BACK IN CANADA

WE are back in Canada now. WE arrivwed back inb Vancouver last nite ( Friday 12
Oct) and were met by our son, Bob, our daughter, Marci and our granddaughter
Jenna. What a wonderful way to return home.

We returnred via Air Canada from Paris through Toronto. Our flight out of
Paris was delayed by weather so it was hectic changing plamnes in TO but we did
it and our luggage made the change also.

We had a good time in Paris and saw all the sights but man is that place
expensive.

NICE & NIMES FRANCE

Today, 6 Oct is our last day in southern France. Tomorrow we head to Paris and
maybe some fall weather. Up to now we have been very lucky and have had great
warm (hot) weather. Southern France is very nice in Nice and even more
interesting in Nimes where there is a 2000 year old Colosseum which is still in
excellent repair and still being used for Bull Fights and Concerts.

Tomorrow we check into the Best Western Plaza Elysee for 4 nights. On 12 Oct
it is to the airport and then home.

Finally an Update

Sorry to anybody who hqas been trying to follow our trip; We have had trouble
finding the internet spots.
We have had a great trip so far and are now in Nimes France after finishing our
cruise through the Med qnd then spending ' days in Nice France. Sunday we go
to Paris.
Gary

THIRD UPDATE OF OUR EUROPEAN HOLIDAY

12/13 Sep - Today we arrived in Venice for a 2 day stop. Ship made a slow
passage trough Venice so we got a good overview of Venice before we docked.
Venice is very crowded and expensive. I would not go back there. I am glad
we saw it but if this was my First impression of Italy then I would never
return.
Fortunately the rest of Italy makes up for Venice.
Judy and I did spend 4 hours on September 13 touring the Doges Palace and that
was interesting and had lots of wonderful art - again most of it above our
heads so more sore necks. As we left, ship had to stop and return to dock to
for one couple who were late ( and very lucky that ship stopped.)

14 September - Dubrovinik Croatia - very pretty place! We walked the town and
looked at the walls and decided not to climb them--too many tourists. Instead
we went outside the city walls and climbed the steps up to the residential
area, even higher than the walls. It was well worth the climb and we ended up
wandering through narrow alleys, etc. until we found a wonderful restaurant
right on the water and away from the crowds. They had one table that wasn't
set for lunch and so agreed to serve us our much needed beer. it was a great
day!

15 September - Day at sea relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine.

16 September We took a tour to Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento. Pompeii was
very interesting and we had a guide who had played there when he was a young
boy. Sorrento and Capri were very pretty but once again so crowded that we
weren't able to see as much as we would have liked. There were at least 5
cruise ships in the harbour that day. We sat at the marina in Capri and had
local beer, the most expensive so far at 7 euros each.

Second Update on Our European Trip

We are having a gerat time here in Europe. We decided to forgo the baech and
got into the Sistine Chaple without having to line up by going there in the
afternoon. Wonderful art - most of it above our heads so we got sore necks.
After that we went for dinner at a great little family run restaurant - met a
family from New Zealand and a couple fro Rome who eat there at least twice a
week. Food was excellen and inexpensive. Then went for another ice cream.

4 Sep - Our trip from Rome to the Ship was fast and uneventful- Italian
transportation system is great. Walked to peirin 10 minutes and had a quick
and easy check in to the ship. Met up with Mike, Gail, Carolyn, Gary, Hector
and Pat prior to our departure at 5 pm.

5 Sep - into Portofino - - smalll picture perfect little town which was easily
toured on foot.

6 Sep - Livorno - Went on tour of Cinque Terre by Bus foot and Boat. Walked 4
of the 5 towns (terre) very pretty and definitely worth a return visit tho next
time will arrive by train and walk all 5 terre.

7 Sep- Toured Livorno Nice small City - looked for shoes for Judy with no luck.

8 Sep - Day at sea relaxed by pool ect -just eat drank slept swqam and lounged
around. I can really get into this life.

9 Sep - Messina Sicily _ Sunday so all stores closed ( great) town has a
fabulous Clock which comes to life at noon. Beer cost $6.00 a glass.

10 Sep - At Sea - -see 8 Sep

11 Sep - Split Croatia Wonderful city Toured palace had our first rain - Sea
got rough and we had a hard time getting back on board ship - Tender made 3
tries.
<end>

WE ARE IN ROME AND LOVING IT

We have had a wonderful trip so far. After leaving Victoria on Monday 27
August, we stayed in the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel overnite - $165 for a
small room plus $1.33 for each of 2 local calls. Felt ripped off.

Gary left home wearing two different shoes so we had to find him some new ones
in Richmond.

Our flight left at 6am on Tuesday so it ws up at 330 and to the airport for 4am
(as told to do by Air Canada employee) only to find out that counters didn'open
until 430am. Oh well.

Flight to Rome via Toronto and Montreal was comfortable and pleasant with 2
good meals served between Montreal and Rome.

We arrive at the Rome airport at 725am on Wed 29 Aug and after a speedy
clearance through immigration we were on the train into the city by 805am.
After a short walk, we were at our hotel, Best Western Globus, by 9am only to
find out that we couldn't get our room until 2pm. No problems tho as the
Hotel looked after our bags, gave us access to a washroom to clean up in and
then fed us a complimentary breakfast after which we toured the town until 2 pm.

On our tour, we saw a fantastic Catholic Basilica built on the ruins of a Roman
Bath near the PIAZA REPUBLICA, visited the Visitors Centre and recced the local
area. We found out about the new Roma Pass which for only €20 gives one free
access to 2 museums, a discount on the others and a 3 dat transit pass. A
really good deal.

We checked into our large and airy room, at 2 and after unpacking headed off
for our first ROMAN pizza – Potato for Judy and a meat pizza for Gary. THEN
AFTER BEING UP FOR OVER 24 HOUS WE CRASHED.

August 30 –Today we toured Rome on the hopon/hop off bus ( €13) and then
visited the Colosseum (free with Roma pass) the Forum, Circus Maximus, Panatini
Hill, Trevi Fountain (yes we did throw in our 3 coins) and the Pantheon. All
are incredible. We had lunch at a small café near Trevi Fountain called the
News Café where they served us lunch after 3pm even tho the Kitchen was
closed. They also have the cheapest beer we have found. That nite we had
dinner at a Hotel near the railway station. We had the tourist meal special
which was only €15 and was OK but nothing to write home about. Also had first
of what will become many Italian Ice Creams-.

AUGUST 31 –Today we used another Hop on/hop off Bus to visit the ancient Apian
Way and saw the Aqua Duct, Catacombs and a old Roman house. After finishing
the Bus tour we stopped at a very nice restaurant for a very good(but
expensive) lunch and off course Ice cream – Home made and delicious. We then
toured the art gallery (bathroom break) and then walked back through a
different part of town to our hotel where we had a nice supper at the hotel
restaurant with a bottle of white wine (€5.00).

SEPTEMBER 1- Today we used our transit pass to get around town – very easy.
First we toured the Vatican area. We tried for the Sistine Chaple but to
crowded and we are to cheap to enrich the Catholic Church with reservation
fees. Instead, we had a great tour of the Castel d'Angelo near the Vatican,
and then had lunch with 2 good but expensive beers before heading off to the
Spanish Steps. We then mad our reservations for the train to Nice, Shpped in
the stores in the RR Terminal and had supper before going for a long walk in a
different direction from normal. On the walk we found this fabulous Ice Cream
store where for only €1.80 one gets a triple scoop cone of the best Ice Cream
we have ever had.

SEPTEMBER 2 – Off today using our transit passes on the Metro and train to
Ostia Antica, (the ancient Roman port which is being uncovered and restored)
Fabulous. After 4 hours there, we caught the train again and went exploring to
Lido Ostia, the beach area west of Rome. Our plan is to return there
tomorrow. After a beer at the beach, we caught the train and subway back to
our hotel where we had another excellent supper and the wentout for our €1.80
ice cream cone.

Our last day in Rome will be tomorrow and then on Tuesday its off to the ship
to start our cruise.
I expect that Wednesday or Thursday will be the next time I will up date this
Blog

CIAO
Gary

Almost Packed

Well we are almost packed and ready to go an our next adventure. We leave
for Vancouver tomorrow at noon and then leave Vancouver for Rome on Air
Canada at 6 am on Tuesday. We are even starting to get excited. Well have
to get back to packing. Gary

This is a Test To See If I can Post my Blog by Email

Hi Everybody. I am just trying this out to see if i can do this while I am
away.

OFF AGAIN BUT THIS TIME BY BOAT

Well it is the 24th of August 2007 and Judy and I are getting ready to haed off on another trip. This time it is a 45 day trip to Italy & France including a 25 day cruise through the Med with stops in greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt. We leave on the 28th of August and will try to keep the blog updated.

Almost Home

Well we have made it as far as Coquitlam, and are now parked in Judy's sister Barb's place. We arrived here late Saturday afternoon and and will be staying until at least Thursday.

We departed Desert Hot Springs in a hurry on Monday after hearing the forecast for cool temperatures and very high winds for that evening. We made it through the mountain passes of Southern California just before they were closed due to the winds and spent Monday night at WalMart in Bakersfield. As we were pulling into Walmart, we spotted Gary & Caroline Ouesy and had a pleasant reunion with them hashing over our respective trips south.

Tuesday we continued north and spent that evening at the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning Ca.

On Wednesday the weather continued to be nice and we made it through the passes between California and Oregon and spent the night at the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville OR.

Thursday night was spent at the Lone Eagle Casino just south of Olympia. This was our first time here and we were impressed with it. The Casino is smaller than many but has 4 good restaurants, a Resort style hotel, free dry RV parking, and for $14 per night you can get water & power.

Friday was spent at the Tuliput Casino in Everett. This of course meant that much of the day was also spent at the Seattle Outlet mall here.

Saturday, after a couple of hours shopping, we headed north and crossed the border at about 3 pm. Our border crossing, at the Pacific Truck Crossing took all of about 3 minutes and concluded with a welcome home and have a great day.

Sunday we will help our grand daughter Jenna celebrate her first birthday and Monday Tuesday and Wednesday we will reacquaint ourselves with our family before heading home to Victoria on Thursday Morning.

We had a great trip and plan to repeat it next year.

Hanging Around in San Diego

On Thursday March 15, after a very pleasant stay at the El Centro Naval Air Facility, we headed west to Ramona California,just northeast of San Diego. After checking into the Western Horizon Resort at Ramona Canyon for a week, we picked up a rental car and proceeded to tour the area. We toured the local apple growing area of Ramona and Julian on Friday and were amazed to discover how rugged and rocky the area around San Diego is.


We headed into San Diego on Saturday where we toured the Mission Bay area, took a 2 hour sightseeing cruise on San Diego Bay, did a drive through of the Coranado area and then went for supper at the Red Sails Restaurant on Shelter island.


Sunday we toured and shopped in Tijuana Mexico. Judy and Lori kept the merchants busy bartering for jewelry and purses etc. while Moe & I carried the wallets and looked for places to eat and drink. After a busy several hours, we stopped for a late lunch where Lori got into the swing of things by dancing with our waiter and sampling the Tequila.


Sea World of San Diego was on our agenda for Monday. We spent a very full day at this attraction seeing all the shows and exhibits. Our favorite show by far was the Dolphin show with lots of action and entertainment. Gary's favorite exhibit was the Arctic Pavilion with its very exciting 5 minute simulated jet helicopter tour starting the experience. We all took the aerial Gondola over part of Mission Bay and then Gary got very wet when he took the River Rapids Ride (which everybody else was too timid to try).


The weather started to deteriorate on Tuesday and so we stayed around the RV site and did housekeeping tasks and cleanup prior to heading out for the Sun and heat at Desert Hot Springs on Thursday.

Our Trip to Desert Hot Springs was more exciting than we had hoped for as just west of desert Hot Springs, we were pulled over by a Police Officer and informed that one of our rear tires was flat. We limped into a gas station just off the highway, and after determining that the flat was caused by a loose valve attempted to fix it our selves. We were unsuccessful and so called AAA. Within 40 minutes, a truck had arrived and after reinflating the tire we found that it had been too badly damaged to be of any use. The AAA service man, Jeff, put on our spare and then led us to a local tire shop. Within 30 minutes we had bought a new tire, had it installed and were on our way again, our wallet lighter by about $400.00.

At 4:30 we checked into the Western Horizon Resorts Desert Pools RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs and rejoined Moe & Lori for a 4 day stay at this hot spring Spa. We have been enjoying the curative effects of the 3 hot spa pools and the comfortable swimming pool, have cycled in the local area and enjoyed the other amenities here. Tomorrow we intend to start the journey home with an expected arrival time in Coquitlam being late Saturday morning.

See all of you soon.

The Colorado River and Then EL Centro California.

The weather for the last week has been fabulous with temperatures in the mid 90's F and it is forecast to continue for at least the next week.

We left Casa Grande Saturday Morning and headed to the La Paz County Park on the Colorado River north of Parker AZ. We went to this park to meet up with Judy's Cousins Dee and Gwen and there husbands Gerry and Keith. We had met up with Dee & Gerry in Yuma 2 weeks before but we hadn't seen Gwen & Keith since we stayed with them in Saskatoon in 2003. It was great to get together with everybody and we had a great three days in a very attractive and well run park.

We all enjoyed a lot of food and drink and spent many hours chatting and catching up on what we have been up to.

Tuesday morning saw us packing up and heading to the US Naval Air Facility at El Centro CA. On route we stopped at Quartzsite to have another look around but most of the vendors have packed up for the season.

We arrived at NAF El Centro at about 4 pm and were given a nice site right on base. The sites are near all the recreation facilities, the clubs, Theatre, Commissary and Exchange. Each site is large with a concrete pad and full services including excellent WiFi Internet.

As a bonus we also got to see the final practice of the US Navy Precision Air Demonstration Team, The BLUE ANGELS. El Centro is the home base for this team. We had a ring side seat to a very impressive demonstration of flying as the BLUE ANGELS honed their skills during a 45 minute performance before heading to Tuscon.

Tomorrow we head west again, this time going to Ramona Canyon RV Resort near San Diego. This is our home resort with our membership in Western Horizon Resorts. During our week there, we plan to visit San Diego and its attractions including Sea World, The Zoo and the beaches of Mission Bay.

After Ramona Canyon we will finally start our journey north again heading to Santa Barbara, Monterrey and San Jose before heading for the border.

next up date will be from Ramona Canyon. TTFN

Gary & Judy

To Tuscon, Tombstone, SkyDiving and then on to Parker

Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to.
Sky Diving

Pima Air Museum


Gunfighters in Tombstone

Gary Just Hanging around

I'l bet that the Skydiving part of the title caught your attention. Well we tried but when we went to the sky diving school, the US Army had it booked and we couldn't do it ( Phew- saved by the bell again). All we could do was take a picture of a Parachutist coming in for a landing.

On Tuesday, we headed off to Tombstone AZ ( you know the place where Marshal Earp and Doc Holiday had a gunfight with some other bad guys at the OK Corral) On route we stopped at the Pima Air Museuem in Tuscon. There are over 65 ares of airplanes on display here - even Judy was impressed.

After Tuscon, we conbtinued onto Tombstone and moteled it for the night. We had a very good supper in Tombstone except for Judy who got overheated and had to go back to the motel. She recovered tho and the next day we did the tourist stuff of watching a gunfight and a riding show and hitting all the souvenier shops.

We then had a very good mexican meal for a late lunch and headed home. Boy that RV looked good when we got home.

Thursday we went to the Gila Indian Center but were very disappointed in what was there - poor displays and lax service. After that we went to the Sky Diving center for another disappointment - no sky diving for us - we could only watch some realy good parachute work.

Friday we have returned our car, had our RV washed and waxed and then Judy made Magnificent Margaretas and we ordered in Pizza. Today ( Saturday) we headed to the La Paz County park near Parker AZ where we will visit Judy's cousins Dee and Gwen and then on Tuesday head to El Centro US Navy Air facility to camp for two nights. After that we will be in Ramona Canyon RV resort and that is probably when we will next have internet.

CASA GRANDE NEAR PHOENIX

Due to forecast colder weather, we changed our plans (yes again) and went directly to the Western Horizons Desert Shadows Resort at Casa Grande Arizona near Phoenix. Temperatures have been going down as low as 2C at night here and were forecast to be below freezing in the St. David area.

We left Pilot Knob about noon on Tuesday after overcoming a battery problem on our rig and a leveler problem on Moe & Lori's rig. Although the wind was gusting up to about 30 mph (50km/hr), fortunately it was directly behind us on the trip and hopefully gave us better gas mileage.

Casa Grande Resort has about 360 sites and is located about 40 miles south of Phoenix and 65 miles north of Tuscon.

We will be picking up our rental car today and will start exploring the area. So far the use of rental cars has worked out well. We have paid between $20 and $30 per day for each day we have had the cars (10 days so far). Since we are sharing the costs with Moe and Lori, this has proved to be a very economical way to have a touring vehical when compared to towing a car.

Before we left Pilot Knob, Judy's cousin Dee and her husband Gerry came out to the park for supper and a few(!!!) drinks. A good time was had by all. Dee also let us know that another of Judy's cousin's, Gwen and her Husband Keith, would be in the Parker are with Gerry & Dee on 11 March and so we are changing our plans and will be in the Parker area on the 11th.

It is really amazing how many people we are running into that we know from Canada. Last monday, Moe and Lori were in a line at the Border while returning from a day trip to Mexico. Lori had stepped away to make another purchase and when she came back and Moe called her name to get her attention, it attracted the attention of the people in front of them who turned out to be cousins of Lori's from Ontario. Small world.

The high temperatures have been in the high 60's and low 70's F but are forecast to be in the low 80's starting tomorrow and through to the end of next week. Much better than the snow back home.

Yuma And Friends

Well we are still here at Pilot Knob RV Resort in Yuma. After much thinking and looking around, we decided to join the Western Horizons Resorts program and hence have been able to stayat Pilot Knob for at least two weeks if we want to.

We are planning to move on to St Davids, Arizona (near Tombstone) on Tuesday and then after 6 days there we will head to Casa Grande ( between Tuscon & Phoenix).

We saw Judy's Cousin Dee on Saturday. On Sunday we celebrated Judy's 60th with a relaxing day around the RV Site having MargaritaS while BBQ'ing steaks. We had a good visit with Stan's cousin Sandi and her Husband Bob when they came by on Monday.

After picking up a rental car on Wednesday, we went to the flea market on Thursday- lots of stuff, people, dust and smoke.

Today we went to Mexico for the afternoon and while wandering the streets we ran into Dan & Claire Kelly- friends from Victoria. Small world isn't it.

With Dan & Claire in Mexico

Enjoying a Mandatory Margarita in Mexico with Moe & Lori

After taking an hour to get back into the States, we headed over to Gerry & Dee's RV Resort to watch Gerry in a Jam session. Good music and Good company.

Heard from Bob about the S*** ( white stuff) in the Vancouver area. I think I like the weather here over S***.

Well that's it for now

Yuma

Well we made it to Yuma. We are checked into the Pilot Knob RV Resort until Tuesday morning and then will be looking for another place here in the Yuma vicinity. We plan to rent a car on Monday or Tuesday for a week so that we can see the area.

It seems almost like old home week here as Moe and Lori's friends Gene and Carol Spraglen came to see us today and will be checking into Pilot Knob tomorrow. We also called Stan's Cousins Bob & Sandi and will be seeing them tomorrow or Monday. We will be contacting Judy's Cousin Dee and her husband Gerry - They are staying just down the road at the Caravan Oasis RV Resort.

Judy and I are getting ready to celebrate our birthdays tomorrow(Judy) and Monday (Gary).

Plan to update Blog next on Monday or Tuesday.

Quartzsite - Finally

Well as they say, if something can go wrong, it will and thats what happened with the repair of our RV. After having the part delivery delayed, it finally arived and was installed - BUT THEN - the Ford dealer couldn't get our unit to start. There was no power at all to the engine or chassis and they couldn't figure out why. They called Gary to come out and see if it was the security system - But it wasn't. So at 6 pm it was check back into the Hotel for yet another night. The next morning the dealer found that a connection on one of the solenoids had not been tightened and once that was done our unit started with no problem.

Fianlly at about 2 Pm we got on our way and after an interesting roller coaster ride on US 95 through eastern California we again got to Quartzsite at about 6 pm Arizona time.

We are now dry camping in town and spent the day exploring the various flea markets. - The town is actually one BIG flea market.

Judy and Lori have had a great time looking at the Gems and jewelry and of course spening money on same while Moe and Gary have shown great restraint in this Giant RV/Tool store.

We will be heading to Yuma tomorrow and have reservations at the Pilot Mound RV Site there.

Next up date will be Sunday or Monday.

Still In Laughlin

Well another day here in Mini Las Vegas. The part needed for our RV was supposed to be delivered yesterday by UPS (you no - Unreliable Parcel Services) but didn't get here until this morning so we got to spend another night in the Hotel.

Judy has been trying to win our costs back but at $10.00 to $15.00 per day its going to take a long time.

Plan is to pick up RV this afternoon, stay one more night and then head to Quartzsite tomorrow and Yuma on Saturday Morning.

Next Blog updat should be Sunday.

Plans Change

Well things have certainly changed since we left Indio last Thursday. Our original destination was Quartzsite but we were not impressed when we arrived there and so headed up AZ 95 to the casino at Parker.

While in Quartzsite our Air Conditioner stopped working so the unit was a little warm during the transit.

In Parker we met some really nice people, Lloyd and Donna Redmond from Montana. They suggested that we call the Lake Havasu RV Resort and register as their guests for three nights and four days. We decided that was a good idea and called and made confirmed reservations.

The next day, Friday, we headed to Lake Havasu where I stopped at the Ford dealer and made an appointment to have the A/C fixed. We then continued on to the Lake Havasu RV Resort where we were informed that since we were CANADIANS they would NOT put us up for the three nights and that we would have to find accommodation elsewhere. Finding a spot in Lake Havasu in the late afternoon Friday turned out to be impossible so we left the UNFriendly atmosphere of Lake Havasu and headed north to Laughlin, NV and the Dry Camping area of the Ramada Express Hotel and Casino. This turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made as we each have a large camping area in a secure and quiet lot behind the hotel. We have been able to use the pool etc and have enjoyed ourselves experiencing the night life of this mini Las Vegas.

Of course all things can't be perfect and Yesterday ( Monday) we were brought back to reality when the local Ford dealer determined that our A/C problem was caused by a coolant leak through faulty Radiator hoses. Since the first parts sent were the wrong ones, the $1100.00 repair has stretched into two days and we have spent the last night in a hotel room at the Ramada. Our Warranty coverage apparently doesn't cover this repair either since it was the rubber hoses that went ( even though we had everything checked on January 24 by the Ford dealer in Victoria). Of course we will be following this up.

Hopefully everything will be fixed today and we can start heading for Yuma tomorrow. We are planning an overnight in Quartzsite and then a couple of days dry camping in Yuma before checking into a resort for the weekend to celebrate our birthdays. Hopefully we will have better luck at this resort.

Weather is sunny and warm.

Next Blog update should be next Sunday.

Heading East

Tonight is our last night here at the Shadow Hills RV Resort in Indio. Tomorrow we continue our journey with Moe and Lori and head to Quartzsite Arizona for 2 or 3 days of boon docking it ( thats RV talk for dry camping - ie no water, electrical, sewer, cable or internet hook ups).

We turned in our rental car this morning and spent most of the day cleaning up and packing up.
The rental was pretty reasonable- $129.25 US for 5 days rental - and a total of $45.00 for gas.

Tonight we went to a P3 party at the resort rec centre (opps should be "center" - we are in USA). P3 is Pizza, Pop & pie. It was good- three good size slices of Pizza, salad , Pop and a vast & varied selection of pies. Of course we aldo sampled some local California wine.

Yesterday was a pretty quiet - we took it easy in the morning and then toured the local area in the afternoon. Judy and Lori perfected their Lemon & Greatfruit picking skills. ( They have been making fresh lemon-aide every day. ) We also went for Date shakes and pigged out on fresh dates and other local fare. After we got back we enjoyed a couple of Margarettas and a good $1.97/bottle Merlot.

I have been biking about 12 km and swimming 10 to 20 lengths each day so hopefully I won't see a weight gain. Judy is hoping that moderation will help her.

Thats all for now. Since I don't expect to have Internet for the next 3 or four days, my next update will probably be next Monday or Tuesday.

Still In The Palm Springs Area

We have been enjoying ourselves here in the Palm Springs Area since we arrived last Thursday.

Our trip here was a little windy and as the following picture shows, we encountered some graphic evidence of why we must drive with care in windy conditions.

This picture is of a trailer that was blown completely over by a bad gust of wind.

As we don't have a car with us, we rented one for our stay and have been touring the area. On Friday we went shopping and replenished the larders.

Saturday, after going for a run and bike ride, we headed out and toured the Salton Sea area south of Palm Springs. This is definitely and interesting site. The Sea was created in 1905 during some flooding in this are and since it has no outlet is getting saltier each year. There is a campaign on to try to save the sea from drying up and disappearing. As can be seen in this picture, it is still wet and sea like.

Sunday was supposed to be a layed back day and started well as Judy and I went for a long bike ride. Unfortunately, Judy hadn't drunk enough water and became dehaydrated. This caused her to loss her concentration, hit the curb and and take a hard fall. After spending about 3 hours in emergency we found out that she had a bad jam of her clavical and shoulder bone causing severe swelling and pain.. She will be all right but uncomfortable for the next few days.

Judy, the trooper that she is, decided that she would soldier on, so today we headed out to Joshua Tree National Park. This park is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet and has some exceptional landscape. It also contains large expanses of the Joshua Tree.

A happy but sore Judy

Exotic Rock Formations

A Cacus Garden

Joshua Tree

Palm Springs Finally

Well we finally made it. We are in Southern California, Indio ( near Palm Springs) to be exact.

It looked at first that we might not get away as Lori, our friend and fellow traveller, broke her tooth late Friday nite and had trouble finding a dentist to do an emergency repair. After many frantic phone calls she found one and our trip departure was only delayed by two hours.

So Saturday January 27, we caught the 11 am ferry and spent the first night at the Tulalip Casino in Everett Washington. Overnighting was free but Casino is pricey.

The next day we journeyed as far as Canyonville Oregon where we spent the night at the Seven Feathers Casino. Again overnighting was free and we enjoyed a great rib eye steak dinner for only $6.95 each. Nice Casino also.

Day three destination was the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning California. Again, overnighting was free although they do have a RV Park attached which is $25.00/nite. Internet was $4.95/hr and showers would have cost $7.00. Free is definitly better deal. We enjoyed their Buffet for $14.95 minus a $2.00 discount for seniors. Casino has a Large non smoking area.

The fourth night we spent at in the parking lot of the Harris Ranch Inn at I-10 exit 334. Again no charge. There are two options here for parking. One is with the trucks - secure, dark but not quiet. The other option is in the paved parking lot between the two sections of Harris Ranch. Quieter but also much brighter due to the security lites. We stayed with the truckers and enjoyed a good nights sleep.

Last night we stayed at the Calico Ghost Town just off I-15 east of Barstow California. Cost was $20.00 for a drive through full service site just a short walk away from the restored Ghost Town of Calico. The cost included entry to the town. This was a very interesting site and well worth the trip. Thanks for the suggestion Stan.

Tonite we are at the Shadow Hills RV resort in Indio CA. We will be staying her for the nest 5 days and renting a car to tour the area. Site cost with the Happy Camper Discount is $25.00 per night.

Of We Go

Well here it is Friday evening and we are almost ready to go. By we I mean that Judy has done all she can and now I have to finish packing.

As always, the law has the last say and today was no exception. The law I am talking about is the Natures Law and today it happened. Just when I thought I was already and the RV was ready, our water heater drain plug broke and put our water heater out of business until I can get a tap to restore the threads so I can put in anew plug. Needless to say after 5pm on Friday not many places with the right equipment are open. Fortunately I can bypass the heater and Moe Palahicky has the right equipment to fix it when we meet up at Campers World in Burlington WA tomorrow.

Our plans are to catch the 9 am ferry and proceed to Burlington and then to the Casino in Everett WA where we will spend the night. Sunday we plan to go through Seatle and on to Medford Oregon and then Follow I5 south.

I will update this Blog as I have internet access. Take care everyone. We will be back at the end of March.

Oops I Forgot

In case anybody has been wondering why there have been no new postings, well its because I forgot my password.

During the last few days, Judy and I have been in Vancouver visiting family. Judy visited her mother in a nursing home in Coquitlam. We stayed with our son Bob and his lady Jenny in his home in Coquitlam for 2 nights and then went to stay with our daughter Marci, her husband Kevin and our grand daughter Jenna in Abbotsford. While in Abbotsford we had a birthday dinner for Marci.

We are now back in home finishing up the prep for our trip. Of course, we are only two days behind schedule and panicing a bit.

The next Posting is planned no sooner than Friday.

An Inconvenient Truth

Still working on preparing the RV for our trip south.

Watched Al Gore's Global warming movie "An Inconvenient Truth" last night. Having been involved with Global warming research, I wish everybody would watch this movie and get involved before it is to late. I do feel guilty about the mileage I will get on my rig however it is better than my previous unit and better for the environment than air travel.

Also would like to welcome my Step father Fred (and Kate) to viewing our blog.

Well back to work.

Our First Posting - 14 January 2007

Well we finally signed up for a blog and will now use it to chronical our trips and adventures.

At this moment we are less than 2 weeks away from setting off on a RV trip south with our friends Moe & Lori.

Our rig is a 2003 Itasca 32 ft Sunrise which we purchased in October to replace our previous 1988 Windjammer 28 foot Class A.

This will be the first major trip with our new unit and so we are busy preparing and loading the unit with the neccessities of life ( and the comforts also). The initial prep of a new unit is time consuming however since we have done this before, we are getting good at weeding out stuf we don't realy need.