Tuesday December 21st

Again we woke up to dense fog.  I'm guessing this is a regular thing down here.  But no worries, the weatherman says that after it burns off the temperature will get above 80 today.  YES!

After our "preview" tour yesterday, we decided that we most wanted to visit the Market District, and Mission Concepcion.  We parked near the market and headed to La Margarita Restaurant.  We each got a bowl of Tortilla Soup.  Shredded tortilla shells, onions, vegetables and a whole chicken breast in an almost clear chicken broth.  Delicious!  We then shared a chicken taco and chicken enchilada.  This isn't the stuff you get at Taco Bell.  The taco was filled with seasoned shredded chicken, cheese and toppings.  The enchilada was served covered in cheese, sauce and sour cream.  Excellent lunch.

We then needed to walk it off, so we proceeded to explore the rest of the Market District.  Lined with souvenir stands, gift shops, restaurants, and bars, it is not unlike the Strip District in Pittsburgh, the Old City Market in Charleston, SC, or the French Market District in New Orleans.  The major difference is it's Tex-Mex flavor.  Mariachi musicians stroll the area to entertain the tourists and Spanish or Cowboy music is coming from the establishments.  I spotted a guy wearing a T-shirt asking "GOT FIVE?" and on the back it said Dallas Cowboys.  I had to restrain myself to prevent me from saying to him, "As, a matter of fact, we've got SIX!"

Having covered all of the Market District, we hopped aboard the tour trolley.  Since we were the only ones, the driver asked where we wanted to go.  We replied Mission Concepcion.  One of five missions settled by the Franciscans, Alamo being the more famous, Concepcion is still an operating Church.  This church still had the Frescoes on the walls that have been there for more than 200 years.  A beautiful Church, especially decorated for Christmas.  Outside, the manicured grounds held a cactus garden and a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

                                

About an hour later, we got back on the trolley and headed for the car and back to base camp.  Our intentwas to continue the musical theme and find a local "Cowboy" bar near camp.  There were 3 choices in Borene (pronounced Bernie).  One was having a Texas Hold 'em tournament, one cited the Christmas holiday and the third was closed.  We settled for some Texas beef instead.  The Tin Roof had some serious steaks and ours were served with a bacon, garlic, Alfredo sauce topping...YEEE HAWWW!

I think Judy summed up our experience in San Antonio best.  "San Antonio is a pearl in the oyster that is Texas".

Back at the ranch, er, I mean motor home, we stowed the car in the trailer and prepped for our morning departure to New Mexico and the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Wednesday December 22nd

Early morning fog again, but no worry, we're headed out of town today.

Leaving San Antonio and heading west on I-10 presents you with a whole lot of nothing.  The road increases in elevation a bit, but nothing drastic.  Eventually, the road becomes straight, flat, and long.  Not much to see, but there is a strange beauty to that wide open space.  Nothing as far as the eye can see.  For me, it lets me know that there are still places a person can go that hasn't been paved, plowed, developed or landscaped.

About 420 miles later, we were in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  We'll spend the night here and check into our RV park in the morning.  People love to hate Wal-Mart, but they are good to RVers.  Always a safe place to park and get some sleep.  And about a hundred security cameras give you secure feeling.  Also, they are well aware that almost everyone who stays, goes in the store and spends some money.  We did some grocery shopping and left more than $80.00 there.  We appreciate Wal-Mart's hospitality.

We'll spend a week here exploring the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Sitting Bull Falls, Living Dessert State Park, and what ever else we can find.  Our stay will include Christmas.  Our first time celebrating the holidays with out the winter weather.  We'll take advantage of Skype to share Christmas with Demetri, our Grandson.

Thursday December 23rd

This morning we checked into the Carlsbad RV Resort.  A desert park, with some very friendly people.  The park has spacious pull through sites, long enough to allow us to pull in with out having to unhook the trailer.  There is an indoor heated pool, free Wi-Fi, and two very nice pet areas.  One with graduated exercise platforms and a mailbox full of doggie treats.  In the summer during tourist season, for the kids, there is a playground, bicycle rentals and plenty of room to run.

A note from Mia to all of her doggie friends:  Be careful of the grass when you go to pee or poop out here in the desert.  Lots of burrs to get caught in your pads.



Park along Pecos River

 After getting set up I had to go to Radio Shack to get some cable connectors.  During the trip, a short drive took me to the Pecos Village and Millennium Park along the river.  The park was a beautiful area for walking, cycling, picnicking and playing along the Pecos River.  At the Pecos Village, they offer boat rides for the holiday light displays at the homes on the shoreline.  This may be an item on the agenda during the week.

The rest of the evening was spent doing housekeeping tasks and paperwork.

Friday December 24th

Christmas Eve.

Headed for the "NO WHINER DINER" for breakfast.  Unfortunately, this diner doesn't open until 11:00 am.  Somehow that defies the definition of DINER!

Went to another place and it didn't open till 11:00 either.

Ended up at reliable old Denny's.

Afterward we all took a stroll through the Pecos River Village, the River Walk and Millennium Park.  The temps were in the low 50's and windy.  But, I'm not going to complain when the temperature back home is in the 20's.

We stopped at a grocery store to get some items for this evening's pot luck dinner.  When we got back, we picked up our mail which had accumulated for about a week before we had an address to which it could be forwarded.

The resort operators were in the process of smoking hams and deep frying turkeys in preparation for tonight's event.  We did more paperwork and went through all the mail.  Thanks to everyone who sent Christmas cards.  They've become an important part of our holiday decorations and a nice reminder of home.

Judy prepared a nice cold salad to take to the Pot Luck Dinner tonight.  Thanks to Brianna, we accumulated 10 packages of Ramen Noodles, and we've been carrying them in the motor home for over a year (like nuclear waste, Ramen noodles have a half-life).  She found a tasty recipe for a salad that used up 8 of them; a significant space saver and a real crowd pleaser.

When we got to the dinner we mingled with folks from all over the country.  Some that are on vacation and others that live full time in their RVs traveling all year long.  Dinner was served; smoked turkey and ham along with the deep fried turkey.  We've always wanted to try fried turkey and finally got our chance.  It was delicious!  There were about 30 folks at the dinner and a wide variety of side dishes and desserts were brought by the guests.  The pecan pie was OUTSTANDING!

After dinner we went back to the coach and started to watch the "A Christmas Story" marathon.  I never get tired of watching that movie.  Especially the pink bunny suit and the 'tis the season to be jarrwy parts...always funny.

Midnight Mass at San Jose Church was next on the agenda.  A modern style church, it was a real departure from the centuries old churches we had seen in Louisiana and Texas.  A 12 voice choir accompanied by Spanish guitars sang Christmas songs and the traditional hymns during the service.  The Church had a beautiful Nativity scene that reminded you of what Christmas is really about.

It was after one in the morning before we hit the sack and the visions of sugar plums began to dance in our heads.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Day

Not that we need any justification for what we do, but when you do what we do, and then have the perfect day...well, it's just a good feeling.

Woke up around 8:00 this morning and the sun was already shining brightly.  I made coffee, Judy made breakfast and we began calling family and friends to wish them a Merry Christmas.

A video chat with our Grandson was very special.  He showed us his new bulldozer and tool kit.  But his favorite Christmas item was, of course, the box his mother's shoes came in.  It's been less than a month since we left home and he seems to have grown so much in that time.  Technology can be great!

By 11:00 am the bikes were out of the trailer and ready to roll.  We headed south through some typical but stunning Chihuhuan desert scenery.  A few miles later the road started to rise and fall over a changing landscape as we began to enter a more mountainous part of the desert.  A few miles later and we were riding though cavernous walls that jutted up alongside the road.  The 30 miles to the park entrance was a great ride.  The next 10 miles were fun!  Once you get near the entrance, the pavement gets much more twisted.  There are several 90 degree turns, and plenty of 90 degree switchbacks.  There were even a couple 180 degree turns thrown in for good measure.

Now approaching the Lincoln National Forest, the plant life was getting thicker, but still not the forest you may expect.  The ground and hills were covered with tan colored grasses, pear cactus, yucca, sage bushes, holly and the ever present tumbleweed.  Within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest lies Sitting Bull Falls State Park; our target destination.  But truthfully, whether we got there or not made no difference.  The journey was quickly becoming a highlight of the day.

Arriving at the falls viewing area we noticed several picnic groves for day users.  Even one picnic table up in the rock formations at the end of a short path.  For the more adventurous, there is a trail to the top of the falls, complete with warnings about "what to do if you encounter a cougar".  Opting to stay on the paved path to the falls viewing deck, we proceeded up hill.  About a 5 minute walk away from the parking area, the falls are not the magnificent roaring falls you find in many places.  Rather, at this time of year, it was more of a gentle spray from the spring fed creek that comes over the rock edges.   The odd rocks made the water splash toward the bottom in different directions.  I'm sure after the spring rains, the volume and speed of the water change the appearance significantly.  So, depending on when you visit, you may get a very different experience.  The Park and the Forest have a multitude of recreational opportunities including hiking and off road ATV/bike trails.

The ride home was just as enjoyable as the ride out.   It is always amazing how different things look from another angle.





Time for Christmas dinner.  Unconventional surrounding, but a more conventional meal. Baked ham, potatoes, cornbread and Turtle Cake for dessert.

This was our first time away from family and friends for Christmas.  Strange, but oddly one of the best holidays I've had.  No pressure, no rushing and the pure enjoyment of nature with my best friend.  I have to think that my Christmas gift this year was, as it has been for 20 years, is my wife.  Without her, none of what we are doing and experiencing would be possible.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sunday December 26th

Another great day thanks to our National Parks System.

Having had previous photographic experience inside a cave, I apologize in advance for anything seen here that may look like a colonoscopy.

Having said that, it never ceases to amaze us how beautiful and interesting a hole in the ground can be.  We opted for the self guided tour ($6.00) which included a wand-like listening device.  At each station you enter the corresponding number on the keypad for a brief explanation of your surroundings.  Carlsbad Caverns National Park is more famous for it's nightly bat flights during the non-winter months.  Unfortunately, we didn't know that bats migrate south around October.

Even with the disappointment of missing the bats, the caverns more than made up for it.  Entering the cave through the natural opening involves about a mile walk, mostly down hill, along a winding paved path.  Every turn brought another eye popping view.  Stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites sprouting from the floor, popcorn formations, water pools, and huge boulders.  That first mile gets you to the rest area and half way point of the tour, and takes about 90 minutes to complete.

The second half of the tour is more of a level walk and about another mile and a half.  This portion takes you into the "Big Room" which is just that.  It is enormous!  About the size of 4 football fields long and about 20 stories high.  There are 50 information stations on the tour offering a wealth of information about this cavern, including it's history from the time Jim White first entered it in 1898 at the age of 16.

If you ever get to this part of the country, this is a MUST SEE!  Even the road to the park is a great desert ride. 

WARNING!  DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, take the scenic loop near the visitor center unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  Granted, the road does offer you some stunning desert vistas.  However; we made the mistake of taking the Smart car down the 9 mile dirt road that, about half way in, turned into a loose gravel road.  The kind of gravel that was like driving in deep snow.  Then it turned into a rock covered goat path with loose stones the size of softballs for the road bed.  It was about this time that the Ranger vehicle pulled up behind us and followed us to the end.  We were averaging about 6 miles an hour as we bounced along, which meant he was behind us in his giant wheeled urban assault vehicle for more than 40 minutes and, I assume, laughing his ass off the entire time.

Monday December 27th

Alien hunting today.

Rode to Roswell New Mexico today to revisit the scene of the 1947 landing of the Extra Terrestrials that were spirited away to the top secret military installation, Area 51 near Las Vegas.

Roswell reminds me of Hershey, Pennsylvania; a city that embraces it uniqueness.  Just like Hershey, where everything references chocolate, in Roswell, everything references UFO's.  Hershey's street lamp posts look like Chocolate Kisses and in Roswell they look like aliens, which were sporting Santa hats for the holiday

Roswell also has, like most of the south-west, a strong Mexican influence.  This results in some TRUE Mexican restaurants.  We were fortunate to pick Cecilio's.  Like most places here, complimentary salsa and chips are served.  I got the sampler platter and Judy got the Steak Tampaquena.  The sampler came with a taco, enchilada and chille relleno all served with a green chille sauce.  All were excellent choices and more than we could finish.  Take out containers were in order.  Click on any of the highlighted items and you will learn about them.

A walk along Main Street is a tourist and conspiracy theorist's delight.  There is the UFO Museum, which is surrounded by UFO related shops selling shirts, hats, mugs and information.  Everywhere you look you will see another version of what they claim landed here more than 60 years ago.  An event that is celebrated each 4th of July weekend with the annual Roswell UFO Festival.  This has to be Mecca for all the Trekkie's and space junkies out there.

Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway...A trip to Roswell is an Out of this World experience!

Tuesday December 28th

The sun was shining when we got up and the temperature was supposed to get into the 60's.  Don't need a better reason than that to ride.

We rolled the Harleys out of the trailer and saddled up for a ride to lunch and then to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

We started out on Hidalgo Road here in Carlsbad.  The first couple of miles are residential, then it runs right out into the desert.  The next five miles were a mix of good and bad.  Good for the beauty of the desert and bad for the sight of all the oil wells and pumps intruding on the landscape.  I know it's a necessary evil, but I wish they were able to hide them.
 

Fortunately, the remaining 10 miles of Hidalgo Road were pure desert.  Here, it's floor is covered with a variety of plant life.  Grasses, cactus, aloe and agave, or Mezcal, the source of tequila. 

We stopped at Whites City for lunch, nothing special, then headed south to the park.  As soon as we got on to National Parks Highway at Whites City, it was 14 miles of nearly perfectly straight roadway.  As the road rose and fell, there were several points where you were able to see the entire stretch in front of, and behind you.  At several times we were the only people visible in any direction.  When the road crossed the Texas State line, it made a wide sweeping 90 degree turn to the right and proceeded to be poker straight for another 5 miles.  There is something exhilarating about roaring down a desert highway when all you can see is wide open space and all you can hear is the rumble of pipes under your feet.  Have I mentioned I love riding a motorcycle?        

As we got closer to the park entrance, the road started to turn a bit more as we increased in altitude and drew closer to the mountains that had been miles to the west of us.  The peaks were wide and rounded from millions of years of erosion and covered with bushes and plants that were spaced far enough apart to see the tan colored earth between.  This space is necessary to try to get as much moisture as possible to survive.

As we headed back to camp, the sun was getting low but it was still warm.  Over 100 miles today and the last ride in New Mexico for this trip.

After dinner, we got into the heated indoor pool here at the resort. The water was heated, but the building was not.  Quite the shocker exiting the water. 

Tomorrow is a day off as we get ready to leave on Thursday for Arizona.  See you then.

Thursday December 30th

We woke up to sunshine and blue skies and 700 miles to Yuma.  (Our son Nick says that sounds like the title of a Waylon Jennings Album!)  We left Carlsbad, New Mexico around 9:00 am hoping to get in 400 to 500 miles and finish up tomorrow.  Our route would take us from eastern New Mexico through El Paso Texas to pick up Interstate 10 and then back into the western part of New Mexico.

It was a fairly nice ride for the first 100 miles.  As we got closer to El Paso, the winds started to pick up.  Before we knew it, the winds were at gale force.  When you’re driving a 65 foot wide by 11 foot high wall, that kind of wind makes for some scary times.

As if it wasn’t bad enough, it soon turned into a dust storm in El Paso.  The wind was so strong; it loosened part of our awning cover, causing me to climb onto the roof to secure it.  I got a nice derm-abrasion treatment for free!

As we crossed back into New Mexico, the dust turned to sand, and then the sand turned to rain, then sleet, then hail, then snow.  Judy said the only thing missing was locusts!  I never thought we would see snow plows and salt trucks in the desert.  I thought we left all of that back east. 

After eight hours and nearly 400 miles, we could see the sunshine near the Arizona line.  Ultimately, we ended the day in Casa Grande, Arizona, leaving us with about a three hour drive to our Yuma destination, the Las Quintas Oasis Resort.

Friday December 31st

New Year’s Eve.

The remaining 150 miles were in bright sunshine and trouble free.  We arrived at the RV resort shortly before noon, giving us plenty of time to get set up and prepare to ring in the New Year.

Around 10:00 p.m. (Midnight Eastern Time) we began to call family back home to wish them a Happy New Year.  A little later, we popped the cork on a bottle of bubbly, broke out the caviar and enjoyed our first New Year’s Eve celebration on the road.

We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2011.

New Year’s Day 2011

As on nearly every January 1^st for the past fifteen years, we started the year in the saddle of a Harley.  Around 10:00 a.m. the sun was shining and the temperature was already in the 50’s.  We rolled the bikes out of the trailer, and headed into the City of Yuma Arizona, about 12 miles west of our location.

It didn’t really matter where we were going, it just mattered that we were riding there. 

 We stopped for breakfast at a local eatery called “Bubba’s”.  Huevos Rancheros for her and Huevos and Chorrizzo for me.  Huevos Rancheros are eggs served on a tortilla covered with salsa.  Huevos and Chorrizzo are eggs and Spanish sausage scrambled together with cheese and potatoes.  My selection was better than her’s.  Evidently, being near Mexico doesn’t guarantee true Mexican cooking.  I guess with a name like Bubba’s we should have had the BBQ.

Our next stop was at the Yuma Territorial Prison.  Now a State Park, the prison has had many incarnations since it closed in 1909.  Not the least of which was homeless housing during the depression, a location for  

Double row of cells

several Hollywood movies, and temporarily, a high school following a fire.  To this day, the High School

"Solitary"
housed up to 20 at a time

  team bears the nick-name the “Crims”, or criminals.  For its 100^th Anniversary, the high school had a commemorative bobble head doll made.  It depicted a man in classic prison stripes with the inscription “100 years of Criminal Activity”.

The penitentiary housed some of the most dangerous and notorious bad guys, and girls, of the old west.  Offenders were sent there for crimes ranging from murder and robbery to adultery and bigamy.  The residents of Yuma resented the prison calling it the “country club on the Colorado”.  The facility was state of the art for its time with electricity, power ventilation, and even a band.  The inmates 

Hospital Cell
Still only one pot to share

did not concur.  With six men sharing a six foot by nine foot cell, summer temperatures over 100 degrees and one porcelain pot  between them for a bathroom, they referred to the place as “hell”.  The number one killer of prisoners was “Consumption” or Tuberculosis.

Nearby is the Downtown Yuma historic district with some old stores, bars, restaurants, and entertainment.  Riding through Main Street, it looked fairly deserted, undoubtedly due to the holiday.

Back by 3:00 with the sun still shining and the thermometer in the 60’s, I didn’t want to end the first day of the year just yet.  I decided to do a little more of what we can’t, or won’t do at home in January…I went swimming and then into the Jacuzzi before dinner.  If the old saying is true and you will be doing for the rest of the year what you do on the first day of the year, this could be a very good year indeed.

Sunday, January 2nd

Today we go our separate ways.  Judy went off to go shopping while I stayed home to do a little maintenance and hopefully watch the Steeler game.  I got the fixing done that needed to be done; but unfortunately, the game was not on here.  I had to suffer through KC and Oakland…who cares?  Fortunately, it was a pretty good game until the fourth quarter and I was able to listen to some of the Steeler game on the computer.  41 to 9 is a good way to finish the season and head into the playoffs with a bye week. 

The computer access here is not good.  I didn’t get an access code for the resort’s Wi-Fi service when we checked in and the office is closed until Monday.  I’m trying to piggy back on passing signals and keep getting kicked out.  The longest I’ve been able to stay on line is about 4 minutes.  Using the itsy bitsy keyboard on the phone is maddening, so I’ll just wait until tomorrow.  Hopefully we will be back on line then.

Monday January 3rd

About 70 miles north of Yuma and ten miles east of the California State line, at the intersection of Interstate 10 and US 95, is the desert town of Quartzsite, Arizona.

About five years ago we stayed there for an entire winter.  God only knows why!  But we did have some fond memories and experiences there, so we decided to make another visit.

During the months of April through October, the population of Quartzsite hovers around 3,000.  But during the late fall and winter months, the population swells to nearly a HALF MILLION, and over one and a half million people will visit Quartzsite during the "season".  Why?  Again, God only knows how it got started. 



The desert around Quartzsite

 The hundreds of square miles of desert surrounding the town begin to fill with motor homes, trailers, campers, tents, and every other conceivable portable home.  You'll see a broken down van occupied by an old couple with three dogs and a goat, parked near a $2 million "Rock Star" motor coach.  Some are parked in RV parks, while others are simply parked anywhere they like on the Government owned desert.  These areas are the LTVA (Long Term Visitor Areas) on the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) property.  You can stay for up to 28 days for free.  Some have showers and a water station near the entrance, but there is nothing beyond that but desert.



Flying over our campsite in an
Ultralight plane
Quartzsite 2006

 A few years ago, we stayed in this desert for nearly 3 months.  Each week we had to go to the water station to empty our sewage tanks and refill out fresh water tanks.  There was no electricity without a generator, solar panels or wind turbine, all of which were in use out there.  Generators are not permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., so you better have enough reserved battery power to keep the blower on your furnace going or you are going to get very cold overnight.

Anyway, the big attraction in town is the carnival atmosphere.  There are gem and mineral shows, RV sales and surplus tents, tools, food, clothing, and just about anything you can think of is being sold in a hut or tent somewhere in the area.  And all of it covered in a thin layer of desert dust!

We went to the place where we were introduced to Mexican breakfast; the Taco Mio restaurant.  Ordering the same things we had in Yuma t Bubba's we realized what a difference there was between the real thing and all the others.  Once again it was Huevos Rancheros for her and Huevos and Chorrizzo for me.  The difference in the home made product versus the botteled stuff is amazing.  This alone made the trip worth it.

After checking out some of the vendors and making a few minor purchases, we drove back to Yuma.

The drive to and from Quartzsite includes some more extrodinary wide open desert space.  Hidden from view on much of it aong this route are military and corporate testing areas.  The U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Grounds are legendary.  Also in this area are training and research facilities for The Air Force, Marines and even General Motors.  Much of it is restriced, but there are areas where tours can be taken, or the recreation areas are open to the public.

Tuesday January 4th

Heading "South of the border...down Mexico way"

About a 40 mile drive south of here is the Mexican border town of San Luis Rio Colorado (St. Louis on the Colorado River).  Approaching the U.S./Mexican border in San Luis, Arizona, you will find plenty of free parking.  There is a huge lot just feet away from the pedestrian crossing gate.  You can drive into Mexico, but you should stop and purchase Mexican auto insurance for the day ($20.00 - $40.00).



Domino's delivers!

 We parked on the U.S. side and walked the half block to the main shopping area.  It is approximately an 8 square block area filed with every conceivable kind of store.  Just like you would find in any other downtown shopping area.  Appliances, gifts, shoes, purses, pharmacies and restaurants.  The prices are less than in the U.S. but not by all that much.  Pharmaceuticals are more readily available.  Most antibiotics are sold with out a prescription.  Narcotics require a prescription, which can be easily obtained, but unless you have a U.S. prescription to verify your need for the med, it will be confiscated at the U.S. entry point.  The biggest draw back to walking into Mexico is the 40 - 50 minutes wait, on a week day afternoon, to cross back into the U.S.  If you have trouble standing for that long, take the car and make sure it's filled with gas.  There's a long wait there too, but you can at least sit and listen to the radio.


We found a little restaurant called Don Ricardo's.  It consisted of four

Men's room, Ladies room
& dish wash area

 folding tables with folding chairs, a plywood counter, and a four burner  stove operated by a BBQ grill type propane tank.  Granted, the health  department codes, if they even exist, are different here.  But it looked clean enough and the food smelled great.  We fumbled our way into ordering Burritos bisteka (Steak burrito) and Enchiladas.  There is no question these were the best we have ever had...this ain't no Taco Bell baby!  I would go back to this town just to eat here.

Of all places, this is where Judy found a replacement mask for her helmet.  We've been trying to find one since last summer. 

We then stumbled past the bakery...OOOOOOOOO BABY, BABY!

The pastries in this pace could put you into a diabetic coma just by walking in the door.  You pick up a stainless steel serving tray, like a waitress uses, and a pair of tongs from the rack.  You then walk around and pick what you want, put it on the tray and carry it to the counter to pay.  Most places gladly take U.S. currency, but this place does not.  They do take credit cards and it cost me 37.50 for 5 pastries.  Later I was relieved to learn that in Pesos, that will probably come out to about $3.00 or $4.00.  The over sized sugar donut alone was probably worth that much.  Before we got a block away we had already consumed one of the items.  No clue what it was, but it was like a giant flat turnover filled with a date and nut paste.  OUTSTANDING.  The giant sugar donut will be saved for breakfast.  A piece of the bear claw, the giant cinnamon & sugar covered flat bread, and the sesame seed & sugar glazed pretzel are being sampled sampled for desert.


Coma is setting in...room getting dark....must sleep now...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Wednesday January 5th

Cleaning day!

The rig hasn't been washed since just before we left Pittsburgh.  Since then we've driven through snow, rain, sleet, sand, dust, more snow and just plain old road grime.  Time to clean up a bit. 

We found a local company that come to you at whatever campground or RV resort you happen to be in.  They wash motor homes and clean the rugs for a reasonable fee, so we called and made an appointment for today.  Carpets in the morning and exterior in the afternoon.

The rugs were cleaned, the motor home was washed from the roof to the tires, the windows were cleaned and even the trailer was washed.  All for the price of only $75.00  ($30 for the rugs - $35 for the motor home - $10 for the trailer).

I would have probably spent that much in cleaning products and a rug cleaner rental.

While we were in a cleaning mood, we cleaned the car in and out as well.

All clean and shiny for the rest of the trip...well, at least for a while anyway.

Thursday January 6th

The day before we leave a town is always a kind of rest day...but not completely.

We went to an indoor flea market that is more of a vendor type deal.  the place looked like it used to be a Sears store and now there are about 50 vendors who set up booths selling all manner of things.  Clothes, locks, custom fit golf clubs, satellite TV services, health food and a food court.  I got a new wallet and a signal finder for our satellite service.  Sometimes it can be very difficult to find the location of the satellite orbiting the earth with just a compass.  Hopefully this will make the job easier.

Took a little time to take a dip in the pool for a few laps and a nice soak in the Jacuzzi.

Then came the work part.  Judy stared to batten down the hatches inside the coach while went into the trailer to secure the motorcycles and the car.  In the morning after our showers and breakfast, we can disconnect the utilities and bring in the slides before heading off to San Diego for a few day.

Friday January 7th

It was a relatively short drive today with just under 200 miles and some stunning scenery.  Our base was 12 miles east of the California State line, so in no time we had left the flat scrub grass and tumbleweed covered land that makes up the Sonoran and Yuma Deserts.

Shortly after entering the Golden State, we were in the Imperial Dunes area.  These are dunes like you would expect to see in the Sahara.  Giant mountains made up of golden soft sand.  Sand that occasionally blows onto the road.  The area is a very popular recreation site and there were motor homes and trailers parked all around.  On the dunes were dozens of dirt bikes, sand rails and dune buggies flying up and down the sides of the hills.  It looked like great fun and we hope to get a chance to do that some day.



Mia



Soon we came upon a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.  All traffic on Interstate 8 is diverted into the inspection station and randomly checked.  Our dog Mia is a Fox Terrier and looks a bit like a Chihuahua.  The Agent questioned her citizenship, but then let us pass.

About an hour later we approached the Coyote Mountain Range and the Cleveland National Forest.  Starting at sea level we began to make the climb.  At times our forward progress was slowed to less than 30 MPH as we rose to nearly 5000 feet at the peak.  Here the topography changed dramatically.  The hills surrounding the roadway were mounds of giant rounded boulders piled up on each other like a rock garden for the gods.  Boulders the size of a football stadium were balanced on top of ones the size of cars.  Along the arduous climb were concrete barrels positioned about a quarter mile apart labeled “RADIATOR WATER”.  That climb must be hellacious in the summer.  Just past the summit, another Border Patrol Checkpoint.  This time we were flagged through without stopping.

The downhill side of the mountain was gradual and took us to yet another check point.  This time it was an agricultural check.  The Department of Agriculture Agent asked if we were carrying any plants, fruits or vegetables on board.  Other than the ones in the fridge, we were not.  This check point is to prevent hitch-hiking vermin, like beetles and worms, from getting to California’s rich farm lands.

We ended our day at the Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado, California, a suburb of San Diego.  Not an inexpensive place to camp, considering there are no hook-ups and generators are banned between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.  It’s tough enough to operate fourteen hours on battery power, but not being able to turn on the coffee maker until after 10:00 is unnatural. 



Our view of the Pacific ocean
 through the windshield of the motor home

Having said that, the reason you come to this campground is its location.  We parked the rig, walked out the door and onto the beach.  Being within feet of the Pacific Ocean was well worth the price for one night.  We took full advantage of our location with a sunset walk on the sand, picking up shells along the way.  A bit further is a tunnel under the road that allows you to cross over to the shore of San Diego Bay.  Across the bay you could see the condos with the Million Dollar views, the sailboats and the huge Navy ships.

Back on the Pacific side of this narrow strip of land, we set up at one of the County provided fire rings.  A stack of wood, a couple of chairs, a bottle of wine, and we were struck by how lucky we are.  Granted, we’ve worked hard for it, but we are truly fortunate to not only have each other to share it all, and to be able to enjoy it as well.

Saturday & Sunday January 8th & 9th

Well, San Diego is turning out to not be the fun place we had hoped it would.  This is through no fault of the city or region.

Saturday morning, Judy wasn't feeling well.  We left the Silver Strand State Beach camping area, mostly because of the fact that there were no utility hook-ups.  We moved about 9 miles away into the KOA Kampground.  Always meticulously maintained facilities, with all the amenities and a bit pricey cost.

Feeling out of sorts, she spent most of the day on the sofa watching TV and dozing in and out of sleep.

After dinner she said she was going to the bedroom to lay down.  A few minutes later she was calling for my help.  Without going into a lot of detail, she became weak and dizzy then collapsed.  I called 911 and she was taken to the hospital.

She spent the next 21 hours in the E.R. before there was a room available.  After extensive testing, they have determined that she contracted an infection in her intestinal system.  This infection caused bleeding, which caused her blood pressure to plummet and resulted in the collapse.

Sunday evening she was much improved, but still not well.  Her blood pressure is improving and the bleeding is nearly stopped.  They have her on I.V. antibiotics and fluids.  It seems she will be in the hospital for at least one more day.  The risk of infection by contact requires me to put on a gown and gloves before going into to see her.

Saturday was, with out a doubt, the most frightening day of my life.   A special note of thanks to cousins Vera and Marc.  They live almost 200 miles away from here in Ventura County, north of Los Angeles.  They drove over 3 hours to visit Judy for approximately 10 minutes then drove back home.  They will never have any idea how much that meant to us.

The blog will be taking some time off.

Saturday, January 15th

RETURN TO THE BLOG!
This turned out to be a great day!

I went the the hospital to visit Judy and began to watch the Steelers play in the AFC Divisional Playoff game.  Just before half time, I had to leave to come back to the coach so I could scream at the TV.  Baltimore's Ravens were winning the game and the Steelers were making all kinds of rookie mistakes.

The second half went a little differently.  The Steelers move onto the AFC Championship game after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in dramatic come from behind fashion!

Then the best part of the day...Around 10:00 p.m. Judy was released from the hospital.

After eight days in the Hospital with what doctors assessed to be a life threatening infection, she finally got out.  Her recovery was slow but steady and will continue for a little longer.  Fortunately, that remaining recovery period will be done away from the hospital.

I want to thank everyone who called, said prayers and thought good thoughts.  You have no idea how much that meant to both of us.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who took care of her for the last eight days.

First, the Chula Vista Fire and Paramedics were quick to arrive, assess and transport in a professional and caring manner.

Second, the E.R. staff at Scripps-Mercy Hospital for the fast and quick diagnosis that saved her life.

Third, the 3rd floor Nurses who were caring and attentive, especially Ivan

And finally, Doctors Hinojosa and Johnson.  These guys were with her from the E.R. to discharge.  "Thank you" seems inadequate, but it's the best I can come up with.

An incident like this makes you appreciate what you have.  I am truly blessed to have her in my life and eternally grateful for those folks that, in the past week, helped keep her in my life.

Now that my traveling buddy is back, we will be hitting the road soon and continuing our adventure.

Stay tuned....

Sunday January 16th

Judy's first full day out of the hospital.  After getting to sleep in her own bed for the first time in over a week, she was feeling much better but still a bit tired from her ordeal.  Since this was our last day in San Diego, and our first opportunity to see any of it, we decided to just get in the car and do our own abbreviated city tour.

While in the hospital, the staff kept telling us of the places we should go see.  The two top suggestions were La Jolla (pronounced la-hoy-a), and the embarcadero.  The San Diego Zoo was out for obvious reasons.

The drive to La Jolla took about 30 minutes and was an easy trip on a Sunday morning through the hilly terrain of Southern California.  When we arrived, we took the marked "Scenic Route" which took us past some million dollar homes with million dollar views of the ocean on one side of the road and the valley on the other.

Turning onto the coast road we came to the beach area.  A narrow, winding road that followed the rocky shore line.  Having spent a lot of my youth "down the Jersey Shore" (Yes! THAT Jersey Shore) I'm more accustomed to the flat, wide sandy beaches of that region.  Our first night in San Diego at Silver Strand State Beach was very much like being on a familiar Jersey beach. 



Seals sunning on the rocks

This section is very different.  The jagged cliff area above the breakers is covered with all manner of flowering plant life.  To get to the beach, you may have to climb down a steep hill side or wind your way down the path.  Then when you get there, beach area is limited.  One bonus, is that you have to share the area with the seals.  The huge creatures sun themselves on the rocks along the shore line.  Their natural camouflage causes them to blend in with their surroundings and they look like the rocks on which they lay.  On the hills on other side of the road you will find miles of condos, hotels, restaurants and bars with an unobstructed view of the Pacific.

Heading back to San Diego, we were in search of the Embarcadero or the marina.  Like many sea ports, it is chock full of sail boats, yachts, dinghy's, tour vessels, cruise ships and the USS Midway.   The Midway was launched in 1945 and served until 1992 in places like Viet Nam and the Persian Gulf.  Now a Naval museum, the Aircraft Carrier stands as a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Navy. 

The area alongside the Midway is a tree lined park.  With the weather a perfect 70 degrees under blue skies, we got some fish and chips and plunked down on a park bench.  Our dining venue was in front of a giant statue of the famous Sailor kissing the Nurse in Times Square at the end of World War II.  Other than the fact that one of the subjects was a Sailor, I'm not sure why such a statue was erected in San Diego rather than New York. 

After lunch we drove to the Island of Coronado, home to the U.S. Naval Base and the Ultra Posh Hotel del Coronado.  Coronado Island has the look and feel of a community right out of a Fitzgerald novel.  Access to the Island is possible via a high bridge over San Diego Bay which offers spectacular views of the area around the city's water ways.  Driving through Coronado you can expect to see an abundance of military uniforms, joggers, bicyclists and big white floppy sun hats on the ladies.

Returning to base camp in Chula Vista by mid afternoon, we began to make preparations for the following morning.  Tomorrow puts us back on the road to Ventura Beach and an extended stay of about six weeks.