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Happy Solstice
10 hours ago
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Last Day in the U S - Tuesday
Monday afternoon
Well thought I’d be saying “Hi from Mexico” instead I’m saying “we’re still in Arizona.” No problems just a slight delay.
Had a little excitement last evening. I’d just stepped out the door and there was a big BANG! What the?? I asked, “What the heck was that?”
“Don’t know.”
“How come I can smell beer? Wine? What is that?”
“Oh, oh. I know what it was,” The Driver said as he got up out of his chair.
By then we both knew – the first clue – the overpowering, by then, smell of champagne AND the copious amount of pink liquid running down the kitchen cupboards, microwave, stove, wall etc.
Yep the opened, sealed with a clip on cork, bottle of champagne that was stored on its side in an upper cupboard had popped it cork and blown itself all over the place. I will say it works really good cleaning the vinyl floor. There were only a couple of swallows left in the bottle. Oh well guess we won’t toast being on the beach in Mexico.
But to why we are still in Arizona. Mentioned that we had a “soft” tire – by this a.m. it was a flat tire. The closest place we could get a replacement was Nogales – 35 miles away. Started towards there then decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. So went to a tire place just across the freeway from us. Next to the Cow Palace. Well wouldn’t you know it closed sometime in October.
So we called our Camping World road service. They said they would have someone out to us with a new tire in 90 minutes. So we went over to the restaurant and had breakfast. No problem.
About an hour the guy showed up. He had the new tire but no way to balance it and no way to put air in it…..Okay. So we paid for the tire and drove back over the freeway to a garage that could balance it and put air in it. By then it was noon so we just went back to the campground and spent the night. Planning on an early start Tuesday morning.
My next blog update will be here Winter in Mexico in the RV as we will be in Mexico before I update again.
Well thought I’d be saying “Hi from Mexico” instead I’m saying “we’re still in Arizona.” No problems just a slight delay.
Had a little excitement last evening. I’d just stepped out the door and there was a big BANG! What the?? I asked, “What the heck was that?”
“Don’t know.”
“How come I can smell beer? Wine? What is that?”
“Oh, oh. I know what it was,” The Driver said as he got up out of his chair.
By then we both knew – the first clue – the overpowering, by then, smell of champagne AND the copious amount of pink liquid running down the kitchen cupboards, microwave, stove, wall etc.
Yep the opened, sealed with a clip on cork, bottle of champagne that was stored on its side in an upper cupboard had popped it cork and blown itself all over the place. I will say it works really good cleaning the vinyl floor. There were only a couple of swallows left in the bottle. Oh well guess we won’t toast being on the beach in Mexico.
But to why we are still in Arizona. Mentioned that we had a “soft” tire – by this a.m. it was a flat tire. The closest place we could get a replacement was Nogales – 35 miles away. Started towards there then decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. So went to a tire place just across the freeway from us. Next to the Cow Palace. Well wouldn’t you know it closed sometime in October.
So we called our Camping World road service. They said they would have someone out to us with a new tire in 90 minutes. So we went over to the restaurant and had breakfast. No problem.
About an hour the guy showed up. He had the new tire but no way to balance it and no way to put air in it…..Okay. So we paid for the tire and drove back over the freeway to a garage that could balance it and put air in it. By then it was noon so we just went back to the campground and spent the night. Planning on an early start Tuesday morning.
My next blog update will be here Winter in Mexico in the RV as we will be in Mexico before I update again.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Have to spend another day in Arizona
Saturday p.m.
Definitely went to bed way too early. I got up at 4:30 – had been wide awake for some time. EGAD! Then I had to take a nap this afternoon so will be up until late tonight. We are also in another time zone again. Mountain Time now.
Today we didn’t do too much. Pulled out all the paperwork we need for our Tourist Cards and Vehicle Permits and put it in one place. I still wonder how much of a problem it is going to be that we didn’t turn in our Tourist Cards last year. Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
Then moved a bunch of stuff that was stored under the bed and seats to make it more available when wanted. Now if we just remember where everything is.
Later we drove into Nogales and checked out the way we will go into Mexico. Wanted to make sure nothing has changed from last year. Taking the I-19 to Exit 4, Mariposa Rd - Route 189 to cross the border. It is the Truck Route so saves us going through the town of Nogales and puts us right on the Toll Road 15D. If I remember correctly within ten miles there is a toll booth. Hope they take US or that it is under 120P.
We were going to exchange some money too but decided to do it at an ATM at Migration after crossing the border. The exchange rate is much better through the ATM. Also we’ll put gas in Jennie in Mexico - $2.60 per gallon there as opposed to $2.90 here.
Went to WalMart and got lettuce and a couple of minor things we forgot to put back in Jennie. So we should be set now.
They have a nice used book exchange in the RV park office so we changed some books we’ve already read for ones we haven’t. I’m saving my books on my Nook until I really need them.
Bill is outside now cleaning the windshield – and checking on tires etc. Crap! He says we have a “soft tire” on Jennie – inside right rear. Next to the one we just had replaced in Indiana.
Quite a change in the weather. Really warm today but still get cold here in the desert at night.
Well guess we won’t be leaving tomorrow – have to get a tire and nothing is open on Sunday. At least we will then have six new tires.
Went to dinner at Cow Palace again. Very good meal.
Definitely went to bed way too early. I got up at 4:30 – had been wide awake for some time. EGAD! Then I had to take a nap this afternoon so will be up until late tonight. We are also in another time zone again. Mountain Time now.
Today we didn’t do too much. Pulled out all the paperwork we need for our Tourist Cards and Vehicle Permits and put it in one place. I still wonder how much of a problem it is going to be that we didn’t turn in our Tourist Cards last year. Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
Then moved a bunch of stuff that was stored under the bed and seats to make it more available when wanted. Now if we just remember where everything is.
Later we drove into Nogales and checked out the way we will go into Mexico. Wanted to make sure nothing has changed from last year. Taking the I-19 to Exit 4, Mariposa Rd - Route 189 to cross the border. It is the Truck Route so saves us going through the town of Nogales and puts us right on the Toll Road 15D. If I remember correctly within ten miles there is a toll booth. Hope they take US or that it is under 120P.
We were going to exchange some money too but decided to do it at an ATM at Migration after crossing the border. The exchange rate is much better through the ATM. Also we’ll put gas in Jennie in Mexico - $2.60 per gallon there as opposed to $2.90 here.
Went to WalMart and got lettuce and a couple of minor things we forgot to put back in Jennie. So we should be set now.
They have a nice used book exchange in the RV park office so we changed some books we’ve already read for ones we haven’t. I’m saving my books on my Nook until I really need them.
Bill is outside now cleaning the windshield – and checking on tires etc. Crap! He says we have a “soft tire” on Jennie – inside right rear. Next to the one we just had replaced in Indiana.
Quite a change in the weather. Really warm today but still get cold here in the desert at night.
Well guess we won’t be leaving tomorrow – have to get a tire and nothing is open on Sunday. At least we will then have six new tires.
Went to dinner at Cow Palace again. Very good meal.
On the road Vegas to Amado, AZ
Saturday a.m. and I do mean a.m.
This is the pits – it is dark and cold out – couldn’t sleep any more so got up and made coffee. Its 4:30 – that’s what I get for going to sleep at 9:30.
Yesterday, Friday, morning we left Las Vegas after gassing up. Hit the road around 8.
Didn’t stop except for lunch and more gas until we got to Amado, AZ. Amado is about 40 miles south of Tucson – exit 48 off the I-19. It was just dark as we pulled into the Mountain View RV Park. We’ve stayed at this park the last two years in a row and it’s never been any near full. This time there were only a few spaces available. Lucky we even got one. They are really nice people here so we’re really glad they are busy.
The drive down was pretty uneventful. Good roads all the way. Took the 93 from Vegas all the way to Wickenburg. The scenery was pretty much what this sign says.
Then even more of the same.
With the exception of some rock jumbles.
Then the 60 to the I-10 in Phoenix. The only busy part was from Wickenburg to south of Phoenix. Right through Sun City West! And commuter traffic. Did see one quite, to me any way, interesting thing. We got passed by a motorhome – 40 footer – towing a full sized bright yellow Hummer that in turn was towing a motorboat – the boat had to be at least a 20 footer. Didn’t get the camera up in time to take a picture. Seems like that shouldn’t be legal.
All the construction on the freeway through Tucson is finished so even with the 5:30 traffic it wasn’t too bad. After checking in and getting everything set up [Whoppie – satellite went up and locked on with no problems] we headed for our favorite restaurant in the area the Cow Palace. It is just across the freeway. Food is delicious and service is great. They had “all you can eat fish and chips” Yum……
After eating neither of us could stay awake – so to bed way to early.
This is the pits – it is dark and cold out – couldn’t sleep any more so got up and made coffee. Its 4:30 – that’s what I get for going to sleep at 9:30.
Yesterday, Friday, morning we left Las Vegas after gassing up. Hit the road around 8.
 |
| Lake Mead |
The drive down was pretty uneventful. Good roads all the way. Took the 93 from Vegas all the way to Wickenburg. The scenery was pretty much what this sign says.
 |
| Sign says it all |
 |
| Nice view |
Then the 60 to the I-10 in Phoenix. The only busy part was from Wickenburg to south of Phoenix. Right through Sun City West! And commuter traffic. Did see one quite, to me any way, interesting thing. We got passed by a motorhome – 40 footer – towing a full sized bright yellow Hummer that in turn was towing a motorboat – the boat had to be at least a 20 footer. Didn’t get the camera up in time to take a picture. Seems like that shouldn’t be legal.
All the construction on the freeway through Tucson is finished so even with the 5:30 traffic it wasn’t too bad. After checking in and getting everything set up [Whoppie – satellite went up and locked on with no problems] we headed for our favorite restaurant in the area the Cow Palace. It is just across the freeway. Food is delicious and service is great. They had “all you can eat fish and chips” Yum……
After eating neither of us could stay awake – so to bed way to early.
Friday, December 3, 2010
More Fun at the Las Vegas Speedway and a Wedding
Wrote this Wednesday p.m.
Don’t know what was wrong but it took me hours to get the last post done. First couldn’t get on AOL at all. Then IE kept telling me “error on page” and Firefox said it needed to download something to make page work. GRRRR – pulled out what little hair I have left. But as The Driver says I’m nothing if not persistent. Finally got it done – but will wait to post this one. (Waited until Friday evening - more about that later.)
After taking my ride we walked over to the Neon Garage area where there was a big “FanFest” going on.
They gave out a really nice poster of the Chase Drivers. Several of the cars were there. The 48, 99 and the 11 to mention a few.
Then we found out that the Chase Drivers were going to be there. So hung around for a couple of hours – I really, really have to thank The Driver for his patience ‘cause he can’t stand crowds or loud music and there was plenty of both there.
Got lots of pictures. Here are a few.
And last but not least KYLE!!!
To complete our exciting day – our oldest son got married. And his daughter, who we haven’t seen in years was here too.
A really good day!
Tomorrow I'll catch up to today.
Don’t know what was wrong but it took me hours to get the last post done. First couldn’t get on AOL at all. Then IE kept telling me “error on page” and Firefox said it needed to download something to make page work. GRRRR – pulled out what little hair I have left. But as The Driver says I’m nothing if not persistent. Finally got it done – but will wait to post this one. (Waited until Friday evening - more about that later.)
After taking my ride we walked over to the Neon Garage area where there was a big “FanFest” going on.
Got lots of pictures. Here are a few.
 |
| Carl Edwards |
 |
| J Johnson - The Champ |
 |
| Jeff Gordon |
 |
| Denny Hamlin |
 |
| Kyle Busch the #18 M & M Car |
A really good day!
Tomorrow I'll catch up to today.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A ride at 165 Miles Per Hour - WOW
Wednesday p.m
Today was a great day. This will be more pictures than writing.
Went out to the Las Vegas Speedway and took a ride in a race car.
The Richard Petty Experience. Three laps in a car at 165 mph
Signing up to take the ride.
Putting on my shoes after putting on the fire suit.
All suited up – helmet and Hans device around my neck.
Heading towards the car
Getting in the car. “Just swing your left leg up and over the door then put your other leg in.” Yah easy for them to say.
In the car getting the seat belts fastened.
Time to go.
There I am.
It was over way too fast.
Getting out – much worse than getting in. Couldn’t even get my head out the window. This old body just doesn’t bend that way.
Oh Yah – that was great. Finished too soon. I loved it.
Taking the suit off.
Strutting my stuff.
My Plaque – will go in a place of honor at home.
Next sky diving and parasailing! Oh Yah!
Today was a great day. This will be more pictures than writing.
Went out to the Las Vegas Speedway and took a ride in a race car.
The Richard Petty Experience. Three laps in a car at 165 mph
Signing up to take the ride.
Putting on my shoes after putting on the fire suit.
All suited up – helmet and Hans device around my neck.
Heading towards the car
Getting in the car. “Just swing your left leg up and over the door then put your other leg in.” Yah easy for them to say.
In the car getting the seat belts fastened.
Time to go.
There I am.
It was over way too fast.
Getting out – much worse than getting in. Couldn’t even get my head out the window. This old body just doesn’t bend that way.
Oh Yah – that was great. Finished too soon. I loved it.
Taking the suit off.
Strutting my stuff.
My Plaque – will go in a place of honor at home.
Next sky diving and parasailing! Oh Yah!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
More time strolling The Strip - Lions and M &Ms
Tuesday a.m.
Another cool but at least not windy day here in Vegas.
Satellite guy came yesterday with 2nd new part – the replacement antenna and all is well with the dish – finally. If you’re ever in Vegas and need a satellite system, new or fixed, he is a good person to deal with. – Satellite World, Inc. http://www.satworld.biz/ Very nice people.
Watched soccer game yesterday – two of the best teams in Europe. It was a disaster – 5 -0. Between the two teams 10 of the players are from Argentina.
Oldest son called us a while ago. They got into town with out any weather problems..
Tuesday p.m.
Today we went to The Strip again. Parked at the MGM Grand.
Saw this in the parking area in front of the hotel. Gee that’s what I want to do in my spare time. Only in Las Vegas.
Went to the lion habitat in the casino. Munch. Munch.
I wonder if these guys really read their job description? IN with the lions? I didn’t sign up for this!
A good shot of the New York skyline Vegas style.
And the Statue of Liberty surrounded by palm trees. It’s a whole different world here.
One of the many characters we saw while walking up the boulevard.
Also saw Superman, Batman and one of many Michael Jacksons. Wake me up I must be dreaming.
Then we went to the M & M Experience. I wanted to get a #18 M & M t-shirt. They didn’t have any! One of the clerks took pity on me and gave me a Kyle Busch cardboard cut out – I love it. Me, my cutout and Red.
Also got to look over the car.
Doesn’t take much to make me happy. Yesterday the burros and today the M & M car.
Went out to dinner with our son and wife-to-be. Really enjoyed that. Tomorrow they get married.
Another cool but at least not windy day here in Vegas.
Satellite guy came yesterday with 2nd new part – the replacement antenna and all is well with the dish – finally. If you’re ever in Vegas and need a satellite system, new or fixed, he is a good person to deal with. – Satellite World, Inc. http://www.satworld.biz/ Very nice people.
Watched soccer game yesterday – two of the best teams in Europe. It was a disaster – 5 -0. Between the two teams 10 of the players are from Argentina.
Oldest son called us a while ago. They got into town with out any weather problems..
Tuesday p.m.
Today we went to The Strip again. Parked at the MGM Grand.
Saw this in the parking area in front of the hotel. Gee that’s what I want to do in my spare time. Only in Las Vegas.
Went to the lion habitat in the casino. Munch. Munch.
I wonder if these guys really read their job description? IN with the lions? I didn’t sign up for this!
 |
| You want me to do WHAT? |
And the Statue of Liberty surrounded by palm trees. It’s a whole different world here.
 |
| Palm Trees? Where's the snow? |
 |
| Read the Sign |
Then we went to the M & M Experience. I wanted to get a #18 M & M t-shirt. They didn’t have any! One of the clerks took pity on me and gave me a Kyle Busch cardboard cut out – I love it. Me, my cutout and Red.
Went out to dinner with our son and wife-to-be. Really enjoyed that. Tomorrow they get married.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Scenery, Snow and Burros
Still Sunday p.m.
The Driver is watching an exciting soccer game so I’m working on this. Posted the item on the ride/jump before I managed to lose it. Now I’ll continue on about our drive. It was much nicer and safer.
As I said we headed to Red Rock Canyon. (Remember you can click on the photo to make it bigger – some of them are worth the effort.) The entrance to the area – we saved $10 by being able to use our “old fogey” pass.
Some of the rocks that gave the place its name.
The sky was so blue and the air so clear.
Just interesting formations.
A storm in the desert towards California – weather report says “frozen precipitation.” Wouldn’t that be snow?
More rocks – love the colors.
A white one behind the red ones.
The wind and rain and time sure shape the rocks and wear them out
Several years ago a big fire went through here. So many of the Joshua Trees are burned.
But time heals and there is new growth all over.
There were more people in the area today then I’ve ever seen there. The trailside parking lots were full of cars. Some climbers out on the rocks. See the guy up there by himself? He was swinging on a rope just before I took the picture.
Different colored stripes in the rocks.
The storm clouds were getting more menacing, but still a long ways away.
Standing alone – so majestic
The colors of the desert. I love the rocks, the mountains, the vegetation and the views. Here it is around 4500 feet.
Yes that is snow along the road in Las Vegas in November
There was quite a bit of it.
The area is known for its wild burros. As many times as we’ve driven through here we’ve never seen them when I had the camera with me – only when I didn’t have it. Today we were lucky. Three of them were walking along and checking out all the people jumping out of their cars with their cameras.
Stopped at Silverton Casino and the big Bass Pro Shop there – could wander there for hours. There now is parking so people can stop and take their pictures with the sign.
Then back to civilization? The building is pretty but the canyon is beyond description.
I love the desert – all the wide open space.
The Driver is watching an exciting soccer game so I’m working on this. Posted the item on the ride/jump before I managed to lose it. Now I’ll continue on about our drive. It was much nicer and safer.
As I said we headed to Red Rock Canyon. (Remember you can click on the photo to make it bigger – some of them are worth the effort.) The entrance to the area – we saved $10 by being able to use our “old fogey” pass.
Some of the rocks that gave the place its name.
The sky was so blue and the air so clear.
Just interesting formations.
A storm in the desert towards California – weather report says “frozen precipitation.” Wouldn’t that be snow?
More rocks – love the colors.
A white one behind the red ones.
The wind and rain and time sure shape the rocks and wear them out
Several years ago a big fire went through here. So many of the Joshua Trees are burned.
But time heals and there is new growth all over.
There were more people in the area today then I’ve ever seen there. The trailside parking lots were full of cars. Some climbers out on the rocks. See the guy up there by himself? He was swinging on a rope just before I took the picture.
Different colored stripes in the rocks.
The storm clouds were getting more menacing, but still a long ways away.
Standing alone – so majestic
The colors of the desert. I love the rocks, the mountains, the vegetation and the views. Here it is around 4500 feet.
Yes that is snow along the road in Las Vegas in November
There was quite a bit of it.
The area is known for its wild burros. As many times as we’ve driven through here we’ve never seen them when I had the camera with me – only when I didn’t have it. Today we were lucky. Three of them were walking along and checking out all the people jumping out of their cars with their cameras.
Stopped at Silverton Casino and the big Bass Pro Shop there – could wander there for hours. There now is parking so people can stop and take their pictures with the sign.
Then back to civilization? The building is pretty but the canyon is beyond description.
I love the desert – all the wide open space.
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