More Sun to Enjoy

 This week we spent another couple of hours driving to our new stop - Lake Havasu City, AZ.  It's been several years since we have spent much time here so decided it was time.

Early in the week, with fabulous weather, we decided that it would be a great day for a boat ride.  There is a casino across the lake and there is a ferry that shuttles folks back and forth.  There is our transportation for a boat ride.  We normally do not go into casinos as we feel that is much like tossing our coins away; however, they did offer $15 if you registered.  That we did and bonus - with our free $30, we had lunch, paid for our ride over, and even had a couple of dollars left over for a tip for the ferry crew.

  As we were waiting for the ferry, there was a coyote on the other side of the marina, watching us!

One thing about Lake Havasu City is their events - there is always something going on.  This week there were a couple of shows so we attended one - a tribute to Toby Keith.  The crowd definitely was not a younger crowd but they still had a lot of energy.  It was a good evening of entertainment.  Many women came in ready to commemorate this signature song - Red Solo Cup".

As always, I love the way people make changes and/or adjustments to work for them.  Sometimes it's for the comfort of their pets,

Love the doggie door out the slide

This cat can go and enjoy the ourdoors.

and sometimes it's for the convenience for themselves.

One way to get a good view without leaving home!

 This weekend is the big annual pyrotechnics show which showcases fireworks of all kinds and calibre and is certainly quite spectacular.  Last night started with a drone show that showcased the USA 250 years.  Some of the displays are amazing.

This show is on all weekend so there will be more to come!  That means we will spend the evening sitting up on hilltops for the best views.  Until next week, I hope you all take care!!!

North, South, and More

 This past week we went from north to south and turned around again.  Each year we fly home for a week when we visit our family, do some personal things, and then head back south.  We repeated that process this past week flying back to Palm Springs this past Wednesday.  Although the trip seems to be tiring, this past trip was likely one of the best, and less stressful, than most.  Our times were good, flights were mostly on time, and everything worked out great.  Since our grand daughter was able to drive us before school, we got to the airport in plenty of time.  We found an interesting aviation display made entirely of lego.

Since we got back to Palm Springs around supper time, the first thing we did was find something to eat.  And as per usual it was the usual "what do you want to eat", " I don't care, what would you like", and so on.  We decided on In N Out Burger for no specific reason.  The burgers were fine, the cost reasonable, but never have we seen such a crowd at a fast food restaurant.  The drive through  has about 12 cars in line, inside there was another line-up with 2 cashiers, and the kitchen was full of workers.  The parking lot was absolutely full whereas the other similar places nearby had 3 or 4 cars in the lot.   

People often ask us how long we are down fore.  Many, many years ago when we were young, we went on a trip with friends.  Our plan was to drive south until either half our time, or half our money was gone.  That is much the same again this year and we are at that point so it is time to start heading north.  We sadly said good-bye to our friends and headed out of town.  Unfortunately, Gene couldn't be in the picture but someone had to be behind the camera!

It's been a while since we have visited Quartzsite, AZ so we decided to see what has changed.  Well, not much but as usual, one comes across some interesting things.

There were quite a few people around but some vendors had already left, and a number of them were packing up to leave shortly.  It is after the RV show but there sure aren't many that are sticking around.  But there was no traffic on the roads either.  There is a new Terrible's service station in town.  In behind it is a Tesla charging station which is huge - it has 82 chargers.  That is in addition to the 33 chargers across and down the street.

The weather back home has moderated which makes everyone feel that perhaps spring is around the corner.  I hope everyone has a great week, and I'll be back next week!

Back On Line

My short delay is now over.  I certainly can't say it was due to work or even from being busy!!  It was actually because I did not have access to my computer and I just am not able to do this on my phone or tablet.

We came home last Wednesday for our annual one week trip home.  We always find this trip somewhat stressful and tiring but for some reason, this year it wasn't so.  Our flights were all on time or early, we weren't rushing from one gate to another.  It actually was quite enjoyable.

Somewhere over Utah

The frigid temperatures had moderated a bit so we didn't have to deal with any terrible temperatures.  However, we did get to contend with some freezing rain but the streets were kept pretty good but we did get an unbelievably dirty car!

I always thought sundogs were an indication of cold weather coming but this wasn't the case.  They were very bright but instead of cold we got a bit of a change so that was nice.

I was surprised at how little snow there was when we arrived as according to the weather, there seemed to be snow almost on a daily basis.  It looks like a lot of snow in front of our place but most of it is from the wind and the snow removal.

We got to visit the kids although it was pretty short with some of them.  Some of them were out of town on a volleyball tournament.  But that did mean we got to spend some time with a granddaughter left at home.

Back to the south this week to enjoy some more warm temperatures and sunshine.  Until next week, I hope everyone has a good week.

Sorry, A Little Late

This week we are back in Yuma with time spent visiting and planning a special celebration.  Our friends, Gary and Marleen, celebrated 60 years of marriage - a very special occasion!  They were joined by their son and daughter and a small gathering of friends.  The afternoon was spent visiting, a few laughs, a toast of champagne,  and best wishes.

We have had many calm and warm evenings this winter.  Nothing beats a campfire with a gourmet menu - hot dogs and bush pies.  Here we have the makings of a bush pie which makes for a great supper.

I often post a photo when I see something different and/or unusual.  Here we saw an amazing park job.  I don't know who would deserve more credit for it - the driver, or the person guiding.

We are so fortunate to not have to endure the bitter frigid weather that has been blanketing so much of the country.  Hopefully, it will moderate quickly and better temps are promised for next week.  I hope you all have kept warm and you have a good week!

Good-bye Borrego Springs

 This year we are only doing a  two plus weeks in Borrego Springs and this was our last week.  We did a couple of fun things and also did something a bit more challenging (at least for me).  We started off by  hiking Palm Canyon which is in the Anza Borrego State Park.  It isn't a particularly difficult trail but there definitely some challenging areas - some areas are really quite rocky.  The canyon itself is beautiful as you climb up to an oasis at the end.  The trail itself is pretty well travelled so is pretty easy to follow.  On the other hand, there is an alternate trail which we took on the way down, which isn't quite so easy to follow.  In fact, in one spot, we lost the trail so had to change plans and cut across a wash to find the original trail.  All was good and we got down safely, although I had had enough hiking for the day.  The trail is 2.9 miles return with an elevation gain of 450 feet - enough to get this old gal puffing more than once.

Just behind where we were camped there is some stone art, or as we call it - The Snake.  Years ago, someone started with building a rattle snake out of rock.  Over the years, there have been a number of additions - some which are very good and some which look much like a pile of rocks.  Every year some old ones disappear and some new ones show up, but "The Snake" remains the same.

One especially nice drive is up Grapevine Canyon, and probably my favourite.  This 4x4 road is a historic road that was used as a horse and wagon route for settlers and miners.  The scenery is amazing and on a clear day at the top, you can see the Salton Sea - 20+ miles away.

The weather continued to be warm, and calm which was perfect for a little campfire.  We would sit around and visit, and then later on after supper we would roast marshmallows for dessert.

Our friend, Fred, who is in the camper next to us gave a presentation at the elementary school on living with a disability.  We went along so we could take his wheelchair as he rode his bike into town.

We finally found a desert lily blooming.  It's been several years since I had seen any and sure enough, this year they are back.

On our way back to Yuma, the sand dunes were busy with folks and their toys playing in the sand.  The flowers along the ditch were spectacular.

This brings another week to a close so until next week, have a great week!

2026 - Week One

 The weather this week was less than perfect weather - we had cloud, cool temperatures, as well as a day of wind.  The week did, however, end up with perfectly clear skies although it was a bit cool with a chilly breeze.  We still were able to get out and do and see a few things.

We went and had a look as some of the wild flowers that are blooming near by.  It is early to have so many flowers out but it is not wide spread and mostly confined to the one area near us.  I still find it quite amazing to have such growth and colour in a normally totally arid area.

As always, we are often entertained by the goings on of other campers.  Here is one of a motorhome which pulled in after dark and parked in a spot that was not easy out.  Lesson number one is to make sure all your lights are working, particularly on the tow vehicle.  The poor lady was giving hand signals, running to the front window for instructions, to the back for more hand signals  Back forth she went until she was called over while the driver came out with a sheet of paper and gave her instructions on the "correct" hand signals.  The driver then decided to back up to try and get turned around so he could leave.  Obviously new to all this and found backing up with a tow vehicle is quite challenging.  More hand signals and running back and forth.  She likely got her steps in before they even left.

As usual, Gerry goes out in the morning and wanders around.  If anyone is outside, he will stop and chat; he will pick up some garbage that he finds stuck in the bushes or elsewhere.  This week, he hit the jackpot.............

Next door we met Fred.  Fred is from France,  is a paraplegic, and road races.  He spends several months in this area, spends some time back in France, and spends several months in Cadillac, SK.  You may wonder why Cadillac?  He says they have a great little campground, perfect training terrain, the weather is good. When I took this photo, he had just completed 100 km.  That is pretty amazing when he does this while dry camping.

We met a couple from Seattle, Poul and Carla Pedersen and today we went to do some sight seeing.  We went to the pumpkin patch.  This is an area of concretions, which actually look like concrete pumpkins, and Carla was particularly  interested as she is a geologist. 

Caught between a rock and a hard place

When we stopped for lunch, a couple of folks stopped to chat and said they were off to see the little people which was just a short distance away - so off we went. This is an area where folks have made people out of the concretions and have dressed them.  Some were very cute and clever.

There are  many sculptures around town.  This year there are two new ones.  These sculptures are all made of steel and they are all amazing.

And here is one that has replaced a moose pulling a plow!!

The week was busy, especially the past couple of days.  Next week we are promised warmer weather so a bit more travelling around.  I hope you have a good week and you will be back next week.