Thursday, January 31, 2013

January 31, 2013


January 31, 2013

This morning we went caching with Todd.  There was a special challenge series.  It consisted of ten caches.  The idea behind the challenge was from your records of your events...most cashes in the day, most cashes in a year, 25 large caches, 10 events attended, etc. etc. etc.  It was an interesting idea for a bunch of caches.

After returning home we decided it was a good day for a Walmart run.  They were super crowded.  While I waited in line to check out, Bill went next door to get Panda Express for lunch.

At 1:00, we left with Todd and Bonnie.  Our first stop was at the Marine Base to get our passes for the Barry Goldwater Bombing Range.  There are many, many caches on the range which can only be accessed with a special pass.  Don’t worry, Brent.  I’ll try really hard not to start WW3.

We stopped at Sam’s Club for gasoline before heading for Algodones, Mexico for our dental appointments.  When we crossed the Colorado River into California Bill honked the wimpy Honda Horn while the rest of us yelled “yahoo.”  Todd yelled loudest of all!

We parked on the US side and walked across the border.  It was quite a walk up to the dentist office.  I was glad Bonnie was with us to lead the way.  We were early for our appointments, and had to wait even passed our scheduled time.  It gave new meaning to “a Mexican minute.”

My appointment took way longer than Bill’s.  We planned to eat at a restaurant before crossing back across the border, but the one we knew of was closed, so we drove back into Yuma for dinner.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

January 30, 2013


January 30, 2013

After breakfast we went to collect one more cache before hooking the CRV on and heading for Yuma.  It’s good to be on the road again, if only for a short time.

Dwight and Sheila called this morning to see if they should make “reservations” at In-N-Out for tonight.  It is a comfort to have such nice, caring, thoughtful friends (aka partners in crime).

We got to Yuma at 2:30.  After getting fuel at Flying J, Bill freed the Honda from its tether.  While he went for propane and to fill the water tank, I went on to Jim and Pat’s house where we park the coach when we are in this area.  

We sat on the porch and visited.  Todd came across the street to join in the gab fest.  Before long, Dwight and Sheila drove up.  It was just like a family gathering.  We’ve known these people for years.  

At 4:30, Dwight proclaimed it was time to eat so off we went.  He is ruled by his stomach, just like the rest of us.  We met Bonnie, plus friends Bill and Nancy, at In-N-Out.  It was good food with great friends.  That’s the way we like it.

Tomorrow we plan to hit the geo trail in the morning and then go to Algodones, Mexico.  That’s always a fun place to visit.

Today’s mileage from Quartzite was 80 miles.  Not a bad day’s effort, eh?

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

January 29, 2013


January 29, 2013

This day started out cold with clear skies.  And kept us busy all day long.

At 9:00, I went to a seminar on some of the ins and outs of geocaching, like travel bugs and other such things.  It was very interesting and I got some very good ideas.  I also learned a geocaching definition that I want to pass on to all of you who read about it in this journal.  “Geocaching is what happens when geeks go outdoors.”  That’s the gospel truth!

We went out on the desert to hunt for a cache.  After parking at the bottom of a hill, we trudged up a rocky road to the top.  When we were nearly to the top, we heard a car.  Our friends, Mike and Wendy, parked beside the Honda and were coming up to join us in the hunt.  Their yellow lab, Gordie, was with them.  He is a geo-dog and got to the top before they did and started sniffing around for the cache.

After logging our find, Bill and I went to town for lunch.  On the way home we found two more caches.

Bill was really tired from dragging me up the hill so he took a very long nap.  At 4:30, we went to Happy Hour.  Bill and I both won prizes in a drawing.  His was a funky flashlight and mine was a rubber bee.  You know how fond of bees I am!  I gave it to Wendy. 

At 7:00, Bill and Mike went to find a “night cache.”  Wendy didn’t go because she has night blindness and I stayed home because walking in the rocky desert at night didn’t seem like a good idea for me.  

Monday, January 28, 2013

January 28, 2013


January 28, 2013

We woke up to blue skies.  It was nice to be back to normal Arizona weather.  I know the little plants were glad for the rain, though.  We were out on the desert today and noticed lots of little green plants.

Our first activity for today was to go to LaMesa RV to eat free pancakes.  They were really good.  We’ll miss that treat when we leave Quartzsite.  When the urge for pancakes hits in Yuma we’ll just have to find a McDonalds.

We finished breakfast just before it was time for the vendors to open for the day.  By the time we parked, one of the bead shops was open.  I bought several different kinds of beads for the crosses I make.  

From there, we drove up toward the mountains looking for a cache.  In the process, we came upon a man prospecting for gold.  He had some very sophisticated looking machinery.  We asked if he had any luck.  He said some, but he hadn’t gotten to bedrock yet.

He’s the second miner we’ve met recently.  The other one spends his summers in Canada and has looked for gold for several years.  It was interesting to talk to both of them.

We climbed up and down several very rocky hills, but didn’t find the cache.  From there we drove around to the other side of the mountain.  We didn’t find that cache either.  A cold wind had started to blow so we went home.  It was a discouraging day for us as far as caching was concerned.

I spent several hours sorting the beads I bought.  When we get to Yuma I’ll be ready to work on some projects.  

Sunday, January 27, 2013

January 27, 2013


January 27, 2013

The RV Forum rally ended last night.  It was a good gathering of people with lots in common.  And it was very laid-back.  The only organized activities were the daily Happy Hour and the pot luck dinner last night.  We both enjoyed the week we spent with these friends.

After breakfast we got the motorhome in “go mode” and moved to another BLM camping area west of Quartzsite.  This is the location of the Escapee RV Club’s geocaching rally.  It is more structured than the one we just left.  We’ll see how it works out.

We parked the coach and got things ready to stay in one spot for a few days.  Less than 500 feet from our parking place was a cache, so we walked out onto the desert to find it.  The RVers next to us are very new to caching so they went with us to see what it is all about.

That was the only cache we found today, but maybe tomorrow will be more fruitful.  I have loaded 12 more caches in our GPSs for this area.  Hopefully, we will add to our totals tomorrow.

At 4:30 we went to a Happy Hour gathering.  The activities for tomorrow were explained.  I think, however, our main activity will focus on bead shopping in the flea market area.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

January 26, 2013


January 26, 2013

Happy Birthday, Lori.

Rain was still falling this morning.  At that time, Bill reported Quartzsite had nearly an inch of rain.  That is almost 1/4 of their yearly total, I think.

I stayed inside until this afternoon when we had a Pot Luck dinner.  There was lots and lots of food.  It stopped raining at about 2:30 and didn’t start again until we had finished eating.  And then it was very light rain.

They built a bonfire so people could get warm while they stood around and talked.  I had a slight headache, so I skipped the gab session and went home.

We don’t know the total amount of rain recorded.  There were still some puddles remaining by the time it got dark.  It is the first time we have ever seen puddles in Quartzsite.

Friday, January 25, 2013

January 25, 2013


January 25, 2013

This morning we went to La Mesa RV for breakfast.  I was looking forward to pancakes.  I forgot they served biscuits and gravy on Fridays.  Normally that would be OK, but their pancakes are much better.

Afterwards,  I shopped for beads in the tent area.  The vendor I liked so much last year wasn’t in the same place.  I went to a couple of other booths, but didn’t buy much.  I will go back some other day and search some more.

When we left there we went caching for a well hidden one that was put out just a few days ago.  It was easy to find.  There were lots and lots of quail in the area.  They were fun to watch as they scurried around.  

We went to scope out the area where our next rally will be parking.  It is a geocaching group.  We plan to move there on Sunday.

I took a nap when we got home.  About half an hour before Happy Hour rain started to fall.  I chose to stay home, but GP took an umbrella.

The rain continued all evening.  It will be interesting to see how long it takes to soak into the ground.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

January 24, 2013


January 24, 2013

Believe it or not, we had rain this morning.  Not much and it only lasted about four minutes, but nevertheless, it was moisture from the sky!

At 9:00, we went out to do some caching.  One of the rally attendees, Dave, went with us.  He is fairly new to geocaching and was so excited.  We found 19 caches.  On the way back to town we stopped at another cache we had found a couple of days ago.  Dave located it quickly, then at Happy Hour he told people he found 20 today and Bill only found 19!  Dave is as big a jokester as Bill.

Tonight, we watched a Western...“The Magnificent Seven.”  My cowboy is happy.  By the way, when people ask how many grandchildren we have, I reply “Seven.  The Magnificent Seven.”  Now you know where that came from.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

January 23, 2013


January 23, 2013

This morning, Bill and I went into Quartzite to the RV Tent Show.  When we first got there, very few people were roaming around the vendor area.  An hour later, we could barely get through the crowd.  

Bill was looking for a couple of things for the motorhome, but didn’t find them in the tent area.  Around the outside of the tent were more vendor booths.  I didn’t feel like walking anymore so I sat at a table and waited for him.  

He wasn’t successful in his quest.  Perhaps when we get to the FMCA Convention in Gillette, Wyoming in mid-June he will have better luck.

The Happy Hour today had a Hawaiian theme.  There were three tables of snack type things to eat.  If anyone went away hungry it was their own fault.  We have had some late arrivals for the rally and some people have left early.  Two rigs had to leave for a day or two, but will be back.

We plan to leave this area on Sunday and move to the site of a Geocaching Rally.  That should be interesting.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

January 22, 2013


January 22, 2013

The California group left just before 7:00.  It was hard to see them go.  We had a great time while they were here.  And it was fun having the pups here, too.  Tucker loves to have his back scratched and I’ve had lot of practice on Willie and Joey, especially.  Hapa is often too busy to get into the scratching fun.

Little Maddie is too cute for words.  It took her a while to get acquainted with us.  When she rolls over, one foot goes in the air.  Sometime it is a back foot and sometime a front one.  She is so precious.  Both she and Tucker get bunches of attention.

We stayed home the whole day.  After tramping around Quartzsite yesterday, I needed some down time.  Bill worked on the outside of the coach and talked to people.  Actually, it was the other way around, I think.  Talking was his prime activity and “coach washing” came in a distant second!

Monday, January 21, 2013

January 21, 2013


January 21, 2013

Bill stayed home while the rest of us went to several fun places.  We started off at Joyce Crafts, which, in my opinion is the best craft store in Quartzsite.  We all bought some things for necklaces.  

From there we went to a vitamin store that advertised emu oil.  Natalia had read about it and was interested in trying it.  As fate would have it, she felt the oil was too expensive.

Our next adventure/challenge was finding a parking place in the area of the “big tent.”  That is a place where hundreds of vendors display their wares.  We had to park quite a ways from the activity so by the time we got to the area we wanted to see, I was already tired.  

Our first two purchases involved cinnamon rolls and lunch.  We ordered several things and shared...fish and chips, French dip sandwich, and alligator nuggets.  The food was good and Lori and Natalia got their first taste of alligator.

From there we just wandered in and out of the booths.  I was bead shopping, but didn’t find exactly what I was looking for.  I will have to make another excursion to find a supply of beads.

We went back to the motorhome to rest and attend Happy Hour.  We left early to go to dinner.

For years, our kids have heard of us talking about eating at Sweet Darlene’s.  That was one of the Quartzsite experiences that Lori and Natalia wanted to have.  Well, it didn’t turn out as it has in the past.

When we went in the place was fairly full, but we were able to find a table.  The time was 6:00.  At 6:12, we placed our orders...ribs for some and meat loaf for Bill.  Nothing too complicated about that, right?!  Well, an hour and 20 minutes later, we had not been served.  The table next to us had left after not getting their food.  The people in front of us left about the same time we did.  Our waitress didn’t know what was wrong in the kitchen.  Darlene was waiting on tables.  We hadn’t seen that before.  It was very unusual, all the way around.  What an experience for our visitors.

Natalia suggested the drive thru at McDonalds, so off we went.  When we had all placed our orders, Lori ask Bill if he wanted a McRibb sandwich.  We laughed so hard I that we might not make it around to the window to get our food.  Ribs were not to be at either place. 

How’s that for a sendoff for our California kin?  They leave tomorrow.  Sniff, sniff!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

January 20, 2013


January 20, 2013

This morning, Bill and I went several miles northwest of Quartzsite to find a power run of caches along the same road.  We were just finishing our 17th find when Bill’s phone rang.  

Henry, a geocacher and RV Forum attendee, wanted to meet us at Karls Jr. for lunch.  So off we went too meet Henry and his wife.  Imagine my surprise when Lori and Natalia appeared instead of Henry.

Lori and Bill had arranged it all.  Lori and Natalia had been in LA for a makeup convention yesterday.  This morning, they headed east.  I was so glad to see them.  Both Tucker and Maddie came, too.

I just couldn’t believe that Bill could keep a secret so well. That scamp!

The “secret keeper” went back to the MH for a nap while the rest of us went shopping at the flea market vendors.  There were so many things to see, but we didn’t buy much.

We got back to the rally site in time for Happy Hour.  Natalia and the pups stayed in the motorhome while the rest of us went to the visiting session.  Lori knew one of the couples from a convention we went to in Utah when Natalia was three.

Lori also met a lady who is a weaver and they had a lot to talk about.  Hopefully, they will come by the coach to see some of Lori’s weavings.

We discussed plans for dinner.  Bill wanted one of his gourmet sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly).  Natalia didn’t want to go out to eat so Lori and I went into town for Mexican food.  We took Natalia parts of our dinners, so everyone was happy.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

January 19, 2013


January 19, 2013

We stayed home this morning to catch up on some work.  Bill wanted to wash the front of the coach, however, whenever I looked out of the front window he was talking to other RV Forum members.  Hm-m-m-m!

I was working on some of our geocaching things, loading caches in for today.

After lunch, we drove south on Hwy. 95.  The first cache on the GPSs was on a gravel road heading west.  Compared to yesterday’s terrible track, the road today was a desert super highway.  It followed power poles.

We found 20 caches along this road.  They were all easy ones to find.  Our 21st cache was on top of a hill.  It had a fantastic view of the whole area.  There certainly are a lot of RVs parked on all parts of the desert.  It was a fun caching day.

We returned home in time for Happy Hour around a campfire.  Forum members had been arriving all day long.  I didn’t know most of them, but will before the week is over.

Friday, January 18, 2013

January 18, 2013


January 18, 2013

No free breakfast for us this morning.  We fixed ham and eggs, with camping toast.  When we went camping with our kids when they were small, we didn’t have a toaster that would work in our motorhome.  I did bread and butter in a skillet.  Brent named it camping toast.  It is still one of our favorites, especially when we have Costco rolls.  Connor will keep the tradition alive, I’m sure.  He loves camping toast rolls.  Today it was camping toast bolillos.  Yum, yum!

We did chores around the house before moving the MH to the site where the RV Forum Rally will be held.  After lunch we went north of town on Hwy. 95 in search of a short power run of 12 caches.  We were only able to find two of them before the road through the washes got so bad we called it quits.

Before returning home we treated ourselves to ice cream.

A few of the Forum rigs were here when we got back so Bill went to Happy Hour while I stayed home and worked on a puzzle.  He likes to talk and talk about motorhomes.  I had other things to occupy my time.

It was warmer today, but after the sun went down the chill came back.  We are parked on BLM land south of Quartzsite on Hwy. 95.  It is our favorite area to park our house.


Thursday, January 17, 2013

January 17, 2013


January 17, 2013

Happy Birthday, Bill.  I didn’t provide him with a birthday cake, because all those candles would have been a fire risk in the motorhome. 

Some of you may not know that William Boyd Dane, (aka Bill, Tex, Bozo the Clown, Himself, Captain of the Ship, etc. etc. etc.) was named after Hopalong Cassidy, played by William Boyd.  No wonder “my cowboy” likes Westerns so much.

We started the day with a free pancake breakfast at La Mesa RV.  Every time we are there we meet interesting people.  Of course, nearly all of us have RVs of one kind or another.  Those that don’t are there to shop for one.

With happy tummies we set off to find some caches.  The first four we found were in town and were easy to get to.  The next three were out on the desert.  We went down and up out of washes following rocky dirt trails.  There were many U-turns involved.  In the car, we use our older Nuvi.  “She” must have said “recalculate” at least 30 times (I lost count) when she suddenly stopped and we discovered we were 20 feet from the cache.  If she had the capacity to be annoyed with us, I am very sure she was “ticked off” today.

We ate lunch at Burger King before going to a Quartzsite Geocachers Meet and Greet gathering.  We had a great time.  There were at least 100 people there.  

Both of us were ready to get back home for some rest.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January 16, 2013


January 16, 2013

We got off to a late start this morning, mainly because I didn’t want to get out of my warm bed.

After breakfast and getting dressed, we went east of our BLM camping spot to look for two caches.  The first one was easy to find.  To reach the second one we had to drive over a rough, narrow road which often took us down across a wash, and back up to more rocky roads and washes.  To get to the cache we had to go over very rocky terrain.  Bill did most of the work on this one.  The cache was hidden in a cactus so he had to be very careful retrieving it.

We went in search of a place to get my hair cut.  The shop I used last year had moved so it took some detective work to track it down.  We were successful, however, and made an appointment for later this afternoon.  

We went to La Mesa RV for their free lunch.  The menu was spaghetti, salad, a roll, and sodas.  The food was good and the price was certainly right.

I took Bill home for a nap while I went back to get my hair cut.  Before returning to the RV, I stopped at a craft store.  I was able to get some brown wire that I needed and some tiny skeins of yarn for Lori’s weaving projects.

I spent most of the rest of the day working on geocaching records while Bill tinkered with our little Honda generator.  It had been several months since it was used, and the cold weather wasn’t helping it start.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

January 15, 2013


January 15, 2013

Ajo was in the rear view mirror/camera at 8:00.  We drove north to Gila Bend.  After fueling and eating breakfast we continued on Hwy. 85 to Buckeye.

After one last visit to Wally World (until Yuma), we took I-10 to Quartzsite.  We stopped at a Rest Area to eat lunch before continuing our journey to Quartzsite.

At Exit 19, we turned off I-10, crossed over the freeway and took the road east to a BLM area.  We have parked at this particular place before.  It is closer to some of the activity.  Friday, we will probably move to the rally site for the RV Forum.

It was cold and windy this afternoon when we got the motorhome parked, so we basically stayed inside for the rest of the day.  I spent most of the time working on geocaching information.  We have done a lot of caches in this area, but new ones appear on the map every year.

Monday, January 14, 2013

January 14, 2013


January 14, 2013

The thermometer read 21° when we got up this morning.  By the time we got the coach into “go mode” we were having a heat wave...27 degrees.  This is supposed to be Arizona.  Maybe we took a wrong turn and ended up in Wyoming or Montana.  Brrr!

We said goodbye to Dwight and Sheila.  They apologized for trying to kill me with so many geocaches, and Bill had his Little Black Book out in case they succeeded.  I told them I was a tough old bird and it would take more than the three of them to do me in!

On our way out of Tucson we went by an upholstery shop to see about getting the front seats recovered and the foam in the sofa replaced.  We ordered the materials for the front seats and will come back in early March to have the seats recovered and new foam put in the sofa.

We stopped at Costco for disposable dishes (aka paper plates and bowls).  Lunch was in our plans, also. Walmart was next on the list.  I went in to shop for desert supplies (shopping for groceries in Quartzsite is limited).  While I was doing that, Bill went to find a Post Office.  The first two listed on the Nuvi were closed.  On the way home from the downtown PO, he got into a construction area and was forced to detour, causing him to get lost.  Oh, my!  I was certainly glad he was able to find the correct bread crumb trail.  I don't have a Little Black Book!

Our destination for today was Ajo, about 150 miles west of Tucson.  We parked in a vacant lot where we have parked before.  We traveled 152 miles today.  Bill said it felt like 500.  He's out of practice after five days off.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

January 13, 2013


January 13, 2013

Happy Birthday, Dwaine!  I wish we could’ve been there to go to the restaurant with the interesting name...The Rear of the Steer. 

There is something I forgot to put in yesterday’s blog.   We did a cache named FTF Acronym Challenge (FTF is the acronym for “first to find”).  We were asked to make up our own acronym about the cache, so here was our’s...SFTFBBWPSOHP.  That translates to “Sheila was first to find because Bill was pulling stickers out of his pants.”  

Well, guess what?  He’s still pulling stickers out today.  Those cacti can really be a problem!

We had a great caching day today...18 in all.  And after such a successful day, what more could we do than go to In-N-Out for dinner.  We probably won’t get a chance to eat at another In-N-Out for about three weeks.  That’s when we will be in Yuma.

We were so distressed that the Seahawks were defeated today by Atlanta...in the very last part of the game.  Yesterday the Broncos lost and today it was Seattle.  Woe is me!  Or should that be "woe is us!"



Saturday, January 12, 2013

January 12, 2013


January 12, 2013

This was certainly a busy day for the Danes and the Meeks.  It was 24° this morning, so once again we delayed caching until after lunch.

We had a special event to go to today.  It was a geocache gathering called Whip Cream and Games.  It was held at Raven Art Gallery in the very northern part of Tucson, up next to the mountains.  The gallery owners are active cachers.

They ask us to bring food that would go well with whipped cream.  There were lots of goodies...pies, cakes, cookies, and fruit.  And about five flavors of whipped cream.  The games included a scavenger hunt and a cup stacking competition.  Neither Dwight and Shiela or the two of us won anything, but being at this gathering made all of us winners.

It was a really fun event held in the hosts’ studio.  We were able to meet many of the local cachers, plus several people from Canada.

I was able to find the cache hidden on their acre of property.  When the gathering ended we went in search of other finds.  We were able to log a total of eight caches.

Before returning home we stopped at McDonald’s for supper.

We got back to the MH in time to watch the last quarter of the Bronco game against the Ravens.  Sadly to say, Denver lost in overtime.  We are really bummed about that.

Friday, January 11, 2013

January 11, 2013


January 11, 2013

Well, guess what?  We had snow on the car this morning.  There wasn’t very much, but for Tucson, every little bit counts.

The temperature this morning was cold so we didn’t go caching until after lunch.  The weather remained cold, but in spite of that, we logged eleven caches.  It was a good day.  We made some very interesting finds...some were easy and some hard, but they were all fun.

We ate dinner at Sweet Tomatoes.  The food was good and there were many choices on the salad bar.  Since it was so cold outside, their selection of soups was really welcome.  None of us left hungry!

We made a stop at Sprouts for a few groceries before returning to our motorhomes.  We spent the evening relaxing after a busy, active afternoon.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

January 10, 2013


January 10, 2013

We are having so much fun with Dwight and Sheila.  I think our daughter, Lori (living in California), and their daughter, Debbie (living in New Jersey) however, are a bit concerned about what the four of us might do next.  

This is a Facebook conversation between our two offspring: 
Lori---Our parents have rendezvoused. When is the last time you had "the talk" with them? With those four, it might not be a bad idea for a refresher.
Debbie---I think it may too too late, Lorri Dane. Can we at least get them to wear bee-nets? 
Lori---Or full suits of armor?

Well, today we not only found eight geocaches in Tucson, but we ate an early supper at In-N-Out!  Life is good!

There was a cold wind blowing as we called it quits to the caching this afternoon.  Let’s hope that kind of weather doesn’t hang around too long.  We have too many things to do to become housebound.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

January 9, 2013


January 9, 2013

We left Lordsburg at 7:00.  Thirty minutes later we crossed the state line of Arizona with lots of honking and yelling.  Our first stop was at the Rest Area at Texas Canyon.

The area is covered with huge boulders.  At times, big horn sheep can be seen climbing around in the rocks.  We stopped there to eat breakfast and watch for any sign of life in the rocks.  We didn’t see any critters, not even a chipmonk.

When we got back on the road I was at the wheel.  Traffic was heavy and we had to go through a construction area...two things I dread, but everything was OK.  I drove all the way to the Pima County Fairgrounds.  Yea!

At the RV park on the Fairgrounds, we parked next to friends, Dwight and Sheila.  We had a lot of catching up to do.  There was seldom a pause in the conversation.  We talked for so long there wasn’t time to go caching.  It was getting toward sunset when we went to Subway for supper.

We knew Dwight and Sheila long before either of us moved into our motorhomes and hit the road.  Our many trips into Mexico were with D and S.  Our memories go way back.  The fun will continue tomorrow!

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 143.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

January 8, 2013


January 8, 2013

We left El Paso at 9:00.   Our first stop of the day was for fuel at Flying J, located at Exit 0.  As soon as we got back onto I-10 we crossed into New Mexico (Honk! Honk! Yahoo!).  After the freeway turned west we crossed the Rio Grande River, which had only a very small stream of water.

There was quite a bit of construction on I-10, but it didn’t slow us down very much.  We stopped at Walmart in Deming, NM.  After shopping, we went across the street to Wendy’s for lunch.  

I drove on to Lordsburg to the Flying J.  There was lots of truck traffic and a strong wind, but we made it OK.  I wouldn’t have volunteered to steer the “jolly green giant” if I had known what kind of conditions lay ahead, but it was good practice.

Three geocaches had been hidden on the Flying J property.  After fueling and getting propane, we both took naps.  Then is was time for the hunt.  They were all cleverly hidden.  One container we couldn’t get open so we had to go back to the MH for a special tool Brent had given Bill for Christmas.  That did the trick!

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 157---Geocaches, 3.

Monday, January 7, 2013

January 7, 2013


January 7, 2013

We were on the road at 7:00, Bill in the front and me in the back.  Nuf said!  We stopped in the tiny town of Sanderson to eat our breakfast.  Since the captain of the ship doesn’t provide room service I got up.  In case you are thinking I am a useless, lazy bum, I’ll admit it.  However, most of my life I have had sleep problems, and can’t go to sleep for hours.  The useless part has no reason or excuse.

As we continued west, there was snow beside the road and on the hills.  When I was doing a “snow dance” in Mississippi that wasn’t what I had in mind.

The little town of Marathon was a good place to pull off the side of the road so Bill could have a nap.  While he took his turn sleeping, I did some cleaning.  Soon we were back at our Willie Nelson thing.  We like driving on Hwy. 90.  It is wide, well maintained, and less traveled than the Interstates.

Hwy. 50, following the old Pony Express route across northern Nevada, is called the loneliest road in America.  This morning’s trip might challenge that claim.  So far, we have had one car and one propane truck pass us, and there has been very little oncoming traffic...maybe 15 vehicles.

After eating lunch at a Picnic Area, I told Bill I wanted to drive.  Wow!  Mark this day in history!  Tex was riding shotgun in case I needed help, but soon he was napping. I don’t think the cowboys riding shotgun on a stagecoach would or could nap!

I drove for almost an hour before turning it over to Bill again.  We drove on into El Paso and parked at Sam’s Club in time to watch the National Football Championship game between Notre Dame and Alabama.  It was a blowout by Alabama.  

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 427

Sunday, January 6, 2013

January 6, 2013


January 6, 2013

Super Driver got us on the road soon after 6:00.  As for me...well, I slept until Bill pulled into a Rest Area to eat breakfast.  I “hopped” right out of bed, because, as you know, I never miss a meal!  As far as traveling goes, we were about 50 miles west of San Antonio.  

For the first time either one of us can remember we drove through San Antonio without stopping.  We enjoy SA.  It has lots to see and do and many, many caches to find.  But alas, we have other places to go this time around.

We stopped at Walmart in Hondo.  Bill needed to “inspect the insides of his eyelids.  I went in the store for a few minutes and since there was a Subway there, I purchased meatball subs for our lunch.  They are among our favorites.

Our plans were to stop in Bracketville to visit a movie set where some Westerns were filmed.  Unfortunately, the public is no longer allowed to tour the place, although movies are still being made there.  We were really bummed about it.

We drove on into Del Rio and parked at Walmart.  There is a special section of their parking lot that is for RVs only and we are the only ones using it tonight.

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 330.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

January 5, 2013


January 5, 2013

We didn’t get off to a Dane start this morning.  At 6:00, it was raining and still very dark.  That’s a combination Bill doesn’t like to drive in.  We left Jasper at 7:20, still in the rain, but a bit lighter.   

We parked at Lowe’s in Livingston to eat breakfast.  The rain had stopped.  When we got back on the road, we turned south on Hwy. 59.  Soon it was raining harder than before.  Go figure!

We visited with Bill’s niece, Janna (who lives in Porter), for a couple of hours.  Mostly we were catching up on family news.  It had been too long since we had seen her or talked to her.  After visiting for a while, we went to eat Mexican food.  It was good and gave us more time to talk.

We said farewell to Janna and started across Houston to see Bill’s sister and brother-in-law, Harolene and Jon.  This area is just full of people and traffic, and we added to it!

Our visit with Harolene and Jon was great.  We haven’t seen much of them in the past two or three years, so it was nice to sit and visit.  As a special bonus, nephew Steven and his family came.  Steven was born two days after we got married so he has always had a special place in our hearts.  He is a very nice 52 year old man and has a great family.

Harolene and Jon have a beautiful home with many nice collections of things from their travels.  I love looking at them, knowing not even 1% would be motorhome safe.  I can live vicariously among their beautiful things, though.

When we left their house we headed for I-10 to start west toward San Antonio to a Walmart about 30 miles away.  Just before getting on the freeway, we saw a Sam’s Club with plenty of parking on the side of the building.  It was raining again and almost dark so it was a good time to stop.  The day ended much like the day began.  In between we had a good time seeing some of Bill’s family.  It was a special day.

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 155--No wildlife sightings, but three single car wrecks that might be considered “wild life.”  Some people just don’t know how to drive in the rain!

Friday, January 4, 2013

January 4, 2013


January 4, 2013

We told Coleson and Sara “goodbye” last night, but Brent and Willie were up to wave...Brent with his hand and Willie with his tail...when we left Brandon at 8:30.

As usual, it wasn’t easy to leave, but we had a really good time with them.  I can’t decide who/what I’ll miss most...Brent, Willie, the kids, or Brent’s cooking.  Hm-m-m-m!

After dumping the holding tanks at Flying J, we took the Natchez Trace south.  The Trace is one of our favorite roads to drive on, and we take it anytime our travel plans allow.

At Natchez, we crossed the Mississippi River into Louisana (It has been so long since we have done our state line routine, we didn’t do too good of a job.).  By the time we reach Arizona we will have had some practice honking and yahooing.

We stopped at Walmart to have lunch...leftovers from Ed’s.  We got back on the road at 12:00, not even needing time for naps.  

On the way east out of Alexandria we stopped at Walmart.  I went in for a few groceries while Bill took a nap.  Then it was back on the road again.

When we crossed over into Texas we did it up right!  Honk, honk!  Yahoo!  Before too long, we reached Jasper where we pulled into yet another Walmart for fuel and a place to spend the night.  

Today’s Travel Totals:  Mileage, 297.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

January 3, 2013


January 3, 2013   

Weather report for Brandon...beautiful sunshiny day.  This is our last day here.  Tomorrow is a Willie Nelson day.  We have spent part of today getting the coach ready to roll.  Everything that might move has to be secured or put away.  It is interesting how we seem to gradually expand when we are sitting still for awhile, both literally and figuratively.

We went to Ed’s for a farewell dinner.  Plus, I had two crosses to deliver to friends.  We’ll miss Ed’s good cooking, but most of all we will miss Brent’s cuisine.  He’s such a wonderful cook.

I was in the house washing some dishes when Bill came in and said he needed my help.  I said to Brent, “Duty calls.”  He said, “I can’t believe you called Dad ‘Doody’.”  I said I didn’t.  I just didn’t pronounce “duty” correctly.  I must be more careful to enunciate.  I’m beginning to talk “Sippi.”

Tonight was the Fiesta Bowl from Arizona.  The Oregon Ducks played Kansas State.  And company is coming.  Not just us!  Brent’s neighborhood friends are coming for potluck, which includes smoked ribs and chicken legs.  I bought a cake.  I like to “take the cake.”  Others brought the side dishes.  We had lots of food.  And when this group gets together, a good time is always had by all.

Well, the Ducks did us proud.  From the kick off, a 97 yard run for a touchdown, to the score just seconds before the half, to the final score of 35-17.  It was exciting to watch.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

January 2, 2013


January 2, 2013

It was cold and damp today.  January weather without the snow!  I keep hoping for some of the white fluffy stuff, but Bill said he would wash my mouth out (with chocolate) if I wasn't careful. My two favorite flakes...Bill and snow!

The Big Flake and I went on some errands.  After lunch at KFC, we stopped at Lowe's, Target, the bank, and the Post Office, making quick work of all of them.

At 4:00, I went with Brent, Coleson, and two of his friends to bowl.  Actually, I went to watch.  It seems as if I can't get away from bowls...football or otherwise.  I don't try very hard though!  I enjoy being with the Sippi clan.

After supper, we watched the Sugar Bowl.  The Florida Gators didn’t do so well against Louisville.  Maybe they miss Tebow.  He was on the sideline, but that probably wasn’t much help.

It was 34° at bedtime.  Add that to the humidity and wind and it felt even colder.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

January 1, 2013


January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!  2012 was full of good things for our family.  There will be more of the same for 2013, we’re sure.  We have so much to be thankful for.

While here, I was able to spend some time with my friend, Debbie.  Her husband, Paul, is some kind of “high up muckity muck” at the Nissan plant.  I don’t know exactly what his job is, but it has something or other to do with robots.  

Anytime there are changes being made, Paul puts in many, many hours.  We haven’t seen him the last two times we’ve been here.  I sent a text to Debbie this morning and asked if Paul was still being held hostage by Nissan.  Her answer was “yes and there was a baby being born into the family today.”  We can’t compete with things like that, can we?  Maybe next time we’ll catch up with both of them.

There was rain most of the day, so it was a good day to stay inside and watch football...and watch...and watch!  Actually, there were some close games which makes it more interesting...unless, of course, it is when the Oregon Ducks play and then we like a “runaway.”  They play Thursday in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona and we’ll be doing some big time cheering, so
listen up!