Sunday, February 14, 2016

Wintering in Yuma, AZ-Jan. 23-29, 2016

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

Jan. 23, 2016


 With the daily routine of our life, the occasional lunch and dinner by the pool, visits to Algodones, Mexico, time slides along undetected.

 
I am still playing pickle ball every few days, to manage the injury to my feet. I am starting to feel that this game is addictive.
 Elaine continues to pursue new projects in sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Our planning is being affected by the value (should I say DEvalue...) of the Canadian dollar towards the American dollar. Basically, we pay $1.50 Cdn for $1.00 u.s. We have to consider the real cost of our purchases in the same denomination as our income.
Although we benefit from a lower cost of living in this part of the country, the difference is shrinking considerably. The one item that works in our favour is fuel; the last time I filled up with diesel, I paid $1.55/u.s. gallon; after converting dollar value and gal-liter, it amounts to 0.665/ltr; and it has dropped 5 cents since then.
Not much comfort: the dollar value keeps us close to home; so we can hardly take advantage of the price of fuel. But it gives a nice feeling whenever we fill up.
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Three of the dogs that I am working with in the park, belong to the same pack. Two retrievers of different age, Jenga & Leyla;
and a new arrival to the household, an 8 week old lhasa-poo named Joleen.

The larger dogs have been together for a while and feel very close; they play together and respond to each other like twins. Their interaction with the outside world is tense. The exercise they get is very limited.
The puppy, on the other hand, is ....a puppy, full of energy, playful; and the new baby in the house.
An interesting case to work.

The thing that peaks my interest about Quartzside, from the first time we drove through, is the dry camping communities. In all direction from town, you can see gatherings of RVs in the open, off the grid, enjoying the weather and surrounding of this town. No water, electricity or amenities: peace, open space and opportunities to use off-road vehicles.
As the name depicts, one can find samples of quartz and various rocks/stones, in various size, colour and shapes, around town.
Once a year, a large RV Show is held in town, under and around a dome tent; complemented by a multitude of open air vendors, offering a wide variety of goods.
The event is well publicized; and it is common for groups to travel from afar to attend, on a day trip.
And so we did.

We spent time learning about new gadgets and ways-to-do's; took advantage of the tempting food outlets set-up around the show.
And we found time to have fun with some creative presentation that we participated in. We had a laugh and gained pictures and video of it.



I came across a unique hoody that I could not resist. The theme is about dogs: would'nt you know!


Jan. 26, 2016

The park calendar said "Dinner: 6:00 pm; Show: 7:00 pm"
Guess: Billy Tee, Hypnotist

We got our ticket early, joining some of our friends.
So, after a nice meal, we welcome....(music...) Billy Tee!!!!

Before

For the show, he needs volunteers.
After
There is a march to the stage; and Elaine is amongst the participants.
After explaining the common myths about hypnotism, Billy creates a calming atmosphere and leads the subjects into a state of deep relaxation.

The activities he brings them to participate in make for great comedy entertainment. That is captured on video.

A great evening of fun that needs to be followed at some point by the viewing of the video with the participants, that will not remember much of the show.

Jan, 29, 2016

Four couples and two dogs are on their way for a hike on the Painted Desert Trail.

 

On the Arizona side of the Colorado River, just north of Martinez Lake.
 
For some, this represents the first hike for some time; and it is meant to be an easy, enjoyable exercise. And we have to consider our two fury friends that are braving the wild to be with their favorite human leaders.


Very picturesque, the Painted Desert Trail is known for the colourful variation of the rocks. We also encounter some hoodoos in the course.

 

We are given a beautiful sunny day for the occasion. We advance at a leisurely pace, taking advantage of the many vantage points to capture the scenery in pictures.


Back to the vehicles, we find our way to Lake Martinez, Fisher's Landing Restaurant & Bar.

Where we enjoy most needed and deserved food and drinks.


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