Its March 19, and this is Linda writing. Russ has done such a great job, doing the posts most evenings, so its time for me to participate.
Checked on the blog to find that the last post was on March 12. Let me see if I can do a little update.
We did do the tour of the MIDWAY but we did not go out to Point Loma. The tour of the MIDWAY was amazing. Walking through the aircraft carrier (I asked Russ if it was a ship or a boat, and that's what he called it), it was huge, so much larger than anything we had on the Shipyard. I remember, as a kid, going on different boats/ships, on some holiday, and they seemed big, but nothing compared to this. It was a beautiful day, and we were directed by one of the tour guides (all, naturally, retired NAVY, and many pilots who landed on the MIDWAY), to go to the Captains Bridge. We could see everything along the San Diego harbor and across to the Shipyard on Coronado Island. On Coronado Island, there are two current carriers, the VINCENT and the REAGAN. (Now I'm wondering if I have the correct names on those). Anyways, it was a wonderful tour, well worth the time and the money.
So since then, we were able to again meet up with our friends from BC, Yvonne & Steve. Russ and I were deciding where to go on the start of our way back east. Yvonne suggested Indio, CA. They have been on an extended trip around Canada and the US and will be 'crossing over' around the first of April, so, since we met up with the in Tucson and Picacho, AZ, I thought they had travelled further north in CA. Well, they hadn't, but were only about 150 miles from us, so that's where we went. Yvonne and Steve have been travelling for a few years, and do some serious travelling, and are good travellers. They decided that we needed to go to Idylwild, CA. What a great spot, other than the road it takes to get there. It was route 74 or 79, and curved back and forth (they are called 'switchbacks')
without guardrails. Shortly into the trip, I had my head on my lap, and stayed that way until we got the Idylwild. It is a beautiful little town, about 6000 feet up, but fortunately still in the 'valley' surrounded by other taller mountains. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day wandering around with our 'buds' from BC.
Sunday, we left for Camp Verde, which is back in AZ, and north of Phoenix. We wanted to spend time in Sedona, Jerome, and Prescott. Monday, we drove up to Jerome and then onto Prescott. Jerome is an old copper mining town. Years ago, there were 15000 people living there, and now it has basically become a tourist town. Lots of artsy shops, with views for miles, all at about 6000 feet. Of course, more windy roads, where I spent most of my time with my head on the center console. I do not enjoy winding, twisting roads that are barely on the hill they climb. After the mining stopped, the town kind of died, and the remaining folks tried to give it a 'ghost' town name. We had lunch at the 'Haunted Hamburger'. I think it was just Russ & I at the table but folks have supposedly seen 'ghosts'. I don't know why they would drive up those winding roads.
We travelled down the other side of the mountain to Prescott (Preskitt to the locals). Nice little town, for just wandering around.
Tuesday, we went to Sedona, which is another beautiful area, very 'artsy' and upper scale. We stopped at a few of the shops, but found a quilt shop!!!! Yeha!!! Great shop, nice ladies, great material, and I not have a quilt kit for a wall hanging. Naturally, a AZ design of Kopellis and such. I'm looking forward to working on it.
So that's it for now, but we did go on a great train ride of the Verde Canyon Railway. Fun, great ride. but more about that later. Now we are in Alburquerque, and I may learn to spell that while we are hear.
We are still have a wonderful time, but now that we are heading EAST. See you all soon
love-linda
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
March 12 smiles
we went to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa park today. The zoo is huge so we took a narrated bus tour thru all the exhibits and then got off and walked most of the zoo. really neat animals and if they come out some special shots of the Polar bears.
we then walked to Balboa Park and wondered around for the afternoon. The wandering is free but they charge for most of the museums and exhibits and I didn't want to pay for "art" stuff I wasn't that interested in. We had great weather and it was warm but not to hot.
on the way back to the rv park we found a VONS food market so stopped to resupply. California is quite expensive but they gave us a discount card like Fry's and a lot of the other stores have so it was a lot cheaper. when we got back to the Rv I got a message that the truck was done. A day early !! I got the rental gassed up and went and got the truck. The girl at the Ford garage was great. they had everything done, tires rotated, pressures where I wanted them, oil and filter done, turbo hose and pipe, clamps and more fixed. I am so glad that I have the extended warrantee.
got back and we had a great steak dinner on the grill. Called and left a message for Dean, our friend from home, that is out here working for the shipyard.
I got a message the Joey Paradis had called so I called him and we had a great chat. He and I talked about thoughts about a future garage he is thinking about. I do hope that he and Brenda can visualize offsetting the garage from the house. If YOU (I know they read this blog) have the back follow the existing retaining wall out back, you will get more sun, less trees to cut, and will break up the front view so it has more "curb appeal". love ya both.
We are planning to head north then east towards Prescott, AZ on Friday AM.
hope everyone is well and ready for a great summer.
tomorrow we plan on touring an aircraft carrier and then go to the beach and Pt. Loma
we then walked to Balboa Park and wondered around for the afternoon. The wandering is free but they charge for most of the museums and exhibits and I didn't want to pay for "art" stuff I wasn't that interested in. We had great weather and it was warm but not to hot.
on the way back to the rv park we found a VONS food market so stopped to resupply. California is quite expensive but they gave us a discount card like Fry's and a lot of the other stores have so it was a lot cheaper. when we got back to the Rv I got a message that the truck was done. A day early !! I got the rental gassed up and went and got the truck. The girl at the Ford garage was great. they had everything done, tires rotated, pressures where I wanted them, oil and filter done, turbo hose and pipe, clamps and more fixed. I am so glad that I have the extended warrantee.
got back and we had a great steak dinner on the grill. Called and left a message for Dean, our friend from home, that is out here working for the shipyard.
I got a message the Joey Paradis had called so I called him and we had a great chat. He and I talked about thoughts about a future garage he is thinking about. I do hope that he and Brenda can visualize offsetting the garage from the house. If YOU (I know they read this blog) have the back follow the existing retaining wall out back, you will get more sun, less trees to cut, and will break up the front view so it has more "curb appeal". love ya both.
We are planning to head north then east towards Prescott, AZ on Friday AM.
hope everyone is well and ready for a great summer.
tomorrow we plan on touring an aircraft carrier and then go to the beach and Pt. Loma
Sunday, March 9, 2014
March 9 California
Hi all, We made it safely to California.
We said our goodby to Dave and Virl this morning and headed to CA, we took rt 8 from Casa Grande and made it to Gila Bend and got fuel and found the Cactus Shop we had been told about. what a place, all kinds of lawn art, plant pots, cacti, and everything in between. the shop is for sale so they had a great sale going on. We got a few things we just had to have and back on the road. I had heard that there was some mountains between AZ and CA and we found some small ones and they are beautiful. we drove along the border of Mexico and saw the new huge fencing. we did our part, but didn't see anybody running across the desert heading north. Just after getting into CA (just west of Yuma) we saw huge sand dunes with all kind of 4 wheelers and sand buggies flying around and over them. what a neat sight. this is the Imperial Sand Dunes. We decided to stay in El Centro so we would have a short haul to San Diego in the morning. only about 120 miles. we called Mission Bay RV park and they have room for us so we feel better as we had heard that most of the parks were full. We settled into the Reo Bend RV and Gold Resort and went wandering around the park. It's pretty nice, with a small lake right across from our site. The Golf course is right along the river and has a very pretty view and a small good snack bar. we got two huge chicken quesadella's for $6 each and sat on their patio overlooking the course. Chatted with some park folks and got very hot. The sun was out and unlike Picacho Peak, there is humidity here and we are not used to it. The pool looked inviting so we suited up and went for a dip and just sat in the sun and relaxed. we were told to go to the snack bar patio around 7pm to see a great sunset. we went about 6:45 and the sun was almost set but still pretty. while standing there we met a couple from south eastern Minisoooota. That is how Minnesotans pronounce it, but I guess they think I have an accent too. we spent alot of time talking and walking around with them. they had just come from San Diego and offered some suggestions. nice folks and a good evening. back in the rig, had some leftover Quesaella and trying to catch up on Blog, Facebook and general communications. Just so you all will know, We talked to Jeff S. at home and all is well and no snow for a few days. about a foot on the ground and it's still cold. jeff explained that it has been a very cold winter and when he said that 5 degrees F. is feeling warm, I am so glad we are in 70 to 80 degree weather. As I type this, it is still 64 degrees at 8:45 at nite and we have the windows and door open. I LOVE being retired and able to take these road trips.
Virl saying goodby and showing off her pink slippers
Sand Dunes and riders
Linda sitting in the shade of our rig
The small lake across the street from our site #10
Sun setting over the golf course
We said our goodby to Dave and Virl this morning and headed to CA, we took rt 8 from Casa Grande and made it to Gila Bend and got fuel and found the Cactus Shop we had been told about. what a place, all kinds of lawn art, plant pots, cacti, and everything in between. the shop is for sale so they had a great sale going on. We got a few things we just had to have and back on the road. I had heard that there was some mountains between AZ and CA and we found some small ones and they are beautiful. we drove along the border of Mexico and saw the new huge fencing. we did our part, but didn't see anybody running across the desert heading north. Just after getting into CA (just west of Yuma) we saw huge sand dunes with all kind of 4 wheelers and sand buggies flying around and over them. what a neat sight. this is the Imperial Sand Dunes. We decided to stay in El Centro so we would have a short haul to San Diego in the morning. only about 120 miles. we called Mission Bay RV park and they have room for us so we feel better as we had heard that most of the parks were full. We settled into the Reo Bend RV and Gold Resort and went wandering around the park. It's pretty nice, with a small lake right across from our site. The Golf course is right along the river and has a very pretty view and a small good snack bar. we got two huge chicken quesadella's for $6 each and sat on their patio overlooking the course. Chatted with some park folks and got very hot. The sun was out and unlike Picacho Peak, there is humidity here and we are not used to it. The pool looked inviting so we suited up and went for a dip and just sat in the sun and relaxed. we were told to go to the snack bar patio around 7pm to see a great sunset. we went about 6:45 and the sun was almost set but still pretty. while standing there we met a couple from south eastern Minisoooota. That is how Minnesotans pronounce it, but I guess they think I have an accent too. we spent alot of time talking and walking around with them. they had just come from San Diego and offered some suggestions. nice folks and a good evening. back in the rig, had some leftover Quesaella and trying to catch up on Blog, Facebook and general communications. Just so you all will know, We talked to Jeff S. at home and all is well and no snow for a few days. about a foot on the ground and it's still cold. jeff explained that it has been a very cold winter and when he said that 5 degrees F. is feeling warm, I am so glad we are in 70 to 80 degree weather. As I type this, it is still 64 degrees at 8:45 at nite and we have the windows and door open. I LOVE being retired and able to take these road trips.
Virl saying goodby and showing off her pink slippers
Saturday, March 8, 2014
March 8th sad
well we packed up the RV and got ready for travelling mode. We leave here in the AM and head towards San Diego, CA . Expect to spend one night on the road and into SD on Monday and find a place to stay.
Today was a emotional day, as we spent alot of time saying goodby to some of the nicest people we have met. This park has been like a family and everyone seems to know, help and enjoy everyone else. The folks across the street, Dave and Virl have been like close family and Linda has started calling Dave "dad" and he loves it as much as she does. They have taken us under their wing and we have had so much fun and shared so much with them. Frank and Phyllis our other neighbors and we will miss them as well. Ed, Bernie, Dorothy, Sandy and the rest of the group will be missed too. We will come back here!! We hope any of them will come to NH and visit.
We are looking forward to the rest of our journey and meeting new people and seeing old friends along the way.
Its Linda. Yes, this has been a fantastic place for us to spend five weeks. We knew when we were here three years ago, that we would be back, and we are so glad that we have. We are not ready to become winter Arizonians, but we do have a second home here at Picacho Peak. We will be back.
We are looking forward to time in San Diego, and then our return trip back to New Hampshire, but we will not hurry. Oh, I forgot to mention that we played 'Trivia' tonight, and one of our new friends had a White Mountains tee shirt one. Don't know if she planned it (think it might have been) but we took it at that. This has been a wonderful time for both of us. But more adventures await us. Who would have thought that that we could have so many new experiences at our age. More to come. Love to all, Linda & Russ
PS; Jeff S. we have left a couple of messages to see how things are going and hope you haven't passed out snow blowing our driveway. we will try again soon. Russ
Today was a emotional day, as we spent alot of time saying goodby to some of the nicest people we have met. This park has been like a family and everyone seems to know, help and enjoy everyone else. The folks across the street, Dave and Virl have been like close family and Linda has started calling Dave "dad" and he loves it as much as she does. They have taken us under their wing and we have had so much fun and shared so much with them. Frank and Phyllis our other neighbors and we will miss them as well. Ed, Bernie, Dorothy, Sandy and the rest of the group will be missed too. We will come back here!! We hope any of them will come to NH and visit.
We are looking forward to the rest of our journey and meeting new people and seeing old friends along the way.
Its Linda. Yes, this has been a fantastic place for us to spend five weeks. We knew when we were here three years ago, that we would be back, and we are so glad that we have. We are not ready to become winter Arizonians, but we do have a second home here at Picacho Peak. We will be back.
We are looking forward to time in San Diego, and then our return trip back to New Hampshire, but we will not hurry. Oh, I forgot to mention that we played 'Trivia' tonight, and one of our new friends had a White Mountains tee shirt one. Don't know if she planned it (think it might have been) but we took it at that. This has been a wonderful time for both of us. But more adventures await us. Who would have thought that that we could have so many new experiences at our age. More to come. Love to all, Linda & Russ
PS; Jeff S. we have left a couple of messages to see how things are going and hope you haven't passed out snow blowing our driveway. we will try again soon. Russ
Saturday, March 1, 2014
March 1st
Well I am back. It has been a little while since we have posted anything but wanted to let you know what we have been up to.
I have have been taking a silver smithing class,here in the park, and have had a ball. The man that ownes the business and is the instructor is from Colorado and is a great guy. He has Parkinson's so he can't do the work that he has been doing for over 20 years and wan't to sell his equipment, supplys and everything that gose with it. I was all ready to buy it, a great price, but was worried that he would really miss it. If I bought it , I would have loaded it up and when we left, it would be gone. I had hoped that someone from the park would buy it so he could continue working with it and helping folks learn from him. I knew that another neighbor had shown some interest so I spoke to her about it and after talking with her, she went right over and bought it all. She is going to have him give lessons and help her and also be able to use anything he needs. I am so happy for them both. I may just order some supplies and things I need when i get home , so I can continue learning and do some of the projects I would like to make. here is a couple of pictures of the things I made.
A ring for Linda
A temporary wedding band for me. My gold original ring hasn't fit in years so I made this size 15 to fit me for now.
This is a small pendant that I made from a piece of Turquoise I found when hiking around the mountain behind the RV
This is a Tigers eye necklace that I did for my first piece.
The weather here has been absolutly beautiful, with sun, temps in the high 70's and 80's with a light breeze. The people in the park are all wonderful. We are part of a big family, and everyone helps one another, always stops to chat and really enjoys the fortune that we all feel for being able to live the lives we do. We have made some lifelong friends. The couple Dave and Virl, that live across the street, have taken us like their own kids. we share meals, happy hour and just really enjoy time together. I play darts two nites a week, and have become the "sleeper" from away as I sometimes can really shoot. most of the time I just have very good luck. I did get a pin and lots of hugs for getting my first "hat trick" the other evening. A hat trick is three bullseyes with three consecutive darts. we have attended two potluck dinners and have been asked for both recipes. a Tortilla soup, and my pulled pork special.
I am kind of rambling, but am just writting as I think of stuff. Yesterday Linda and I went to Oro Valley. It's down toward Tucson about 15 miles, and as were getting there we drove by Dove Mountain, where they just held the big professional golf tournament last week. we are continually amazed at the beautiful landscape in every direction. Mountains, cacti, flowers and clouds. everything seems so defined. kind of like three dimensional in overdrive. the picture can never show the true beauty!! we do love it here, especially as there is no snow and cold is 65 degrees. we ate at a Mexican cafe that was really nice, found a great quilt shop and i bought some South Western fabric that I liked. not sure what Linda can do with it, but I wanted it. we got home and the wind was picking up and as we have been told, that when it blow, it really blows. we picked up the chairs and outside stuff and made sure that we were ready and I am glad we did, as it blew very hard during the nite. the camper was a rockin!! here is a couple of pics before it all started.
Why would anyone thing this scene would predict a storm?
This one might let you know something was coming.
Last nite was a windy nite. This morning I got up and went out and saw that we hadn't lost anything , but did walk around and help neighbors retieve lawn chairs, tablecloths and other items that hadn't been fully secured. we walked to the clubhouse for coffee and after a little bit it started to rain. Boy did it rain, and blow. they haven't had rain in over two and a half months and need it, but way to much to fast. water runs along in every ditch, gully, low spot and detente. it stopped in about an hour and is all gone. still overcast but about 60 degrees. the sun will be out tomorrow!
we have alot more things to do while here an know we will never get to everything in the next week, before we head towards San Diego, CA but we will have fun trying. got to run, as people are out and things to do.
ps for those that know about the work I have been doing on the new ordnance for town. it made it to the ballot and we have voted and mailed our ballots back to the town. I hope everyone else votes they way I did. Yes!!! for the Rights based Ordnance.
I have have been taking a silver smithing class,here in the park, and have had a ball. The man that ownes the business and is the instructor is from Colorado and is a great guy. He has Parkinson's so he can't do the work that he has been doing for over 20 years and wan't to sell his equipment, supplys and everything that gose with it. I was all ready to buy it, a great price, but was worried that he would really miss it. If I bought it , I would have loaded it up and when we left, it would be gone. I had hoped that someone from the park would buy it so he could continue working with it and helping folks learn from him. I knew that another neighbor had shown some interest so I spoke to her about it and after talking with her, she went right over and bought it all. She is going to have him give lessons and help her and also be able to use anything he needs. I am so happy for them both. I may just order some supplies and things I need when i get home , so I can continue learning and do some of the projects I would like to make. here is a couple of pictures of the things I made.
The weather here has been absolutly beautiful, with sun, temps in the high 70's and 80's with a light breeze. The people in the park are all wonderful. We are part of a big family, and everyone helps one another, always stops to chat and really enjoys the fortune that we all feel for being able to live the lives we do. We have made some lifelong friends. The couple Dave and Virl, that live across the street, have taken us like their own kids. we share meals, happy hour and just really enjoy time together. I play darts two nites a week, and have become the "sleeper" from away as I sometimes can really shoot. most of the time I just have very good luck. I did get a pin and lots of hugs for getting my first "hat trick" the other evening. A hat trick is three bullseyes with three consecutive darts. we have attended two potluck dinners and have been asked for both recipes. a Tortilla soup, and my pulled pork special.
I am kind of rambling, but am just writting as I think of stuff. Yesterday Linda and I went to Oro Valley. It's down toward Tucson about 15 miles, and as were getting there we drove by Dove Mountain, where they just held the big professional golf tournament last week. we are continually amazed at the beautiful landscape in every direction. Mountains, cacti, flowers and clouds. everything seems so defined. kind of like three dimensional in overdrive. the picture can never show the true beauty!! we do love it here, especially as there is no snow and cold is 65 degrees. we ate at a Mexican cafe that was really nice, found a great quilt shop and i bought some South Western fabric that I liked. not sure what Linda can do with it, but I wanted it. we got home and the wind was picking up and as we have been told, that when it blow, it really blows. we picked up the chairs and outside stuff and made sure that we were ready and I am glad we did, as it blew very hard during the nite. the camper was a rockin!! here is a couple of pics before it all started.
Last nite was a windy nite. This morning I got up and went out and saw that we hadn't lost anything , but did walk around and help neighbors retieve lawn chairs, tablecloths and other items that hadn't been fully secured. we walked to the clubhouse for coffee and after a little bit it started to rain. Boy did it rain, and blow. they haven't had rain in over two and a half months and need it, but way to much to fast. water runs along in every ditch, gully, low spot and detente. it stopped in about an hour and is all gone. still overcast but about 60 degrees. the sun will be out tomorrow!
we have alot more things to do while here an know we will never get to everything in the next week, before we head towards San Diego, CA but we will have fun trying. got to run, as people are out and things to do.
ps for those that know about the work I have been doing on the new ordnance for town. it made it to the ballot and we have voted and mailed our ballots back to the town. I hope everyone else votes they way I did. Yes!!! for the Rights based Ordnance.
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