"On the road again..."-April 1-5 , 2016

Note: the italic text is a contribution by Elaine; the non-italic text is Yvon's.

April 1, 2016

I get up early to  clear up the last bits, getting ready to hook-up and drive out.
Of course there are last minutes visitors to share coffee with; and we get on the road;
Heading east, with our aim on a park in Benson, AZ, tunes playing, we enjoy a sunny drive; with a stop in Eloy for a washroom break and to pick-up a bite to eat.
Temperature rises to about 78 F during the drive. As we approach Benson, it drops to 68 F.


Once set-up in the campground, the penny drops; we miss Happy Hour; Elaine ask me if I am playing pickleball today...
We come to the realization that we have really left our community.
I raise a glass to all the people that are having Happy Hour right now; or thinking about doing so.


We have entered Apache Country. The region that we so appreciated last year on our way back home.
The sunset tricks the photographer to seize the moment.

While driving, I got to think about the people that we shared our time with.
I need to acknowledge the heroes, decorated or not, that we had the chance to rub elbow with, share happy times with, play with, talk and listen to. The men and women that, by duty, endured personal hardship in indescribable conditions for the protection of their country, their family and their comrades in action.
I salute you with respect.

April 2, 2015

On the way to Van Horn, TX
We are traveling in Cochise Country.
 
From Benson, AZ, we enter New Mexico; then cross into Texas. I figure we will be in Texas for another 2 days before we enter Mississippi; how is that for size?

Well, in Texas, everything is bigger.


During all of our travel today, we keep looking for dust devils; the micro dust storms that originate in the fields and desert along the road. They look like mini tornado, wavering from the ground up and traveling along; when they are close enough, you can see them start, a circle of dust on the ground, growing up and slimmer as they take strength. This time, we can only spot a few, here and there, mostly in the distance; usually at the bottom of a mountain.

Another phenomena we are observing today is mirages. Mainly in the low spots between mountains. It appears like water flowing in the valleys ahead of us. We could notice the same effect on the road.

Cattle feed lot

I am always interested when we come across a feed lot: large fenced areas, equipped with feeding apparatus and shelters, where ranchers bring their cattle to live and be feed; by the numbers: I might be challenged by ranchers if I guesstimate in the thousands. Need to come out west to see this!

We come across a continental divide at an altitude of 4,585 ft.
And a crossing into another time zone, the Central time zone; now just an hour behind Toronto and New York.
A cool, comfortable day at around 64ºF most of the day.

April 5, 2016-Tuesday


We have covered about 1,700 miles since we left Yuma last Friday.
From Yuma, AZ to Benson, AZ (~300 miles); to Van Horn, TX (~376 miles); to our friendly Walmart in Kerville, TX (~376 miles); to Beaumont, TX (~360 miles); to Beloxi, AL (~336 miles).


We are staying in a nice park, with easy access from the highway.
Last night, in Beaumont, we stayed in a park that we visited 2 years ago. Very nice; we had a swim before dinner. We intend to return.
The temperature most days has been in the 75ºF range; today, it reached the low 80"s.
The state of Texas has taken the most time to cross so far; I would estimate over 900 miles.

While driving into mid Texas, we started seeing colourful flowers along the road and in the median; I remember making this remark before when we traveled through here; a mix of pink, red, yellow and purple. Then a while later, the colour coral added to it. What a peaceful scenery to follow for miles and miles.


Louisiana we remember for its infamous bumpy road on I 10; we were again surprised by the bridge system built over the bayou. 18 miles of two lane bridges, running separately for both directions, built on pylons in the swamps of Louisiana. Very unique.

Elaine is doing an excellent job of finding and setting-up park reservations.
 

Tomorrow, we have approximately 250 miles to go, to reach Fountain, FL.
We are booked there for 6 days; we will regroup after that.

Fountain is located about 30 miles from Panama City, FL, where we intend to spend some time on the beach and at some familiar places that we know from our past stays in the area.

Last days before leaving Yuma, AZ-March 28-31 , 2016

Note: the italic text is a contribution by Elaine; the non-italic text is Yvon's.

Mar. 28, 2016

Our last trip to Mexico for this season. Beside going to El Paraiso Bar for a beer and margarita, we will pick-up some shrimps.
Our routine is to go across the border in the morning, before breakfast; and have breakfast at a local restaurant. With some food in our stomach and after some browsing and shopping, when we meet at El Paraiso, the margaritas don't have the same effects. And we can cross back over into the U.S. healthier...


As we are having breakfast, at the bar, they are preparing for the day and mixing margaritas. Interesting method; and quantities...

Went to Mexico for our last time this trip. Couldn't resist bringing some of these big boys home.


Just before we line up at the border crossing, we pick-up some fresh shrimps.

 
 
There is price negotiation and bartering; bickering about an extra shrimps...or two.
Check out the size of these babies! There is not that many in a pound! Approximately 10, we counted. An extra shrimp means a 10% saving.
We end up with 2 pounds.

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Just as we are about to drive to Texas Roadhouse with Leonard and Rose, Charley stops in front of our place: an invitation for Elaine to go for a ride in his souped-up quad desert machine. Another rain-check for the fall.

Mar. 29, 2016

The wind has been gusting all night, since mid-day yesterday.
With the max. temperature to be around 70ºF, it really feels cool. Most everyone is wearing a jacket.

It's a race for time now to get ready to leave.
Today, very busy day at it; tomorrow, the rig is being washed; Thursday, it's picking up loose ends, saying goodbyes and likely a final Happy Hour.

Mar. 30, 2016

Time spent getting ready to leave on Friday.


We took the time to accentuate a friend's birthday (Deb) by giving her something to remember. Usually, her and husband Jim, pull some funny impromptu tricks on us. We reversed the roles on her.


Attired in my tuxedo T-shirt and my best Sunday hat, I presented Deb. with flowers and chauffeured her in a golf cart around the park, singing "Happy Birthday".



While Jim and Elaine enjoyed the entertainment.

March 31, 2016

We are leaving tomorrow; I have knots in my stomach.
Elaine has nail appointment at 10:30; Picking-up loose ends, in order, from the list; a planned escapade to the Yuma Country Fair; Happy Hour. All in this day.
I am up early to get on the fast track; I go on errands, while Elaine attends to her nails.
We both get back in time to join the group going to the Fair.


A different experience; the usual amusement park section.

But a great presence from the farming community, particularly young people.
 
The 4H is prominent, with exhibits and animal judging (pigs, rabbits, goats, ...).

We also come across multiple stages/theatre for the entertainment of all ages.

Under the tents, Elaine shows her best at trying hats.

While I watch with great interest the Circus of Fleas.
I observe very closely how they make these ENORMOUS soap bubbles; I might try this when we return home and the grandkids come to visit.

That's a turkey's leg!!!

And of course, what would a Fair be without yummy junk food? Although we find it rather expensive.
We exit early, in order to not miss Happy Hour.

As RVs are heading home day by day, the park is getting depleted. And the count down is on.
So, everyone in the park is invited to Happy Hour today.
We count 26 chairs around the tables.
It's time for farewell and "see you in the fall". We can feel the strong energy and hear the choked-up voices.
This is what this park is all about; the result of 5 months spent sharing life in a relaxing environment.
Fish and chips seems appropriate to end the day, for 10 of us.

Then, it's early in bed for an early rise tomorrow.

Wintering in Yuma, AZ-Mar. 25-27 , 2016

Note: the italic text is a contribution by Elaine; the non-italic text is Yvon's.

Mar. 25, 2016

Ho my! how time flies!
Nine months to Christmas!!!
(I have just been told off for this observation...)

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It was fun the first time. And we are doing it again.
Tubing down the Colorado River.


We have some of the die-hard from the last time; and some new recruits that want to share in the experience; even some from another park. The word is spreading around!

Nine floating devices were pushed out on the water of the river at Gateway Park, under the watchful eyes of the photographer at the Yuma Sun newspaper.




The water appears to be 3 to 4 inches higher this time; the river is moving a tad faster.
And the ride is on.


 One mile (45 minutes) of pure relaxation and fun.

Was there any water gun fights on the way? Well, that's part of the fun...

The trend is set; and everyone is looking forward to float again in the fall/winter.

Mar. 27, 2016

Julieanna's Patio Cafe is a cheerful restaurant oasis hidden in a tropical atmosphere with live birds and great ambience.
 
 There was four of us sat on the patio; an enchanted place set for enjoyment on this warm afternoon; taking delight in the shade of the palm trees, the food and the drinks.



 I failed to mention our service dog, Hanna; not at all disturbed by the presence of colourful and talkative parrots (macaws); not to mention the peacock, John Henry.

The food selection was presented on a short and simple menu.

I chose a refreshment that is a specialty for the season: margarita prepared with pineapple and cilantro; I could not imagine these ingredients together, so I chose to try it. The result challenged my taste buds; quite different and refreshing. Leaves a taste for more.

The food was well presented and elevated with a fittingly selected coulis.

All in all, the feeling of a pleasant dinning experience.

Mar. 27, 2016

On the way back from Happy Hour, we meet some neighbours that will be leaving soon; Elaine mentions that she will have to forgo her promised quad ride until the fall. She gets an immediate response: be ready in 5 minutes!
 
The mean machine appears in front of our place right on time, to Elaine's delight. Safety equipment secured, "see you soon" and they are on their way.

On their return, after a run in the desert, I only had to see Elaine's beaming expression to know that she enjoyed the ride.

Wintering in Yuma, AZ- Mar. 15-23 , 2016

Note: the italic text is a contribution by Elaine; the non-italic text is Yvon's.

 Mar. 15, 2016

It's spring. The temperature is heating up; in the 90's by day; in the 60's by night.
We thank this breeze that we cursed earlier in the year. Activities are better done early or late in the day. Pickleball is not so well attended in the morning; the evening sessions attract more participants.
The pool area has become a popular place.


I even saw some horse back riders in the desert, on the outskirt of town. Nice way to go. Have not seen much of that around here.

The ocotillos have come in full bloom; I love it.

Mar. 19, 2016

 On the first time we visited the Center of the Earth, in Felicity, CA, we learned about the dedication of a section, The History of California, to California on March 19, 2016.


On the same occasion, there was to be a celebration of The Pioneers of Parachuting 2016 at the Hall of Fame of Parachuting monument. The parachuters would do some free fall jumps in the morning and the flags of the United States and California would be carried down from the sky at the main ceremony in the afternoon.

What interested us most was the parachuting.
 

So, a group of us arrive on the ground of the Center of the Earth early afternoon and settle in.

 

We watch parachuters decorate the sky with their colourful glider/chutes and land on the grounds next to the exhibitions.


Out to the Casino nearby for a bite to eat; and back in time for the main event, around 16:00.


 The event is a classy affair, with live orchestra, political dignitaries and high ranking military representatives.

 

 Elaine can't miss a real picture opportunity.

The highlight for us, of course, is the dropping of the flags from the sky, with very skillful parachutists.
I can't get over their landing in such a small space in between the exhibits, next to the gazebo set-up for the officials.

Glad we can enjoy this!

Mar. 23, 2016

 We have had warning of high winds in the last few days. And today fits the warnings.

We can notice more and more empty spaces in the parks, as there are more RV's on the road, on their way home.
We are latching to the last days that we have here. Preparations are part of our routine, from now on. What a drag to have to think more than one day at a time.


But for today, it's full moon.
And another Howling At The Moon party in the desert! Yoohoo!
The crowd is smaller that in February; but the energy is just as high!


They arrive from everywhere, with the wheels to suit the terrain.


Is it him? he said he might not be coming this month.
Yes! he is here! Kelly Hughes made it!


"Red Solo Cup! I fill you up!
Let's have a party! Let's have a party!"

It's one of his best known songs around here; and the crowd is exuberant.

 
The early evening is filled with singing and dancing.



And the sky enhance the  show.
BBQ's are fired up and the spirit is to having a good time.

 
The full moon shows up in time to culminate the festivity.

Another great gathering to remember!

Everyone set the next rendez-vous to the fall.