It's Tuesday morning and 38 outside. There is frost on the car windows!!!! We are in Camp Verde, AZ north of Phoenix at an RV resort just off I-17. Beautiful place! Had no idea before arriving what we were getting into. We delayed going straight to the Grand Canyon because of high wind warnings yesterday. Wanted to stay at a regional park near Carefree just North of Phoenix but they were full. Glad they were because this place is "primo". It's called Beating Drums RV Park. It's only a few years old, spotless, landscaped, all cement pads & patios, great views of the surrounding mountains, exercise room, and lots more. Gotta love Arizona! We intend to stay here a second night tonight then head to the Grand Canyon in the morning.
We are near Prescott and called Bill Mueller. We wanted to drive over to see him, but he is not doing well enough to want us to visit. He just had another stent put in two weeks ago and did not seem to want company. We talked for a few minutes, but he sounded weak and a little confused. He said he is just an "old man" now and spends most of his time and energy seeing doctors. He has two to visit with today so I guess he just didn't have the strength for us as well.
Sunday we drove the dogs to Madera Canyon just north of the RV park in Amado. It's a well visited Coronado National Forest Park with maintained hiking trails up into the canyon. And, obviously, dogs allowed. Stopped at a big grocery in Green Valley on the way back and worked up a huge bill restocking the RV with USA foods.
Yesterday was a driving day and we arrived around 3:00pm. Early enough to get set up and walk the dogs around for a visit of the facilities. AND, time to drive across the highway to an Indian Casino for a couple hours of gambling before dinner.
Today we are going to do a siteseeing drive after visiting the fitness center for a much needed workout.
Still working our way home, however. See you soon.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Now it's Saturday.
We made it across the border.
Back at Amado 25 miles south of Tucson in an RV park.
Same park we stayed at night before "the crossing" going South.
GOD BLESS THE USA!
Heading north to the Grand Canyon on Monday for a look-see even though the temps will be cold. Probably will not go there directly, but meander in a northerly direction stopping along the way at several State Parks. After the Grand Canyon the plan is to head up through southern Colorado to see Mesa Verde Nat'l Park and Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park. After that - heading home on I-70. We are sick of driving through Texas so we will take the colder northeren temperatures and return through the middle of the country.
The cell phones are back in use - call now!
New video now on the blog of a great drive off-road to the beach in Mazatlan that I could not upload for a week. But knowing most will not go look at the videos section of the blog here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhkiNxHilxk
Good Night,
Jim, Ellen, and Pups
We made it across the border.
Back at Amado 25 miles south of Tucson in an RV park.
Same park we stayed at night before "the crossing" going South.
GOD BLESS THE USA!
Heading north to the Grand Canyon on Monday for a look-see even though the temps will be cold. Probably will not go there directly, but meander in a northerly direction stopping along the way at several State Parks. After the Grand Canyon the plan is to head up through southern Colorado to see Mesa Verde Nat'l Park and Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park. After that - heading home on I-70. We are sick of driving through Texas so we will take the colder northeren temperatures and return through the middle of the country.
The cell phones are back in use - call now!
New video now on the blog of a great drive off-road to the beach in Mazatlan that I could not upload for a week. But knowing most will not go look at the videos section of the blog here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhkiNxHilxk
Good Night,
Jim, Ellen, and Pups
Friday, March 6, 2009
Good morning,
It's 65 at 6:00 am here in San Carlos. That's nice and cool. I can smell the ocean but cannot hear it. And dew has not covered everything in a layer of moisture. We have not had to clean the RV or CR-V for two days (this will make three) because it is so clean here and away from the sand and humidity of oceanfront camping. We were going to leave this morning and cross back into the US but have decided to stay one and maybe two more nights.
This RV park is nearly empty. The one in town(Totonaka) that we stayed for two nights after crossing in January is full. Totonaka is a dump compared to this one, the ocean cannot be seen there, it's near a sewer line that dumps into the water so it stinks, and it's noisy being right in the center of town and just off the highway.
Point is, we did not think too highly of San Carlos after our first visit. Now that we are back and in a new spot we kind of like it here.
See you all soon
It's 65 at 6:00 am here in San Carlos. That's nice and cool. I can smell the ocean but cannot hear it. And dew has not covered everything in a layer of moisture. We have not had to clean the RV or CR-V for two days (this will make three) because it is so clean here and away from the sand and humidity of oceanfront camping. We were going to leave this morning and cross back into the US but have decided to stay one and maybe two more nights.
This RV park is nearly empty. The one in town(Totonaka) that we stayed for two nights after crossing in January is full. Totonaka is a dump compared to this one, the ocean cannot be seen there, it's near a sewer line that dumps into the water so it stinks, and it's noisy being right in the center of town and just off the highway.
Point is, we did not think too highly of San Carlos after our first visit. Now that we are back and in a new spot we kind of like it here.
See you all soon
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Yesterday, Wednesday, we did nothing but clean, clean, and clean. Soooo nice to be out of the sand, dust, etc. Here are some pictures kind of wrapping up our Mexico adventure.
Rene with his son and dog came by to say adios. Patty P gave his son the red teddy bear while she was visiting and he carries it around all day long. Rene is a hard working local man who speaks English and is a "jack-of-all-trades". The bald guy is a not-so-hard-working tourist bum called over to get in the picture
Our final Mazatlan sunset. I keep saying no more sunset pictures but I just can't help myself.
Marcos, the security guard at Tres Amigos, saying goodbye to Ellen. He speaks no English but he and Ellen communicated.
Mr Moro office, restaurant, and hotel
Our ocean front site at Mr Moro
No comment
Ellen surveying the scene
The beach at Mr Moro and all the way South into town for almost a mile was full of people from Los Mochis and Gusauve on Sunday when we arrived. It does not look too busy here but the closer to "town" the more crowded it got. The road in was so frustrating we never gave a thought to getting a picture of the crowds on, along, and around the streets of town we had to drive through.
The next morning, not a person in sight. I drove into town (forgot the camera) to look at what we went through and not a live body or car in sight. No street vendors, no restaurants, no nothing! But this beach scene without a soul in sight resembles what I saw in Las Glorias, the town that seems to exist on weekends only.
Our site
Arrival at El Mirador in San Carlos. Great place but not very busy.
View from our San Carlos site with the ocean in the distance
No sand, no dirt, no bugs, no humidity, no noise. Just a cool breeze and great view.
Ellen's new friend Dulce with her dog Cholla. She is traveling with her parents who are full time RV'ers at the present time while their new house in San Lucas at the tip of the Baha is being built. She was adopted and is Guatemalan by birth. She speaks great English, is very smart, and extremely "cocky".
Rene with his son and dog came by to say adios. Patty P gave his son the red teddy bear while she was visiting and he carries it around all day long. Rene is a hard working local man who speaks English and is a "jack-of-all-trades". The bald guy is a not-so-hard-working tourist bum called over to get in the picture
Our final Mazatlan sunset. I keep saying no more sunset pictures but I just can't help myself.
Marcos, the security guard at Tres Amigos, saying goodbye to Ellen. He speaks no English but he and Ellen communicated.
Mr Moro office, restaurant, and hotel
Our ocean front site at Mr Moro
No comment
Ellen surveying the scene
The beach at Mr Moro and all the way South into town for almost a mile was full of people from Los Mochis and Gusauve on Sunday when we arrived. It does not look too busy here but the closer to "town" the more crowded it got. The road in was so frustrating we never gave a thought to getting a picture of the crowds on, along, and around the streets of town we had to drive through.
The next morning, not a person in sight. I drove into town (forgot the camera) to look at what we went through and not a live body or car in sight. No street vendors, no restaurants, no nothing! But this beach scene without a soul in sight resembles what I saw in Las Glorias, the town that seems to exist on weekends only.
Our site
Arrival at El Mirador in San Carlos. Great place but not very busy.
View from our San Carlos site with the ocean in the distance
No sand, no dirt, no bugs, no humidity, no noise. Just a cool breeze and great view.
Ellen's new friend Dulce with her dog Cholla. She is traveling with her parents who are full time RV'ers at the present time while their new house in San Lucas at the tip of the Baha is being built. She was adopted and is Guatemalan by birth. She speaks great English, is very smart, and extremely "cocky".
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hey, we are back in San Carlos. Made the 300 mile drive yesterday and got in here about 5:30 pm. 8 hours to go 300 miles! But this is Mexico. Went through two military checkpoints, but there were no military anywhere to be found. Went through another agriculture inspection, but there were no inspectors. Did not get lost in or go through any construction barriers in Navajoa, made no wrong turns in Obregon, and did not take the wrong way into San Carlos (last time we got in here OK but took a wrong turn out).
We are in more of an RV resort outside of town up on a hill that overlooks the water than the dumpy RV park in town we stayed at here last month. And for the first time in 6 weeks there is no sand, no dirt, no dust, no horse shit. We have a concrete patio, crushed gravel for our space, a laundry room, a pool, real grass to look at, and a shrimp truck comes by every night. I can wash my RV and car and not have them trashed by sand, dust,dirt,S and salt water dew as soon as I finish. AND, my DirecTv works! Have not seen TV since we crossed the border. Now this makes for one happy camper!
Just may stay here awhile. San Carlos is a nice spot. We did not give it proper due when here the first time. We are only 230 miles from the border and it's all (almost all) 4-lane highway. We will go through a military inspection near the border, a border inspection on the MX side of the border, and a big inspection by US customs once we cross. But we have nothing to hide so no big deal. It just will take a lot of time the day we cross. Looking to cross on a Sunday due to lower traffic volume so will probably stay here five nights and leave early Sunday morning.
Good internet here but just too busy cleaning house and vehicles to put pictures on. It does take a lot of time. I'll do it tomorrow.
We are in more of an RV resort outside of town up on a hill that overlooks the water than the dumpy RV park in town we stayed at here last month. And for the first time in 6 weeks there is no sand, no dirt, no dust, no horse shit. We have a concrete patio, crushed gravel for our space, a laundry room, a pool, real grass to look at, and a shrimp truck comes by every night. I can wash my RV and car and not have them trashed by sand, dust,dirt,S and salt water dew as soon as I finish. AND, my DirecTv works! Have not seen TV since we crossed the border. Now this makes for one happy camper!
Just may stay here awhile. San Carlos is a nice spot. We did not give it proper due when here the first time. We are only 230 miles from the border and it's all (almost all) 4-lane highway. We will go through a military inspection near the border, a border inspection on the MX side of the border, and a big inspection by US customs once we cross. But we have nothing to hide so no big deal. It just will take a lot of time the day we cross. Looking to cross on a Sunday due to lower traffic volume so will probably stay here five nights and leave early Sunday morning.
Good internet here but just too busy cleaning house and vehicles to put pictures on. It does take a lot of time. I'll do it tomorrow.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Today is Monday and we are at Mr. Moro Motel & RV park on the Sea of Cortez (Pacific Ocean as far as I'm concerned). Arrived yesterday afternoon around 2:00pm after a drive of about 300 miles. On the map you can see Guasave, MX. Mr. Moro is in a little ocean front city that goes by the name of Las Glorias. So we had to get off hwy 15 and drive an hour to get to the beach front park. Normally, not a big deal. But, we had to arrive here on a Sunday afternoon when what looked like the entire town of Guasave had driven to the beach with all the kids and motorized toys! The normal road to the park was all torn up and being rebuilt so I had nowhere to go but to the beach road. Cars and trucks lined all up and down both sides! One lane of road remained with everyone trying to go in both directions! I was stuck. Couldn't go forward. Couldn't back up. And I'm in this 30' motor home towing a car behind me!
Street vendors were yelling at me to not hit their canopies, the traffic behind me was honking horns to move. The traffic coming at me just wanted me out of their way.
Then God stepped in and sent a local resident to my window who told me to follow him. He walked ahead and told the oncomming traffic to just pull out of the way and stop for a minute. Let the gringo get by. One by one he cleared vehicles out of my way so I could inch forward until I was far enough down the beach road to be back in a two lane street. Didn't hit any buildings, cars, trees, people, or dogs. Tried to "thank god" with a $20 peso note but he refused!
Mr. Moro was then just a half mile down the beach. We got in and got a spot right on the ocean! I tell ya, these drives off the highway have a way of always being exciting, but boy the results are beautiful. It was extremely helpful, also, that Mr. Moro has a restaurant and bar. We showered and went to Sunday service - Tequila and garlic shrimp!
Today I drove back down the beach road in the car just to take another look at what I went through yesterday. Not a person in site! Everyone went home. Not one store open. Not one restaruant. Not one car parked anywhere. Next time I'll know not to arrive on a Sunday.
Internet connection in the restaurant here at the park, but not fast enough for pictures. Tomorrow we drive another 275 miles back to San Carlos, our first stop in MX on our way down. Should be able to get pictures on there. However, no pictures of the mess comming in yesterday - too stressed to even think about the camera, but sure would have been interesting to show you.
Went through an agricultural inspection stop on the highway yesterday. The agent came into the motorhome to look in the refridgerator. Confiscated one apple. Said it was a problem and left. I think he just wanted it to eat. I love this country! Tomorrow we go through a military checkpoint. That should be fun!
Later!
Street vendors were yelling at me to not hit their canopies, the traffic behind me was honking horns to move. The traffic coming at me just wanted me out of their way.
Then God stepped in and sent a local resident to my window who told me to follow him. He walked ahead and told the oncomming traffic to just pull out of the way and stop for a minute. Let the gringo get by. One by one he cleared vehicles out of my way so I could inch forward until I was far enough down the beach road to be back in a two lane street. Didn't hit any buildings, cars, trees, people, or dogs. Tried to "thank god" with a $20 peso note but he refused!
Mr. Moro was then just a half mile down the beach. We got in and got a spot right on the ocean! I tell ya, these drives off the highway have a way of always being exciting, but boy the results are beautiful. It was extremely helpful, also, that Mr. Moro has a restaurant and bar. We showered and went to Sunday service - Tequila and garlic shrimp!
Today I drove back down the beach road in the car just to take another look at what I went through yesterday. Not a person in site! Everyone went home. Not one store open. Not one restaruant. Not one car parked anywhere. Next time I'll know not to arrive on a Sunday.
Internet connection in the restaurant here at the park, but not fast enough for pictures. Tomorrow we drive another 275 miles back to San Carlos, our first stop in MX on our way down. Should be able to get pictures on there. However, no pictures of the mess comming in yesterday - too stressed to even think about the camera, but sure would have been interesting to show you.
Went through an agricultural inspection stop on the highway yesterday. The agent came into the motorhome to look in the refridgerator. Confiscated one apple. Said it was a problem and left. I think he just wanted it to eat. I love this country! Tomorrow we go through a military checkpoint. That should be fun!
Later!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
After a laid back day & night on Stone Island, Jim dropped Patty and I at the panga dock for a short ride to Mazatlan. We hopped on a Pulmonia to take us to our hotel for a 2 night stay for Carnaval. We were very excited to be going to what is now the 2nd largest 6 day Carnaval in the world. The Pulmonia driver got us as close to the hotel as possible before the security police stopped us about 3 blocks short of our hotel. It turns out that the Governor and the queens of Carnaval where going to be on the Malecon right across the street from our hotel for a special viewing. So, we walked with our luggage the rest of the way to our hotel. But, when we arrived at our little 8 room boutique hotel on the Pacific we were in awe. It was incredible......So here are some pictures of our room and view. Patty did real good finding this place.
Front entrance
Our private deck on the top
Patty pretending to be working
View from inside our front door looking out
View from our deck across the street where the Governor & Queens would be seated for ship to shore fireworks
Courtyard view from other side of our deck
A small portion of our gigantic bathroom
Later night festivities at the hotel front entrance after dinner.We are getting primed up for the fireworks
A few of the fireworks from our deck. You cannot even imagine the crowd of people in the streets below. We ventured out after the fireworks at about midnight to check out the music and festivities. Not a good idea-Totally insane and a little dangerous, so we were literally herded around like cattle weaving in and out of streets trying to get back to our hotel to safety. The music stops at 4:00 am, so even in our cool ass hotel the sound was booming.......
The next morning we walked around the Malecon and a few side streets in the Historic district. I guess that everyone was sleeping, getting ready for the night parade. What a difference.
More fireworks set up along the beach
Our second day of Carnaval we met up with a lot of our fellow campers from Tres Amigos on a rooftop restaurant to watch the parade on the Malecon. None of my night time pictures turned out and it got nuts in the streets again so it was great to be up above the crowd, but finding a ride back to the hotel after the parade was another story! Patty and I both decided that we are glad that we experienced Carnaval but don't know if we would do it again.......Too many people. Guess that we are just getting a little too old to be acting like young pups!
Patty stood on her head to take this picture.....after several shots of tequila
Front entrance
Our private deck on the top
Patty pretending to be working
View from inside our front door looking out
View from our deck across the street where the Governor & Queens would be seated for ship to shore fireworks
Courtyard view from other side of our deck
A small portion of our gigantic bathroom
Later night festivities at the hotel front entrance after dinner.We are getting primed up for the fireworks
A few of the fireworks from our deck. You cannot even imagine the crowd of people in the streets below. We ventured out after the fireworks at about midnight to check out the music and festivities. Not a good idea-Totally insane and a little dangerous, so we were literally herded around like cattle weaving in and out of streets trying to get back to our hotel to safety. The music stops at 4:00 am, so even in our cool ass hotel the sound was booming.......
The next morning we walked around the Malecon and a few side streets in the Historic district. I guess that everyone was sleeping, getting ready for the night parade. What a difference.
More fireworks set up along the beach
Our second day of Carnaval we met up with a lot of our fellow campers from Tres Amigos on a rooftop restaurant to watch the parade on the Malecon. None of my night time pictures turned out and it got nuts in the streets again so it was great to be up above the crowd, but finding a ride back to the hotel after the parade was another story! Patty and I both decided that we are glad that we experienced Carnaval but don't know if we would do it again.......Too many people. Guess that we are just getting a little too old to be acting like young pups!
Patty stood on her head to take this picture.....after several shots of tequila
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