Sunday, January 31, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 74, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Another warm morning, although windier than yesterday. After coffee & breakfast I spent most of the day sitting in the trailer to duck the wind & dust. It isn't as bad as back in late November when you couldn't see the mountains surrounding Quartzsite because of the blowing dust, but there is a haze in the air and rolling dust clouds. My weather app predicts 53MPH wind gusts & a 50% chance of rain this afternoon. No rain so far, and I don't think the wind quite reached 50MPH, but it is rocking the trailer.
I did read the Syracuse Post Standard on my iPad - not too much happening back home. I called my son Kyle and he & the house are both doing OK, I got a property tax refund from New York State (NY giving back money is new and different!) and they have predictions for 65°F next week. It sure has been a warm winter in Oswego (and one with almost no snow). Of course it isn't February quite yet, and that is when we got about 1/2 of our annual snowfall last year.
While still warm enough to sit outside, at 4:00 it was still blowing enough that I stayed inside. I will probably go to a restaurant for dinner since the wind would blow out the stove, and I don't have any interesting soups to cook inside.
Well, I definitely spoke (typed) too soon - now, at 5:00, after returning from dinner, the wind has come up enough that all the mountains are lost in the dust clouds, with the exception of the Dome Mountains, the ones closest to the campground. Dinner was a chicken fried steak at Sweet Darlene's.
Until tomorrow -
My blog follows my travels through the US & Canada in an Escape 21 Travel Trailer towed by a Ford F150 3.5 Ecoboost Off Road. For anyone interested in additional photos I have a Web Page with photos & journals of all my trips. Shortcut to first Blogger post
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 73
Saturday, January 30, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 73, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
A very warm morning; 57°F at 8:45 when I walked to the 76 gas station for coffee. While warm, it is a bit cloudy with quite a bit of wind, so it doesn't feel all that warm.
After breakfast I spent quite a while in the trailer reading forums & blogs. Just a bit too windy to sit outside comfortably.
I've mentioned that I keep a database of books I've read since my aging mind seems to forget titles, and I often pick up used books that I've already read. OK, I admit it. I've even purchased new books twice! In any case, I use HanDBase on my iPhone to keep track of what I've read. Kind of clunky linkage to my laptop, but after Filemaker gave up on Bento, it was one of the few databases that can maintain files on an iPhone, iPad & laptop. There are now a couple of better integrated databases, but I'm sticking with what I've got. Anyway, for anyone interested, here is a spreadsheet of the 1739 books on the list as of today. Any with a read date of 00/00/0000 are ones I have but haven't read yet. It isn't too difficult to tell who my favorite authors are...
The wind died down enough that I could bask in the sun during the late afternoon.
Dinner was a Bubba Burger, a peach cup & snap peas.
Until tomorrow -
A very warm morning; 57°F at 8:45 when I walked to the 76 gas station for coffee. While warm, it is a bit cloudy with quite a bit of wind, so it doesn't feel all that warm.
After breakfast I spent quite a while in the trailer reading forums & blogs. Just a bit too windy to sit outside comfortably.
I've mentioned that I keep a database of books I've read since my aging mind seems to forget titles, and I often pick up used books that I've already read. OK, I admit it. I've even purchased new books twice! In any case, I use HanDBase on my iPhone to keep track of what I've read. Kind of clunky linkage to my laptop, but after Filemaker gave up on Bento, it was one of the few databases that can maintain files on an iPhone, iPad & laptop. There are now a couple of better integrated databases, but I'm sticking with what I've got. Anyway, for anyone interested, here is a spreadsheet of the 1739 books on the list as of today. Any with a read date of 00/00/0000 are ones I have but haven't read yet. It isn't too difficult to tell who my favorite authors are...
The wind died down enough that I could bask in the sun during the late afternoon.
Dinner was a Bubba Burger, a peach cup & snap peas.
Until tomorrow -
Friday, January 29, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 72
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| A Hummingbird at Quartzsite |
Back to boring breakfasts; the refrigerator door stayed on! Linda ( a Sunrader owner that has been parked in the part of La Posa West I moved to when the big Class A RVs invaded my former area) headed back to California this morning. Her friend Mel, another Toyota based class C owner is still here. We have all enjoyed talking, campfires, etc for the last two weeks.
After it warmed up, I headed outside for some reading. After reading for awhile, I drove into town to pick up some washers for the refrigerator door & some groceries. After getting back to the campground I took a break from reading to listening to Science Friday (on NPR each Friday afternoon). Since it doesn't make sense to try to read at the same time you are listening to a science program, I added the 80 - 400mm lens to the D800 & took a few hummingbird photos while listening to the show. More hummingbird images at today's LakeshoreImages page.
Dinner will be the Friday fish dinner at Sweet Darlene's.
Until tomorrow -
Thursday, January 28, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 71
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| The Line at the Dump Station |
Well, the boredom of Quartzsite went away this morning. I opened the refrigerator to get out a yogurt for breakfast & the door fell off! It appears the bracket that holds the hinge pin on the bottom of the cabinet cracked so that the pin dropped low enough that the pin on top pulled out of the hole in the door. It took quite a bit of wrestling with the door to get it back on, and with a couple of washers, I think it will hold.
After that I went to dump the trailer tanks. I was hoping to wait until I moved to Dome Rock, but the black tank is full. A long line of 12 RVs ahead of me, about a 45 minute wait.
After dumping, I left the trailer attached just in case one of the RV service centers I called had the hinge & could schedule me for replacing it (Yes, I am an optimistic person!) No such luck. The only one that returned my call was RV Lifestyles here in Quartzsite. I hope the new hinge is the correct part - the service people were rather cavalier about the part - I'll find out in 10 days...
The weather is beautiful. Low 70's & the wind is light enough that it is comfortable even in the shade. I did a bit of reading before getting a price on the hinge - $18.90.
After driving over to RV Lifestyles to pay for the hinge, I was next to Loves gas station, so I stopped in for some Chester's Chicken for dinner. I don't know how this seems to always happen to me, but they gave me two legs & a breast when I ordered 2 legs & a thigh. I don't like white meat all that much, and they usually charge more for it, but somehow on this trip I keep getting breasts in place of thighs in many different chicken places.
Until tomorrow -
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 70
Wednesday, January 27, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 70, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
I woke up at 5:00AM & since I was up, thought about taking a photo of the 5 aligned planets that are visible just before dawn. Only problem is the moon is still too bright to get a good photo. I hope the alignment will hold after the moon gets closer to new.
After breakfast I finished rewiring Mel's RV so he would have lights on the left side. While it required drilling some new holes in the cabinets, we managed to add a new, fused supply to bypass the thermal circuit breaker that failed (and we can't find).
After that I had another couple of rescues, one successful & one not. Glenda's macerator stopped working. I found a blown 20 amp fuse - she said that it had jammed when it stopped & that seems to be what blew the fuse. The not so successful was Wendy's refrigerator. It wouldn't stay on after running out of propane. I pulled the heater cover & watched the starting process. The igniter lit the flame, but as soon as she took her finger off the start button, it went out. I suspect either the flame detector or the circuit board, but since I don't have any experience with modern 3 way refrigerators, she will be heading for a Dometic service dealer.
After getting back to my trailer, I sat out and read most of the afternoon. A beautiful day with temperatures in the high 60's & less wind than the last couple of days.
Dinner was a grilled Turkey Bubba Burger.
Until tomorrow -
I woke up at 5:00AM & since I was up, thought about taking a photo of the 5 aligned planets that are visible just before dawn. Only problem is the moon is still too bright to get a good photo. I hope the alignment will hold after the moon gets closer to new.
After breakfast I finished rewiring Mel's RV so he would have lights on the left side. While it required drilling some new holes in the cabinets, we managed to add a new, fused supply to bypass the thermal circuit breaker that failed (and we can't find).
After that I had another couple of rescues, one successful & one not. Glenda's macerator stopped working. I found a blown 20 amp fuse - she said that it had jammed when it stopped & that seems to be what blew the fuse. The not so successful was Wendy's refrigerator. It wouldn't stay on after running out of propane. I pulled the heater cover & watched the starting process. The igniter lit the flame, but as soon as she took her finger off the start button, it went out. I suspect either the flame detector or the circuit board, but since I don't have any experience with modern 3 way refrigerators, she will be heading for a Dometic service dealer.
After getting back to my trailer, I sat out and read most of the afternoon. A beautiful day with temperatures in the high 60's & less wind than the last couple of days.
Dinner was a grilled Turkey Bubba Burger.
Until tomorrow -
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 69,
Tuesday, January 26, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 69, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
After breakfast I did my usual blog & forum reading, then spent a little time checking out an electrical problem with a neighbor's RV. It amazes me what the manufacturers do when wiring RVs. There must be a hidden thermal auto reset circuit breaker on the left side of the RV's lights, which are also wired to the bathroom lights & strangely enough, the furnace (which is on the right side). In any case, we couldn't find the breaker, so tomorrow we will try to run a new feed. Unfortunately, he will have to go without heat tonight.
That was about it for the day. I did a bit of reading, but while it was warm enough to sit outside (around 65°F) but the wind made it uncomfortable even in the sun. I'm hoping it will calm down over the next couple of days.
Dinner was a pork chop, snap peas & Knoor's Mexican Rice (I'll stick to their broccoli & chicken).
Until tomorrow -
After breakfast I did my usual blog & forum reading, then spent a little time checking out an electrical problem with a neighbor's RV. It amazes me what the manufacturers do when wiring RVs. There must be a hidden thermal auto reset circuit breaker on the left side of the RV's lights, which are also wired to the bathroom lights & strangely enough, the furnace (which is on the right side). In any case, we couldn't find the breaker, so tomorrow we will try to run a new feed. Unfortunately, he will have to go without heat tonight.
That was about it for the day. I did a bit of reading, but while it was warm enough to sit outside (around 65°F) but the wind made it uncomfortable even in the sun. I'm hoping it will calm down over the next couple of days.
Dinner was a pork chop, snap peas & Knoor's Mexican Rice (I'll stick to their broccoli & chicken).
Until tomorrow -
Monday, January 25, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 68
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| It is Thinning Out |
Laundry (and shower) day. Very busy. While lots of RVs have left the area, I guess some are doing laundry before they drive home. I had to wait for both washing machines & a dryer. Still, it is good to get it done. There are a couple of more Casitas in the campground, although both are on the other side near US 95. Two of the large class A RVs that blocked my view of the mountains in my previous spot have left, but I don't think I'll move. I don't need to dump, and hope that I can wait until it is time to move to Dome Rock. That would be pushing it, but I'll try. While it looks like there are still quite a few RVs here at La Posa West, many have left. I can even see Glenda's Casita from my site.
One good thing - the 5th wheel parked a little ways from us left today. He had the loudest generator I've ever listened to. I don't know what kind it was, but it was bright orange and loud!
Dinner was easy - I was feeling lazy, so it was Chicken Fried Steak at Sweet Darlene's. Must have been contagious since as I was leaving I saw two other fiberglass trailer owners there for dinner.
Until tomorrow -
Sunday, January 24, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 67
Sunday, January 24, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 67, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
After the walk for coffee & breakfast I read blogs & forums, then headed for Blythe to pick up the two prescriptions that were not ready the last time I was there. I previously mentioned that Rite Aid would only give me one bottle of one of my eye medications, resulting in a 75 day supply rather than the 90 day my doctor ordered. They gave all kinds of reasons, and get angry when I keep insisting that I should bet two bottles. Today I brought up the fact that my drug insurance provider stated that their mail order service would have provided two bottles, and all the other drug stores I've picked up the same medication gave me two bottles, and the druggist (a different one) gave me the additional bottle. Even stranger, for my other eye medication which was one of the drugs I picked up today, they gave me more medication than I usually get. I will never understand the drug industry!
After getting back to the campground I sat outside and read. Lots of sun & quite warm, however enough wind to keep you out of the shade. I thought about making a last day run through the big tent, but decided I already have everything I need, at least of what they are offering.
Dinner will be spaghetti & meatballs.
Until tomorrow -
After the walk for coffee & breakfast I read blogs & forums, then headed for Blythe to pick up the two prescriptions that were not ready the last time I was there. I previously mentioned that Rite Aid would only give me one bottle of one of my eye medications, resulting in a 75 day supply rather than the 90 day my doctor ordered. They gave all kinds of reasons, and get angry when I keep insisting that I should bet two bottles. Today I brought up the fact that my drug insurance provider stated that their mail order service would have provided two bottles, and all the other drug stores I've picked up the same medication gave me two bottles, and the druggist (a different one) gave me the additional bottle. Even stranger, for my other eye medication which was one of the drugs I picked up today, they gave me more medication than I usually get. I will never understand the drug industry!
After getting back to the campground I sat outside and read. Lots of sun & quite warm, however enough wind to keep you out of the shade. I thought about making a last day run through the big tent, but decided I already have everything I need, at least of what they are offering.
Dinner will be spaghetti & meatballs.
Until tomorrow -
Saturday, January 23, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 66
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| Granddaughter Valerie & Washington DC Snow |
Saturday, January 23, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 66, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Another quiet day at Quartzsite (didn't I say that before?) In any case, after coffee & breakfast I made a trip to the Big Tent to see what free stuff I could gather before the show ends tomorrow. I was hoping for another "T" shirt at the Progressive Insurance booth, but only won a package of wet wipes. I also got a fanny pack from a casino, however it has a strap that is a permanent loop with no adjustment, so you can't actually wear it. I did get a snack bag clip from the American Association for Nude Recreation (they do have booths for just about anything here).
After that it was back to the campground for some reading. While cloudy today, it was warm enough to be pleasant. I got a Skype message from my daughter in Washington, DC saying the snow had started. Here is a photo she posted on my granddaughter Valerie in the back yard. Since the grandkids haven't seen show in 4 years, it is pretty exciting. Not so exciting is that Brian (my son-in-law) is stuck in Atlanta on his way home from Africa.
After that it was back to reading, taking a walk around the campground (there is another fiberglass trailer (a Casita 17) in the front section of La Posa West), and checking out all the RVs that have left. There should be a bunch leaving tomorrow & Monday after the show.
I had a big lunch, so dinner will be cheese & crackers & the rest of the snap peas.
Until tomorrow -
Friday, January 22, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 65
Friday, January 22, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 65, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
It was a bit cooler than usual this morning so I stopped at a food truck across from K&B Tool for coffee rather than walking all the was to the 76 gas station. On the way back I picked up a remote control plastic blow up LED light. Got it back to the trailer & after charging, the remote didn't work. I took it back to the booth & they exchanged it for another & it works. Why one would need a remote, I don't know, but I have one.
I didn't do much else for the day. I did make a run for a box if firewood in case we decide to make a fire tonight.
Dinner was a Bubba Burger & chips.
Until Tomorrow -
It was a bit cooler than usual this morning so I stopped at a food truck across from K&B Tool for coffee rather than walking all the was to the 76 gas station. On the way back I picked up a remote control plastic blow up LED light. Got it back to the trailer & after charging, the remote didn't work. I took it back to the booth & they exchanged it for another & it works. Why one would need a remote, I don't know, but I have one.
I didn't do much else for the day. I did make a run for a box if firewood in case we decide to make a fire tonight.
Dinner was a Bubba Burger & chips.
Until Tomorrow -
Thursday, January 21, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 64
Thursday, January 21, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 64, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Another beautiful but quiet day at Quartzsite. Yesterday's blueberry pie was had a mixed result. Cooking in the Dutch oven resulted in a strange color for the crust - a bit yellow rather than the usual brown. It might be caused by the temperature swings produced by trying to keep the oven at 350°F. It went from 325° to 425° and never stayed at exactly 350°. In any case, it tasted OK.
After breakfast I sat out & read for awhile, then walked over to the big tent. The blow up lights are now $6.00 rather than $5.00, but they come with a remote control. I went looking for Velcro straps designed to keep the awning arms locked when traveling. Another set would do the trick for holding the flagpole that has my dissolving color ball in place. Unfortunately, non of the RV places had them & I didn't find the booth I saw a couple of days ago that had Velcro strips. Something to do tomorrow.
Back to the trailer & more reading & snacking.
Dinner will be a couple of cheese brats. I've used the term brat, brot, and even brok for the sausages, but as pointed out by a reader from "Visconsin" brats is the most popular term (and those from Wisconsin should know!) In any case, that and left over rice & broccoli will be dinner (along with a piece of blueberry pie, of course!)
Until Tomorrow -
Another beautiful but quiet day at Quartzsite. Yesterday's blueberry pie was had a mixed result. Cooking in the Dutch oven resulted in a strange color for the crust - a bit yellow rather than the usual brown. It might be caused by the temperature swings produced by trying to keep the oven at 350°F. It went from 325° to 425° and never stayed at exactly 350°. In any case, it tasted OK.
After breakfast I sat out & read for awhile, then walked over to the big tent. The blow up lights are now $6.00 rather than $5.00, but they come with a remote control. I went looking for Velcro straps designed to keep the awning arms locked when traveling. Another set would do the trick for holding the flagpole that has my dissolving color ball in place. Unfortunately, non of the RV places had them & I didn't find the booth I saw a couple of days ago that had Velcro strips. Something to do tomorrow.
Back to the trailer & more reading & snacking.
Dinner will be a couple of cheese brats. I've used the term brat, brot, and even brok for the sausages, but as pointed out by a reader from "Visconsin" brats is the most popular term (and those from Wisconsin should know!) In any case, that and left over rice & broccoli will be dinner (along with a piece of blueberry pie, of course!)
Until Tomorrow -
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 63
Wednesday, January 20, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 63, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
After breakfast I did my usual blog & forum reading, then drove to Blythe to refill a bunch of prescriptions. Unfortunately, 2 of them won't be ready until tomorrow, so I'll have to go back. I went to Ace Hardware & picked up a flagpole the I can use for my glowing ball. at $7.00 just a bit less expensive than the $120.00 pole at the big tent. Of course it isn't as adjustable or, for that matter, built as well, but it will work. I also bought a LED tree. I've never seen one before - bare branches with different color LEDs at the end of each branch. I adapted it to run on a USB cord, so I can power it with a 12V adapter.
The Smart & Final grocery store in Blythe had blueberries on sale so I bought enough to make a pie. After getting them back to the campground I discovered they looked a bit long in the tooth, but made a pie anyway. It was a chance to experiment with the Dutch Oven as a baking oven. While it cooked, it is a bit strange looking. It didn't brown any where near as usual; we will find out what it tastes like after dinner.
Speaking of dinner, since I already had the Dutch Oven out & hot, I cooked up a couple of chicken burritos.
Until Tomorrow -
After breakfast I did my usual blog & forum reading, then drove to Blythe to refill a bunch of prescriptions. Unfortunately, 2 of them won't be ready until tomorrow, so I'll have to go back. I went to Ace Hardware & picked up a flagpole the I can use for my glowing ball. at $7.00 just a bit less expensive than the $120.00 pole at the big tent. Of course it isn't as adjustable or, for that matter, built as well, but it will work. I also bought a LED tree. I've never seen one before - bare branches with different color LEDs at the end of each branch. I adapted it to run on a USB cord, so I can power it with a 12V adapter.
The Smart & Final grocery store in Blythe had blueberries on sale so I bought enough to make a pie. After getting them back to the campground I discovered they looked a bit long in the tooth, but made a pie anyway. It was a chance to experiment with the Dutch Oven as a baking oven. While it cooked, it is a bit strange looking. It didn't brown any where near as usual; we will find out what it tastes like after dinner.
Speaking of dinner, since I already had the Dutch Oven out & hot, I cooked up a couple of chicken burritos.
Until Tomorrow -
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 62
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| A Vixen 21 Motorhome |
Another day in the 70's here at Quartzsite, although a bit cooler at 43°F when I went for coffee. I walked through the Big Tent on the way back with my coffee mug in hand & stopped at the LED Lantern booth. As promised, he did have a new batch in at 9:00AM, so I bought 2. They are not as bright as the Luci Original Inflatable Solar Light version that many have, but it does do multiple colors. In any case, at $5.00 it is a bargain.
The rest of the day was spent talking & reading. I did defrost the refrigerator. While it goes longer between needing to be defrosted, even here in the dry desert it eventually ices up to the point where it doesn't cool as well. I also feel it is a bit more humid than usual - I see condensation on my RAV4 & stove in the mornings, and that didn't happen much the last time I was here.
Eventually, I got bored of reading & drove into town to the Quartzsite General Store for a couple of bananas & a chicken leg quarter for dinner. I'll probably cook up a Knoor Rice & Broccoli package to go with the chicken.
Dave left, so our group of small RVs is down to three. There are more fiberglass trailers around the area. Three Bigfoots, a 17', a 19.5', and a 21'. One Scamp, and a couple of Casitas. As to unusual motorhomes, while it is not near our section of the area, I watched an Ultra Van go by. This is a motorhome powered by a Corvair engine. Also saw a couple of other unusual small motorhomes of a type I've never seen before. I walked over to the group and discovered the Vixen 21: "Approximately 587 Vixen 21 motorhomes were produced by the Vixen Motor Company at One Silverdome Industrial Park in Pontiac Michigan between 1986 - 1989 when the company closed. Retail value ranged between $40-$53k. Each model got between 22-30 mpg." There was a bunch of them, that have been coming to Quartzsite for over 5 years as well as a somewhat rare Newmar NewAire and a not so rare Rialta. More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
Until Tomorrow -
Monday, January 18, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 61
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| Sitting Around the Campground |
Monday, January 18, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 61, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
I decided to go to the free pancake breakfast this morning. I got there, and the line went all the way around the restaurant, and it was a big room. So, I left & just picked up my usual coffee, went back to the trailer & had Cheerios & an banana.
I did a little reading, then went to the Big Tent to pick up another blow up light for some friends. They didn't have them in yet, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow. I looked at poles for my glowing ball, but they wanted over $100.00 for even the shorter versions, so I'll wait until I get home to make one myself.
Another Toyota RV arrived, and we sat around talking for most of the afternoon. Dinner was a pizza from Silly Al's (thanks, Dave) and then we sat around a campfire.
Until Tomorrow -
Sunday, January 17, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 60
Sunday, January 17, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 60, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Another beautiful day at Quartzsite with temperatures in the low 70's this afternoon. I made another trip over to the Big Tent to see what I missed yesterday because of the crowds. Far fewer people today so you could stop & look at the stuff in the various booths. Still not much I was interested in, but I did pick up a blow up LED light & a 6" ball that has a solar & battery powered color dissolving LED inside. I was planning to build one from scratch but this one was less expensive than the parts would have been to make my own, and I keep forgetting that I no longer have an electronics shop!
I spent most of the day sitting out enjoying the sun & reading. I did call my brother to wish him a happy birthday - he was hauling in firewood since his house on Nantucket Island was at 62°F and cooling. I didn't rub Quartzsite in too much...
I'm not sure what dinner will be. I had a pretty good tri tip sandwich at the Montana BBQ booth outside the tent. Paid with a credit card & got a "What did you thing of the experience" email via some place called 2016 Square, Inc. 2016 Square must have some kind of deal with Mastercard since I didn't give the Montana BBQ my email address. I get enough junk mail that I don't need more!
Until Tomorrow -
Another beautiful day at Quartzsite with temperatures in the low 70's this afternoon. I made another trip over to the Big Tent to see what I missed yesterday because of the crowds. Far fewer people today so you could stop & look at the stuff in the various booths. Still not much I was interested in, but I did pick up a blow up LED light & a 6" ball that has a solar & battery powered color dissolving LED inside. I was planning to build one from scratch but this one was less expensive than the parts would have been to make my own, and I keep forgetting that I no longer have an electronics shop!
I spent most of the day sitting out enjoying the sun & reading. I did call my brother to wish him a happy birthday - he was hauling in firewood since his house on Nantucket Island was at 62°F and cooling. I didn't rub Quartzsite in too much...
I'm not sure what dinner will be. I had a pretty good tri tip sandwich at the Montana BBQ booth outside the tent. Paid with a credit card & got a "What did you thing of the experience" email via some place called 2016 Square, Inc. 2016 Square must have some kind of deal with Mastercard since I didn't give the Montana BBQ my email address. I get enough junk mail that I don't need more!
Until Tomorrow -
Saturday, January 16, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 59
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| Inside the "Big Tent" at Quartzsite |
It's the day everyone here in Quartzsite has been waiting for - the opening of th "Big Tent". While the campground is crowded, you can't believe how packed the tent is. Three rows with booths on each side of each row. Way less than half have anything to do with RVing; it reminds me of our NY State Fair on steroids. More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
I did get a free koozie from Honda, a 2 pack of microwave brown rice from Minute Rice (It will be interesting if it can be cooked in my steamer since I don't have a microwave), a "Alaskan Highway" pin for convincing a couple at the BC Alaska booth that the highway is not still a dirt road, and finally, purchased a new plastic mat for the trailer. My current one is getting a bit worn, and the same company had a 9'X12' red Kokopelli version that matched the one I wore out. The red goes with the stripes on the trailer, and, of course, the RAV4.
Dinner was grilled chicken, snap peas & mashed potatoes.
Friday, January 15, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 58
Friday, January 15, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 58, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
I ended up sleeping in until 9:00 this morning. Not sure why, but since I don't use an alarm clock, I get up when ever. After breakfast I sat outside for a bit. It is warmer than yesterday, although a bit windier. Still more RVs coming into the area. They are now parking in the wash next to the road into our area. While it isn't a major wash, and heavy rain is not predicted, it really isn't a good place to set up. If nothing else, when it rains it is were most of the puddles form.
I drove into town looking for an adapter plate to mate my Blue Sky controller to the hole left by the GoPower controller. Blue Skies makes one, but the solar place I checked didn't have one, and it sure sounds like they won't be able to get one. I checked with the other solar dealer (Solar Bill's), and they say they have one so I drove over to pick one up. Town is pretty much a madhouse. Long waits at the traffic lights, getting out of driveways or making left turns, etc. The Big Tent doesn't open until tomorrow, but there are lots of people moving in & getting ready!
Other than that, I pretty much did nothing but sit outside hiding from the wind reading & talking with neighbors. I'm attempting to grow a beard for the first time since the 70's. I'm not sure I like it since it is pretty much all white, which the last time I tried starting one my wife decided it made me look too old , but I'll let it go for a couple weeks before I decide to keep it or not.
Since I enjoyed the salad for dinner last night, I might do the same tonight.
Until Tomorrow -
Thursday, January 14, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 57
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| A Motorhome in the Road |
I went a little further than usual for my walk for coffee. When unloading the dryer yesterday, I set my book on one of the machines, and ended up leaving it there. Since I was only 50 - 60 pages from the end of Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, I really wanted to know how it ended, so I walked over to the laundromat/restaurant to see if it was still there. It was, complete with my bookmark. Since I was already at a restaurant, I decided to stay for breakfast. Had eggs for the first time in a long while - Philadelphia Steak Omelet (pretty good, although different) weak coffee & good orange juice.
After I got back to the trailer I read my usual forums, then drove into town to pick up a ladder my neighbor bought. He has a Class C motorhome & an electric powered bicycle, neither of which was practical to go get the ladder.
Lots of new arrivals, including an idiot in a large motorhome that decided to set up in the middle of the road that runs east from this section of the campground. Since there are lots of routes out of this end of the campground, we can still drive to the main road, but now have to go through a lumpy wash. I'm glad I don't have to move for awhile, probably until after he leaves! I took a photo of his RV as well as views in a couple of directions. Since I'm now near one of the edges of the camping area in between two washes, there is a fair amount of empty space to the west & southwest. More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
By the way, when I walked for coffee & breakfast I went through my old site - there are 3 RVs parked in the space my little trailer was in!
The rest of the day was spent finishing my book & starting another. Nice and warm in the sun, although, as usual, a bit cool in the wind & shade.
I had a good sized lunch as well as a large breakfast, so dinner will just be a salad.
Until Tomorrow -
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 56
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| My New Location |
After breakfast I headed to the Laundromat to do three loads of laundry & a shower. Very busy, like last time, I had to wait for a pair of dryers. When I got back to the campground there were even more RVs blocking my view. I did have enough sun for my solar panels, but I had an invite to another part of the La Posa West where there was a bit more room & a better view of the mountains rather than the Class A next door. So, I packed up & moved a couple hundred feet.
There are a couple of small class C RVs here as well as a 19.5' Bigfoot a short distance away. There is a 5th wheel next door, but far enough away not to block the view.
I sat round and talked with my new neighbors, then as the sun ducked behind the clouds it got cool enough that we headed back to our RVs to make dinner.
Dinner was a couple of chicken burritos & a salad. I believe I'm getting using the Dutch oven as a standard oven fueled by propane under control. It still takes a watchful eye & adjustments of the burner, cover & lid, but I can keep it at 350°F. The true test will be baking a blueberry pie!
Until Tomorrow -
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 55,
Tuesday, January 12, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 55, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
I traded in my "winning" Powerball ticket (I got the Powerball # right & none of the others) for $4.00 when i went for coffee this morning. After breakfast I drove to Parker to get a couple of birthday cards & some supplies. By the time I got back to the campground there were another 10 RVs in the West area. Things are getting crowded!
I met another Casita owner that is currently staying out at Dome Rock, and may join us in a week or so. I didn't do much else other than a bit of reading. I did do a "Facetime" session with Don & Anne - they had their first snowfall in Binghamton. I don't know how much fell in Oswego, but I got a Lake Effect warning on my iPhone weather app, so my son Kyle may be doing some shoveling or snowblowing. Here it is pretty much as usual - temperatures in the high 50's by afternoon, but very cool in the shade. Tonight is it suppose to go below freezing, but each day is a bit warmer than the day before.
Dinner was a couple of cheese brats, and sauce pan beans.
Until Tomorrow -
I traded in my "winning" Powerball ticket (I got the Powerball # right & none of the others) for $4.00 when i went for coffee this morning. After breakfast I drove to Parker to get a couple of birthday cards & some supplies. By the time I got back to the campground there were another 10 RVs in the West area. Things are getting crowded!
I met another Casita owner that is currently staying out at Dome Rock, and may join us in a week or so. I didn't do much else other than a bit of reading. I did do a "Facetime" session with Don & Anne - they had their first snowfall in Binghamton. I don't know how much fell in Oswego, but I got a Lake Effect warning on my iPhone weather app, so my son Kyle may be doing some shoveling or snowblowing. Here it is pretty much as usual - temperatures in the high 50's by afternoon, but very cool in the shade. Tonight is it suppose to go below freezing, but each day is a bit warmer than the day before.
Dinner was a couple of cheese brats, and sauce pan beans.
Until Tomorrow -
Monday, January 11, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 54 & the Gem & Mineral Show
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| My Meteorite |
Continuing yesterday's post -
Since I had time to kill before going for my steak, I stopped again at the gem & mineral show to take some photos of the booth. I also bought a piece of Malachite for $10.00. A very pretty lump of rock. So, my two Quartzsite mineral purchases are a Meteorite & the Malachite rock. Photos of the show & my chunk of Malachite at today's LakeshoreImages post.
I had my Chicken Fried Steak dinner at Sweet Darleen's for dinner last night. While not the best (which, strangely enough was at a tourist trap - The Calico Ghost Town in California), it was well above the worst, which was at the Two Sisters near Babb (that is what it says on my "T" shirt), MT (just outside the east entrance to Glacier National Park). I fully believe that the cook ran out of steaks & used one of his shoes to make my dinner. The steak at Sweet Darlene's was tender enough, but the mashed potatoes tasted like they were made from powdered potatoes, and the vegetables from a can. Still, at $8.95 for dinner, the price is hard to beat.
When I got back to my site after dinner I found a large class A parked right next to my trailer. The woman complained that I was in her spot & that 4 more RVs were on their way. I explained that I'd been here since November 17th, and while I do think she expected me to move, I didn't. I sure understand why owners of fiberglass trailers call the big class A motorhomes "sunblockers". I'm still OK for the morning & afternoon sun, but my portable panel isn't going to see any late afternoon sun, and my view of the mountains from my front window has been replaced by the passenger side of their RV. Sure hope I'm not surrounded by the rest of them. The rules for the LTVA require as least 15' separation between RVs, but no 50' minimum that I've seen for most BLM areas. While they are a little more than 15' from my trailer, their shadow isn't!
While talking with the Class A owners, a SUV pulled up. Clark & Nina have a Trillium & built the Rikki-tikki-tavi, a 41' 10" tri hulled sailboat. I first met them at Cattail Cove State Park during a 2014 trip around the country. I recommend reading their "Building Rikki-tikki-tavi" pages for the fascinating story of the birth of the boat. We talked a bit, then they headed back to the Roadrunner camping area 5 miles south of Quartzsite.
Anyhow, now to today. So far no more class A's (at least part of the group who's area I "stole"). I walked to the gas station for coffee, bought another Powerball ticket (I just don't understand why the one I bought last week didn't win me $800,000.00 (I did win $4.00 by having the Powerball # correct); maybe I'm suppose to get $1,200,000,000.00 this week?) I don't usually buy lottery tickets, but when they get worth that much I can't help it!
Nice clear skies today, although a bit cool. I spent most of the afternoon talking with neighbors, reading, and hanging out around the campground. Glenda (in the Casita next door) suggested meeting another Casita owner at Silly Al's for a late lunch/early dinner, but had the dates mixed up - she is coming tomorrow.
So, I'm back at the trailer with a full stomach at 3:30. It has warmed up reasonably well to 56°F & the sun is strong enough so it feels warmer (as long as you are out of the wind) so I'm heading outside to finish my current book after posting.
Until Tomorrow -
Sunday, January 10, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 53
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| Looking SouthEast |
Another nice day at Quartzsite. I decided to celebrate the new week by getting a mocha latte at the stand rather than walking all the way to the gas station. Big mistake! I think they made a mistake & made today's coffee with dish water. Just about the worst coffee I've ever had. I noticed that they have a sign on the window that the business is for sale. If they keep making coffee like today's, they need new owners.
After breakfast I red the Syracuse Post Standard Sunday paper, then sat outside for a bit. I checked the tanks, and while I might be able to stretch the black tank another day, decided it was time to dump. Hooked up the trailer (I remembered how) and headed to the dump station. For the first time since I've been here there was a line. Not too bad, only one ahead of me. After dumping & filling the fresh water tank I headed back to La Posa West & managed to park back in the same place. Glad it was still there; 5 RVs or trailers moved into the area today. I took some photos to show how packed it is getting. More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
After some more reading & sitting outside, I plan to head to Sweet Darleen's for today's special, Chicken Fried Steak.
Until Tomorrow -
Saturday, January 9, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 52,
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| The Goodyear Blimp Over La Posa West |
While a bit cool at 36°F, we had clear skies this morning, and no overnight rain. After my coffee run I toasted a couple of English muffins for breakfast, read some forums & blogs, then headed off to town to check out the Gem & Mineral Show. There are well over 100 tents & stands selling everything from jewels small enough to make earrings to rocks large enough that they take up an entire pallet. Lots of polished stuff & minerals from all over the world. Stuff was more expensive than I expected, but if you were looking for something particular, I'm sure you could find it.
Since I was on that side of town, I drove out to Dome Rock to the area where the February fiberglass trailer rally will be located. I hope the RVs there now move since they are filling the area where we usually stay. I did see a Casita 17 & an Escape 19 or 21 on the way, but didn't stop to say hello.
By the time I got back to the trailer it had warmed up to the mid 60's, the warmest it has been in over a week. I sat out & read for awhile, talked with my son on the phone to see how things were going back in Oswego (cold, but still little snow) then came inside to put together today's journal entry.
Since I didn't take any photos today, I'm using one of the Goodyear Blimp photos from Yesterday.
Dinner will be a grilled pork chop & mashed potatoes.
Until Tomorrow -
Friday, January 8, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 51
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| Serious About Solar! |
Another night of off & on rain, although less than previous nights. 41°F this morning when I went for my walk for coffee. After breakfast I watched more RVs arrive, did some reading, both forums and my current book, then drove to the Roadrunner Market for cookies, French bread (they didn't have Italian, although the French bread sure looks like a loaf of Italian.)
I can tell it has been warmer than usual back home in Oswego, NY. I got my utility bill and it is what I would expect for October, not that I'm complaining. I did check the Oswego weather, and it has finally become normal - it is going to be in the low 20's this weekend with 2" - 4" of snow.
By the time I got back it was warm enough to sit outside as long as you ducked out of the breeze. The Goodyear blimp went by, maybe heading for the football playoffs in Phoenix, so I took a couple of photos as it went by. One of the latest arrivals is a class A with 13 (count them) solar panels. They look to be 60 - 80 watt panels; not sure why he went that way since it has to take time to set them all up & do the connections, but what ever floats your boat! Blimp photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
Dinner will be spaghetti & meatballs (and French/Italian bread).
Thursday, January 7, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 50
Thursday, January 7, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 50, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
It rained off & on overnight & I slept in until almost 9:00AM. After removing the Reflectix from the windows, I decided to take a short walk for coffee rather than going all the way to the gas station - it still looked like rain. I walked to Marie's across from the K & B Tool Store for coffee & biscuits & gravy. Cheaper than the espresso stand, but still more than going to the gas station, and it never did start raining. Still, a cool & cloudy day with some brief glimpses of sun during the late morning, enough so the solar has the batteries close enough to full to keep me happy.
I went for another walk since my morning one was shorter than normal, checked out a bunch of new to the area RVs, but quickly headed back indoors to avoid the cool wind. I did some reading, and that was about it for the day.
Dinner is cooking as I type this - a couple of burritos in my Dutch Oven on the Volcano grill using the propane burner. I'm still working at trying to keep an even temperature in it, but it seems to be working...
Until Tomorrow -
It rained off & on overnight & I slept in until almost 9:00AM. After removing the Reflectix from the windows, I decided to take a short walk for coffee rather than going all the way to the gas station - it still looked like rain. I walked to Marie's across from the K & B Tool Store for coffee & biscuits & gravy. Cheaper than the espresso stand, but still more than going to the gas station, and it never did start raining. Still, a cool & cloudy day with some brief glimpses of sun during the late morning, enough so the solar has the batteries close enough to full to keep me happy.
I went for another walk since my morning one was shorter than normal, checked out a bunch of new to the area RVs, but quickly headed back indoors to avoid the cool wind. I did some reading, and that was about it for the day.
Dinner is cooking as I type this - a couple of burritos in my Dutch Oven on the Volcano grill using the propane burner. I'm still working at trying to keep an even temperature in it, but it seems to be working...
Until Tomorrow -
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 49
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| Looking West - Filling Up |
I walked to the La Mesa RV Store for a free pancake breakfast this morning. Pancakes, coffee & juice, all for filling out a form with your mailing address & email. I'll probably be getting stuff from them for years, but it is easy to throw away. There is a crew of 10 - 15 salesmen just outside the door waiting for you when you leave, but since my form stated I am from NY & have a 17' trailer, they weren't interested in selling me a $200,000.00 motorhome.
A beautiful sunny day after a night of rain. I was down by 39 amp hours this morning, probably near the lowest I've been since getting the trailer. The clear skies helped put the amps back in the batteries; at 10:45 I'm only down 19 amp hours & charging at 11 amps with a light haze.
I made reservations this morning for the September Niagara Wine Escape, a fiberglass trailer rally that takes place in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I've been going to it since 2010 when I got my first look at Escape trailers. This time my friends Don & Anne will be bringing their Scamp.
I did a little reading, met some new neighbors, and made a run to Fill-er-Up Propane to fill an empty 20 lb tank. I'm tempted to purchase a 30 lb tank just to stretch out the visits to Fill-er-Up Propane to more than every 7 days, but my cover won't fit over the larger tank, I don't need the additional tongue weight, and it is $65.00 for the empty tank.
As of 4:00 I'm back to a normal evening deficit of 8 amp hours. I've been told by numerous people in the know not to bother trying to get the last 10 or so amp hours back into the batteries. By the time they are that close to full they only take an amp or two so there isn't enough time left in the day to top them off. It still irks me - I want to see 100%!
I did take a couple of photos of the rapidly filling campground. Around 2-3 RVs are coming into the area every day. I also included a photo of a couple of puddles just to show it does rain in the desert! More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.
Since it hasn't started to rain yet (it is predicted for tonight & tomorrow), I'll be cooking a Bubba Burger outside for dinner.
Until Tomorrow -
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 48,
Tuesday, January 5, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 48, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Dinner last night was the beer battered shrimp at Sweet Eileen's. While there were only 5 of them, the shrimp were huge; probably a pound on the platter. While OK, I prefer more, smaller shrimp - these were a bit tough, and the fries a bit underdone.
The rain held off for most of the night, although the day was heavy clouds with not much solar charging. I should be OK for a couple of days of this, but I'll start to worry after three or four, at least if the nights are cool enough to need the furnace.
I read for awhile, then drove to Blythe to pick up a 1099 from the Social Security office. Easier than I thought it would be. That is the only form I need to do my taxes that I can't get on line so now I'm ready. I'll probably have to wait a week or two for my retirement provider to post their 1099's. I stopped by the eye doctor's to check if they had sent any bills to Oswego; they didn't, and did another pressure check because I was there. Still better than usual. I stopped by Albertson's on the way out of town for some supplies. Couldn't find me favorite Italian style chicken meatballs, but they did have beef versions from the same manufacturer, so I'll try them.
After getting back to the campground I read for a bit, then decided to post this page before the sun went down (not that it ever came up - well, it did, but you couldn't tell by looking!)
Dinner will be a grilled chicken sandwich with something that I haven't yet decided.
Until Tomorrow -
Dinner last night was the beer battered shrimp at Sweet Eileen's. While there were only 5 of them, the shrimp were huge; probably a pound on the platter. While OK, I prefer more, smaller shrimp - these were a bit tough, and the fries a bit underdone.
The rain held off for most of the night, although the day was heavy clouds with not much solar charging. I should be OK for a couple of days of this, but I'll start to worry after three or four, at least if the nights are cool enough to need the furnace.
I read for awhile, then drove to Blythe to pick up a 1099 from the Social Security office. Easier than I thought it would be. That is the only form I need to do my taxes that I can't get on line so now I'm ready. I'll probably have to wait a week or two for my retirement provider to post their 1099's. I stopped by the eye doctor's to check if they had sent any bills to Oswego; they didn't, and did another pressure check because I was there. Still better than usual. I stopped by Albertson's on the way out of town for some supplies. Couldn't find me favorite Italian style chicken meatballs, but they did have beef versions from the same manufacturer, so I'll try them.
After getting back to the campground I read for a bit, then decided to post this page before the sun went down (not that it ever came up - well, it did, but you couldn't tell by looking!)
Dinner will be a grilled chicken sandwich with something that I haven't yet decided.
Until Tomorrow -
Monday, January 4, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 47
Monday, January 4, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 47, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
The predicted rain started around 4:00AM & continued off & on all day. You would thing the desert would soak up the rain since the last one was almost a month ago, but the whole place is filled with puddles. I guess the hint is the large washes criss crossing the campground. So far there isn't enough rain to start them flowing, but you do discover all the low spots around your trailer & along the roads. I also discovered that what is nice, hard packed dirt is actually mud when wet! I went to move the portable solar panel to catch the slightly brighter part of the sky, and sunk in to the top of my sneakers.
All I did for the day (other than moving my solar panel & digging out a new roll of paper towels from the RAV4) was sit & read. Rainy weather isn't much fun at Quartzsite (or most places for that matter) and it is still cool enough at around 49°F outside that one wants to curl up with a book. I did pay some bills on line, and discovered that my Oswego Town Clerk retired after 20 odd years on the job. The new one (Nikki) says she will be collecting my town taxes for the next 20 years. It is interesting how the same person gets elected every two years forever. Since no one runs against them, I guess I can understand why they stay in the position forever.
While I haven't made up my mind, I think dinner will be a trip to a local restaurant. I sure don't want to cook outdoors, and while I do sometimes make soup inside, I feel like having a more substantial dinner.
Until Tomorrow -
The predicted rain started around 4:00AM & continued off & on all day. You would thing the desert would soak up the rain since the last one was almost a month ago, but the whole place is filled with puddles. I guess the hint is the large washes criss crossing the campground. So far there isn't enough rain to start them flowing, but you do discover all the low spots around your trailer & along the roads. I also discovered that what is nice, hard packed dirt is actually mud when wet! I went to move the portable solar panel to catch the slightly brighter part of the sky, and sunk in to the top of my sneakers.
All I did for the day (other than moving my solar panel & digging out a new roll of paper towels from the RAV4) was sit & read. Rainy weather isn't much fun at Quartzsite (or most places for that matter) and it is still cool enough at around 49°F outside that one wants to curl up with a book. I did pay some bills on line, and discovered that my Oswego Town Clerk retired after 20 odd years on the job. The new one (Nikki) says she will be collecting my town taxes for the next 20 years. It is interesting how the same person gets elected every two years forever. Since no one runs against them, I guess I can understand why they stay in the position forever.
While I haven't made up my mind, I think dinner will be a trip to a local restaurant. I sure don't want to cook outdoors, and while I do sometimes make soup inside, I feel like having a more substantial dinner.
Until Tomorrow -
Sunday, January 3, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 46
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| The Big Tent is Up |
After breakfast I read the Sunday Syracuse Post Standard on the iPad, and enjoyed another $.50 mug of coffee. While it started out cloudy enough that I was concerned about making back my 25 amp hour deficit, there was enough sun that I did spend some time on the laptop.
After lunch I headed to Main Street for some of the "craft" stands that popped up since the last time I was there (two days ago). Craft is generous - most are garage sales with the older & most useless stuff imaginable! I did find one C. J. Box book I haven't read, but it was in bad shape (it had been wet & had many loose pages) so I passed it up. I made a run to the Roadrunner Market for some vegetables to make a salad to go with dinner.
When I got back to the site I noticed that the "Big Tent" was up, so I took a photo from my site. Parking won't be a problem since it is probably closer to my site than a parking place would be during the main event. I'm also including a photo of a powered para-glider that went over the campground the other day. Sorry for the flair, but by the time I got out of the trailer & grabbed the camera he was into the sun. The photo of the para-glider is at today's LakeshoreImages post.
Dinner will be the last of the Sloppy Joes (finally!) and a salad.
Until Tomorrow -
Saturday, January 2, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 45
Saturday, January 2, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 45, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
After my walk to the gas station for a $.50 cent, 24oz coffee, I ate breakfast & read some forums & web pages.
Another domestic day - I did a couple of loads of laundry. I expected the laundromat to be empty, but apparently, Saturday is laundry day in Quartzsite. I even had to wait for a couple of dryers to become empty, but at least the ones that became available were next to each other. As usual, I bought a shower in a full sized shower at the laundromat. I had thought of trying the ones at the local Pilot, but a neighbor said they were $12.00 unless you have "points" to turn in for them. Since I don't, I'll stick with the Main Street Laundromat & their $7.00 showers.
I made the bed (there is a wonderful description of the joys of making fiberglass trailer beds in the trailers that have walls on three sides (most of them) at, among others, the Casita Club Forum - you may need to join to read the post). The Escape 17B adds to the "joy" because the kitchen counter extension gets in the way either up or down.
After making the bed and putting the laundry away I started today's post (I like to start them in the afternoon while there is still sun on the solar panels since the laptop is a fairly heavy draw & by then the batteries are only taking an amp or two so the rest of the solar output is going to waste.) I usually wait until the evening to post just in case something exciting happens. Don't hold your breath waiting!
Now I'm going outside to sit & read in the sunshine. It is finally warming up - 63°F for the high; it is still 62°F at 3:30!
Dinner will probably be as I mentioned yesterday, Sloppy Joes & rice, the last of the leftovers.
Until Tomorrow -
After my walk to the gas station for a $.50 cent, 24oz coffee, I ate breakfast & read some forums & web pages.
Another domestic day - I did a couple of loads of laundry. I expected the laundromat to be empty, but apparently, Saturday is laundry day in Quartzsite. I even had to wait for a couple of dryers to become empty, but at least the ones that became available were next to each other. As usual, I bought a shower in a full sized shower at the laundromat. I had thought of trying the ones at the local Pilot, but a neighbor said they were $12.00 unless you have "points" to turn in for them. Since I don't, I'll stick with the Main Street Laundromat & their $7.00 showers.
I made the bed (there is a wonderful description of the joys of making fiberglass trailer beds in the trailers that have walls on three sides (most of them) at, among others, the Casita Club Forum - you may need to join to read the post). The Escape 17B adds to the "joy" because the kitchen counter extension gets in the way either up or down.
After making the bed and putting the laundry away I started today's post (I like to start them in the afternoon while there is still sun on the solar panels since the laptop is a fairly heavy draw & by then the batteries are only taking an amp or two so the rest of the solar output is going to waste.) I usually wait until the evening to post just in case something exciting happens. Don't hold your breath waiting!
Now I'm going outside to sit & read in the sunshine. It is finally warming up - 63°F for the high; it is still 62°F at 3:30!
Dinner will probably be as I mentioned yesterday, Sloppy Joes & rice, the last of the leftovers.
Until Tomorrow -
Friday, January 1, 2016
La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 44
Friday, January 1, 2016, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 44, 0 Miles, 4,046.3 Miles for the Trip
Happy New Year. Hope you all have recovered. As for me, I left Rudy's by 8:30 to start my Glaucoma eye drop regiment, so I had a quiet New Years. I spent the day reading, moving the 2015 end totals to the new 2016 spreadsheets, updated my retirement spreadsheet (I lost exactly what the IRS insisted on taking from me because I'm over 70.5 years old), did some reading & forum posting.
I drove into town to buy some hamburger to make Sloppy Joes for dinner. I had one with left over rice; I'll probably have the same thing tomorrow since there are left overs of each.
Until Tomorrow -
Happy New Year. Hope you all have recovered. As for me, I left Rudy's by 8:30 to start my Glaucoma eye drop regiment, so I had a quiet New Years. I spent the day reading, moving the 2015 end totals to the new 2016 spreadsheets, updated my retirement spreadsheet (I lost exactly what the IRS insisted on taking from me because I'm over 70.5 years old), did some reading & forum posting.
I drove into town to buy some hamburger to make Sloppy Joes for dinner. I had one with left over rice; I'll probably have the same thing tomorrow since there are left overs of each.
Until Tomorrow -
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