Hey California – We have left the building. Dec. 5th thru 17

I just noticed the title of my previous post stopped on the first of Dec.  It should have been out to the 5^th of Dec.

 

 

 

 

Anyway, we left the East Shore RV park on the morning of the 5^th of Dec., and headed east on I 10. Our destination was my Cousin Susan Cowperthwaite Peterson’s place in Maricopa AZ.  I knew it was going to be a long driving day so we started at 0800.  The drive was great, traffic was nominal, there were a few construction sites that slowed us down, but on average I think we were doing 60 MPH.  We stopped in Quartzsite, AZ for lunch, and a bit of site seeing. 

I talked to some folks that spend the winter down there and they said that the really big crowds haven’t showed up yet.  I guess it really gets going after Christmas.  And in January, there are a couple huge RV shows, etc. 

When we pulled over for a rest stop potty break, we loved the sign about the scorpion’s and rattlesnakes……..  Puppies beware...

We arrived at Cousin Susan’s place at about 1630, just in time for a beautiful Arizona sunset.  It was great to catch up over dinner and a drink.  The next morning’s sunrise was just glorious.  We tried to get a few pictures, but they don’t do it justice. 

After a cinnamon roll and a few coffees, we were off.

The 6^th would turn out to be an exciting day……. 

We left their house around 10:00, stopped before the freeway to get a few cactus pictures, and then headed for Demming NM.  The drive across southern Arizona is pretty, but it’s all the same to me after a while.  It kind of lulls you, maybe not sleep, but let’s say boredom….

And Then, So there I was just driving along at 67MPH on cruise control, on a straight and flat roadway when what do I see in my mirror but a black ring of rubber headed for the median, and a puff of smoke.  I’d had a blow out on the trailer…..  Shiiiiiit.  If there had been anyone next to us at the time it would have hit them.  There was less shutter and shake than I actually expected from such a blow out, but there was enough vibration to scare me a bit.  So pulling over to the right shoulder we go.  But at this particular section of road the shoulder sloped way downhill so I wasn’t able to get very far from the lane of traffic.  I fact I was just 2 feet outside the fog line. 

After I pulled my underwear out of my sphincter, I hopped out to take a look and was surprised that the blow out had not damaged too much of the trailer.  If fact the only damage was a broken fender skirt.  And the tire of course.  While traffic was whizzing by at 70 MPH, I was looking for my lug wrench, and trying to decide if I wanted to risk my life changing the tire or make a call to the road service and letting that guy get killed, when an angel in the form of a big Canadian pulled over to help.  He had his tools out in no time and we changed that tire in about 10 min.  Note to self: put your jack and lug wrench in the back of the truck where they are easily accessible.

 

 

 

With the tire changed, we exchanged names and said thank you, said hope to see you on the road and off we went.  It was another hour on to Demming where we were going to stay the night.  We called ahead to see if there were any tire stores there and actually made an appointment to get some new ones the next day.

We stayed at the Road Runner RV Park in Demming NM that night.  This was your basic gravel parking lot with full hookups.  We choose this one because it is a Passport America park and you get to stay for half the retail price.  So it only cost us $13.89.   Did you hear that California,   $13.89 per night for full hook ups.

 

Next day we were off early to go get tires.  I had talked to a tire dealer that talked me into a set of 4 LT truck tires for the trailer.  He said that they would never blow, and last forever on a trailer.  I had heard from the GD owner’s forum that there were some advantages to using that kind of tire, so I agreed.  But upon seeing the tire, I noticed that they were not rated for the weight required on my trailer so they had to take them off.  Waste of time...

I called around to other tire shops, but eventually decided to have this shop order the replacement tires I needed.  Which meant we’d have to spend another night.  No problem because this would give me enough time to call DISH and finally get my service started.  See, I had ordered and received my antenna and receivers and tried unsuccessfully to get them activated while still in CA.  So I thought I’d have enough time to get it done today.   Wrong!  I waited on hold for 45 minutes before I got to speak to someone and they were unable to help.  So I’m still staring at $600.00 of DISH equipment that hasn’t yet delivered any of the promised TV viewing.  Sheesh!!  Maybe when we get to FL I’ll have enough time to call again.

Well next day the tires got installed and we were off again.

So, there I was, getting onto the I 10 after the tire install, and what do I see flying out the bed of my truck, but my 9 x 12 brown and tan camping mat.  Shiiiiiit, pulling over again!  Then the walk of shame back down the on ramp to pick it up and carry it back and properly pack it into the basement.  All the while waving to the other campers that were honking at me….

 

We laughed!!

From Demming, it’s short drive into Texas.  We didn’t leave Demming until about noon.  We’d heard on the radio about an artic freeze dropping down across the middle of America, I just didn’t know south Texas was in its path…..  But holy cow, it got cold.  We decided to spend the night in Van Horn TX.  We called ahead to reserve a spot and was told that if we get there before 1700 we were invited to dinner!  Salisbury steak served family style.  That would have been nice, but we didn’t make it.  It was dark and cold when we pulled into the RV spot.  AND the water spigot was frozen… J  It was 26 degrees when we got there and forecasted to drop to 22.  So this was going to be the night where we tested out the furnace and the tank heaters!  Don’t want frozen black and grey tanks!!  I had to use Glenda’s hair dryer to thaw out the water spigot, and then just filled our water tank with enough for the night, and disconnected and stowed the hose. Man that was cold.   After we were all set up though, I have to say we were “as snug as a bug in a rug”. 

Van Horn in the morning was as promised, very cold.  We had a leisurely breakfast, then broke camp and got on our way.  The only stop I had to make was for fuel.  I’d seen a Pilot truck stop next to the Hwy the night before so that’s where I was going.  I pulled up to the fuel island and started the pump and it’s a good thing/bad thing I was standing close by, because the pump didn’t turn off and fuel spilled out all over.  I stopped the fuel spill but by then my shoes were covered in diesel and the side of my truck was too.  Darn it!

So new shoes are in my future.

Once on the road, everything was great again.  We found scenic spots to pull over for potty stops and lunch stops and had a nice day.

We stopped at the Johnson Creek RV Park, just outside of Kerrville, TX.  Glenda found this gem on the internet and it turned out to be a Passport America park, $24.00 per night!   Did you hear that California??  $24.00 per night, great looking park, full hook ups inc. cable TV…..!  (That’s right still haven’t had time to set up the DISH)

It was still cold, but only about 33 degrees.

We thought briefly about staying another night here and exploring the area, but decided that was going to wait until the return trip.  We are still pressed to get into FL.  And besides, I want to get back into my shorts!

On to Louisiana, for one last night on the road, (Don't stay at Columbus RV. I didn't even take any pictures.)  then we pushed on to Panama City, FL to Randy and Jackie’s house.  That was a long day, but we were looking for a free night’s stay and dinner with family.  We stayed with them 4 nights and enjoyed the catch up time.  Randy and Jackie took us to dinner at Gary’s Oyster Shack and I just want to say that if you are ever in Panama City, you gotta eat there.  Really good.     Gary's Oyster Shack

The next leg of our trip was to Silver Springs State Park in Ocala FL.  We wish we’d chosen to stay more than one night because that didn’t allow us time to explore the springs, etc.

 

 

 

The next day was the final push into North Ft. Myers at Up River RV Park.  This is where we were trying to get to for the Christmas holidays with Jack, Glenda’s dad and his wife Gloria.

On the agenda while we’re here is Jack’s 86th birthday, some shopping, and Christmas.

Stay tuned…………

Anaheim RV Park - Nov. 27th thru Dec. 1st

The Happiest Place on Earth... 

 

 

 

 

 

We had been asked by Jason and Leia, if we’d stay around Southern California for a couple more days and come to Disneyland with them. 

Well, how could we say no… J

They arrived on Sat. afternoon and we got down to the RV Park on Sunday about noon.  Brian & Bree came down to the RV park and Jason and Leia and the girls made it over as well, so we could conduct a proper birthday party for Brian, and an earlier still sort of party for Hailey and Brielle.  At any rate we gathered the entire family in the 5^th Wheel and had dinner.  That was so much fun.

Next day was the first day at Disney.  We met the kids and spent the entire day on the Disney side.  Tuesday was the grandparents day off, sort of, cause we didn’t go into the park, instead we came to the front gate and picked up Brielle at noon so we could babysit and allow the rest of them to go to a luncheon with Arial.  On the third day we all went into the CA Adventure side and met up with Tim & Kathy Lumsden and Josh and Liz and their entire family.  Wow, it was like a mini family reunion…!

We did have a lot of fun.  I'm having trouble showing much in the way of pictures here... to see more, check out both Glenda's and my facebook posts during the Disneyland days.

Thursday was go home day for J&L, and move day for us.  We were out of the Anaheim RV Park by about 1100 and it was only a short ride to our next spot, the East Shore RV campground at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas.

This is a find!  Great Park with huge grassy spaces on a hill top overlooking Puddingstone Lake. 

 It’s a bit more than Tapo Canyon, but it’s about the same drive time to B&B’s house.  I think we’ll reserve some time here for next spring when the baby is due.

Glenda and I went to the Harvest Craft Show at the Pomona Fairplex, bought some Christmas gifts, went to dinner with Brian and Bree, went back again on the Sunday for church with them and Susie Martin, Bryanna’s mom who had come out for the baby shower. 

Glenda attended the baby shower that day and Brian and I went shooting at an indoor range in Burbank.  That was fun.  Neither of us had been shooting in a while.

That night we had one last meal with them and headed back to East Shore campground.  We cleaned up and did some packing for an early get away the next morning.

Site Review:  Beautiful huge site, all grassy, picnic tables, fire pits, full hookups Inc. cable, great views, many full timers/long timers.  58.00 nite,

Next post is our drive to Cousin Susan Peterson’s place in Maricopa AZ.

Tapo Canyon County Campground - Nov. 19th thru 27th

 

The whole idea of getting down this way and staying here was so that we could spend Thanksgiving with Brian and Bryanna.  They live in Altadena, and the closest place I’ve ever found to stay in an RV is Simi Valley. 

So, when we arrived there were 2 or 3 giant motorhomes and a couple other trailers and 5^th wheels.  We met the hosts who were very nice and directed us to our spot.  We got set up and made a short trip into town for a few things.

Tapo Canyon space #3

Next day we went to see B&B.  Bryanna looks great!  She is just into her 3^rd trimester now. If you missed the news, they are having a girl.  YEA!  Oh and Brian looks good too.  They have done an incredible job of improving their curb appeal by installing a new irrigation system and front lawn.  It looks great.  They made dinner that night and we talked and caught up.

We spent a couple nights with them during the first part of the week and then on Thanksgiving morning we went with them to “our” first turkey trot!  As many of you know I’m not a runner!  But was inspired by my 6 month pregnant daughterinlaw, to do it.  If she can do it…..  I can do it, right?  PLUS I got the T shirt!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving dinner was terrific.  We ate outside as is their tradition, with their good friends David and Dannielle and their little girl Haley.

 

 

 

Friday after thanksgiving was a catch up day for us, catch up cleaning, doing laundry, etc.  And then in the afternoon B&B came over to camp to have dinner with us and check out the fully lived in TTT.

Saturday was a restful morning, then I cleaned up and packed the outside stuff because we were going to check out on Sunday morning and it looked like a bit of rain was coming our way.  Which it did, and it got much colder.  We hitched up Sunday am and left for our next destination which was Disneyland!  Actually we are parked at the Anaheim RV Park right around the corner from Disneyland.

 

Site review:

16 full hook up spaces, no cable TV, and NO 4G lte.  but easy back in level concrete pads, picnic tables and fire rings.  This is a county park and there is a day use area with a large lawn and kiddy playground.  $32.00 per nite.

As I said earlier we looked for a closer spot to park and actually drove by one called Balboa RV Park.  Don’t bother even looking at this one.  It’s way too tight, and full of long term residents.  I swear they must put your trailer in with a forklift and you are literally only 4 ft. from your neighbors.

For us Tapo Canyon was a perfect place to stay, it’s just up the road from Simi Valley, its safe, close to shopping and attractions.  But it was a 40 mi drive into B&B’s house.

 

 

 

 

Next time we’ll talk about the Disneyland adventure... J

 

Seacliff to Pismo – Nov. 17th

Seacliff to Pismo – Nov. 17^th

Seacliff State Beach was a good place to stay for our first night on the road as it was RIGHT ON THE BEACH!  It had full hookups which was nice. 

Site Review:

Space 9, sand box, full hook up, back in ocean view,4G lte, $71.00/night

We left there on Thursday morning and headed to our next stop, Pismo State Beach.  That ride was mostly uneventful.  We had been asked by Brian & Bree to stop at Cambria and pick up their wine club selection which was an easy side trip.  Or so we thought.  As we are pulling into Cambria, a lady in a car came flying up beside us in the truck and was waving and pointing towards the back of our 5^th wheel, and yelling you are dragging a hose!  So I pulled over and ….

All that stuff on the cargo carrier is Patio Furniture that Brian & Bryanna wanted from the ole homestead.

 

Somehow the bumper cap popped off and the sewer hose began working its way out of its storage spot.  Instead of falling all the way out though, it got hung up and was dragging like a tail down the Hwy!  Well we were so embarrassed, and so upset, and so, so glad we had discovered this BEFORE we got to downtown Cambria!  Can you imagine?? J

Once we fixed that, we continued into Cambria to pick up the wine and then on down Hwy 1 into Pismo Beach.

Pismo was great, but I got a spot that was too close to Hwy 1, so we had road noise most of the nights.  This was dry camping.  We saw a GD Reflection in the campground and I was going to say hello since we were both GD owners, but we never saw them outside.  In fact once while we were walking around the camp and past their unit, we noticed that they were watching a movie.  Or rather we heard they were watching a movie… they had their outside speakers on, and everyone within a couple hundred feet could hear the soundtrack!!  J  It was a love story….

Our site at Pismo State Beach Campground.

That evening we were joined by Robert and Suzan Parisi who live in Santa Maria.  Bob, as most of you know is one of my friends from High School and beyond.  They came by to see our new living situation, and took us to dinner at Shell Beach Brewhouse.  Thanks Bob & Suzan.  And it was great seeing you both again.

Glenda and I walked Piper on the beach, down quite a ways toward the dunes on Friday.  The ocean really makes her like a puppy again.  She runs and jumps, chases the waves, it’s really pretty fun to watch.  But it wore her out. 

Which was ok since the rest of the day was a ride back up Hwy 1 to Harmony Winery, we needed some more wineglasses, and a stop at Moro Bay to pick up some clam chowder from Giovanni’s fish market. We made a couple stops along the way to watch the ocean for a while because we know we won’t be seeing that for a while…

Back at camp, dinner was the clam chowder and salad. 

 

Site Review:

Space 57, paved pull thru, smallish, dry camping, grassy view, 4G lte, $27.00/night

On Saturday morning we hooked up and headed to Tapo Canyon County campground in Simi Valley.  The trip was a beautiful sunny day thru the central coast valleys along Hwy 101, which then popped out to the coast around Ventura County.  We were going to try to stop for lunch somewhere in Goleta or at least before we got into Santa Barbara, but that turned out to be a lousy idea.  No place to easily get that big of a truck and trailer off the road at an In & Out!  So.  We motored a bit further until we remembered a place we had been told about where trailers and motorhomes just park along the Hwy next to the beach.  Thank you Annette Hawley!  When we found the spot, we stopped for a bite of lunch and decided this was way better than some In & Out.

Plenty of room to put the slides out.

Our lunch view

a school of Dolphins swam by our window...

 

The rest of the ride into Simi Valley and the campground was easy.