January 31, 2016. The day didn't exist!

We crossed the international date line and lost a day.  We left LAX at 11:00 PM Saturday and arrived in Brisbane 7:00 AM Monday.

The flight was 100% full.  We weren't sitting together.  I had a window west, so was "trapped" while the middle and aisle passengers slept.

I enjoyed two movies, The Intern, and A Walk in the Woods

January 30, 2016. Flying to Oz

We got up early to do our final prep.  I did one last load of laundry....mostly linens so they would be clean when we returrn.

Then on to the RV storage area.  All kinds of RVs, boats, cars, trucks parked here.  Some look abandoned.  We parked the vehicles and then worked on the hot sun prevention.  We filled buckets of water so that there will be evaporation during the hottest days.  We put up screens, blankets and tarps.  Hopefully everything will be ok.

 

Then we called Uber to take us to the airport.  It came within minutes.

We just have backpacks and small duffel bags...filled with clothes for all seasons.

We flew out of Phoenix to Los Angeles.  Now, on to Brisbane, then Auckland.

We lose a day along the way arriving in Auckland on February 2.  Long trip ahead!

January 29, 2016. Countdown to take-off!

CAMPGROUND:  Last night at Phoenix Metro RV Park

LOCATION:  North Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Another beautiful day.  I think I would be bored being a weatherman here!

Today was prep day.  We Skyped and talked with our daughters and friends, and did last-minute computer work.  I wasted an hour on the phone canceling our AT&T service.

We went out for lunch and shopped for storage items.

Afternoon was spent doing laundry and packing.

We got a pizza to go for dinner, as the refrigerator is pretty bare.  

January 28, 2016. More climbing!

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Phoenix Metro RV Park

LOCATION:  North Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Carbon copy from other days...highs in 70s with sun

Gluttons for punishment......we hiked another mountain trail.  This is the one George had hiked about 5 years ago.  It was NOT easier.  It wasn't as high as Camelback, but was full of rocks to climb over.  We were in full sun, so my face was beet red.  We made it about 2/3 of the way to the summit.

After a nice lunch, we went shopping for sun shields for the truck and camper while they will be in storage.

Back at the park, we did computer work and read by the pool.

DINNER:  Udon noodle soup with all our leftovers.....chicken, onions, garlic, spinach, broccoli.  Finished up the sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.

January 27, 2016. Climbing Camelback Mountain

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Phoenix Metro RV Park

LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Every day seems the same....highs in low 70s, lots of sun, cool at night. Perfection!

We took off to climb the iconic Camelback Mountain.  We tried to find the easier trail that George had climbed a few years ago when he accompanied me one time on a work trip,  but couldn't find it.  Instead, we found a different trail.  The hike was categorized as "extremely difficult".  Uh-oh.  I wasn't too excited, but we decided to try it.

The welcome informational sign said the hike is slightly higher than climbing the 103 stories of the Empire  State Building,  uh-oh.

The trail was busy with all kinds of people, young, old, fit and not-so-fit.  I enjoyed gawking at the beautiful mansions next to the mountain, seemingly chiseled into the rocks.

Here we go......

Actually, we didn't go all the way, turning around mid-way.  That was enough.  The panoramic view of the valley was beautiful.

All tuckered out, we found a cool brewpub for lunch, called O.H.S.O...  Outrageous Homebrewerrs Social  Outpost. 

Back at the RV park, we lounged around the swimming pool.  

DINNER:  Scallops in a cheese sauce.  I added some leftover spinach and cannellini, and served over polenta, aka grits.

January 26, 2016. Fun in Scottsdsle

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Metro Phoenix RV Park

LOCATION:  Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Another great day. Highs around 70

I met with my former work colleagues for lunch.  It was so fun to see them and catch up with the news.

Afterwards, George and I drove on to Old Scottsdale.  We did a walking tour.

It is full of cute shops and historical buildings.  We learned that Scottsdale was originally named Orangedale, as it was covered with orange groves.  I wonder if people actually buy oranges and grapefruit here in the stores, as many streets are lined with citrus trees loaded with fruit.  

Lovely fountains and flowers, including this beautiful kale.  

DINNER:  Chicken with beans, using chicken we had grilled at Lost Dutchman State Park. Creamed spinach on the side.

January 25, 2016. Slow day in Phoenix

CAMPGROUND:  Another day at Phoenix Metro RV Park

LOCATION:  North Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Very nice and sunny. Highs around 70

When we were in Baja, we tried giving a lot of our stuff to our daughters, thinking we would be selling the Airstream and truck.  One item that they could not fit  in their suitcases was our electric blanket.  We are now glad that we have it, as we have been using it every night.  It really cools off at night.

We read and did computer work all morning.   I made a few lunches, trying to use up my remaining ingredients.  I made homemade pork & beans with leftover beans, grilled pork, ketchup and herbs.  I also made a pasta salad.  The refrigerator is emptying!  Now, just to get George to eat it!

For an outing, we went to a wine and craft beer bar George had found online.  It is called Whining Pig and is a tiny place in a strip mall.  The selection was incredible.  Their beers and wines are written on the wall chalkboard.

DINNER:  Stuffed baked potato that I had wrapped in foil and cooked in the campfire when we were at the state park.  It was  stuffed with steak bits and onions.  Broccoli and cheese on the side.

January 24, 2016. From country to city life in Phoenix

CAMPGROUND:  Metro Phoenix RV Park.  Full hook-ups.  Mostly full-timers.  Beautiful bathrooms. No atmosphere.  $35/night.  3 stars

LOCATION:  Northern Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Another beautiful day. Highs near 70

We took our time packing up at Lost Dutchman State Park, then moved into town.  Although we really enjoyed Lost Dutchman, it is quite a way out of town.  By moving in closer, we can do more things in the city, and explore another part of town.  So, the only option is crowded commercial RV parks.

It is very quiet here in this RV park, even though it is quite packed.  George says it is because most of the people are half-dead!  :(

We are busy working through our to-do lists before we leave.  

We found a nice brewpub to taste another beer, use internet, and watch football (everyone but me). 

DINNER:  I found a recipe to use up some items still left in the food box.....a pasta dish with cannellini beans, carrots, onions and Parmesan cheese.

We watched Sunday night TV favorites....Sixty Minutes and Downton Abbey.  

January 23, 2016. Beautiful Superstition Mountain

CAMPGROUND:  Last night at Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION:  Apache Junction near Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Another beautiful day. Highs in low 70s

Another beautiful day for a hike.  We have now hiked all but the tall mountain trail categorized as "very difficult" here in the park.  Since today is Saturday, the trails were busy.  In addition to hikers of all ages, cowboys on their horses traveled the trails.

No, this isn't George........

This modern one quickly hid his cell phone for the picture

We returned to the Arizona Wilderness brewpub for lunch.  George really likes their beers.  The campground is too far out of town to pick up cellular service, so we did internet work at the pub.

Back at the park, the sunset was the most glorious of all the evenings we have been here.  It turned Superstition Mountain golden yellow.  

George made a campfire.  This will probably be our last one until after our Australia trip, so he used up lots of wood and papers.  We listened to Prairie Home Companion on the radio while the fire blazed.

DINNER:  Grilled porkchops.  Side was polenta cooked with herbs.  (We have lots of grits to eat up).  Side was a perfectly ripe melt-in- your-mouth avocado.  

January 22, 2016. Part 2

We strolled around the ghost town.

George had to chat up the lady in the bordello

DINNER:  We went to the Lost Mine Restaurant for dinner.  It was super busy.  There was a dinner show in one half, but we selected the more intimate pub-like section.  It was full, so we had drinks at the bar.  Then, we moved to a table when one became available.  Somehow, each waiter thought another one was waiting on us, since we had drinks in front of us.  After we watched others being served around us, we realized that we were being overlooked.  Finally, George was able to catch one waiter's attention.  They were SO apologetic, and insisted on comping the entire bill.  I had a caesar's salad and George had a ribeye.  It was delicious.  When we got ready to leave, they gave us a free desert to go.  Talk about service recovery!  

January 22, 2016. Fun in Apache Junction

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION:  Apache Junction near Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Beautiful. Highs in low 70s

We hiked a 3 mile+ trail in the park.  The first half was steep uphill, a great cardio workout.  The second half, going back down the mountain, was a killer for the knees.

Later, we met the clerk to do the paperwork for the vehicle storage.  We are all set.  It will be simpler keeping all of our stuff, rather than selling it/giving it away, had we sold the Airstream and pick- up.  We called to cancel our car insurance for the next 7 months, the savings totally offsets the rental!

We stopped at Ace Hardware to buy things to protect the vehicles while in storage.....mousetraps, steel wool to stuff in the pipes to keep the critters out.

We stopped at a ghost town mining town near our park.  First stop was at thrir saloon to try a prickly pear margarita. 

We watched the steam engine train go by.

The view from the saloon is our state park nestled under Superstition Mountain. 

George struck up a conversation with this cowboy.  He had a pistol on his belt, a huge cowboy hat, and spurs on his boots.

Then, the fiddler sang a song making up lyrics about Karmen and Jorge.

See next post for more pictures.

January 21, 2016. Busy day in Phoenix

CAMPGROUND:  Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION:  Apache Junction, Arizona, near Phoenix

WEATHER:  Very nice. Highs in low 70s

We don't have sewer here at our site, so are trying to be very conservative with water, in order to not fill our tanks for the 7 nights we will be here.  So, I've been washing dishes at a dish-washing area.  It is about 1/2 mile away, so I cart the dishpan in the truck.

After that chore, we drove into town.  Our goal today was to confirm an RV storage center, pay a deposit, and make arrangements for storage starting January 30.  There seem to be a lot iof these around, and I thought it would be easy.  We first tried one in Mesa.  It was full.  Another one in Mesa, that was full, too.  Another one we called, and they have covered space for $300/month.  Yikes!  This is harder than we thought.  We really want a covered spot to protect the vehicles during the hot summer here.  Finally at one place, without space, they called another one and found a spot for us.  We will sign the paperwork tomorrow.

That exhausted us, so we stopped at a great brewpub for lunch.  After that restorative, we started our next task of finding an RV park closer in to Phoenix for our stay after Lost Dutchman.  Back on the phone, I started calling.  Like the RV storage centers, there seem to be hundreds of RV parks around.  And, like the RV storage centers, the parks all seem to be full or very expensive.  I finally found one, and paid a deposit.

Next to-do was shopping.  We found a REI and bought some gear for our trip.  I looked at backpacks, but a good one is $300.  So, I'm going to use one I got years ago free at an ASHHRA conference.  

After that were stops at the laundramat and grocery.  

We returned at sunset, tired but happy we got a lot done.  George made a fire for dinner.

DINNER:  Chicken breasts dusted with bread crumbs, cumin and cayenne.  Side was the leftover Texas caviar rice mix.  

January 20, 2016. Cruising on Canyon Lake

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION:  Near Phoenix, in Apache Junction, Arizona

WEATHER:  Very nice.  Highs in low 70s

We biked to a mesquite exhibit in the park demonstrating how to pick, grind, and eat mesquite.  It was quite interesting.  We tasted pancakes made from mesquite flour.

We spent more timing cleaning the dusty Airstream.  George tackled windows while I did the aluminum blinds.

Then, we rewarded ourselves with a cruise on Canyon Lake on the Dolly  Bell. It reminded us of our trip with Uncle Leo and Aunt Martha on Lake Mead.  

 

The boat followed the cliffs where we spotted bald eagles and big-horned sheep.

They played soft classical music.  While we sipped a glass of wine, I pictured us on a German river cruise, like the TV commercials for Viking River Cruises.  

Here is captain George....

 And first mate Karmen....

DINNER:  Chili.  I seem to have lots of beans to use up in the emergency food box, so I put them to good use with chili.

January 19, 2016. Time to find a storage center

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION:  Near Phoenix, Arizona in Apache Junction

WEATHER:  Nice.  Highs around 70

Another great day for a hike.  We hiked another trail at the park, seeing lots of evidence of animals....rattlesnake holes, cacti turned over by javelina.  We didn't see any animals, but heard lots of coyotes howling during the night.

We spent some time doing a backpack exercise to see if we can fit 7 months of traveling clothes into our backpscks.  We will each take one plus a small duffel bag.  We will have to pack for both winter and summer.  Challenging!

We chatted with another Airstream couple here in the park.  Theirs is a 1976 one that they gutted and remodeled. 

We went into town for lunch.  The restaurant was filled with seniors (mostly from Iowa and Minnesota). George called them a bunch of old farts!  :)

Then we went to the library for internet work.  Arizona is one of the states where people can (and do) openly carry guns.  It is disconcerting to pull into a gas station and stand next to a cowboy toting pistols on his gun belt.  The library does not allow guns inside, so provides a weapon locker to store your guns before entering.  Wild, Wild West!

This area used to be full of gold-mines.  Our Lost Dutchman state park is named after some gold-diggers from the 1800s.  We stopped for a drink at a miners' restaurant.  It is famous for its mesquite-fired steaks. It has a cowboy atmosphere.  We might eat there one evening.

DINNER:  With only 10 days before we leave the country, I'm trying to use up all our food creatively.  The emergency food box is almost empty.  I made an Asian stir-fry with udon, leftover steak bits, and veggies in a ginger/garlic/sesame oil-seasoned soy sauce.  

January 18, 2016. Hiking Superstition Mountain

CAMPGROUND: Another night at Lost Dutchman State Park

LOCATION: Apache Junction, east of Phoenix

WEATHER:  Very pleasant. High around 70

We took one of the hikes here in the state park.  About 2 miles.  Since it is a holiday, there were lots of people out.  Perfect weather for a hike.  I stupidly opened this cactus fruit and got lots of stickers embedded in my fingers. 

  Back at the camper, George polished up the Airstream.  Most of our sales leads are fizzling, and with only 12 days left before we leave, we are pretty sure we will just store the rig here while we are in New Zealand and Australia.

We drove to a nearby "saloon" for a beer.  It looked like a cowboy movie set.

It was called the Hitching Post Bar and Saloon.  When we went to the car after our drinks, we smelled horse poop.  Sure enough, it was under our tires.....we had parked in front of the REAL hitching post.

DINNER:  Leftover smoked fish and pasta from Mexico.  The container has been in the freezer all this time.  I added more cream cheese and capers to stretch it.

January 17, 2016. On to Superstition Mountain

CAMPGROUND:  Lost Dutchman State Park. Beautiful mountain scenery. Water and electricity. Dump station.  Nice bathrooms, but far away.  $30/night.  4 stars. Only state park in Phoenix area

LOCATION:  40 miles east of Phoenix in Apache Junction.  

WEATHER:  Very nice. High about 65

After more than 2 1/2 years on the road, we finally did it......locked both sets of keys in the trailer.  We were on our way to the RV park's library.  George left first.  Conversation across the parking lot went like this.......

Karmen....."Do you have the keys?  Should I lock up?"

George....."Yes and yes"

Karmen....."ok, here I come", slamming door behind me

George (too late)... "No!"

The car was locked, too, and my extra set of keys were safely in the locked trailer.  What to do?  George decided to try to squeeze in through the storage bin.  Note the small area on lower right of trailer...

It is where tools are stored.  It leads to a cabinet under the bed.  We pried up the bed, then George wiggled inside..

Somehow he was able to push up the mattress platform and crawl through.  What an ordeal!  All his muscles hurt.

We then packed up and moved to this state park where we will be for a week.  I had reserved it several months ago, snatching the last available site, when we knew we would be in Phoenix before our flight to New Zealand. 

Camping in state parks is so different from RV parks.  Everyone is out enjoying the scenery, hiking, and cooking over campfires.  We biked around the campground and chatted with our neighbor, from Iowa. The sunset on Superstition Mountain was beautiful.

Still no definite interest in our camper and truck.  

DINNER:  Texas caviar.  I had a recipe to turn this appetizer into a meal.  It is black-eyed peas (to use up too many I bought for New Year's good luck meals), black beans, corn, cilantro, onions, garlic, red peppers, rice  and poblano peppers.  Pretty good.  Unfortunately, I made way too much. 

Baja California Camping Tips

Baja California, Mexico.  Effective January, 2016

Most people buy the book called "Baja Camping"  by Terry Church.  We didn't get around to buying it, so relied on a good map and by talking with others along the way.  This is to help others planning a trip to Baja.

Unlike camping in the US,  RV parks/campgrounds in Baja are few and far between.  We camped with a 22-foot Airstream and stayed on the main highways,  You can go off-road, but these hints are for those wanting to stay on paved highways. Some places have services;  others are dry-camping. 

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

*Have some pesos to pay for toll roads (called cuota) near the border

*Buy Mexican  car insurance.  It is expensive, but a requirement.  We bought from Sanborns.

*Obtain a tourist card when you cross into Mexico.  About $25 pp.  Not required for short stays.

*If you go beyond Baja or Sonorra, other documents are required.

*Never drive at night.  Plan your days so that you will be somewhere with camping facilities before dark..  

* Keep gas tank full as you leave a town.  The longest stretch without gas is between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro, about 200 miles.

CAMPING AREAS/RV PARKS THAT WE KNOW

All on Highway #1, unless noted.  New ones open and some close, so this might change.  These are ones we saw.  We didn't stay in all of them.  From North to South.....

Ensenada-- one in town, and several south of town near La Bufadora

San Quentin-- 2 south of town on the beach.  Area called El Pabellon

Cavatina

Guerrero Negro --1 north of town, 1 south of town. 

San Ignacio 

South of Santa Rosalia

Mulege

Bahia de Concepcion. Beach camping. No facilities.  Several.  Most popular is Playa Santispac

Loreto --2 in town. Must get off highway

Ciudad Constitucion

La Paz-- called Maranatha.  West of town, as you enter

Los Barriles.  3 in town, one south of town

Cabo San Lucas-Villa Serena

Near Todos Santos--one in Cerritos beach area, south of town.  Highway #19

Gonzaga Bay.  Beach camping.  On new highway #5

La Palapa in San Felipe.  (Highway 5)

We spent about 5 weeks in Baja.  Here is our route with notes.  We took our time going south, but drove long days on the return. 

OUR TRIP

1.  We crossed in Tijuana.  It was surprisingly easy.  The guards recommend crossing Tuesday-Thursday when it is least busy.  Followed highway 1 south.   It is a toll road until Ensenada.  Drove through town to La Bufadora.  This is a tourist attraction, meaning Blow Spout.  Several RV parks on the road to La Bufadora. About 15 miles off highway.  We stayed in one called Campo 5.  Primitive bathroom only.  Beautiful views from cliff-side campground. One night @ $7.  100  miles from Tijuana. 

2.  160 miles to San Quentin-- El Pabellon.  South of town.  About one mile off highway on beach. Full hook- ups available. One night dry-camping @$9.   

3.  200 miles to Guerrero Negro.  Campground called  Mario's south of town on highway. Whale-watching tours available in season.  Full hook- ups. One night @ $16. 

Could have stopped in San Ignacio (nice oasis), but went on.

Could have stopped in Playa Santispac at Bahia de Concepcion.

4.  265 miles to Loreto. Stayed at  RV park "resort" called Loreto Shores.  Beautiful. Pool. Full hook-ups. On water. Our favorite place in Baja.  Great town. Many seasonal RVers.  5 nights @ $22/night. 

5.  215 miles to La Paz.  Maranatha RV park outside of town.  Safe-feeling and a good stopping place.  We unhooked and explored the city.  Both dry-camping and full hook-ups.  1 night. $22 full hook-ups, $16 dry camping.  

6.  90 miles to Los Barriles.  Popular spot for wind-surfers.  We stayed in town at Martin Verdugo's  RV park 5 nights @$21/night. On beach. Tiki hut bar. Pool.  Full hook-ups.  Many seasonal RVers.  Then moved to  Baja Sunrise south of town.  Brand new.  Right on beach. Full hook-ups.  Stayed 4 more nights@ $24/night. 

7.  We rented a house in Todos Santos for the holidays with family who flew down.  Todos Santos is about one hour from Los Cabos airport, and a world away. Recommend visiting this town. Camping nearby.  Bypass road south of Barriles to Todos Santos, bypassing Los Cabos.  150  miles.  Note....we did not camp in Cabo San Lucas, as we don't like big cities, but heard that there is one RV park there called La Serena.

Return trip.....

1.  From Todos Santos to Playa Santispac on Bahia de Concepcion.  333 miles.  No services. Restaurant/bar..  Beautiful beach.  1 night.  $7/night. 

2.  Planned to do whale-watching in Guerrero Negro, but they weren't going out that day, so drove on.  Drove on east on new highway #5.  The road is under construction.  25 miles are still dirt and rocks.  Rough and slow-going. Not recommended for big rigs. Stopped at a beach in Gonzaga Bay.  330 miles....12 hours of driving!

3.  150 miles to San Felipe.  Palapa RV park.  Several in town on the beach.  $24/night.  Full hook- ups.  Stayed 2 nights.  

4.  Then, back through Mexicali to cross into USA.  125 miles

For details on our trip, along with photos, check out our blog......reidsontheroad.blogspot.com.  Dates...December 10, 2015 to January 13, 2016. 

SPANISH WORDS TO KNOW

Tope-- speed bump.  Some are marked; others are not.  Sometimes painted yellow: some not.  Also zebra lines can be small speed bumps.  Found in towns and curvy roads, to slow drivers down.

Vada....dip in the road

Curva peligrosa--dangerous curve

Disminuye la velocidad--slow down

Cajero--ATM

January 16, 2016. Fun with friends and animals!

CAMPGROUND:  3rd night at Picacho Peak RV Park

LOCATION:  Between Tucson and Phoenix

WEATHER:  Sunny.  Still cool. 60s high

We spent the morning in a cleaning frenzy, preparing the Airstream for viewing.  We have one serious sales lead.

Then, a high school friend Bett, and her husband who are wintering in Tucson,  drove up to visit us.  It was so nice to see them again.  We had a picnic lunch, then walked next door to "Rooster Cogburn's  Ostrich Ranch".  We weren't expecting much, but it was really fun.  Admission included different types of feed for each animal.  We fed....miniature donkeys, parakeets, goats, ostriches, and bunnies.

Here I am, cautiously feeding the ostriches with their fierce beaks....

Then, we entered the lorikeet house and the birds practically attacked us for food.  We were all afraid that we would get poop in our hair!

Even George managed a smile...

DINNER:  George grilled a steak on the grill.  We haven't eaten steak in about two months, since we ate seafood mostly in Baja.  I baked a potato, and served a side salad.  We are definitely back in the USA!

We enjoyed watchig PBS, after not seeing TV for quite a bit.  

January 15, 2016. Walking stick transfer in Tubac

CAMPGROUND:  Another night at Picacho Peak RV park

LOCATION:  Between Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona

WEATHER:  Quite cool. Highs -around 60

We are glad we still have our electric blanket.  We dug it out and it felt cozy during the night.  A bit of frost on the camper in the morning.

We followed up on a few more sales leads for the camper, and did some computer work.  Then, we took a day trip south to Tubac, about 80 miles away.  Our mission was to leave our walking sticks in some good hands.....

George has  a running joke with our friend Tony from Nova Scotia whom we met in Newfoundland when we first started our life on the road.  We quickly became friends and have met again in the last  2 years, once in the Badlands, and once in British Columbia.  During one of the get-togethers, George and Tony accidentally grabbed each other's  walking sticks while packing up.  After about 6 months, each walking stick was  returned to his real owner.  So now, Tony promises to guard the walking stick while we travel in New Zealand and Australia.  Tony will be traveling here in Arizona later this year, so we dropped off the sticks with some friends of his, so get can pick them up later.  He promises to take photos of the walking stick during husband travels so we can keep up with the stick's journey! 

Tubac is a cute desert town with shops, art galleries and restaurants.  We had lunch, then met up with the walking stick friends for the exchange.

 

The couple are from British Columbia and winter in Tubac.

 

Back at the RV park, the cantina had prepared fish and chips, so we ate some and chatted with the long-term residents.  

January 14, 2016. Back to Arizona civilization

CAMPGROUND:  Pacacho Peak RV.  Full hook-ups. Beautiful showers, laundry, library.  $28/night.  5 stars. Gym, wood-working shop, cantina, pool. 

LOCATION:  Half-way between Phoenix and Tucson

WEATHER:  Cool.  Highs in 60s

We left the desert and drove about 2 hours east and south.  We passed through Dateland, Arizona and stopped for a date shake.  I remember tasting these when I was a kid visiting my grandmother wintering in the desert.  

We're staying at an RV park where we stayed last year. 

 It has good wifi, important as we are busy trying to sell the Airstream and truck.  Who wouldn't want to buy this?

 

We sent emails and called people who have answered our ads in the last month.  So far, nothing promising.

DINNER;  More leftovers.  Sautéed garlic/onion shrimp in cheesy polenta.  One frozen leftover dinner left, then a new slate.

January 13, 2016. Crossing the border

CAMPGROUND:  Copper Mountain RV Park.  Full hook-ups, rec room, wifi, great bathrooms.  $21/night.  4stars

LOCATION:  40 miles east of Yuma, Arizona

WEATHER:  Cool. Highs about 70

We said good-bye to our Alaska neighbors in San Felipe and drove north about 2 hours through really desolate country.

We hit sprawling, ugly, polluted Mexicali about noon, supposedly the best (least busy) time to cross the border.  After a slight episode  of getting lost, we got in the line to cross.  It took about 2 hours waiting in line.  Entrepreneurs selling everything under the sun strolled by.....snacks, honey, pop, beer, Jesus pictures.  There were beggars and one smart guy asking people to donate produce that couldn't cross into California.  Lots of guys wanting to wash windshields.  It was a real circus.

The actual inspection was pretty quick.  They brought out a huge German Shepard to search the trailer.  

We drove east through lots of vegetable fields and through Yuma, home of the RV snowbirds.  We were looking for BLM camping (free) just to stay the night.  It started getting dark, and we couldn't find any, so stopped at this RV park.  What a find!  It is in the middle of nowhere but has lots of amenities.  Most of the campers are here for the winter.  It is great for ATV afficionados.  We gathered around a campfire with some friendly Canadians (of course).  They told us it's the cheapest RV park in Arizona at $191/month.  

This brings me to the topic of my campground/RV park 5-star rating system.  I give a 1-5 star rating (although I was once tempted to go with negative one star) based on a combination of facilities, amenities, location, overall atmosphere, and value/price.  My brother commented that I was probably too generous with a 3-star rating last night in San Felipe due to the nasty bathroom and shower door that constantly flew open to the Main Street while I was showering.  However, a beachfront location goes a long way.  Here, I would give it a 5 based on the amenities, facilities and price, but it is located off the Interstate in the middle of the desert.  

DINNER:  The last of the Mahi-Mahi caught in Todos Santos.  This was the leftover fish/udon noodle dinner from a few nights ago.  Not too exciting, third time around.....