RV Voyageur

Yuma Activities,... these past few days!

2012-02-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

And yet another street fair

On Wednesday, we rolled into downtown Yuma to join RVing friends for lunch and the main street was blocked for another fair. It is a draw for visitors and the locals.

We were meeting our friends here @ Lutes Casino. It is a restaurant and pub. It is not - nor has it ever been - a casino. So why the name? Well, history has it that it was the home of illegal gambling (in the basement) in the old west. Neat place.....and the food - prices too - were good. This place was crammed. Had our friends not arrived by 11:30 am, we would not have gotten in. When we left, there was a line up, outdoors, to get in. It's clearly a popular place.

L-R Lucky, Hector and Wade.

The restaurant/pub not only has a most interesting history, it is a virtual museum of paraphernalia.

Wall to wall patrons.....and wall to wall decor.

I had the burger and it was really good!

He is a real living honky tonk pianist!

We're not sure about this guy who came through the ceiling above though!

A cheese burger, with all the trimmings, good honky tonk live entertainment and cheap beer, enveloped in an early western motif, is a pretty darned good way to enjoy lunch for about $6 per person.

Calexico, California.

Following lunch, Jeanette and I rode west to Calexico. The photo above sees us riding along the US steel fence that was built to prevent Mexicans from illegally entering the US. We're in the downtown core of Calexico. Mexicali, Mexico, is on the other side.

Old and new combine to create the makeup of this California city.

US border and immigration building on the US/Mexico border

Typical water tower.

Our return ride eastbound on I-8 from El Centro, CA back to Yuma, AZ.

The California canal - diverted from the Colorado River - and the sand dunes that surround it.

This area attracts sand dune lovers.

We saw many RVers with trailers full of dune buggies and quads.

Selecting fresh vegetables at this open air market.

Thursday night was ours to host dinner at our RV site. Our morning started with a drive to a local market in search of some fresh veggies. We were planning an outdoor burger barbecue.

Our RVing friends arrived. It was hot in the sun so we sat on the shaded side of our fiver.

Chico, the Portuguese Water Dog, belonging to Hector & Diane, received a new doggie bandana that Jeanette had purchased in Calexico.

Lucky and Trena did not bring their dog, Jake, along so Jeanette placed the new bandana on Lucky.


It was likely the great oldies music and/or the heat that got Hector and Diane on their feet for a wee dance.

The burgers were ready as night fell.

We lit a fire and enjoyed our food fare around the flames. Good banter, jokes, laughs, music, a fire, libation and food, is a great combination for a fun night under the stars.

When the fire died down, we called it a night.

The weather has been heating up these past few weeks. We've had temperatures topping near the mid-80's. Very nice! The evening cool off so it is most comfortable to sleep without ever having to run on the 5th wheel air conditioners

Today calls for another nice, sunny and hot day. Jeanette is off to shop and browse in Algodonnes with friends and I have some RV duties to attend to, wash our truck and prepare for our afternoon round of golf.

Wishing you all a very good day. Thanks for dropping by.

Yuma travels, Mardi Gras & Date Farms....

2012-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Setting off to check out more scenery around Yuma.

Following Friday's round of golf with Lucky, Hector, Wade and I, Jeanette and I had planned a Saturday ride that would take us further east of Yuma, past the town of Welton, and into some new territory. It was a perfect day for a ride; no wind, warm temperatures, and clear, blue skies.

Always nice to see the fields of green.

We rode along I-8 east, then rolled off and on to the lesser used I-80, a two lane road that often parallels I-8. Typically, Arizona highways and secondary roads are fantastic when compared to California highways.

It's always interesting to ride through what appears to be wasteland then emerge out of a curve or a slight downhill into a lush, green valley. There are plenty of vegetable and alfalfa farms in this region.

Between green producing fields and wasteland was this belt of sand.

For lunch, we returned to Welton and stopped here. Good food!

Heading further west, we bypassed Yuma by riding north towards the 'Dome' hiking area, past the Yuma Proving Grounds, and along the Laguna Canal into California. As soon as we hit California, the highway was rough and bumpy. It did improve the further west we rode....but only marginally.

Interesting historical marker. (Click on the photo to increase the size for reading)

Further from here - west and north of Yuma - we found the date farm pictured below. A few days earlier, we had taken at tour at Martha's Gardens Date Farm in Yuma. It was interesting and informative.

These date farms are labour intensive. Pollination, trimming, maintenance and harvesting of dates requires hundreds and hundreds of labourers. Every date is pollinated by hand and hand picked when ripe.

The tourists were enjoying date shakes.

Jeanette and I had a date shake, a few days earlier, during our date farm tour. Although people rave about the "famous date shakes" (and they are really good), I have had blackberry shakes that top these.

Beautiful date palm farm field.

Mardi Gras in downtown Yuma.

Rolling back into Yuma, we decided to check out the tourism information building. Along the way, we heard some music and, within minutes, we saw all of the activities happening in the downtown core.

Movie theatres.

We found a parking spot and walked into the heart of the street fair.

Typical fair type food smells wafted in the air. Always love that!

The town centre was busy with folks - young and old - enjoying the fun and festivities. Many were attracted to a really good country band playing on the main stage. We sat nearby and listened in for about 30 minutes or so. Really good entertainment and a really nice Mardi Gras.

Another of Jeanette's favourite evening activities.

We spent yesterday doing RV maintenance and cleaning, sitting in the sun catching up on our reading, and generally enjoying a quiet day. We chose to light a fire on a calm, warm night.

Hard to beat!

We continue to enjoy the Yuma area and all that it has to offer.

That sums up our activities of late. Thanks for dropping by.

Algodones, Mexico,.... and an Invitation to Dinner....with endless laughs!

2012-02-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

7:30 am - Algodones, Mexico

Early Thursday morning had Jeanette and I entering Algodones on our way to my second dental appointment. We also took advantage to have new lenses ordered for one of my prescription frames.

The artists who work the square are setting up.

It didn't take long before Americans and Canadians flooded the square.

For the uninitiated, Algodones is famous for its numerous dental, pharmaceutical, liquor and optical services. The town is pretty well cluttered with these businesses. There are also numerous t-shirt vendors, jewelery peddlers and some beggars.

Always impressive to watch these accomplished artists work with spray paint cans.

Leather peddlers are numerous too.

One Canadian I spoke with mentioned a place that offered $.47 (47 cents) Corona beer. UNBELIEVABLE! That's cheaper than water!

On our way through the US Border - looking back to the border entrance to Algodones.

Having taken care of our business, Jeanette and I headed back for the border entry back into the US. The line up was a long one but within 45 minutes, we had been cleared back into the US and quickly made our way to our truck. We were back in the Yuma Foothills within 30 minutes.

My brother and sister in law's place in Yuma. L-R Lucky, Hector, Me, Bernie and George.

My brother Bernie, and his wife Rita, invited us and our friends to a dinner of home made chili. Well, what an afternoon and evening delight that was! A third cousin (that we had only met a few days earlier) George (and wife Mary Anne) attended too. Nice!

Jeanette took this photo of (L-R) Trena (Lucky) Rita (Bernie) Mary Anne (George) and Diane (Hector).

Jeanette was able to capture the ladies - inside the wind/sun enclosure - with the guys outdoors, in the sun, on the back patio. Very cool!

Our hosts prepared a scrumptious chili (salad, desert, libations) that were enjoyed to the fullest.


A lot of laughter too.

The jokes were flying fast and furious! We laughed and laughed and laughed. We had no need to walk off dinner. With so much laughter, we had well exercised out skeletal system.

Lucky(R) digs into the dessert.

No shortage of food at this table.

Before long, the table was cleared and the cards came out.

We finished the evening with a couple card games - intermixed with a whole lot of laughter - before saying our good byes and heading back to our respective RVs.

Bernie and Rita left yesterday, with a group of 36 friends, for San Diego. There they were to board a ship for a planned 10 day cruise down the Mexican Baja, over to the western mainland (Puerto Vallarta), then back again to San Diego. That group of 36 will have plenty of fun......guaranteed!

That sums ups the past couple of days during our stay in the Yuma area. Thanks for dropping in.

Imperial Dam - Water Diversion - RVing in the BLM lands......and more!

2012-02-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

West from the Imperial Dam is the Laguna Dam.

Well, while riding through the south side of the Yuma Proving Grounds, heading west towards the Imperial Dam water diversion project, we continued further west till we came upon this smaller dam. The Laguna Dam is also part of the Imperial Dam Water Diversion project. Water is diverted from the Colorado River to quench the thirsty vegetable and fruit lands in the southwest Arizona and southern California regions.

Side view - looking south - of the Laguna Dam.

Along this route one can find some very old RV parks and many other RVers boondocking in the BLM lands.

The Imperial Dam Water Diversion system.

It was quite the engineering feat when, in the 1930's, the dam was built to divert water from the Colorado River. It resulted in four major canals that divert water every which way it is needed. Another result is the formation of lakes that dot this area.

They control the water flow directly below where we were standing for this photo.

Standing on the Imperial Dam, looking east toward one of the lakes and Hidden Shores Village RV Resort.

The were a few fishers casting for small mouth bass and catfish that, we are told, can be found in these waters. It's almost incomprehensible to find lakes in this dry, arid, desert country. But exist they do!

Impressive engineering, for sure.

One of several RV parks - managed by the BLM parks system.

The lake above is called Squaw Lake Recreation Site. It is located at the very end of the road that leads north from the Imperial Dam. With limited RV services (sever, water, electricity), it still proves popular with RVers.

Just to the south is a huge tract of BLM lands with virtually thousands of RVers scattered around. There are limited services here too, but bathrooms dot the area and there are several dumping stations and fresh water stations. We witnessed one fella who pulled a small trailer with two tanks that he was using to haul his black and grey water to the dumping station. That is one alternative to moving the RV to the dump station when one needs to empty.

Of interest is the cost per day for RVing on these BLM lands. $15/ day is required. That seemed high for limited services when we are paying $13/ day with full services in the Yuma Foothills. We have all available services imaginable within a short driving distance. But to each his/her own. Many RVers like the boonies while others prefer full services.

A couple of days parked here would be fine. We're equipped to boondock for a few days....and a site like this could be appealing

Check out the fees. You don't get much for the dough! The views are nice though!

We got permissions to drive into the Hidden Shores RV and Mobile Home Resort. It's quite nice along the lake formed by the Imperial Dam.

The boat docks are nice. This park appeals to boaters and fishers alike.

A monthly site here, with a lake view lot, costs between $400 and $580/month + electricity. Weekly rates are between $300 and $460, and daily rates run from $56 to $77. The monthly rate is clearly the favourable route to go here.

A tank near the entrance to the Yuma Proving Grounds.

This attack helicopter is at the southern entrance to the Yuma Proving Grounds.

Approaching the northern entrance to the Yuma Proving Grounds.

While motorcycling back from the Imperial Dam, we circle around the southern and northern entrances to the Yuma Proving Grounds on our way to Martinez Lake. It's on the north east side of the Imperial Dam.

This 'yacht' is found near the dock at Martinez Lake, directly in front the of Fisherman's Pub.

We featured this area in one of our blogs last year at about this time. Suffice it to say that it too is a popular draw for RVers who enjoy fishing and boating.

Our view while having lunch on the outdoor patio at the Fisherman's Pub and Restaurant in Martinez Lake.

Our return led us back to the Yuma Foothills and an invitation to have dinner with RV friends.

Hector and Diane invited us to join them, along with Lucky and Trena (RVers from the Abbotsford/Chilliwack area of BC) for an outdoor dinner. What a feast they put on. Lucky and Trena had just rolled in with the Class 'A', from Catalina RV Park in Desert Hot Springs, CA, where they spend most of their snowbirding time.

Hector (L), Lucky (M) and I enjoyed a few laughs before digging in to a great meal.

Hector is busy carving the two chickens they had roasted for the occasion.

The casita, in the lot that Hector, Diane, Lucky and Trena occupy, has an outdoor kitchen. What a treat that is.

We enjoyed catching up on each others travels and experiences. A lovely evening it was.

Thanks for dropping by.


A lovely outdoor table setting that had Diane's fingerprints all over it. Nice!

Here, There & Everywhere....

2012-02-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Another lovely morning here in Yuma, AZ.

These past few days have seen us busy with riding, golfing, visiting and dining. Phew!...so much going on and so much fun too.

I-95 south from Yuma to San Luis, on the Mexican border.

Twenty or so miles from Yuma lies the city of San Luis, AZ and San Luis, Mexico. It's a border city. The Mexican city's population is in the 300,000 plus.

The Mexico/USA border.

A major mode of transportation. Bicycles galore by the border.

We did not attempt to cross into Mexico. It was more a question of time over desire. Most American and Canadian travelers park on the US side and walk through the border.

The US steel fence to prevent Mexicans from crossing illegally into the USA.

The Yuma region is famous for its vegetable crops. The valley is very green with productive fields.

New crops growing with the US border fence in the background.

Most of the vegetable and fruit crops from this area find their way to the northern US states and Canadian provinces. I've seen several Canadian trucks arrive and leave here.

Just to the left of this photo, in our foothills area, lies the golf course we chose to play on Saturday.

We played Los Barrancas G. & C. C.

This testy golf course offered beautiful greens and T-boxes but was seriously lacking H20 on the fairways. As a result, the golf balls took odd bounces and you never knew where your ball could end up. In our case, it seemed that the bounces favoured the rocky washes. A bit of water would have gone a long way to controlling ball landing.

Lovely topography.

Local gossip speaks to family members, who own the course, and their in fighting, and the skimming of profits. That, allegedly leaves the golf superintendent with little budget to water the fairways. How sad! It would be a first class golf course with a bit more watering and attention. It was a first class golf course while in control of the founders.

We've noticed that, other than a few decent golf courses in this area, most courses are sub par. That is in sharp contrast to golf courses in the Phoenix, AZ and Palm Springs, CA regions. If the Yuma area golfing operators improved their golf courses, I would bet the golfing RVers would head to this region.

Well known and well attended local restaurant.

This 'Foothills Eatery and Spirits' sits just south off the I-8 off ramp. Those in the know rave about the food and great prices here. We took the advice to heart and joined friends and my brother and sister in law for an 'all you can eat' fish dinner on Friday evening. Well, it was true to its billing. The cod fish was endless....and really tasty....and the cost was $9.75 each - including soup, salad, desert and tea/coffee. What's not to like. We recommend this eatery. It's a going concern!


The Imperial Dam diversion project.

The next blog will feature the ride we took yesterday, west, past the Yuma Proving Grounds,into the Imperial Valley. It's the site of the famous Imperial Dam that began diverting the Colorado River into canals that now water the crops of southern California and Arizona fields.

Thanks for dropping by.

Yuma Foothills RV Area...and hosting dinner!

2012-02-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

This blog features the Yuma Foothills area. Although not a part of the City of Yuma, the foothills area is a most unique blend of well planned housing/RV and casita/RV development. The area we are in is newer. The older areas are very nice too.

The streets are very wide.

The older areas in the Foothills finds most lots with two RV spots (with full hookups) and a casita or very small home, typically a park model or no wheel trailer type home. I'm told that when it was first developed, the Foothills area local ordinance did not allow people to sleep in their casitas. They had to sleep in their RV but the casita could include laundry, shower and living/sitting room. No kitchens were allowed.

Newer Foothills area.

In more recent developments, one finds a combination of modern homes (with full amenities) and one or two RV spots with full hookups. Many owners rent the RV spots. Many lots are co-owned and include a shared casita and two or three RV hookups.

Large homes with large lots dot this development.

Our RV is located near the photo of the home above. The development does not allow any two story homes. Everywhere we turn, we have a nice view of the Yuma foothills and mountains to the east.

A home with an RV spot, with RV sites on each side.

Some owners choose to build a home while others choose to develop their lots exclusively for RVs.

Some home owners have an enclosed garage for their RV.....

....other sites have no development whatsoever.

It's our second visit to this area. Last year, we were parked in the older area and we quite liked it. It's simply due to availability that we are in the newer area this year. It's very nice and quiet, organized, open and uncluttered. Unlike an RV park, there is plenty of room between neighbours and far less people per square mile.


This photo represents a common view of many lots. A large casita is developed at the back of the lot with space for two or possibly three RV's.

Many owners take pride and develop their lots with plenty of beautiful trees, shrubs and palm trees. Driveways are poured of cement or created with bricks. Other lots are simply gravel filled with little or no foliage.


This sign is at a developed home and lot with one RV space.

The owner is asking for $350/month for a full hookup RV spot. That is about par for the area. Costs range between $300 to $400 per month. Our RV spot is costing us $375/ month with 50 amp power, all other hookups and electricity included. What is not to like?

Hosting dinner at our RV site in the Yuma Foothills.

The weather has been fantastic. That said, we chose to host a Bar-B-Que at our site to include my brother, Bernie, sister in law, Rita, and RV friends, Hector and Diane. It was a beautiful evening....and hence the reason why we were sitting in the shade.

We all like to laugh....and laugh we did!

My brother is a good joke teller...and, Hector is no slouch either.

Bernie and Rita live in Alberta and we live in British Columbia. Although we do visit them in Alberta (once or twice per year) it's pretty darned nice to visit with them here in Yuma too. This is their 14th winter snow birding in Arizona. I believe it's their 10th winter in the Yuma area.

Telling jokes....

Chico, the Portuguese Water Dog - who belongs to Hector and Diane - fits right in with this group.

Hector is exchanging barbs with my brother.

Listening to Hector's tales from him boyhood years in Newfoundland, Canada.

Checking out the steaks for dinner.

Enjoying the food fare.

A land owner with a sense of humour!

In our plans for Saturday morning!

One lot that is nicely developed.

A typical foothills view east towards the mountains.

Jeanette and I will be motorcycling today. Although we've visited here before, we have not spent nearly enough time touring the areas around Yuma - in and and around the Mexican border. We need to return by 3:00 pm though, to ready for dinner out with friends and family.

If the weather is anything like it was yesterday, we will be enjoying temperatures in the low 80's again today. What's not to like? Sun, blue skies and warmth!!!!

Thanks for dropping by.

Yuma Musings.....!

2012-02-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

Rear view of our spot in Yuma.

I've had some questions from RVers about our spot in Yuma. We are in the Yuma Foothills area which is separate from the city of Yuma. Population, of this area, is approximately 35,000 during the snowbird months.

We have 50 amp power and full hookups - sewer too!

Most homes and lots in this area have full RV hookups. Over the coming days I'll shoot more photos and write a blog that better reflects this area.

For the first time this season, I installed the hitch pin counter balancer. It's very effective.

Our spot is very private (side and back) with plenty of sun and shade to suit us.

The area is very clean, organized, and quiet. There is little noise during the night time. Traffic is light and no one really races going by on the street.

Close up look at our counter balance system for the hitch pin.

Our temporary back yard.

Every morning, while I am enjoying coffee and/or breakfast outdoors, I listen to the soft sounds of 'cooing' doves. It's pleasant and relaxing.

A 'cooing' dove on the fence.

I spent all day yesterday - with my brother - in Algadones, Mexico. We enjoyed a few walks around the centre business core, great lunch of enchiladas, more walking, and, finally, a dental appointment that I had been contemplating. With less than expected people traffic in town, we were able to cross the border back into the US within ten minutes. It was a nice day spent with my brother....but he had to endure more sitting time, waiting for me, than I had to for him.

While Bernie and I were in Mexico, Jeanette spent the better part of yesterday shopping with Diane in the Yuma area. They enjoyed lunch out and traipsing through many stores in the area. She enjoyed herself.....and brought some stuff back to the RV too!!!!!

Jeanette and I will return to Algadones, to order new eye wear, in the week ahead.

Not a whole lot more to report on this blog but that will change. We are well settled now so the motorcycle will start rolling on new roads and the golfing will resume shortly.

Thanks for dropping by.

Now in Yuma....

2012-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Pirate's Cove

Departure day from Moabi Regional Park, CA was on Saturday morning. Friday afternoon, while hanging out near the boat docks, this speed boat arrived. It's huge! It's fast! I would have enjoyed watching this boat racing on the Colorado River but that wasn't going to happen. We were leaving for Yuma.

Hitched and pulling away to hook up the motorcycle swivelwheel.

Attaching the ratchet straps.

Highway 95 south - towards Yuma.

Typical canals that feed the rich vegetable fields near Yuma.

Palm trees near our Yuma spot in the foothills.

It was an uneventful drive south to Yuma last Saturday. We arrive shortly after 3:00 pm and quickly found and parked in our RV spot for the month. The home owner is a real sweet Japanese American and our spot is fantastic.

You can just make out our 5th wheel on the other side of the house.

This is a very private and gated - sunny side - RV spot. It`s a beautiful area in the Yuma foothills.

The photo above is where we will call home while enjoying the sights, sounds and topography of the Yuma area. Our site has a huge private garden area behind our rig that faces east. We enjoy the morning sun with coffee and NO WIND! Yeah! The house completely protects us from any wind. The afternoon sun is along the right side and front of the rig and is quite private too. We are only a 20 - 30 minute walk from our friends who are settled nearby.

Golf courses dot the area around us. There are three very nice courses within a 15 minute drive and one is within a 7 block walking distance. Not bad!!!

Although we don`t have photos to prove it, we spent yesterday afternoon with my brother, Bernie and his wife Rita, at their place in Country Roads RV Resort - the nicest RV park in Yuma. It`s a five star place, in our view. We ended our visit with dinner out at a nice restaurant nearby.

So.....we`ll resume our travels and report more in the days ahead.

Thanks for dropping by.

Our Time is Up....and we're soon to roll on to Yuma, AZ

2012-02-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

Wednesday on the River.

Wednesday was our last day on the Colorado River this winter. The waters were mirror calm - ideal up stream paddling for Jeanette and I. And paddle we did. We worked our way up stream for over an hour then enjoyed the slow return with the power of the downstream.

Great scene....and Jeanette is truly becoming a good paddler. We worked well as a team.

We'll return to paddle this river again. This RV park is unique. It offers full services without the squeezed in feeling that most parks provide. It's nice to have the freedom to light fires and enjoy the peace and quiet this area offers.

One of the 25 typical RV pods that skirt the western river side.

This has been a wonderful month along the Colorado River between Lake Havasu, AZ and Needles, CA. The river offered up some really nice calm days to kayak, enjoy riverside walks, fires on the beach in the evening and other activities with birds, boats and float planes.

Enjoying the eastern Arizona side of the Colorado.

We entered one of the many tributaries that dot the rive. This one ended with a human controlled dike.

Saturday will see us leave this great spot.

We are heading further south towards the Mexican border area in the foothills of Yuma, AZ. We have a great RV spot in the foothills area waiting for us thanks to friends Hector and Diane who found it for us. For the uninitiated, the foothills area only permits two RV spots per lot - on average. The lot we are moving to has room for one RV only. And we'll be within walking distance to our RV friends who presently occupy a few spots in the area. We're looking forward to that.

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands between Oatman, AZ and Golden Shores, AZ.

Jeanette and I took the motorcycle for one last run in the area. Today proved to be a great day to run some errands, ride one road we had not been on yet then return on time to attend a large Friday evening fire put on by the Pod 22 RVers. We were in Pod 22 for two weeks prior to moving to Pod 16.

Standing on the BLM lands.

Jeanette is taking in this incredibly rocky scenery while I determined that I would never haul our 5th wheel into this BLM area. It would make for a really rough ride....and one that likely would reek havoc with the fiver's springs and shocks. Furthermore, it's over exposed to the fierce northern winds that strike this area every four to five days.

The fissures in this mountain side appear ready to release a huge rock fall.

Entrance to the BLM lands. From our vantage point - which was difficult to hike - there appeared to be only two RV's (small ones too) occupying the BLM lands.

The beach at Pirate's Cove Resort.

The wonderful club house at El Rio Golf and Country Club that provided several wonderful rounds of golf.

And new found motorcycle friends and the great rides we experienced.

So, we leave this wonderful area with fond memories. We'll return too.

And we'll remember the wonderful evenings spent with our friends, Hector and Diane, and the live performance we shared with the highly rated 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's star, Frankie Valli at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, NV.

Hitch itch has replaced complacency so off we go.

Thanks for dropping by.

More of the same.....R&R and Touring!

2012-01-31T10:06:00.000-08:00


On Route 66 to Oatman, AZ.

On calm days, we like to take advantage of outdoor activities and on Sunday, we rode out to Oatman. We had been there last year but it was still inviting to go back and check out the action.

Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. Located at an elevation of 2,710 feet (830 m), it began as a tent camp soon after two prospectors struck a $10 million gold find in 1915, though the area had been already settled for a number of years. Oatman's population grew to more than 3,500 in the course of a year.

Love this restored stage coach. Can't imagine riding for days on end - in the desert - in one of these.


We arrived on time for the gun slingers show.

And these burrows did not disappoint either.

We were surprised - pleasantly so - by the large volume of tourists.

From Oatman, we headed further north on old Route 66 towards Kingman.

This is the only restaurant on the route. It's a beautiful setting in the rocky mountainous area north of Oatman.

Monday's ride was to Golden Shores and west towards Fort Mojave.

Our planned destination was to Laughlin, Nev. via the road to the AVI Casino in Mojave. We were pleasantly surprised with the grounds here and how well the Mojave Indians run a good business.

The beach, along the Colorado River, in front of the AVI Casino.

From here we continued along Highway 95 north - on the west side of the Colorado River - up towards Laughlin, Nev. If you are wondering about the different US states, it's true that where we were riding had us cross from California into Arizona, back to California and into Nevada, within a few miles.

Laughlin, Nev. as seen from the west side looking east.

We rode into Laughlin and spent a half hour or so just motorcycling in and around the casino row along the Colorado River.

Colorado Belle Casino.

Jeanette caught this photo of a river cruise boat plying the waters and guiding tourists through the history of the area. We could hear every word while sitting on the water's edge.

Bullhead City, AZ is seen on the other side of the river.

From here we rode back to our RV spot taking Highway 40 - on the west side of the Colorado River - in Nevada - towards Needles, California. Within 50 minutes, we were back at our RV spot.

With the daylight fading, we got ready to BarBQ our dinner...while enjoying the setting sun.

A sign on a store in Oatman, AZ. Look out! ....and I didn't dare enter the premises!

Thanks for dropping by.

Kayaking 'n Riding 'n staying out of the wind too....!

2012-01-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Heavy use of photos in this blog:

What a mixed bag of weather we've been having here in southern California. High winds followed by one super calm day, followed by another super windy day. That doesn't stop us though!

We were both looking forward to a calm day to ply the waters of the Colorado River once again. That happened two days ago. It was dead calm.

The river was calling!

But before that could happen, I decided to wash the truck.

Our fiver on the ridge overlooking the Colorado River.

We prepped the kayak then headed off.

Truly a picture perfect day.


Following an hour of dual kayaking, Jeanette headed for shore and I paddled away to ply the river on my own.

One of the 25 RV pods along the river.

Our 5th wheel is on the California side of the Colorado River. Here, I paddled to the east side of the river, which is the Arizona side.

Another great view from the Arizona side of the Colorado.

I played around on the river for a couple of hours. The river bottom is so clean and clear that I could spot fish below. I saw one catfish and one small mouth bass. Other things spotted included golf balls (of all things) sun glasses, bottles, etc.

It's quite easy to paddle upstream on a calm day like this.

We are really enjoying this Sea Eagle kayak.

By 3:30 pm it was time to pack it in.

We had finally received a call that our motorcycle was ready for pick up. it would take one hour to drive out to Old Bullhead City. Off we went, before closing time.

Checking out the repair, new tire and new air filter.

We loaded the motorcycle onto the swivel wheel and headed back for home.

Since our arrival here, Jeanette had been wishing for a calm night... and the time to hold an old fashioned wiener roast. This was our chance.

'Twas a beautiful night, a great fire on the river, clear skies with a sliver of a moon, and stars aplenty.

Yesterday was set aside for a ride to Quartzsite, AZ. and the wily RV show in the desert.

RV spots around Parker, AZ.

Our RVing friend, Dave, is leading the way to Quartzsite.

Another - of the many - RV park in and around Parker, AZ

We found Hector and Diane who were boon docked near Quartzsite.

They had made arrangements to have the toppers replaced on their Class 'A' motor home. They did take the time to tour us around the maze of tent vendors and RV stuff in the town of Quartzsite though.

Just arrived at their boon dock site.

A dog stroller! Yikes! What has our world come too?

Sheesh! I can't believe some people.

We had been looking for a couple of new RV chairs....and Jeanette liked these.

We cut a deal with the vendor and moved on.

It's wall to wall people here.

I am not a fan of big crowds....so I was glad when we found the new chairs and could get out of the maze that this place is.

We got back to Hector and Diane's sport ute and headed back for their boon dock spot.

We can now say we've been 'Quartzsited'.

Once back here, we suited up, said our good byes and saddled up for the two hour ride back to our RV site in Moabi. It was a good day....and even better to be riding. The ride back was breezy though!

The winds came back with a vengeance during the night.....and it continues today. As I write this blog, from the comfort of our truck near the Pirate's Cove store, it is a bright and sunny day with gale force winds that refuse to let up.

That led Jeanette to get some laundry done....and, speaking of that, it's time to get back to the rig and change out a load.

Thanks for dropping by.

Great Weather....following the windy day!

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Boy oh boy did it ever blow yesterday. That called for an indoor kind of day where we got caught up on reading and some chores. When the wind abated in the late afternoon, we went for a long walk. The temperature today - and for the coming days - is calling for mid to high 70's. We'll take that! And no winds! We'll take that too.


There are blooms in the desert.

Hector an Diane left on Tuesday for Quartzite.

We were due for a grocery run so we headed for Lake Havasu. We chose to take a walk in the London Bridge area. That was the only spot where we could walk without being wind blown.

Even the water fountain was struggling with the high winds.

Kind of amazing that this bridge was moved from London, England to this area.

We walked around the area then chose a lunch spot near the water. It was a good choice too! Not only was the food good, we could escape the wind while enjoying the outdoors.

Very little activity on the Lake Havasu water front.

We chose to walk up the steps to the bridge deck but as soon as we accomplished that, we were nearly blown over onto the road. Such incredible wind gusts. That put a quick ending to the walk. We headed for the truck and off to complete our grocery run.

Back at our RV area, Jeanette caught this photo of a bird that could read signs. It was going the right way.

We stopped here to check our email and access our blog.

Our view early this morning following yesterday's howling winds.

Inviting us to get the kayak back in the river.

I was on the telephone this morning to the motorcycle shop. The electrical sensor that was ordered still had not arrived. Yikes! What's with that? We were told that they had tracked the courier company and the part should arrive today. We've been told this for the past three days too!

Hoping to roll into Quartzite on Friday.

With a planned motorcycle ride to Quartzite tomorrow, we're sure hoping the new part arrives today.

We'll get the kayak out early this afternoon - for a bit of exercise and snooping around the river shore.

Thanks for dropping by.

New RV Spot & Frankie Valli....

2012-01-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as expected, we moved our fiver from Pod 22 B, on the Colorado River, to Pod 16 A. The previous spot was nice but this one is even nicer. Check out the view from our picture window. How nice is that!

Photo taken from our easy chairs in the living room of the fiver - looking out the big picture window.

It was a worthwhile move last Saturday morning before the big winds blew in. From tear down, hookup, short drive to Pod 16 and set up, only took Jeanette and I two hours. We've got a really good system going and it's working well.

The day before moving day - on the links at El Rio Golf & Country Club.

Hector and I - along with two other RVers - headed for the links for a fantastic day of golf. The weather could not have been any better.

Too bad this was not recorded video because Hector hit a fantastic shot out of this sand bunker.

AC from Alabama is putting on a show during the regular Friday night fire in Pod 22.

AC - from Alabama - is one of those characters we all enjoy meeting in life. He's been a fulltimer for 20 + years. And what a character! I enjoyed my chats, loaded with laughter, with him. He has seen and done a lot of interesting things in life. My favourite line (from his mouth) goes something like this, "If I have to explain it to you, it could take two hours. If you watch me, it'l only take fiver minutes." You have to imagine that great Alabama accent while reading this. He is comical, interesting, and sees life with a glass half full over a glass half empty. Wonderful guy!

Here AC is performing for the RVers in Pod 22 with his fancy 'crappy guitar'. Click on the photo for a close up view.

I shot this photo early on Saturday morning before readying for our move to Pod 16.

The weather has been beautiful. Of course, there are the odd days when the wind blows but overall, it's been a treat to be here these past few weeks.

We are quite likely to be here for another couple weeks before heading further south toward Yuma, AZ.

Another view of our new spot on the Colorado River.

View of the sandstorm in Mojave, AZ during our drive to Laughlin, Nevada.

The photo above was taken in mid-afternoon while we were driving to Laughlin to attend a fantastic live performance given by the legendary Frankie Valli. The dirt and sand was blowing across the highway due to the recent field work done by the local farmers.

Along the river walk in Laughlin, Nev.

To the uninitiated, there are several casino hotels that dot the river walk on the west side of the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada.

When we arrived in the Mojave desert a few weeks back, I noticed a large billboard advertising the legendary Frankie Valli's one night only performance at the Edgewater Casino on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The day after our arrival in our RV spot, we drove out to Laughlin and bought four tickets to the show. They were selling so fast that had we waited any longer we would have lost out.

The billboard at the Edgewater Casino.

Most - if not all - blog readers will know who Frankie Valli is. He and his fantastic 'Four Seasons' have been writing, recording and performing great music for the past 50 years. Do you remember these number 1 hits? "Big Girls Don' Cry" and 'Walk Like a Man"? How about "Let's Hang on", "Working My Way Back to You", "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry About Me)", and his most famous "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"! It's interesting to note that "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", released in 1967 went No. 2 on Billboard and No. 1 in Cashbox. It has also become one of the Top Ten Most-Played songs in the history of BMI. Stunning!!!!

Now in his 70's Frankie is not showing any signs of slowing down.

He recorded "My Eyes Adored You" to world acclaim in 1975 which also reached No. 1 on the charts. Amazing career...and a humble performer who thanked the live audience for his life because people bought his music.

Suffice it to say that it was a highlight to have witnesses his live performance. He sure got the audience on its feet.....and that was a difficult thing to do for many in the audience.

Albeit with a cool start to the day, it was a great day for a hike.

Yesterday (Sunday) was a perfect day to hike in the area.

Over time, the sun popped out and we shed the layers of clothing back to the norm of shorts and short sleeve shirts.

The desert is a plethora of beauty and diversity.

A bit of sand accumulation - the result of the really strong desert winds on Saturday afternoon.

Another view of our great site in Pod 16.

This guy came floating by casting for fish....on a really calm Sunday. What a peaceful and serene activity!

We were sitting inside the RV catching up on the PGA golf tournament from La Quinta, CA on the TV when Hector and Diane came walking over from Pod 22. We sat out and enjoyed the balance of the afternoon in the warm sun. As soon as the sun hides away in the west, the cool air follows quickly.

Although he had not caught any fish, others we saw these past few days had success with some small mouth bass.

Final Sunday evening photo just as darkness fell on our view.

That sums up the rvvoyageurs these past few days. Thanks for dropping in.

Some Repairs - Some Hot AirToo.... balloons that is!

2012-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Lake Havasu Hot Air Balloon Fair

Jeanette and Diane left mid morning yesterday to take in the hot air balloon festival that is happening in Lake Havasu.

Colourful.

It was a great day with blue skies and warm temperatures to spend time walking all over the place.

Jeanette captured these really nice photos.

I've had the opportunity to ride in hot air balloons and it's a treat to experience if any of you have doubts about the merits of it.

Trying to figure out why the bike is acting up.

Two days ago I spent the entire afternoon trying to figure out why our motorcycle was having hiccups after we hit a bump....then return to normal after hitting another bump. I thought it could perhaps be a wiring short.

Trying every possible electrical option.

I removed the battery, checked all fuses, wiring connections, cleaned contacts....all to no avail. It would start OK but hiccup and stall. Realizing that it likely required a computer scoping, I called a local motorcycle shop in Bullhead City, AZ. An appointment was made to bring the motorcycle in yesterday.

While Jeanette was making plans to attend the balloon fair in Havasu, I removed the swivel wheel from the 5th wheel, attached it to our truck, loaded the bike and quickly left for Bullhead City.

Attaching the ratchet straps.

Heading off to Bullhead City.

So while I was attending to the motorcycle issues, Diane and Jeanette were having a grand old time in Lake Havasu.

This was the opening day.

Heating the air inside.

Not sure what the stick was for.....!

....and liftoff.

There were some serious hobbyists with planes and helicopters too.

So peaceful and serene!

A nice photo taken on the shore of a very calm Lake Havasu.

Jeanette knows of my love for old trucks and snapped this shot.

The girls didn't return to Moabi Regional Park till dark. By all accounts, they had a fantastic day. I, on the other hand, discovered that the problem with our motorcycle is likely a fuel pump and/or fuel injectors. I'm expecting to hear the final results of the computer analysis from Javier, the motorcycle technician, sometime today. The parts will have to be ordered and by the time they arrive and are replaced, it could take a week or so. I also ordered a new rear tire and a replacement air filter.

Today calls for another round of golf at El Rio and tomorrow calls for us to move from our present site on pod 22 to another site on pod 16. That has something to do with someone else having reserved the spot we presently occupy. Not a bid deal....and the move could provide us with a riverside site. More on that later.

Thanks for dropping by.

More of the same.....golf and riding and enjoying!

2012-01-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

The past few days have basically replicated the previous days.

I enjoyed another round of golf and, yesterday, Jeanette and I toured around south of Lake Havasu into the Cattails State Park, further south around the Parker Dam, then back around on highway 62 west and north on I-95.

Warming up on the first hole @ El Rio GCC.

Hector's ball at the ready.

Waiting at No. 10 for the group ahead to move on.

This golf course is a real treat. It offers great value for its price too. $30 (including the power cart) is a deal! We'll play it a few more times before we move on from this area. Hopefully we can also improve our score. With only two rounds played, these past several months, the game is improving - albeit slowly. It's fun - no matter what!

Beautiful clubhouse and restaurant.

We joined up with a single golfer from Sacramento. Phil was a pleasure to share 18 holes of golf with.

Phil and Hector likely sharing tall tales.

Yesterday saw Jeanette and I motorcycle off to explore more of Lake Havasu and further south towards Parker, AZ.

Beautiful day for a ride.

Cattails State Park. A real beauty.

We spoke with a couple from Ontario who had completed an interesting hike here in the state park. It's another one for our 'to do' list. They divide their winter snow birding journeys every other year between Florida (that they find too busy) and Arizona where they feel it is less busy.

Colorado River at the State Park.

We gathered some information from the State Park office for the future.

We could see ourselves spending a few days in a park as nice as this one is. It is well organized and offers some really nice scenic views. It's a nice place to kayak too.

Further south towards the Parker Dam area.

A potential place to go kayaking near Parker Dam.

Parker Dam.

Wild donkeys.

We have often seen highway signs alerting drivers to keep an eye out for donkeys/burrows. Till yesterday, we had not seen any. Around one curve in the road, on the backside of Parker Dam (the California side), there were several just meandering on the shoulder.

We got to the Parker bridge and encountered a traffic jam of RVs and transport trucks.

Although we didn't get a photo, we wondered why there would be a traffic jam there. It then occurred to us that it's likely the RV'ers that were heading to Quartzite. We were able to ride the shoulder and move forward to the stop sign before heading due west on highway 62 to wards I-95. We could easily have been held up for a half hour or so. Unbelievable!

We do not plan to RV into Quartzite but we may brave a motorcycle ride there when the big desert RV show is in high gear.

Back on I-95 north towards Needles.

Late afternoon sun creating an interesting shadow on I-95 north.

Back at our RV spot on the Colorado River.

We joined Hector, Diane and Chico for some snacks before a Mexican dinner that Diane had prepared for us. How nice that was! It's our turn to prepare dinner this evening.

Late afternoon.

Jeanette caught a photo showing my best side. I'm sitting in the beige lounge chair facing the river. It was a nice closing to a beautiful day.

Today will see us staying around and accomplishing some domestic tasks; laundry, vacuuming, and trying to find an annoying short on my motorcycle. It's intermittent but every once in a while - when I hit a bump on the road - I lose power for a faction of a second. I'll spend the balance of today trying to find and resolve the problem.

Thanks for dropping by.

Kayaking & Biking!

2012-01-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy and fun couple of days. With the kayak finally hitting the water and a group of motorcyclists inviting us to join a 300 mile ride, we've had little time for anything else. But it sure is fun!
WARNING: This will be a heavy photo blog.....!

Getting the Sea Eagle kayak ready.

Final touches before launching.

Jeanette and I get to take our first trip in the new boat.

After swamping the kayak with Jeanette in it, we took it out for a true test run. It passed with flying colours.

Diane replaced me at the helm and the girls enjoyed a good paddle on the Colorado River tributary.

This Sea Eagle kayak responded exactly the way users have spoken about. It's a great kayak and I'm sure it will be get a lot of use when we are near water - here and back at home.

Hector and I took it out for a strong paddle.

This is very good activity on days like this.

It's important to stay hydrated too.

We spent a few good hours plying the tributaries before calling it a day. We are sure to be back on the water really soon....but not before taking in a great 300 mile motorcycle ride with like minded RV'ers in this RV area.

This was yesterday (Saturday) when we saddled up along with six other motorcyclists for our long desert ride on famous Route 66 to 29 Palms.

With six motorcycles and 8 riders, it made for a nice day of riding camaraderie.

We were pleasantly surprised to learn about the numerous motorcyclists in this RV park. We were invited to join the group for a 300 mile ride and we instantly jumped in.

Our riding group included one Washingtonian from Bellingham; one rider from St. Louis, Missouri, a couple from Reno, Nevada, our rice farmer friend from Northern California, a passenger from Salem, Oregon and Jeanette and I from Langley, BC.

Taken in Amboy, CA. on Route 66, this typifies the way it used to be on this famous route years back.

The owner of this 50's style diner and motel is apparently restoring this service station, motel and diner. It's nice to see. The only other place in Amboy is the post office.

We took a much needed rest after a hard 90 mile run.

Pulling in to 29 Palms - our lunch place on this ride.

David, the rice and olive farmer from Northern California is leading the way to the 50's Carousel dinner where a great all day breakfast or lunch can be had for $3.50 and $4.99. We had the all day breakfast and endless coffee for a grand total of $11.21 taxes in. What a treat! We'll be back too.

Gearing to head back to Needles, CA.

Jeanette is standing in front of the restaurant....and ready for the ride back.

We returned via highway 62 east to highway 95 north and back to Moabi Regional Park.

Highway 95 north has been resurfaced and it's a treat to ride on once again. It was in poor condition for many years.

Another brief break before completing the final 49 miles.


The final stretch.....

We arrive back to our RV spot on the Colorado River near sunset. What a great day this was. We rode with new friends and enjoyed our ride through the miles of endless desert, mountains, old roads, new roads and so on.....! It was a treat!

Little more need be said. Thanks for stopping by.

Enjoying Moabi RV Resort

2012-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun couple of days here at Moabi Regional RV Park on the Colorado River. Since our last blog, Jeanette and I took a nice 25 minute ride to Lake Havasu and yesterday saw Hector and I in Mojave at the El Rio Golf and Country Club. It was a fine day for golf!

Washing to grit and sand off in Mojave, AZ.

Got this photo of Jeanette during this brief stop in the city of Needles, CA on our way back to Moabi Regional Park.

With all the hoopla baloney I exchanged with Virgin USB modem, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our blog readers that wrote back with their experiences and success with other USB modem service providers. We'll look into those services in the coming days. The useless Virgin USB modem was returned yesterday.....and for a full refund too!

I just had to get a photo taken by this historic sign.

The history about Route 66 is a worthwhile read. It is fun to get to ride some stretches of the famous highway, from time to time.

This amazing home sits below the steep cliff under Highway 95 near the Arizona border.

The owners of this home enjoy a private beach on the Colorado River. Steep drive to get up onto Highway 95 though.

This twin engine float plane was built in Canada in 1951. It is docked at our RV Park and the pilot took off on the Colorado River right by our RV site yesterday. Quite a nice site.

Our northern California rice and olive farmer friend rolled in on his Harley Davidson to firm up our motorcycle ride to 29 Palms this Saturday. Sure looking forward to that ride.

The peaceful Colorado River in the late afternoon.

One of the benefits (of several, I might add) is the freedom to have bonfires on the beach. We've done that! With a full moon and bright stars in the heavens, there is nothing quite like a nice fire to keep one outdoors in the cool desert nights.

If you click on this photo, you will see the twin engine 1951 float plane I wrote about earlier.

I could imagine our son Deni doing just this. He would think nothing of flying in for a visit if he were closer.....and he had the time (and the loot for the fuel) to fly down here from Edmonton, Alberta.

Downtown Lake Havasu.

The bridge that everyone talks about when referring to Lake Havasu.

We rode to Lake Havasu two days ago and we were successful in purchasing two really good kayaking life vests from a large marine dealer there. We took our time and rode around Lake Havasu for a good couple of hours. We did get a good look around. It's clean, organized and a nice place to consider spending some time in sometime in the future.

California highways take near to last place over the great Arizona highways.

It cuts like a knife! Yes, as soon as one crosses into Arizona, the highways improve exponentially. They are smooth and rewarding to ride on. California highways suffer from neglect in far too many regions.

Nice setting in the park on the water in Lake Havasu.

Gearing up for our golf round Wednesday @ El Rio Golf and Country Club.

It was a great day to be on the links. The breeze rose later into our round but it was a warm and sunny outing with some satisfying golf play....and some lucky shots too.

Hector is eying his chip shot.

I had to take this photo.

This may not mean much to the blog readers but I chipped a shot from about 60 yards back from this green and the ball bounced once and dropped into the hole. I save a birdie with that chip shot. Hey....we do remember the great shots....and leave the bad shots behind on the course!

We plan to take the kayak out on the tributaries of the Colorado River here tomorrow if the weather cooperates. More on that in a later blog.

This sums up our adventures of late. With no on board 5th wheel internet service - necessitating a drive to the Pirates Cove store - I will be blogging every couple of days or so. We will investigate the other internet services suggested by other bloggers and we'll report back.

This is where I sit to read and write blogs....and emails too.

This is my view whenever I look up from the keyboard! Not bad!

And this sums up the end of this blog.

Thanks for the Internet USB modem tips and for dropping by.

Cool Nights - Warm and Sunny Days!

2012-01-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Since our arrival along the Colorado River in Moabi Regional Park, CA., we've dealt with one wind storm, awesome desert days, full moons, fires by the river and more. Jeanette and I unloaded the motorcycle and have taken a few rides up to Bullhead City, AZ. and to Laughlin, Nevada.

Along Highway 58 in California - eastbound.

The road into Moabi Regional Park and our RV camp along the Colorado River.

The entrance to the park.

Our set up. The Colorado River is 50 yards to the right.

I was awake early and walking about outdoors when the sun crept over the eastern horizon.

Unloading the motorcycle early in the morning. You can just make out the river behind.

With no 'on site' Internet access, one has to walk or drive to the Pirates Cove store and pub in order to access WiFi. Although a bit of an inconvenience, the service is very good. However, I decided to purchase a broadband USB device and, while in Bullhead City two days ago, I was sold on the merits of the Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go USB device. I could access Internet at anytime from the comforts of our 5th wheel. The product was overstated and it's crappy. I called the tech support centre and was told that my area should be able to receive at least three (3) bars of Internet strength. Utter 'crappola'! Nada! Barely one (1) bar. Virgin promised that within four (4) fours, I would have awesome Internet access. Nadda! It was total BS. So, the USB device will be returned today. I'll think about another service..... but gosh, I so quickly lose faith with all the sales BS I get around here.

Jeanette captured this shot from the east side of the Colorado River in Arizona, looking west toward Laughlin, Nevada.

Diane came along when we drove out to Bullhead City to do some shopping. Hector stayed back to complete some RV maintenance.

Last night's moon.

Apart from other good reasons for spending time here is the freedom to light fires on the beach or near one's camp spot. We did just that last night. What a treat! We were entertained by the coyotes nearby. I have always loved their howling.

Hector lent a hand to set up our Shaw Direct HD satellite dish.

It sure is nice to sit in the comfort of our fiver in the evenings, or very early mornings, and catch up on our local Vancouver, BC news. That's a treat!

We have barbecued these past few nights.

Between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm, the days have been nice and warm - not hot. Evenings call for long pants and jackets to ward off the brisk cool desert air. No complaints though! It's dry, calm, sunny and there is sufficient warmth by day for golf, kayaking or motorcycling.

Jeanette and I spent the day on the motorcycle yesterday mainly doing stuff in Bullhead City.

Last evening before dinner, a motorcycle rode up to our site. A really nice rumbling Harley Davidson Road Glide. Low and behold, a rider who was camped nearby had recognized our fiver and rode up to say hello. He said that he instantly recognized us when we rolled in the other afternoon. We were camped next to them last winter - about this same time too! We shared some good laughs and agreed to join them, and a few other riders we have yet to meet, for a ride this Friday. I believe we will head towards 29 Palms. He farms rice and olives in northern California. When not busy there, he and his wife head south for dry warm air to relax and motorcycle. The travel with a 5th wheel toy hauler. We'll take photos during our ride and post later this weekend.

This is the view from our picture window at the back of the fiver.

Another view of last night's wonderful moon over the Colorado River.

That pretty well sums up the past few days here. We struck out trying to purchase kayaking life vests in Bullhead City so I think we'll head south to Lake Havasu today to see if we can find some there. We look forward to taking our Sea Eagle Kayak out on the tributary along Pirates Cove here next to the Colorado River.

Thanks for dropping by.

At Orange Grove RV Park, CA

2012-01-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

This is a really nice park to visit for an overnight or two. The ownership run a good operation - other than their internet service. Our site is the farthest from the office and we have negligible service. In order to check email, I have to head to the office area. I'm sitting here now at 6:30am to write this blog.

I-5 south from Red Bluff, CA.

Rice fields along I-5.

Hector and Diane's rig.

Taking a break here near Lost Hills, CA.

Our arrival at Orange Grove RV Park.

Just east of Bakersfield, CA. is this wonderful gem of an RV park. Orange Grove is popular anytime but at this time of the year, the oranges are ripe for picking. And we did just that. We arrived early in the afternoon and enjoyed wonderful weather.

Jeanette was making quick work with the harvest.

There are signs posted on several orange trees asking that we 'please pick oranges.' It keeps the trees in better shape and it makes for less work for the grounds maintenance folks too.

Diane had the right idea with this grapple pole that you can sign out at the office.

We all got into the act - however briefly. It took little time to reap enough oranges for the coming days....and are they ever good and juicy!

Jeanette and Diane with some of their bounty.

After washing the oranges and letting them dry, we went for a long walk to a nearby orange, fruit and nut farm. We ordered date shakes. Are those ever good.

Another view of the oranges that were collected.

Looking for those desired date shakes.

We found the date shake place....and it was well worth it.

Even Chico got into the action. Hector gave him a little treat of date shake. He sure lapped that up!

Walking back was a slow process as we enjoyed the sun and heat....and the exercise too.

Does this orange tree trunk look like the face of a woman - and sitting on a chair?

I was reading my novel outdoors and caught a look of this orange tree trunk above. I had to get the camera and take this shot. This is interesting, for sure!

Chico is getting some special attention.

Surprise of surprises! We were enjoying a liquid before dinner at our site when a familiar person was walking by guiding her husband - driving their Class 'A' - to their site. Lucky and Trena (whom we met last year during our winter snowbirding adventure) had pulled into Orange Grove. We nor they had knowledge that we would all be here. Well, that made for a lively evening of chatter and laughter.

Me, Lucky, Hector, Diane, Trena - and Jeanette is with the camera.

After an early morning coffee this morning, Lucky and Trena will head towards Desert Hot Springs and we will head further east towards Moabi Regional Park south of Bullhead City, AZ. We'll get the opportunity to get together again in the coming weeks and months

Thanks for dropping by.

Rolling Towards the Southeast in California

2012-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

From southern Oregon, we rolled through the high mountain passes between Oregon and California in beautiful weather. It was a nice contrast to one full year ago.

Low clouds in southern Oregon.


Great conditions for the drive through the passes.

The Siskiyous Pass was clear and clean.

Mt. Shasta in the distance.

We were offered a clear view of Mt. Shasta. Jeanette noted the little amount of snow this year over last year. When we compared photos, Shasta was really well coated in white, one year back.

Nature's beautiful work of art.

Our drive was completed within five hours - with stops along the way. We opted to spend two nights at Durango RV Park in Red Bluff, CA. The park offers long pull through's with great amenities. We are permitted to wash our rigs here too.


Arrival at Durango RV Park. Red Bluff, CA

Yesterday morning had me haul out the water hoses, bucket, soap and wash brush on an extension pole. The truck and 5th wheel were clean and bright by 12:30. Jeanette chose to complete two small wash loads. After lunch we took a nice walk around the park and along the Sacramento River.

It feels so good to have everything cleaned up.

We took Chico -our friend's dog - for a walk along the Sacramento River but he was not as willing to leave his master once he lost sight of Hector.

Chico is eying his RV site from aways! He's not liking being too far from his masters, Diane or Hector.

During the drive through Oregon, Hector's Class 'A' motorhome took a stone in the windshield. Before it could crack further, he found a local glass repair operator to come on site to fix it.

Stone chip damage.

Making quick work on the repair.

Part of the process.

Another part of the process.

And the fix! Nice job!

The installer/fixer guarantees his work for one year. Should there be any problems with the glass repair, Hector can stop in for a fix on the way back home to Vancouver Island.

Today will see us continue our journey south on I-5 towards Lost Hills - or thereabouts. It is in our plans to be in Orange Grove RV Park by tomorrow afternoon. That RV Park is on the east side of Bakersfield, CA.

Another view of our site at Durango RV Park, Red Bluff, CA.

A view from the south shore of the Sacramento River, CA.

Thanks for dropping by.

California Dreaming & Surprise Meeting with Blogging Friends!

2012-01-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

We started our Oregon portion (of this southbound drive) in the northern city of Salem, the State Capital. Our overnight was at Hee Hee Ilahee RV Resort.

Hee Hee Ilahee RV Park, Salem, Oregon.

New Years Day was an easy one. Our drive took about 3 1/2 hours to the southern town of Canyonville and the awesome 7 Feathers RV Resort and Casino.

A bit of fog near Eugene, Oregon.

Taking a quick break for lunch about 45 minutes from our destination - 7 Feathers RV Park.

Exit 99 - from I-5 to the RV Resort.

Approaching the registration centre at the 7 Feathers RV Park

We were quite surprised by the volume of RV's in the park. The registration desk explained that the New Years week is one of the four major park sell outs. The others are Labour Day, Thanksgiving and the July 4th celebrations. This park is quickly gaining a solid reputation and I believe it will be necessary to make reservations in the not too distant future.

Waiting for the attendant to guide us to our RV spot.

The weather here is really quite nice. Last year was a rain washout. The temperatures are very mild, sunny and bright.

We were set up in little time.

Shortly after completing our set up, I was making coffee when I heard Jeanette excitedly mention that our friends from Vancouver Island were arriving. That's Hector and Diane's Class 'A' Travel Supreme next to us. We had planned to meet up here.

It is great to meet up and exchange laughs.

Another couple from the Nanaimo area were trailing Hector and Diane. Nestor and Terry are heading south to the Lake Havasu area.

Our favourite dog - Chico, the Portuguese Water Dog - was quick to greet us. His mom and dad are Hector and Diane but he sure seems to know us too. Great disposition.

We were ahead of our friends with the grocery shopping so we happily offered to prepare burgers on the Bar B Q and to look after dinner outdoors on our site.

Spending some fun times catching up on views and news!

We cleaned up after dinner and made our way to the indoor pool and hot tub before calling it a night. Everyone was tired...quite possibly from all the laughter!

Up early today - Tuesday - I stepped out to take this photo of the fog that enveloped us overnight.

It was mild again this morning but a low cloud of fog was our friend for a few hours. It looked nice. The sun burned it off by 10:00 am.

The indoor pool - and reception in the background.

Most of today was spent reorganizing ourselves and relaxing. I took advantage to fuel up with diesel while the truck was unhitched. We got caught up on missed blogs and emails. I even managed to do a bit of reading....before finding my eyelids wanting to close. That got me off my chair and back outdoors to supervise Hector and his Island colleague Nestor, as they were working on some electrical 12 volt connection to Hector's toad - tow vehicle.

Now this was a BIG SURPRISE! Allen and Lolita! (Right and centre right)

After dinner this evening, we took the shuttle bus down to the casino with the intention of seeing the Christmas light display, burning up some free play in the casino and enjoying a coffee in the casino coffee shop.

No sooner had we entered the 7 Feathers Casino when a voice from behind addressed me by my first name. I turned around and quickly said hello to Allen from Allen & Lolita's RV Journey Although this was our first 'in person' meeting, it was as though we had known each other for years. We then met Lolita and shared some of their experience while visiting family in White Rock, BC, Canada. They also had the opportunity to have lunch with other Canadian west coast bloggers, BIG DAWG AND FREEWAY* Doug and Sue in Langley, BC.

Allen and Lolita are on their long drive back home to Corona, California. They chose to overnight at the casino hotel. Although they had written a comment on our blog of their overnight at the casino, I had not seen their comment before meeting in the casino. Sharp eyed Allen was quick to recognize Jeanette and I. Of equal interest was how he recognized our fellow RV friends from several of our blogs from our journey last winter. When I introduced Hector an Diane to Allen and Lolita, Allen quickly recognized Hector. Small, small world. This blog world sure can make for interesting meetings.

That said, we spent little time in the casino and Hector was kind to take a photo of Allen, Lolita, Jeanette and I outside the casino. Safe travel back home to Corona tomorrow you two!

Having read about Lolita's famous tamales - and all of the bloggers who have benefited from her fare - I suggested (as others have) that she could easily start a new business making and selling those in demand tamales.

Allen suggested that we should collect Rick Rick & Paulette's RV Travels , Hector and I and drive out to golf in the Corona area when we get into the Palm Springs/Desert Hot Springs area in late February/early March. So Rick, this is an early warning to keep your new clubs well rehearsed and shiny. We could well take Allen up on his offer.

Outdoor casino photo taken while we waited for the shuttle bus to take us back to our RV Park.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) will see us travel towards northern California and into the Durango RV resort in Red Bluff. We can wash our rigs there before continuing our journey to the warmer climes further south.

It sure is fun to be back on the road.

Thanks for dropping by.

Two days into the drive south!

2012-01-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

We left our home at 7:45 am for the Aldergrove border entry into the US of A. We waited a few minutes for the border to open and, when it did, we were the first in line at the commercial truck entry. You guessed it, we were sent to a parking area for an inspection. That was our first time with the RV. The US border agent in charge of agricultural products was a really nice fella and he made quick work of checking out our rig. We were held up for about 30 minutes.

Saying good bye to our son Deni (right of frame) before driving him to the Abbotsford Airport for his Friday evening flight back to Edmonton, Alberta. Son in law Trevor (left) and our daughter Ginette (middle)

Having driven away from US customs we made our way through Bellingham, WA. then south on I-5. We left on Saturday, Dec. 31 - New Years Eve.

The afternoon before departure I had moved the 5th wheel on the street to load and secure our motorcycle. I disconnected from house power and set the fridge to run on 12 Volt. A few hours later while inside the 5th wheel, I checked out our power systems and was alarmed that the 12 Volt power was dead. Hmmm! Bad battery? Failed converter? A fuse? It was getting late so I ran an extension cord to an external battery charger to charge the batteries. That kept the fridge working. I really thought the converter had failed.

Early Saturday morning.

Before leaving home, I rolled up the extension cord, disconnected the battery charger, stepped back into the fiver....and our management system barely registered 1/3rd energy reserve in the batteries. What's with that! Something more serious is at play. I started our truck in the belief that it would keep the 12 Volt system up and running. I walked back to the fiver and low and behold, the battery management system indicated the batteries were dead. Sheesh!!


I connected the camera at the back of the 5th wheel to the TV truck monitor. All worked fine! I cleaned up the wiring after the check.

You can see the motorcycle on the swivel wheel on the inboard TV. It gives me great comfort to see what is happening back there while on the road. It also helps to see who or what is behind the rig when I back up.

Walking back from the service counter.

We had no choice but to solve the 12 Volt problem so while en route, I mentioned to Jeanette that we had an electrical problem and that we would likely have to alter our schedule to get the needed repairs done. One hour from the US/Canada border, on the I-5, is a small city by the name of Burlington. We had been to a Camping World there in the past and I was hoping it would be open for business and that they could fit us in. We caught a break! Yeah!

Jeanette is doing some shopping @ Camping World.

We were really fortunate to show up at a great time. A really nice service manager got us in within minutes, a really experience electrical wizard was summoned to the service counter to hear my story, and he quickly mentioned three likely scenarios. Our truck, 5th and attached swivel wheel with motorcycle were quickly driven into the shop and the detective work began. When talking with the electrical wizard, I mentioned that once he found the problem, I would appreciate if I could see the problem and understand the fix. The mechanic was fantastic. He did just that once the problems were diagnosed. What a great guy!

Nice facility.

All electrical systems are being checked.

Within 30 minutes the electrical wizard appeared in the customer service area and summoned me to the shop. Wow! What a great shop! He explained the two problems. Problem #1. He guessed that while at home, I had plugged the fiver into a GFI receptacle. That was true but how did he know that, I wondered. He also asked if I had tripped the GFI breaker. I pleaded guilty to that too! Holly smokes! Was this electrical wizard a mind reader too? He then explained that RV's that regularly operate on 50 Volts do not like GFI breakers. When plugged into a 15 volt receptacle it was fine till the breaker tripped. When the breaker was reset, it created a problem for the converter. He suggested that when plugged in at home, I use a standard non GFI power receptacle. When he tested the converter and batteries, the converter was charging the batteries well.

Problem #2 was due to the fact that a 20 amp fuse in our truck had popped. Once replaced, power from the truck was directed to the 12 Volt system in the 5th wheel. OK! He showed me everything they did and then, in his own words, stated he would make quick work to' button up the truck and fiver' and we would be good to go within 10 minutes. They also topped up the propane in both tanks.

So, after 90 minutes of diagnosis and repair and then depositing a few $$$ with the service manager, we were handed back the keys and off we went.

On I-5 south.

With the US border inspection and the electrical repairs, we fell two hours behind our intended schedule. So what! It is what it is. Heading south through I-5 proved seamless. There was negligible traffic when we passed through Seattle, WA. That is the exception rather than the norm for that city. It's usually chaotic!

Cloudy day in Seattle, WA.

A brief stop in a south Washington State rest area.

Driving through Vancouver, WA. and Portland, Oregon.

A late afternoon shot of Portland on the other side of the Columbia River.

We arrived at the RV park in Salem, Oregon, after 5:00 pm. Once unhooked and set up, we headed off to do some grocery shopping and to acquire a new US TracFone. Once back from shopping we chose to celebrate the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 by going out for dinner in downtown Salem, the Oregon State Capital. A nice Italian restaurant was found. With a little Chianti, and awesome food, we toasted an end and a beginning. Once back at the 5th wheel, we settled in for the evening but it proved impossible to stay awake till the midnight fireworks. I was quickly lulled to sleep and remained undisturbed by the loud bangs and whistle sounds that fireworks provide. Unusual but true. I was bagged! Jeanette gave me the play by play of the fireworks during our morning breakfast.

We had a great drive in the sun again today. We're now at the 7 Feathers RV Resort and Casino - a 5 star resort (rated in the top 10 best RV resorts in Continental USA) - in Canyonville, Oregon. We'll be here for two nights before driving the three high mountain passes into northern California.

Oh, by the way, our 12 Volt system is working well...and the truck maintains the voltage well while under tow. Yeah!

Our sincere best wishes for a healthy, successful and most fulfilling 2012 to our family, friends, fellow RV'ers, golfers, motorcyclists, and other readers in blog land.

Thanks for dropping by.

GOOD TO GO!

2011-12-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

Yesirree! We're ready to roll early tomorrow morning - Saturday. Sure looking forward to that!

Moved from its locked compound.

The serious work required to check all systems, tires, slides, etc., started in earnest yesterday. We moved our clothing from the house, packed the galley, loaded the fridge (a tiny bit), sorted the storage areas, and more. You know the drill!

The motorcycle swivel wheel was moved up from storage area....

....and attached to the fiver.


Ready to close the slides, hitch up and park in front of our home - ready for take off!

Moving clothes!

Galley is sorted and packed to the co-pilot's liking!

The satellite dish and receiver are stored for the journey.

Our son Deni looks on as the motorcycle is warmed up and prepped for loading.

I rode it up the ramps and locked the front wheel into the chalk.

Those of you who know us well will understand the desire to have our two wheeler with us while we spend the winter months in the sun and blue skies of southern California and Arizona. The golf clubs are loaded too! We would not leave without either the bike or the clubs!

Ready for the tie down ratchet straps.

Last winter's experience of driving in heavy rain through Washington State and Oregon, and through the mountain passes into California, created a royal mess requiring detail work to clean the motorcycle. This year will be different....I trust!

The new travel cover for the motorcycle.

We purchased another -road style - cover that Jeanette seriously modified. It was cut up in certain places to allow for the ratchet straps to protrude through the canvas. She then made great work of attaching some serious straps to snug the cover tightly around the bike. Eyelets were hammered into the bottom and certain areas were slit and Velcro strips were sewn. It is a pretty good re-customization job. Once in northern California, the cover can be removed. It should keep the motorcycle nice and clean. We'll report on how well it worked!

Now parked in front of our home and ready for Saturday's departure.

Final view following a complete walk about and double check to confirm all systems are go!

Well, two busy days of work and we are now ready to roll. We look forward to journeying to the land of winter sun, sand, dryness and warmth. Let the journey begin!
Thanks for looking in!

More Holiday Fun!

2011-12-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

It has been busy around our household this Christmas holiday. But it sure has been fun too!

These remote controlled helicopters have been buzzing around our heads for the past few days.

Deni and Trevor sure enjoy their new indoor past time! And fly they do! I have to admit that I have had my share of fun flying them too.

Nice landing on the kitchen counter.

It wasn't all about buzzing birds in the house though! With the two guys to assist, we moved a few vehicles around, unlocked the gates to the 5th wheel compound, hooked up to the 5th wheel, pulled it out onto the main driveway, checked out the systems, then Deni and Trevor both took their turns at the wheel. Yep, they drove the fiver around to get a feel for what it is like to pull 40 ft. behind a 22 foot truck. These two guys are natural big rig drivers.They quickly grasped the fundamentals. Deni even got to hitch the truck to the 5th. It was seamless!

Here is Deni at the wheel. Looking pretty relaxed too!

It's a nice feeling to know these two guys can hitch up and drive should the need ever arise.

The truck was thoroughly serviced the day following our return from Edmonton, pulling Ginette and Trevor's household goods. It's ready for the trip south.

I got out to take a photo before they drove back home.

The RV is now back on the driveway. Today will be spent opening and checking all four slides, system checks for batteries, propane, water heater, furnace, etc. I will also replace all batteries in the smoke/fire detectors and the C02 detectors. Following a good vacuuming, we'll begin loading clothing and other items on our check list. The generator was started a few weeks back and it was exercised sufficiently.

What is it?

The previous blog mentioned a special Christmas gift that Jeanette and I gave each other - well, sort of gave each other! It's a SEA EAGLE 370 kayak. We had been exploring these inflatable boats for the past couple of years and we ordered one in early December.

I am putting it together for the first time.

Reading the directions and inflating the boat took me about 15 minutes. Now that I know the routine, I am confident I can set it up in about 6 minutes.

I chose to set it up in my office. There is plenty of room to do just that... and in the comfort of the indoors too. It was raining outside....and the garage is temporarily serving as a furniture storage facility.

We anticipate having some nice trips on some California and Arizona rivers and lakes this winter.

If you choose to browse Sea Eagle's web site, here's the link: Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Kayaks

We chose the longer of the two sport kayaks offered.

Many RV'ers, who own these Sea Eagle boats (many models offered), rave about their experiences. They are quality, sea worthy boats, made with strong materials and backed by a solid reputation. The best part is that they are quick to set up, deflate, pack in a carry bag and are easy to store. Our boat weighs in @ 14.5 KG or about 26/28 lbs.

So...we are looking forward to putting paddles to water soon.

Back to today's task, we are focused on getting our 5th wheel ready for departure this Saturday, December 31. More on that in a later blog.

Thanks for dropping by

Christmas - Came & Went...but some goodies remain!

2011-12-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas did not disappoint. How can it when you are surrounded by family. Our son Deni and his wife to be Courtney, Ginette and her husband Trevor, and Jeanette and I got together to share in great food, good fun, gift exchanges and overall wonderful visiting. And it's not over yet!

A new ornament hangs on the Christmas tree.

In her second trimester, our daughter Ginette and husband Trevor are expecting a little boy this April, 2012. So, a new ornament (customary in our household) was placed on our Christmas tree.

Ginette, Trevor's mom, Sandi and Trevor.

A few days before Christmas, Sandi dropped by for a visit and dinner with her son, Ginette and us. She is pleased to have her son and daughter in law back on the coast too.

Deni and Courtney - in from Edmonton, Alberta.

Ginette and Trevor were off to Christmas Eve dinner with his side of the family while we prepared a dinner for Deni, Courtney and us.

Busy in one of her favourite places in our home.

Jeanette prepared a fantastic meal and all I was responsible for was to fire up the Bar B Q, throw a nice fillet of sockeye salmon on, watch it carefully, remove it and deposit it on the dining room table where all of the other food fare was waiting.

Courtney and Deni brought a little California red to wash down our fare.

Right in front is the customary 'tourtiere' - a French Christmas dish (meat pie with spices).

Long ago Jeanette obtained my mom's recipe for 'tourtiere' and she has perfected it so well that it is an 'in demand' dish to the initiated. What a treat! I am French Canadian and Jeanette is of Ukrainian Canadian so we mix traditional Ukrainian dishes with French traditional dishes. It makes for a wonderful meal.

Home made traditional cabbage rolls that Jeanette prepared.

Early on Christmas morning.

With freshly brewed coffee and hot from the oven muffins, we gathered for our traditional gift exchange. I received so many books that I'll put off looking into an Kindle or other e-reader devices for some time. Jeanette received several books too....so we'll be well stocked for our winter snowbirding journey in the US southwest.

Trevor and Ginette having a good look at one gift.

Deni is laughing about something while Courtney browses through a book she received.

Jeanette sat close by to gauge my reaction to one present. It was a book on Big Rigs and RV Parks that are set up for them. Good gift! That one will quickly move to our dually truck.

I received 8 books in all. Heavy reading this winter, for sure!

Courtney really surprised Deni and Trevor with identical remote controlled helicopters. Now that got these early 30 somethings' juices going. They couldn't wait to test them out....and they did just that!

Really neat models....

This was one big surprise for Ginette.

Our daughter is musically inclined and her husband really surprised her with a sophisticated Yamaha professional keyboard. WOW! She'll have plenty of time during her third trimester to entertain her baby in the womb....and possibly lull it to sleep with soft piano sounds after it is born.

Trevor is preparing for his first flight.

Deni - who is a trained commercial pilot - does a thorough pre-flight check before taking flight.

Deni and Trevor had little difficulty flying these birds....while I was hoping they wouldn't crash too hard into the furniture. They were cautious....and no damage ensued!

Nice landing!

I had a few opportunities to take the controls and I was able to fly them quite well....well being a relative term. A few hard landings were witnessed but the helicopters have soft undercarriage bumpers for flyers like me!

Other than opening presents, test flights, sharing laughter and banter, good food and general relaxation, we managed to pass Christmas Day away in fine fashion. Deni and Courtney were off to her side of the family for dinner while the rest of us drove to North Delta for dinner at our long time friends' home. A nice evening that was too.

We trust your Christmas was joyful and relaxing too.

The next blog will feature this really neat gift Jeanette and I gave ourselves. It's great for RV'ing too. Stay tuned!

Thanks for dropping in.