We Are Back!!

Once again, this will be a rather short summary of our past week.  We arrived back south on Wednesday after a great trip home.  It was great to see everyone and spend some time with the kids.  And being generous, we left them with great weather – temps about freezing, sunshine, and very little wind – about perfect I would say.

 But in doing that, we came back to wind and rain. While the day we arrived was very pleasant as was the next day, that quickly came to an end.  The winds came up and they were predicting more winds and heavy rains.  The great thing about the rain is that the desert comes alive.  The ocotillo, normally dry, prickly branches, are covered with leaves.  It looks like a great year for desert flowers.

 

After arriving in Palm Springs we went and did a bit of shopping.  We passed a field that looked rather unusual so we went back and it was a field of artichokes – the first time we have seen a field of them.  I also love how they add a decorative touch to many overpasses such as this one in Cathedral City, somewhat a suburb in Palm Springs.  There is often something that adds some colour, or decoration to the structure.

 

We were planning on coming to Quartzsite on Saturday, but with the prediction of wind and rain we decided to head out a day early.  Don’t know if that was a good choice or not as we didn’t hear if the heavy rains predicted at Borrego Springs actually happened.  On the most part we had good driving although the wind did come up somewhat as we got closer to Quartzsite.  We got here, unhooked, got parked, and the rain started.  At least we didn’t have to drive in it as it makes an awful mess and we didn’t really want to have to wash the motorhome again just yet.  Plus, we took a shortcut through box canyon and I understand that road should be avoided during heavy rains.

 This week we are planning on doing some off-roading.  Until that starts, we did go to the RV show with all the vendors.  Nothing new, nothing interesting.  I guess we are at a point in time that we either have it, or don’t want it, or don’t need it.  Will likely go again another day and tour another area – maybe we will find something interesting.

I hope each of you have a great week and we’ll catch you next weekend.

 

 

 

Transition to BRRRR

This is a week that we fly home to visit the family, and to remind us why we enjoy going south for the winter.

We started the week still at Borrego Springs.  Almost daily we climb up the mountain behind us to look over the valley below.  The climb is not difficult, particularly if you take your time.  This area is very popular as trails lead in many directions so we follow a different one each day. 

This was also laundry week and as we walk around as the machines are doing their work, you often see some interesting things.  This week  we saw this motorcycle and side car with it's custom paint job.  This would definitely be more comfortable than riding behind someone. 


Mid-week we flew home which turned out to be quite the excursion.  Since the internet had been quite slow, I didn't check-in early so we got to stand in line.  One family in front of us - this should be quick and easy.  What a surprise!  After about a half hour wait, they finally opened up another counter.  We were checked in and on our way before the poor family before us - with two little ones.  Not sure what the problem was?  Then on to Vancouver.  They must have changed their system as it seemed to be the first time they put folks through customs and on to a connecting flight.  The signs apparently were in the wrong places because if you went to where they said, you were directed somewhere else.  Oh well, we had lots of time!  Next stop - Calgary, and then home.  It is getting late, we are on the plane and take-off, only about a half-hour late after we had to wait for some connecting passengers, and then to de-ice.  Oops, there is a fast moving blizzard when we get to Regina.  After attempting to land three times, and circling for forty minutes waiting for a break in the weather, back to Calgary we went.  We were treated very well - we had a new flight once we landed, and we each received vouchers for breakfast.  Finally we arrived home just before noon (only nine hours late) to a wind chill of -43C.  For those not familiar with centigrade temperatures, just remember -40 is equal to -40, regardless of whether it is centigrade or Fahrenheit.  The good news, our daughter Kyla was able to pick us up so we only had to experience those temps for approximately three seconds - easy to handle.

Here it is, three days later and the temperatures have warmed to a low of -15C.  The days are sunny and bright, with no wind, and a prediction of a January thaw this week.  That will be so nice for the folks that have been cooped up for the past couple of weeks because of the terribly frigid weather. 

We head back mid-week to enjoy the rest of the winter.  I hope you have a good week!