Fri - Mar 30/12

My Brake Buddy, which worked fine on previous trips,  refused to complete the Auto Start cycle when we left home in December and remained on "Bleed Brakes". I put it in place and continued onto Arizona (very carefully). On arrival I checked it again and it went through all the cycles perfectly. What to do?

At the Good Sam RV Rally in Phoenix I talked to the Brake Buddy product manager. I indicated I was not 100% sure if it would "lock up" again. He informed their service department of my concerns and they contacted me by phone. I made arrangements to return the Brake Buddy and it will be upgraded to the latest model (nominal fee) and be returned with a new 3 year warranty. Their turn around time is quick - it is the delivery that takes time. For this reason we have extended our stay at the park.

Our first stop today was the shopping plaza across from the park. I went to the UPS store and sent off the Brake Buddy. Charlotte next door to Cost Cutters and made an appointment. After our haircuts there we went to the other side of the plaza to Chen's Chinese Bistro for lunch. The food is plentiful, tasty and reasonably priced. No wonder it is a park favourite.

We did some Rv chores and went swimming at the "old pool". The live music on the patio played while we swam. Like Richard Simmons we were "Sweating Swimming to the Oldies" (grin). Talked with some folks we sat with earlier in the week at the steak supper.  After the swim I brought them a list of activities and restaurants in the area. They were heading out for supper. I suggest "The Mining Camp" just a short distance away down the historic Apache Trail.

We then headed out to the Whole Foods Market. The closest store was in Chandler, AZ - quick 45 minute ride away on the Loop 202. They are the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, with stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom.

They also sell a large selection of wines and have a number of areas where you can order their products cooked to order. It is an "In Place" with the younger crowd to eat, drink and just "Be". They order or pick up food from several location - often "by the pound" and bring it to an eating area. The store (for small a "corking" fee) will allow you to purchase any wine or beer product they sell and enjoy it with your meal. They also have draft beer on tap.

We ordered "Pulled Pork" sandwiches at the Cookhouse and ate at their counter. Delicious and large.

Natural, organic and unique increases the prices over the similar "regular" product. The "produce" was excellent and usually larger than what is in the regular grocery store counters (larger price to match). There is a large selection of  "Gluten Free" or special items throughout the store.

We purchased a few items and headed back to the RV park. It was such a lovely evening (after 9 pm) that we decided to take the 45 mph rather than the 65 mph roads. We travelled North  to Baseline Road which crosses most of the greater Phoenix area (East-West) and took it back towards the park. As usual, at a steady 45 mph, the traffic lights were mostly green. It took a bit longer but was thoroughly enjoyable!

All that fresh air meant we were asleep shortly after the Tonight Show monologue.

Thu - Mar 29/12

Things are winding down in the park in regards to regular activities. There is a continuous procession of RVers heading home for Easter.

Today our mission was to make the best of a Joann Fabrics discount that we received by email. Often the discounts have a catch - 40% (on 1 item or 1 regularly priced item. Today it was cash discounts on anything (sale priced or not). It was time to find a few more items for the sewing kit.

Rather than going to the closest Joann's I decided to treat Charlotte to a new restaurant (chain) so we headed out Southwest on the Loop 202 (San Tan Freeway section) to Chandler, AZ. Our destination (and her surprise) was The Genghis Grill.

The Genghis Grill is a Mongolian Stir Fry. The Mongols (Genghis Khan, et al) would use their shields like woks by placing them over the fire and cooking their food. We have gone to similar restaurants near home. There the food was weighed and you paid proportionately. Here there is a fixed charge (very reasonable) and you fill the bowl with whatever you choose from the wide variety at the food bar. $6 more will get you unlimited returns. I like this style much better.

The food is cooked at the huge grill. You may wait and watch or they will bring it to your table when ready. I am sure we will re-visit The Genghis Grill in the future.

The temperature is increasing down here as the sun moves north. We will hit the first 90F on April 1st (no joke - grin). Last year it was 100F on the same date. Unlike home (we live right on the 45th - half way to the North Pole) were the high temps are mostly due to warm air coming up from the south - here it is due to the sun. For this reason any time the (Honda) Del Sol is in the sun, especially in the middle of the day, the roof is too hot to touch. I need gloves to put the top in the trunk so we can enjoy the sunshine.

We made good use of the Joann coupon by picking up some needed items (some 40% off) with an addition $25 discount for spending $75 in total. We easily reached a $65 total; however if we spent another $10 we would receive a $25 discount rather than a $10 discount. Spending $10 to save $15 is harder than it sounds when there is nothing else we really needed. It took us an extra half hour to find items that would be useful that totalled the extra $10.

Finally we succeeded in achieving the $25 discount and headed back. We were graciously invited next door to a steak supper by our neighbours. Naturally, a lot of folks down here are cowboys. All cowboys (and cowgirls) are not from Texas. Our host is from "Big Sky" country (Montana). It was a great evening. Perfect weather and great food and conversation. I confess that I cannot BBQ which turns me green (jealous - grin). The Texas "small" steak was huge by normal standards and I "kid you not"....the best steak I have ever had! The guacamole dip and salad (spices) were (and are still) from secret recipes - darn!

Most of our neighbours are "Full Timers" (I'm trying). If you haven't tried the RV lifestyle your missing something great!

Wed - Mar 28/12

This morning I began installing stainless steel turnbuckles and U-bolts on each end of the aluminum rod to add more support to the mudflap. It took longer than expected as there was a very limited area where I could install the U-bolts on the RV that would work for attaching the turnbuckles to the aluminum support rod. The last u-bolt area had an extra metal section which left very little room to work. Tightening the bolts took a very long time. I could not use the standard ratchet and the ratchet wrench only had enough space to tighten the nut 1 "click" at a time. It took about 40 "clicks" to make 1 rotation of the nut - thus a long time on my back with my arm in the air. I thought I was sore after the initial installation yesterday. This may be worse.

Hopefully the turnbuckles will prevent the rod (actually 1" square tubing) from breaking the next time we encounter excessive slush build-up similiar to what "did in" the original "Dirt Skirt".

Charlotte spent some time during the day working on embroidering a tea towel set. she hopes to complete it in time to give as a gift tomorrow. We are invited to a steak BBQ by one of our neighbours tomorrow evening.

We usually see a few cottontail rabbits somewhere in the park. Usually close to the walking paths or areas with more grass. This pair (hard to see the second one) are usually somewhere near the pool area each day.


We had tickets for the "Steak Supper at 5 pm. I believe this will be the last for the season. We sat with some folks who had just arrived a few weeks ago. The food and the conversation were both excellent!


After the meal we crossed the road to shop at Basha's. We spent less than $60.00. Our saving with their loyalty card was over $30.00. When RVing in an area we always pick up the loyalty card. When only passing through an area we tell the cashier we are RVers and they usually have one at the cash and will give us the discount. It's like automatic coupon shopping. 


It will be early to bed tonight. Working in the heat has taken it's toll!

Tue - Mar 27/12

I am sore and stiff  today after working on the RV's rear mudguard yesterday. Today will be an Eagles kind of day! - "Take It Easy" (grin).

We went to the Grand Opening for the new pool in the Superstition Views section of the park. There was quite a crowd!

They had two volleyball nets up and a large groups were playing. Live music accompanied the festivities for the pool opening. Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? Technically, maybe it wasn't free? I had heard it was done to attract a crowd so they could make a promo video for the new "Superstition Views at Canyon Vistas" section of the park. Perhaps we were technically all "extras"?  Oh well - it sure felt like a free lunch!

We passed on the beer and wine and just took soda and water to go with our turkey sandwich, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, veggies, dip and crackers and a bag of nachos. All the seating was occupied in the pool area even with the extra chairs they brought from the other pool area. After picking up our meal we went to the Bocce Ball Court area to eat. We sat in the outdoor "sofa style" seating around the propane "fire" table.The flame was not operating at the time. Flames will come out of the circular ring in the center when lit. I am sure it is an "evening" thing.

We were joined for lunch by folks who had attended the Good Sam Rally and were now taking advantage of the "Cal-Am 3 Free Day Stay" offer before heading home to Colorado. We saw the booth at the show. Unfortunately, the offer is only for first timers as an introduction to the park.

We returned to the RV after our lunch, watched TV then came back to the pool to swim about 4:30 pm. The second of the live music acts was just leaving. We had the pool virtually to ourselves.

Just a sandwich for supper - we were still full from the "free lunch".

Another NCIS Tuesday TV night and then to bed.

 

Mon - Mar 26/12

Coolest day for the next week - only low 70'sF - time to do a little upkeep on the RV before it gets too hot! Tomorrow on it will be above 80F and might hit 90 F by next weekend. It hit 100 F last year on April 1st.

Charlotte gave me a hand as I worked on assembling the new Ultraguard for the RV. I only go 20 miles from home when we left in December to come down to Arizona before the frozen slush accumulate so thick on the "Dirt Skirt" that one side broke from the weight. Most places install bolting the mud flap to an angle iron only. I prefer to use aluminum (not iron) and stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers. I bolt the mud flap to the angle (aluminum) iron then sandwich the mud flap between the angle iron and a 1" square of aluminum. This adds more strength and support.

Vince, our neighbour from across the street, noticed we were having trouble getting everything connected. The rubber guard is much heavier than the "brush" style that I previously had mounted. Charlotte and I had trouble trying to hold up 8 feet of aluminum and rubber. Vince's help make everything zip together quickly.

Vince and his wife have been full-time RVers for 12 years - even though they own a few houses close to the RV park. We have met a number of folks at the park that own  a number of houses elsewhere but prefer to RV. They like the life style!

Another great sunset as Charlotte and I drove to Lowe's (similar to Home Depot) to pick up a few u-bolts and a pair of turnbuckles (all stainless steel). There are only 2 bolts holding the mudflap to the RV frame rails. I will add the turnbuckles to each end of the aluminum tubing to add support....maybe tomorrow.

A stop at Jack-in-the-Box across the road from the RV Park for supper. "Jack" has been around for over 60 years (San Diego, CA - 1951) and has spread to 20 states - mostly on the west coast and in the southwest. Their commercials (several have won awards) are a little irreverent and "off the wall" like "Jack" himself.

I had the BLT Cheeseburger combo and Charlotte had the grilled chicken - they say 4 strips - but, they are large. Charlotte was full and there will be enough for a chicken sandwich tomorrow. It takes a little longer to get your meal at "Jack's" as nothing is frozen and only cooked when ordered. It is well worth the wait!

Bed before 11 pm - it was a busy day!

Sun - Mar 25/12

A quiet restful day.

Charlotte did some sewing on her "Flying Geese" patterned place mats.

High 70's with clouds meant an almost empty pool. After a dip we went around the park - it's getting empty with folks heading home for Easter.

There were several parties around the park as folks are getting ready to say good-bye to their neighbours.

Another two days of sunny and cool before the heat returns.

Charlotte made great pizzas for supper.

It's good to take it easy once in a while.

Sat - Mar 24/12

Up early and off to the Mesa Swap Meet to get some items to bring back home.

We went early as the temp is scheduled to hit 90 F today. The market wasn't as crowed with buyers or sellers. The "High Season" with RVers is winding down.  A few side stalls were empty and a number of the aisle tables were not there today.

We decided to walk all the aisles (about 2 km) for the exercise. There are still a few new vendors. Sunglasses (for your dog) anyone?

We stopped to pick up some more bag clips, our usual bread and cakes, a few more golf shirts, a summer jacket and a few gift items.

We most often take Baseline Rd to and from the market. It is not as crowded or as fast which allows us to enjoy the convertible more. We just have to get on US-60 at the last exit. The Renaissance Fair is still on (Sat & Sun) which meant it was stop and go traffic the whole 4 miles from the last exit to our RV park entrance on US-60. The "parking lot" would extend another 4 or 5 miles for those going to the fair entrance. Folks going could expect to take a half hour or more to go this 10 mile eastbound section of US-60. The police man the stoplights on this section all day to help improve the traffic flow. The westbound US-60 will suffer the same fate and become a "parking lot" as closing time for the fair approaches.

We rested in the afternoon. Supper was the other half of our Ranch de Tia Rosa's meal that we took home.

Tom Garnsey played the "50's and 60's Coffee House" Show this evening. There was a good crowd. The folks we sat with also got caught in the traffic slow-down as they returned to the park this afternoon. They spent over an hour in the stop and go traffic.

Tom played at the "Happy Hour"  (4 - 6 pm on the patio) yesterday while we swam. He plays our era and style of music. The show tonight was 2 straight hours of Folk Music with a running historical commentary of the history of each song.

It was fantastic. Most everyone sang or hummed along. It was a real "Hootenanny" (an Appalachian colloquialism that was used in early twentieth century America to refer to things whose names were forgotten or unknown. It was originally synonymous with "Thingamajig" or "Whatchamacallit", as in "hand me that hootenanny ." Hootenanny was also an old country word for "party". In the 50's and 60's (and now) it came to refer to a folk-music party.

There was everything from Woodie Guthrie (This Land Is My Land) to the Seekers (|There Will Never Be Another You), The Kingston Trio (Tom Dooley and M.T.A.) to Peter, Paul & Mary (Puff the Magic Dragon and Lemon Tree). The show included from Bob Dylan, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, etc., etc. - all the hits of the Folk and Folk Rock music of the era.

The show ended with a "Standing O" (ovation) "City of New Orleans" This song, written by Steve Goodman ( folk singer/songwriter from Chicago, IL) was made famous by Arlo Guthrie. It would become an American standard, covered by such musicians as Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, Chet Atkins and Willie Nelson, whose recorded version earned Goodman a posthumous Grammy (Goodman died of leukemia in1984).


In 1971, Goodman was playing at a Chicago bar called the Quiet Knight as the opening act for Kris Kristofferson. Goodman saw Arlo Guthrie and asked to be allowed to play a song for him. Guthrie grudgingly agreed, on the condition that Goodman buy him a beer first and that he would listen to Goodman for as long as it took to drink the beer. Goodman played "City of New Orleans" which Guthrie liked enough that he asked to record it and as they say....the rest is history.

According to Goodman, the song, about Illinois Central's "City of New Orleans" (passenger train) was inspired by a trip he and his wife took from Chicago to Mattoon, IL. This song brought back memories to us. Not only have we been to Mattoon (overnight at the Walmart in the motorhome) we have taken the "City of New Orleans" (now an Amtrak train) from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA as part of our "Around North America" Train Trip.

For those who have never travelled by train - it is a deal! When we travelled the pass was coordinated (not now) with Via Rail (Canada) and allowed 30 days of unlimited travel (except commuter lines) in both Canada and the USA. We loaded two backpacks and travelled for 30 days on many of the major passenger train routes (Adirondack, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Texas Eagle, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Crescent and Coast Starlight Routes) in the USA and The Canadian (Vancouver, BC to Toronto, ON) and Toronto - Cornwall - Montreal (on Via Rail). We took a few routes we more than once with stops in Albany, NY; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, KS; New Orleans, LA; St. Louis, MO; San Antonio, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA;  Vancouver, BC; Jasper, AB; Toronto, ON; Montreal, QC and Cornwall, ON (home). We slept in our seats on the overnight train sections and stayed in hotel rooms where we saw major landmarks. We took local transportation (bus, pedal cab, taxi and car rental) when we disembarked. We made stops at the Sears Tower (Chicago); The Gateway Arch (St. Louis);  The Alamo (San Antonio); Old Town (Albuquerque); Pier 39 (San Francisco); The Space Needle (Seattle); Stanley Park (Vancouver) and The CN Tower (Toronto).  Wow! the USA and Canada for two on less than $50 a day (then).

Ah, Nostalgia! It ain't what it used to be. (grin)

Fri - Mar 23/12

Things are winding down at the park.

Folks who have been her since October (or less) are starting to head home for Easter. We needed today to "crash" after being busy for the last 2 weeks.

We went swimming in the afternoon then changed and set out to get the prescription we called in earlier in the day.

We went to Walgreens (drugstore) a few minutes up the road and picked up the meds for Charlotte that were prescribed when she was hospitalized . The original was only for 30 days. We got a 90 day refill. This will get us home.

Time for supper. Tonight we will try Rancho de Tia Rosa. We went to the closest one on N Higley Rd just off US-60. The place was packed. |It was such a mild evening the outside tables were all full.

We sat inside at a booth. Adam our server was excellent. We followed his recommendations and were not disappointed.

Charlotte had their El Diablo Marguerita which was excellent. Charlotte's meal was the Seafood Tacos (pick 2 of the 4 offered). Her one choice was Grilled Salmon Taco with an orange mango salsa and the second was with Crab Meat.

I had the Stuffed Quesadilla. I chose pork which was wrapped inside a folded flour tortilla with cheese, quacamole, sour cream, and green chili strips. Spanish Rice and Refried Beans w/cheese topping  and salsa was also on the oversized plate. The portions were large, the food was excellent and the price was reasonable. We each took half of our meal home.

Adam, our server,  took our picture with one of the restaurant "regulars". Then it was just a few blocks north on Higley to the US-60 and 20 minutes to the park.

I am sure we will return to Rancho de Tia Rosa in the near future.

Thu - Mar 22/12

Up before 7 a.m. to prepare for a trip to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Rush hour traffic was busy but flowing steadily.

It is almost an hours drive to the airport from Gold Canyon which is at the extreme east end of the greater Phoenix area. The time passed quickly and we were soon arriving at Terminal 3.

Wow! The two weeks just zoomed by. It is always fun to have Catherine visit. We skipped breakfast this morning. With the request to arrive 3 hours before departure Catherine can have breakfast at the food concessions that are situated in the waiting area beyond check-in. This will help the time pass faster for her.

Being we were this far west we decided to save an hour drive time and continue on to the Good Sam Rally that is being held at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, AZ. First we stopped at Denny's for the Seniors Breakfast!

There was a continuous stream entering the Rally.

We purchased a "Day Pass" and decided to walk (under the racetrack) rather than wait for the tram.

I drooled over a number of the new RV's on display. In reality, most class "A" motorhomes contain the same basics. I find the 40' - 45' long models actually waste most of the additional space they enjoy (beyond my 35' length). I would rather have extra storage and counter space than an extra "powder room" in the extra length.

The exhibitors tent was huge with 4 double rows of vendors. We found a few items to buy and a few items for which we took info and may look into in the future.

The Rally always has something happening. There is live entertainment as well as featured performers for the "Passport" holders (this year includes Reba McIntyre and Bill Cosby) and a wide range of  seminars and "how to's".

We had a Shaved-Ice Cone to cool down then took the tram back to the parking lot.

We stopped at Camping World (Main St - Mesa, AZ branch) to pick up an RV Mud Guard (Rear) they didn't have at their huge display at the Rally. I then had to stop at Lowe's to pick up the angle iron (actually, aluminum) as both Camping World's were out of stock. I have to replace my current "Dirt Skirt" which broke as we left home in December. Inside of the first 15 miles it had enough frozen slush on it that the angle iron broke on the one side.

Next we returned the rental to Enterprise and they dropped us off at the park.

Later in the evening Catherine phoned to let us know she made it home safely. Wow! Still hard to believe how fast the two weeks passed.

Wed - Mar 21/12

This is Prep Day. We are preparing (resting) for Catherine's departure tomorrow.

The girls went to the library. Catherine borrowed a book for the flight as she has a 3 hour layover in Detroit.

They also picked up dinner at the Concession which is at the ball field and pickle ball courts at the far end of the resort.

The weather has continued to improve with clear blue skies and temps back to the high 70's F. We had the bonus of a  great sunset.

We went to the dance featuring "The Chauffeurs". This excellent 5 piece band plays in the park each year. They total over 200 years musical experience. It is a treat to hear a "sax" and real drums (not synthesized) in the songs.

We sat with folks from Kansas. Despite living there all their life they have never been in a tornado.

We left a few minutes before the end of the dance to prepare for an early departure for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport tomorrow.

Tue - Mar 20/12

The "Big Storm" has passed.

The sky is back to clear blue. It will take a few days to regain the heat and get back up to the 80's F. Even Jasmine, the Great Dane across the road, is back outside. The wind is still brisk and the temps are only in the low 70's F.

Today was a day to re-charge our batteries. We all took it easy. Charlotte and Catherine took a walk to the library and the main clubhouse area. Catherine did a little reading and Charlotte a little sewing.

Afternoon was time for a DVD marathon in the RV. A few 4 Star movies later and it was time for NCIS on TV.

Sometimes it is good just to relax.

Mon - Mar 19/12

The weather is beginning to clear. The snow is melting on the top of the Superstition Mountains. Still a day for doing inside stuff.

We headed for the Mormon Temple in Mesa, AZ. This will be an opportunity for Catherine, the "Genealogy
Expert" in the family, to use their facilities to try to find information for the family tree.

We had a pleasant visit in the main center before being directed to the building across the road that housed the Genealogy Library.

The grounds here are always well kept. It was nice to see the variety of flowers that were in bloom.

We were given the opportunity to do a little picking - not flowers - oranges and grapefruits. The trees needed harvesting. Visitors are encouraged to help in this process. We now have a bag of freshly picked fruit.

Like the Main Visitors Center, the Genealogy Library is staffed by Missionaries who volunteer their time. They have reference books and an impressive bank of computers with fast connection speed. Well worth a visit if you are researching your family tree. Also, if you want time to fly, start doing a family tree. Time zipped by and it was soon mid-afternoon. Catherine hit a genealogical dead end so we continued on with a shift in focus to shopping. Costco was our next stop.  I drooled over a few portable computers. A couple cases of synthetic oil (Motorhome and auto oil changes when we get home), tire cleaner and a huge box (80 count) of K-cups (coffee) and we were then off for supper. 

Tonight the buffet at Golden Corral was our choice. It was excellent as always.

Our last stop was at Target. Catherine hadn't been to one of their stores yet. Yes - they found items they didn't know they needed.

After rush hour it was only a 15 minute ride along US-60 back to the park. Gee! Another full day.