona shortly, I thought I would add one last Arizona desert sunset.  They are often so spectacular.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you have a great week!!

Back On Track

Here it is Saturday evening and I am back on track on doing this blog.  We left Yuma on Tuesday, said good-bye to Gary and Marleen  and went to meet up with some friends at Quartzsite.  Since we arrived early in the day, Phil and Sandy joined us on a little ride over to Crystal Hill.  It was an easy drive and at Crystal Hill we stopped and looked for some crystals.  Amazingly enough we did find some.  I'm not sure if they can be used for anything but I will take them home and find out.

my crystals

First thing Wednesday morning we received an email that Glenn and Barb were planning on heading our way.  We waited until they arrived and headed out on another trail.  Glenn brought along his drone which sure gives another perspective of things.  What a fun day with lots of laughs!

Lunch Time

Our Campsite

Celia's Rainbow Garden in Quartzsite is an eight acre tribute to a little girl where there are many memorials of different kinds - some large, some small, some elaborate, and some plain.  Below are a few of the interesting memorials.

Then it was off into the desert again for another trail.  There are a number of places where they have created watering holes for the animals.  We have come across a variety of them and each on is a bit different but they are of the same basic idea.  There is a large area that gathers the water as it comes off the mountains and is stored in large storage tanks.

Then it was off to Lake Havasu City again for a few days.  From here it will be slowly to head north.  The weather here is perfect right now so hopefully, over the next couple of weeks the weather up north will make a huge improvement.

I will end this week with another great Arizona sunset - they are often like no other.  Thanks for stopping by - hope you have a great week.

A Quiet Week

We are still here in Yuma enjoying the hospitality of the Carters.  While it seems that we are not doing very much, it seems that the time just whistles by.

It was also a week of some shopping.  We hit a number of places - the mall, a church craft sale, and a large garage sale.  As always, the purchases were rather minimal.

Some friends from Welton (a town about 20 miles to the east) came in and we had a terrific visit, a few drinks, and a great Mexican supper. 

We celebrated Gary's 77th birthday with a bang.  Well, let's say we celebrated - with a drink.  He did get taken out for lunch.

Fashion isn't always 

a priority!!

The highlight of the week was a trip over to Algodones, Mexico because Gerry decided that maybe he should try to get a new pair of glasses.  Since Meyers Optical seemed to be a major optical shop, he thought that would be the place to go but one should find out what the others are charging - just in case.  So off he goes to shop no. 1 and gets a price.  Then shop no. 2 (which is the big shop) - same price as no. 1 except you pay extra for frames.  Well, just down the street is shop no. 3 so off he goes - same price as the other two except no frames included.  Shop no. 1 included frames so that is where he went.  They call the optometrist over to do an exam.  When he comes they go over to shop no. 2 for the eye exam - and that is where they make the glasses - it seems that they are basically owned by the same owners and it depends on what they think the market will bear!!  Plus we got haircuts (except Gerry that is).  I got a cut shampoo, and blow dry for the total price of $10.00.  How can you beat that plus I am really happy with my cut.  My brother Stan will remember the great haircuts available in Mexico!!

We had a great lunch of chile rellenos and fish tacos.  Then off to the liquor store - they gave us a sample of a macadamia liqueur - yum, yum - yup, we bought a bottle.

Downtown Yuma has contracted an artist to do some murals so on the way back we got to see a couple - what a terrific way to brighten up an old building.

There isn't very much for desert flowers this year but some of the cactus in the city are blooming.  A cactus in bloom is unbelievable!

Perhaps this next week will be a bit more active than the past week has been resulting in perhaps a more interesting story.  The bright side is that the weather is warm, and the sun is shining which is a real treat when you know that a blizzard is raging back at home.  Hopefully, Mr. Sun will see to it that the remnants of this storm are gone in the next few weeks.

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you have a great week!!