Monday, December 21, 2015: We are marking time waiting for Tuesday morning to make the trade for the Class A. We thought we would go shopping but then found a pet groomer who would take Morgan in the afternoon. We spent the rest of the day fetching Morgan, delivering Morgan then returning for her once she was finished.
In the mean time, we noticed golf carts on the street with license plates. We learned that a golf cart is legal on streets with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less. With the way we have seen Arizona drivers manners, I don't think I'd want to be in a golf cart on the streets.
Sunday, December 20, 2015: Moving day from Tempe Elks to the Sun City Elks Club. That puts us 40 miles closer to the RV dealer to make our trade on Tuesday morning. There are no hookups but a MUCH quieter location. Another benefit for us, the Sun City Elks does not allow smoking in the lodge. We have enjoyed our time inside the lodge with Internet access. The inside of our Lazy Daze looks like we are hoarders with boxes stacked everywhere.
Saturday, December 19, 2015: When the time comes, the faster we transfer our stuff, the faster we can get on with our plans. We must take delivery out of the state of Arizona to avoid Arizona sales tax so that requires a 2 hour drive to Blythe, California. Gwen has packed up all the kitchen items into boxes ready to transfer. It's my responsibility to transfer everything from the hatches. I'm not as well organized as Gwen.
Friday, December 18, 2015: The RV dealer called today to say we could pickup our Class A on Tuesday. To save time, I decided to drive to the dealer and measure to install a solar charging system. When we purchased the Class A, I noticed it already had a 2,500 watt inverter combined with a 130 amp battery charger. Additionally, it had four brand new house batteries (click the photo). I hope that didn't blind me to everything else about this Class A. Now, all I need are the solar panels, charge controller and wire. The cost of solar has come down so much I will have only 25% of the expense back in 2009 when I did my first solar system.
Thursday, December 17, 2015: This morning we found new neighbors. These neighbors have a beautifully painted Winnebego Adventurer Limited and a MATCHING Smart car with the same paint scheme. I wonder if I can do that to our Samurai to match our new motorhome? It's only MONEY! Click the photo to enlarge the view.
No! We are still waiting for the call telling us to come get our Class A.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015: We were looking forward to the Tempe, Arizona Elks club parking. It was advertised with 25+ sites with full hookups. One little surprise, the fee (donation) has increased from $20 per night to $25 per night. We got one of the best sites for pet owners. The street (Hardy) is on our door side with a concrete block wall between us and the street so we are able to let our pets outside with a leash. We bother no one in the park and the pets are safe from traffic. We came to this park thinking it would be close to the RV dealers we wanted to visit and that turned out to be true for a few parks but several were across town almost an hour drive from Tempe including the dealer where we made the purchase. The freeway system around Phoenix is well thought out and easy to drive during other than commute hours. Our plan is to move to the Sun City Elks club when we get the call that we can pick up our Class A the next day. The Sun City Elks club is dry camping and only 4 miles from the RV dealer.
Today we were in luck. The Class A is considerably taller than the Lazy Daze so I need a 2" receiver drop down to lower the receiver to tow the Samurai. I checked three different locations to find what I needed then found the two sizes I thought would be good, an 8" and 10" drop, $129 and $139. Gwen did so searching and found one on Craigslist for $35 from an Oregon couple who no longer need it. We grabbed it so we're prepared to tow the Samurai.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015: This was a travel day from Lake Havasu, Arizona to Quartzsite, Arizona. Quartzsite is a popular parking location for RVers who like to boondock (dry camp). There is a lot of flat desert in this location controlled by BLM. Some is free, 14 day camping while other parts are LTVA parking (long term visitor area). BLM charges $40 for two weeks or $180 for the seven month season at an LTVA. You can read one of our stories of an LTVA, click here. Since we plan to camp only one night, we chose the free area at the red "X". This will be a much different experience from last night. We are surrounded by many other campers but NONE are closer than 150 yards so we have plenty of room for Annie and Morgan to roam without a leash. It will also be dark and quiet. I can't believe how good it feels to be camped in the desert again. Click the photo to enlarge. 
Tuesday, December 8, 2015: This was a travel day from Laughlin, Nevada to Lake Havasu, Arizona. We stopped in Lake Havasu only for ONE reason to meet a potential buyer of the Lazy Daze. We learned he would not meet us until 5 pm so we decided to visit Cowboys RV dealer. We were amazed at finding a Class A motorhome which we both liked. We spent the rest of the afternoon negotiating and got to $8000 difference between our offer and their acceptance so left the dealership. Gwen stated, she must "LOVE" the new rig and she only "LIKED" this one so learning that, I will ask Gwen, from now on, whether she "LOVES" the rig before entering into negotiation. By this time, it was dark and we were both hungry so we chose Black Bear Diner. It is in the same parking lot with Haugen grocery which had recently closed. We parked in the empty parking area with the red "X". After dinner we decided to stay there for the night. Other than having parking lot lights on all night, a parking lot sweeper and garbage pickup in the morning, the spot wasn't bad. Click the photo to enlarge. BTW: the potential buyer felt the Lazy Daze was TOO BIG, ironic because we feel it is TOO SMALL. Go figure!
Monday, December 7, 2015: Over the weekend I made a whirlwind trip back to Sutherlin, Oregon to retrieve the title to the Lazy Daze in the case we find something larger to trade for. Everything was exactly as planned. The plan was to fly Spirit Airlines (Home of the Bare Fare). I was able to get a $56 fare each way where everything cost extra but I only needed a seat. I was promised a Toyota Rav4 by Enterprise but got a Nissan Rogue (which got 25 mpg). I spent the night in my unheated fifth wheel in Sutherlin. Got the title and shipped a box of stuff from our list of items to myself in Arizona. On the drive back to Portland, I had the time to test drive an Allegro Class A Gwen and I have been looking at online. That was my first time to drive a Class A and I was impressed. It is much more maneuverable than our Class C. I was able to do things with the Class A I could never do with the Class C. The dealer made a very fare offer for the Lazy Daze on a trade. That's good news for future negotiation. The flight home seemed quicker (and smoother). Click the photo to see our Captain (pilot in command). He seemed pretty young to me but did a good job. He must have been practicing STOL (short take off and landing) on the landing in Las Vegas. As soon as the wheels touched the runway he directed engine thrust forward and went full throttle, I'm glad the seats were bolted down. Pilots usually do that to catch the nearest taxiway to save time getting to the terminal. I use to be a pilot and have done my share of braking hard to catch a taxiway that's coming up fast. This plane was flying on to Florida. The seats weren't that comfortable so I'm glad my flight was only two hours. I'm just glad I wasn't sitting on an apple crate and didn't have to pedal the whole way. 
Thursday, December 3, 2015: Several weeks ago we took the jet boat ride from Laughlin to Lake Havasu City on the Colorado River. While on the ride we noticed what seemed to be a campground with "peninsula" camping right on the river. Many of the sites were empty. Today we went exploring to learn about what we saw thinking this might be a fun place to camp for a while. We learned this location is called Pirate Cove Resort. There are two dozen "peninsulas", each have four campsites. Today, only a couple of these peninsulas had even ONE camper so this must be the off season. It is still pretty expensive to camp here, $273 per week or $550 per month. Gwen likes it so put it on her "bucket list". Each site gets a "private" beach. Of course, we have no boat and it's too cold to swim this time of year so not sure we will get our money's worth. They do advertise nearly 400 miles of off-road vehicle routes so maybe we could explore with the Samurai. Click the photo for another view.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015: While I'm thinking about it ... what are the advantages/disadvantages of boondocking vs full hookups. First, let's be honest, about 95% of the RVers travel from one RV park to the other and freak-out if they can't plug-in somewhere. So that leaves 5% who attempt parking off-the-grid. Living off the grid didn't come naturally for us, we learned from others, especially from "Handy Bob" (I consider Bob to be a purest because he wouldn't start a generator unless it was a medical emergency ... actually, I'm not sure he owned a generator). So, I'm not talking the "how-to" in this discussion, just comparing with full hookups. The photo is the last time we camped at the Imperial Dam LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) where many of the 5% spend the entire winter season OFF GRID. Water, garbage and a dump station are nearby otherwise every individual camper has a whole desert to camp in. When camped off the grid, fresh water is limited to your holding tank (60 gallons in our case). So showers, washing self or dishes, brushing teeth are limited. Use of water activities then is limited. Power is another limitation. Most of the LTVA campers have solar power which is used to recharge batteries so your power is limited to the amount of charge held by your batteries. A generator can offer almost unlimited power (at least for an RV) but is noisy and, of course, uses fuel. With good management, you can live off the grid indefinitely. Propane is used for heat, refrigeration, hot water and cooking. Note: we aren't exactly off the grid because we need propane (and fuel if we use the generator), but we are generating our own solar power. We prefer off-grid camping because we are "outdoor enthusiasts" liking the freedom, space, quiet, darkness, comradery and, it's usually free or very low fees. Note: there are plenty of very expensive RVs camped off grid so not everyone is doing it because it's cheap. Now, compare to full hookup camping where water, power and waist water disposal is unlimited, it's like living in a small apartment, just like home, with no limitations. You can see why the 95% prefer full hookups. My grandparents were the first RVers I knew. They purchased a new Airstream in 1956, state of the art. It had one propane lamp, no holding tanks of any kind and an ice box. My grandfather would bring fresh water into the kitchen area in an insulated 5 gallon bucket where my grandmother would dip water from the bucket using a ladle. The propane lamp never worked so the only light at night was from battery lanterns. A bucket was placed under the sewer pipe to collect waist water. For a bath, my grandparents would take, what they called, "a birdie", using a sponge and basin. They didn't watch TV or listen to the radio unless they were connected to power. Propane was used for cooking, and a wall heater. I believe the trailer had a battery but I don't know what it was used for, maybe the emergency break-away brakes. Refrigeration was by block ice. I remember they would look for "trailer parks" which advertised "over-nighter's welcome". After paying $3, they would have full hookups and needed them. Still, my grandparents didn't mind parking "off-grid". On the other hand, when WE park off grid, we don't lack anything. We can take showers, read at night using LED lighting, flush waist water, refrigerate food, and watch TV. We must measure our activities to not exceed limitations. So, enjoying RV living is really a matter of what we are use to and/or how much we can adapt. 
Wednesday, November 25, 2015: A really nice full moon tonight over Bullhead City and the mountains to the east. Then, turn around and look toward the setting sun for a sunset view. Click the photo.
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Thursday, November 19, 2015: We went exploring with friends into Grapevine Canyon near Laughlin, Nevada. This is the Spirit Mountain Wilderness area and a sacred area for the Mojave Indians. The canyon entrance is marked with petroglyphs which have been photographed thousands of times. Duane and Theresa are friends from 15 years ago in Grants Pass, Oregon. They happen to park next to us at Katherine Landing and we recognized each other. They have never visited this canyon. Click these photos for another view.
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Friday, November 13, 2015: Another day to kickbike, sunny and high wind as usual.
I came across this attempt to re-seed this bare dirt in the middle of a casino lawn. A coyote statue and plastic screen over the re-seeded area still did not discourage these pigeons. They are quickly cleaning up all the new seed.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015: This was the day we took the time to watch the new James Bond movie with friends then for a driving tour around the Indian Reservation on the Nevada side of the river. On our return, we stopped at the El Charro in Arizona for some Mexican food. Pedro was playing solos on his guitar, no vocals, just acoustic guitar and it was really good. Unfortunately, the food was only ordinary. As for James Bond, it was a typical 007 movie with 2.5 hours of action.
Monday, November 9, 2015: Another sunny day in Bullhead City. I'm trying to add at least a mile each day to my kickbike exercise so today I cheated a little by hiking to the top of the pass entering Katherine Landing with the bike. I kicked my way only 1/4 of the way and hiked the rest. Once at the top, it was a fast coast back down but I DID add more than a mile to yesterday's workout. After the exercise I nearly finished a book I've been reading for a week then Gwen and I met friends Bud and Anita for dinner. During dinner, we planned to see the new James Bond movie tomorrow.
Sunday, November 8, 2015: I took the kickbike today, first uphill, then downhill to the marina (then back uphill to the campground). Lake Mojave is a huge lake with hundreds of coves and probably enough houseboats to fill everyone of those coves. No TREES! This area is popular in the summer when it's 115 degrees. It was 80° today and the locals think it's COLD! All but a few boats are still in the slips. Click the photo for a panorama view. Click here for a map of the area. Lake Mojave is created by Davis Dam just north of Bullhead City, Arizona on the east side of the Colorado River and Laughlin, Nevada on the west side. If you follow the river due north you arrive at Boulder Dam and Lake Mead. This entire area is the Lake Mead Recreation Area. 
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Tuesday, November 3, 2015: I was lucky with the kick bike. It was on sale so paid very little for it. I didn't want to put any more money into this bike without knowing how much I would use it. Fortunately, my son Joe gave me a Yakima bike carrier tray which fit my Thule rack perfectly. My son Ben gave me one of his old helmets since my helmet is still in Sutherlin. My son-in-law gave me some old high performance handlebars so I can replace the funky cruiser handlebars (I haven't done that yet). So I have a method of transporting the bike on the Samurai. I haven't had to spend another penny on the kick bike. Tomorrow is travel day so everything is ready to go. Click the photo to enlarge.
Friday, October 30, 2015: Yesterday I got a plaything for myself. It's called a "kick bike". I'm thinking easy exercise and hopefully weight control too. As it turns out, it's serious work on even a slight incline as here in the RV park but lots of fun when descending. After I tried it, I decided there must be a proper way to kick bike so I searched Youtube. Apparently, kick bikes are popular in Australia, New Zealand and Europe because there are lots of kick bike technique videos and video introductions originating in those countries. So I tried the proper techniques and learned it will take practice. My daughter, Mindy wanted to try the kick bike, so I gave her some quick instruction and I took a video of her try. She seems like a natural. Click the photo for another view.
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Monday, October 26, 2015: Yesterday was an exceptional hiking day for my son Joe, daughter Mindy, son-in-law Scott and granddaughter Lucy. We've been planning this hike for several months after finding a description posted online. This hike is historic since it is on the 1863 railroad route built for the first transcontinental railroad. The first photo shows a chinese hand built wall as described in one of the photos. This route was still active until 1993 when a new route was opened. This was a perfect day although our hike was late in the afternoon so it was chilly. Lucy was an excellent hiker enjoying every part of the hike and scenery without complaining about the cold. Click each photo for additional views. This route passes Donner Summit in California at 7,000 feet. This is to the southwest of Truckee, California. Concrete barriers were built to protect the trains from the heavy Sierra snow loads. Now they serve as canvas for artists with a can of spray paint. 
Tuesday, October 20, 2015: For the first time since the purchase of the Samurai we took it mountain climbing, This was on a very rough road to the west of Verdi, Nevada. It required low-range four-wheel drive mostly because of the large rocks in the road. Click the photo above to see the view toward Verdi with Reno in the distance. We thought we were on the road to Verdi Peak where there is a fire lookout. It was the wrong road. We found the correct route but then took a wrong fork. By this time I was worried about the amount of daylight left in the day. I didn't want to explore the mountain in the dark. Part of the road we drove was marked as the California Trail for wagon trains headed to California during the gold rush. Click the photo to read the sign. 
Monday: October 19, 2015: Today Chloe showed me a new "toy" she enjoys. This is an amazing idea from the projects for kids people. It is a rubberized dinosaur skeleton encased in a material that seems like a combination of plaster of paris and clay. Chloe uses a brush and one of Dad's screwdrivers to carefully extract the dinosaur "bones". The name of the dinosaur is etched on a plaque also encased in the material and Chloe was very interested in knowing the name. She showed me the collection of "bones" she and Noah had extracted and kept in the corner cabinet. Chloe seemed as excited about her "digging" as a real paleontologist. Click the photo for another view.
Monday, October 12, 2015: Lucy is a serious climber, always moving and testing the equipment. The Kangaroo Climber is Lucy's backyard so she gets the chance to climb everyday until the winter weather arrives. Her Dad, Scott, threatens to make the living room into a "jungle gym". That would be great for Lucy but it might be tough to watch TV while hanging from a rope. Click the photo for another (serious) view.
Sunday, October 11, 2015: I went to the movie theater with son Joe on the left, next me, son Ben then son-in-law Scott. All were reluctant to take a selfie inside the movie theater but Dad insisted. We saw the movie, "The Martian". We all enjoyed and had good things to say about the movie. I think I even heard, "I need to see that again". I've been following the NASA posts of how the movie fits with reality. It's helped me to learn more about Mars. Scott has read the book and says the movie is very close to the book. Click the photo for "The Martian".
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Friday, October 9, 2015: This was a special day to hike to Long Lake with Scott, Mindy and Lucy. Long Lake is located near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. In fact, we crossed the Donner Wagon Train Trail (49er Trail) to get to Long Lake. I should have brought my pack with my hammock, a nice place to take an afternoon nap. Gwen took many of these photos. Mindy is my daughter so Lucy is my Granddaughter. Lucy is 20 months old and a great hiker, she takes after both her mother and father. The weather was perfect for this warm day at 7,500 feet. Devil's Peak is in the background. Click all photos for additional views. |  |
Monday, October 5, 2015: It's time for Monday night football with my son, Joe. Joe has a special place just outside his door he calls Herbie J's. It's complete with a fireplace in the center, surrounded with light bulbs, comfortable TV chairs and an HD TV for all the special football games Joe and his friends like to watch. Tonight we watched the Seattle Seahawks squeak by the Lions with an exceptional defensive play. We have a month of football games to share together before Gwen and I head south.
Monday, September 28, 2015: After a morning where Gwen and I talked with a friend I dropped Mom and Gwen off at JC Penney so they could do some shopping. While they shopped, I took Mom's car to the dealer for an oil change. That turned out to be a mistake. It took an hour and a half to do a twenty minute job. In the mean time, I got several text messages from Gwen letting me know she and Mom were ready. Fortunately, Mom and Gwen found a nice shop for drinks and french fries. I picked them up just in time. We drove across the street to Macy's where Mom found exactly what she was looking for. To make the day perfect, I took Mom and Gwen to the yogurt shop. Mom loves football so she watched Green Bay beat Kansas City this evening.
Thursday, September 24, 2015: I've been working on Mom's "to-do" list. When you click the photo, you'll see one of the projects for the back patio. Last year we removed the patio cover because it was falling down. 
But that left large windows exposed to the hot California sun. I decided to purchase a canopy then raise it to the height of the window to shade that window from the sun. It works so now Mom can leave her curtains open.
Another, simpler project was to replace the old door bell button. The old button still works but looks pretty bad. While shopping at Home Depot the bell buttons started at $7 and increased from there. The salesman said the cheaper buttons were for "rentals" so suggest a bronze button which was big enough to cover the vacant spot left by the old button. As it turned out, it was also lighted. Pass your pointer through the button to see the new one. For some reason the new button cycles the bell chiming sequence more than once, we decided that was OK.
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Monday, September 21, 2015: Traveling from Klamath Falls to Lodi, California to visit with my mother. When driving through northern California on Interstate 5 you can't miss Mt. Shasta (14,179 feet). When driving on Highway 97 to meet Interstate 5 from Klamath Falls, this is the view you will see. The drive we did is longer than we like, 370 miles, but we arrived in Lodi as the sun disappeared and I had to hurry to do the initial setup before it became dark. Click the photo to see the temperature rise as we descend into the Sacramento Valley. 
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in the store window which hit me funny. I suppose that's where the refrigeration is located but I'm hoping they don't get the meat and bait mixed up. We tried to go to the beach but found we must have a Washington State Discovery Pass to park so decided to wait until tomorrow when we will be better prepared. We have an Oregon State Pass but expect the parking attendant would not find that funny.
