Always fun meeting bloggers

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Invited for dinner

I was invited for dinner by Sandie of Where are the Dixons fame. I met both Sandie and Jim several years ago in Quartzsite and she always writes nice comments on my blog. They spend their winters in Apache Junction, AZ and their summers on the road or in their home state of Montana. They are always such fun people. So I jumped at the chance to see them before they left the area. I drove to Apache Junction, AZ and we had dinner at Superstition Skies.

More famous bloggers

I also met Rod of Retired Rod fame. We had some great conversation and then he mentioned a blog post he wrote that went viral. In case you haven’t read about his experience with his Roomba and the dog poo you should check it out here. It is a hilarious post and will keep you in stitches. Rod is a very funny guy and I have added his blog to my list of “must reads”.

Then I met Diana of Life on the Open Road fame. I started reading her blog a couple of years before I even started RVing and it is still on my “must read” list. I have always gotten a lot of enjoyment out of her posts as they are usually sort and sweet and have many pics. Lots of good information.

It is really neat when you meet up with the people whose blogs you read and enjoy. Some people like Diana were my mentors even though they didn’t know it. I got lots of great information and encouragement to realize that the fulltime RV lifestyle was the one for me.

Great Dinner

We all had a great dinner. Several of us ordered the “all you can eat” chicken wings and legs. We all kept going back for more. They also had a group that played a wide variety of music. It was a great time and I was so glad I went. Here is a pic of our table. Left to right, Rod, Phil, Phil’s friend (sorry I didn’t get his name), Diana, Sandie and Jim.

Thanks Sandie for inviting me. It was so much fun.

Spring Training Weekend – Part 2

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Off to a Hockey Game

After seeing the Angels practice we stopped and got all the fixin’s so that we could have a barbeque. We happened to be talking about hockey and Curt did some investigating on his IPad. He found that the Phoenix Coyotes were playing the Calgary Flames in Phoenix that night.

He purchased the tickets and after a great steak dinner we were off to the game. I haven’t been to a hockey game in years so it was a real treat for me. The traffic wasn’t bad until we got near the off ramp where it seems that in another stadium they were holding a concert. What a traffic jam. However we were just a bit late for the game and just as we were climbing the stairs the noise level increased and we realized the Coyotes had just scored a goal. What luck. Fortunately the game didn’t end at 1-0.

It was a good game and the Phoenix Coyotes won 3-2. Here we are at the game.

We were busy all day with both baseball and hockey. How good is that!!!

Busy Bees

Sunday we had tickets for the Angels vs the Mariners game. We had a light breakfast and headed over to the ball park so we could get to see batting practice. As we walked up to the front of Diablo Stadium the crowd was waiting at the top of the steps for the gates to open. All of a sudden the police were forcing the crowd down to the lower steps. What the heck is going on?

It seems they located a bee hive that was in the stands. The fire department had to come out and spray it down to get rid of the bees. Then they let the crowd back up the steps but they didn’t open the turnstiles yet. So there we were packed in like sardines with the hot sun drenching down on us and no where to go.

We finally got into the park and all was well on the western front. We had great seats just behind and to the left of home plate.

It was a good ball game although the Angels lost to the Mariners 5-3. Over the entire weekend the baseball teams we were rooting for both lost and the hockey team won. I guess one out of three isn’t too bad, but it is Spring Training.

Then we went back to the rig where we had another barbeque and watched a movie. Then at 11:30pm it was off to the Sky Harbor Airport. Fortunately it was only a few miles away and there was no traffic at that time of the night.

Great weekend

It was really great getting together with my son Curt for the weekend. We both love sports and seeing games and it was really a fantastic weekend. I would like to make this a tradition and get together for Spring Training next year if possible.

Spring Training Weekend – Part 1

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Lucky to land a space at the Elks Lodge

I left Hot Springs LTVA Wednesday and traveled to Tempe, AZ. I used the Allstays App on my IPhone and found an Elks Lodge in close proximity to Sky Harbor Airport where I will be picking up my son Curt. He is flying in late Thursday (actually Friday) and leaving late Sunday (actually Monday). He will be staying with me as we attend a couple of Spring Training Baseball games.

The Elks Lodge is also close to the Tempe Diablo Stadium where we will see the Angles on Sunday. I was sure lucky to get a space as I got the last space available when I checked in. I plan to stay here for 7 days before heading back to Yuma to have Chica’s teeth cleaned.

I am in the last row. It is a fairly large park with 26 full hook-up sites.

The only bummer is the Animal Hospital and Kennel that is located on the other side of the block fence surrounding the park. The dogs start barking at 6:00 in the morning and hardly ever let up all day and late into the night. However we have gotten used to it and it hardly phases Chica anymore.

Here is Chica basking in the sun on our new flooring as a hundred dogs are barking only 50 feet away.

Goodyear Ball Park

We hung out on Friday and did some shopping and a lot of catching up since we last saw each other. It was sure great to see my son again and spend some time with him. Friday evening we saw the Texas Rangers vs. Cincinnati Reds ball game. It took place in Goodyear, AZ which is on the other side of Phoenix. We left early as it was Friday during rush hour traffic.

Here is a selfie I took of us at the ball game.

We were lucky that they had $1 beer night except it was a bit chilly so we only had one each.

Angels Batting Practice

While out shopping on Friday I decided to head over to the Tempe Diablo stadium where the Angels would be playing on Sunday. We were able to get into the stadium since there was no game and the guy in the Team Shop told us to return tomorrow about 10:30am and we could see the Angels practice out in the field.

We got up early (sure can’t sleep with all the noise from the dog kennel next door) and headed to the park. It was very cool. You can get very close up to all the players and some of them would even sign autographs.

Albert Pujols catching a ground ball.

Everyone was yelling for Mike Trouts autograph.

But Josh Hamilton did stop to sign autographs.

Curt (on the right holding up the ball) tried to get his autograph but just missed since there were so many people.

It was a very fun day seeing all the players practicing. I will have more to post tomorrow about our exciting weekend

New Flooring Looks Great

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Long day at the dentist

Thursday was a really long day for me at the dentist. I left Hot Springs LTVA about 8:30 to make my appointment at 10:30. There was an hour time change when entering California and the dentist goes by Arizona time. I got right in on time and they started with my new bridge. No matter what they did it did not fit right as it was too high when I bit down.

They called the lab and they sent someone over to discuss it. They decided it would have to be remade so they had to take another impression and then sent it back to the lab. The dental assistant told me it would take at least another hour before they would get it back and that I could wait in the lobby. I mentioned that I also had to have a wisdom tooth removed. I then was taken to another chair and they prepped me for the removal.

Pulling that wisdom tooth was a frickin bummer!!!!! She had to break it into several pieces and cut the gum as well. I didn’t feel any pain, but heard a lot of crunching noises as she was pulling it. I needed 3 stiches to sew up the cut in the gum.

Then it was off to the lobby, where I must have read every National Geographic magazine they had. I got these pics of the lobby from Debbie when she was there a few weeks earlier.

It was beginning to get very hot and the air conditioner clicked on and soon it was getting rather chilly. So I waited outside in the courtyard.

Finally the new bridge came in and off I went. I am hoping I won’t have to see her again for another year. Should anyone ever need any dental work done I highly recommend Dr Eva Urena on B Street.

Flooring almost complete

Peter continued working on my flooring while I was at the dentist. It is almost complete except for the entrance. What a huge difference this makes. However we did run into some obstacles along the way such as this small box right in back of the passenger seat.

We just put the lid back on it and left it. It is behind my first chair and cannot be seen anyway.The biggest problem we faced were the bolts that attach the house to the truck chassis. They were all along the passenger side of the rig and stuck up about 1/4 inch from the floor.

In many spots the tile would fit over it nicely but there was also one right at the entrance. I plan on purchasing a thick rug to cover it up and prevent anyone from tripping on it.

Aside from that everything looks really good and I am very pleased with the new look. It is so much better then the old carpet and much easier to keep clean.

You can read more about how Peter of American Traveler Fame installed my new flooring at his blog post I cannot begin to thank Peter enough for all the great work he has done.

I don’t know why RV manufacturers continue to put carpeting in RVs. For us full timers it isn’t really practical. Many of us spend a great deal of time in the desert and carry sand and dirt in on our shoes which gets in the carpeting.

Desert Sunset

I again had a beautiful desert sunset to end my day.

Batten down the hatches

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Rain on it’s way

The rain that hit Southern California is headed this way. That means making sure I have everything I need for a few days as I don’t want to be traveling down muddy roads. Going to Yuma requires driving on a dirt road for about a mile and then it turns into pavement. Hopefully we will not be hit too hard.

Dumped tanks and got estimate

Yesterday I dumped tanks and filled up with water. After that I drove into RVDecor in Yuma to get an estimate on replacing my carpeting with wood flooring. My carpeting is really hard to keep clean especially when you are camping in inclement weather such as rain and snow. Besides that I just want a new and improved look. The owner came out and checked my rig and told me they could put in wood flooring and new carpeting in the cab. Great, but how much. $1800. YUK!!!

Since I don’t have that kind of money floating around I told him thanks for the estimate and drove back to Mittry Lake. It is something I will definitely have to save for. I have replaced my window blinds and when I am at my sister’s home in a month or so I will change the curtains over the kitchen window and the door. Then I only have one more blind in the back to replace. While I am in Yuma, I am going to Lowe’s and pick up a kitchen faucet.

Vet Appointment

While they were here Debbie and Gayle and Jim took their animals into the Foothills Animal Hospital for shots and checkups. They were very happy with them and so I called yesterday and was able to get an appointment for Chica at 2:15. She is going to have her annual shows, nails trimmed and teeth cleaned. The vet is not her favorite place to be, but hope all goes well and we are in and out in a short time. I will let you know how things go.

This was a piic of her at her first vet visit last year in Mesa, AZ.

I will try to get a couple of pics this time as well.

Chica’s Birthday

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Chica’s Big Day

Yesterday we celebrated the day that Chica and I first met each other. It was on February 25, 2013 that we both came into each others’ lives. Since that day we have traveled in 2 countries, 2 provinces, and 10 states and almost 10,000 miles. We have been in 100+ degree heat in Libby, MT and -4 degree cold in Fernley, NV. But it has been a wonderful experience for us both. Her she is trying to play with her friend Elvis.

I bought a big cupcake for her and we lit the one candle.

I’m not sure she knew what was going on but she was sure hamming it up for the camera.

Then I got the presents out. I am not sure she is too keen on a new collar, but I’m sure she will like it better then the one she has. She also got a small beaver and a small ducky. She really likes both the beaver and the ducky.

It was really a fun day.

Produce Stands

One big advantage of staying in the Yuma area is the great produce stands they have. We got to going to one that was not too far from us and had very fresh produce and really good prices. I didn’t really stock up as I wanted to cook it when it was really fresh. So I might go into town and stop here on the way home. This one was located on Hwy 95 just south of 7E.

Martha’s Gardens

A couple days ago we all piled into Jim and Gayle’s car and decided to check out Martha’s Gardens. They have all types of dates there in many sizes of boxes. It was very nice with lots of places to sit and eat.

However they were very expensive so we decided to buy dates at the smaller produce stand shown above. The dates there were very good.

Yuma Water

The water we got from the RV park was not very tasty and we heard that water in the area is not really good. That must be the reason that you see water stands everywhere throughout the Yuma area. Normally you get 5 gallons for a $1. We even found one stand where you get 5 gallons for $.50. What a bargain. Here we are getting a supply of drinking water.

Jim, Gayle and Debbie depart

I have had a wonderful time with Jim, Gayle and Debbiie. Thanks so much for showing me such a great time. Chica had a great time with Sophie, Elvis, Rupert and Elliot as well. They left this morning for more adventures in California. Chris and I are left. I have a couple more dental appoints the first week in March and will probably head to Phoenix/Mesa area the second week to meet up with my son and attend some Spring Training games.

The weather here has been fantastic since I arrived here on the 3rd, however it is scheduled to rain this weekend so that will help keep the dust down. It should also bring out the desert flowers. I will take a few hikes before leaving to get more pics.

Yuma River Days

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Jim Melvin

All aboard

We all piled into Debbie’s car and headed off to see the Yuma River Days. Jim decided to stay back. It is a small street celebration with arts and crafts, clothes, food and music. Immediately after parking the car up strolls Chris. We keep running into him in different places/countries. How ironic! We all walked thru the exhibits together and then shortly afterward Chris had to leave. It was a cloudy day which helped to keep temps down a bit, but it was still very hot.

The festival takes place in the old downtown section of Yuma. Here is a pic of the historic Yuma Theatre built in the early 1900’s.

This used to be an old Casino, but has been changed into a diner. Very Cool!! I got this pic of Gayle behind bars. HA!!

Chica’s Relative?

While walking thru the exhibits I saw this lady carrying a Chihuahua that looked very similar to Chica. Too bad I didn’t bring Chica to see if they knew each other. DUH!! I am sure.

At the end of the exhibits they had a couple playing music. They were just getting warmed up.

This ice cream cone sure looked tempting. I didn’t get one here but did manage to sneak one in later in the day.

Arizona Marketplace

Chris had mentioned that there was a flea market much like we experienced in Quartzsite. So off we went. We found a spot where it was a mall atmosphere with many small booths set up inside a big building. Not what we were looking for. Debbie found out what we were looking for and at 4th and 32nd streets you will find the Arizona Marketplace. Lots of RV accessories, food, hardware, etc. The same stuff we saw in Quartzsite although all the vendors were entirely under a shaded roof. Much cooler. It is only open from Thursday thru Sunday and the admission is only $.50 so we plan to go back some other time.

Have you ever heard of toilet tattoos? I never had, but they had all kinds.

We finally got tired of wandering through all the stuff and headed home.

Dumped/Added water

This was the first day I absolutely had to dump my tanks and take on water. It had been 14 days and felt I really conserved. I had to drive 8 1/2 miles to the Laguna RV Park where I had to pay $10 to dump and $5 for water. That is really cheap considering I haven’t paid anything for camping.

Another beautiful sunset

We all sat around talking and enjoying our beverage of choice and got to experience another beautiful sunset. The sunsets here have really been fabulous.

A lazy President’s Day

Today I don’t plan on going anywhere except maybe a short walk around the campsite with Chica. No plans means a nice relaxing day.

Toothless in Yuma on Valentines Day

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Me and my valentine sleep in…

I awoke this morning late. Chicka was still asleep but jumped up and demanded I let her out immediately to do her duties. Good girl!!

Toothless in Yuma

My non tooth is doing well and healing properly. Haven’t had to take only one pain pill the first day, but none since then. Whenever I think of pulling teeth, it reminds me of when I had Chica neutered. The vet mentioned that she still had some of her baby teeth and wondered if I wanted to have those extracted as well. I agreed and when I picked her up the vet/dentist gave me a baggy with 6 extremely tiny teeth. She was not a very happy girl and she would not let me come within 10 feet of her for almost a week. Very hard to do in a 26 1/2 foot RV. I wonder now if they gave her Novocain for dogs.

Back to some hiking

Jim and Gayle were going on a short hike and asked if I wanted to go as well. I was ready to go after sitting out a couple of days. We hiked past the lake and up to where we should have found the trail to cross the canal on our previous hike.

We walked on the road next to the lake.

We got to the canal which had been our nemesis on our last hike.

As hot as it is there are still many plants and trees blooming.

Hiking Great Egret

We even spotted this Great Egret just hanging out by the side of the road. It did not seem to concerned by us walking so close.

Record Temperatures

The news last night mentioned that Arizona was experiencing record temps throughout the state. It is in the low 90’s here in the Yuma area. Hot but not unbearable. In the afternoon Chica likes to lay on a pillow which is a bit cooler.

OUCH!!!!!!

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Tooth Pulled

Tuesday I went to my dentist Dr Eva Urena in Algadones, MX and had a tooth pulled. *$?@^! It was not at all fun and no I did not stop and have a Margarita on the way back home. Now I have to wait 3 weeks for my mouth to heal and then she will remove two crowns and take impressions for a bridge. After getting my tooth pulled I had to go to the Pharmacia for antibiotics and pain killers. Then unlike the previous time I was in Algadones the line going back into the US was wrapped around the block. Oh well, I am glad that is over.

Beautiful Sunset

Last night was a great night for the sunset. The few clouds in the ski really accented the setting sun.

Lazy Days in a Lazy Daze

The weather is really getting hot. It is supposed to go up to 89 today and then into the 90’s this weekend. But a lot of the time we have a nice breeze off of the lake. Chica is certainly taking it easy as you can see.

She loves the sun pouring in through the window.

Mittry Lake Hike

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Short hikes

I took a couple of short hikes with Gayle and Jim just after I arrived at my new home overlooking Mittry Lake. We found a trail that led up to some cairns and other interesting things. On the way we crossed over a spillway on the canal. This is a vital key to a hike we took later in the week. I will get to that later.

We followed a trail that led up into the hills. There were several rocky points where we crossed a wash, but no big deal.

Then we got to a spot with lots of cairns and even some Cristmas bulbs hanging from a cactus.

We could even see Imperial Dam LTVA from here.

This was the stopping point for both hikes as we then turned around and followed the trail back. On the way I was able to get a pic of some of the beautiful foliage.

Where did the trail go?

Yesterday Jim and Gayle Life’s Little Adventures Debbie and myself were met by Boonie of Occupation of Independence and Glenn of To Simplify as well as Ted of Life With Kurumi and Chris Ford who also camped with us at Quartzsite. Plus the dogs Coffee Girl, Rupert and Elliot. I didn’t take Chica as many of the rocks were bigger then her.

We started out on the same trail as we had taken before. Once we hit the cairns and Christmas bulbs we decided to continue down the trail.

The trail was well marked and somewhat easy for quite a while.

We found many flowers in bloom along the way.

Where’s a bridge?

Then it got confusing. We could see the canal from the top of the hills, but couldn’t see any place to cross it. Boonie, Glenn and Ted had gone ahead of us and we weren’t sure which way. Remember the first photo in this post. That’s the canal we had to cross. So we took what we thought was the trail to a spot where we could cross the canal. It wasn’t much of a trail, but it seemed our way out. I saw Boonie, Glenn and Ted walking on the other side of the road. They spotted me and were yelling to go higher. So that is what I was doing. I still could see Gayle on the trail much lower and she was telling me to go lower. HELP!

Too Risky!

I took Gayle’s advise and went back down to the trail. Then it got very risky and we decided it would be much easier if we went back on the trail we came in on. You must realize that I am no where near the hiking ability of Gayle and Jim. They are very experienced hikers. So I was getting very tired and all three of us were running very low on water. We really hadn’t planned to hike as long as we did. It was now about 12:30 to 1:00 and it was getting hotter. Then all of a sudden Gayle spotted a car on a bluff not too far from us. The guy (Steven) said he would get us back to our camp so we made our way over to him. I didn’t get a pic, but this was the terrain.

Thank you Steven!!!!

All three of us piled into his car and he had to drive 4 miles back to the bridge that went over the canal which was the road leading to Imperial Dam. Then 5 miles back to our camp. He even gave us something to drink. What a great guy! He was just about getting ready to start fishing in this great spot along the canal when he spotted us. What a good Samaritan!!!

We all got back and sat around the camp for a while exchanging stories and relaxing. It was a great day in that I met so many new friends and Coffee Girl as well. Next time I go hiking I will be sure to take more water and a snack bar.