Closer to Home

Because the weather forecast for our route from Tumcumari, New Mexico to Wichita, Kansas was for 4 to 8 inches of snow for Wednesday, we decided to stay over at the Mountain Road RV Park one more day.  The weather didnt get too bad in Tucumcari; rain turning to snow with temps in the high 30s, but it was warm enough(a relative term). to keep the snow from sticking to the ground.

Because the campground is made up of New Mexico dirt, and the sites are not graveled, it became a somewhat muddy mess, but still a better option than trying to drive down a wet and snowy highway.  About the only thing I accomplished Wednesday was to refill our 20 lb.  propane tank at the nearby Flying J Truckstop, but it did give Ann ample time get some work work done, with facebooking squeezed in as well.

We are now in Deer Grove RV Park near Wichita Kansas, and getting ready to pack up and head north and east.  I will update the blog a little later today.

Paul

Tucuncari, New Mexico and How We Got Here.

Time flies when you are having fun!  Here we are in Tucumcari, New Mexico on our way back home.  We plan on being home sometime on Saturday March 27.

As anyone would guess a lot has happened since we arrived at the Yuma County Fairgrounds  for the Western Gypsy Journal Rally.

I attended some of the rally events and visited many of the vendors while Ann did work work.  On Monday evening after finishing her work for the day she went to salon and got her hair cut and colored.  It looks nice, not a radical change, but certainly noticeable.

The rally itself was not all that much fun as we were across the street from the Marine Airbase, and with British Harrier jets landing almost directly overhead most of the day, you could hardly hear anyone speak in the main building where the vendors were, and also where many of the seminars were held.  The noise was so loud that when Ann needed to be on a call for her job, she took her phone and computer in her car and went to a hotel parking lot a few miles away for some peace and quiet.

As most of the family knows on Wednesday March 10 we left the rally early, and parked our motorhome and car at the Yuma Airport, and flew to Denver Colorado for the funeral of my oldest brothers wife on Thursday.  It is always nice to visit with family, but occasions like this make it a little tougher.

We returned to Yuma late Saturday night so we slept in the motorhome in the parking lot at the airport.  On Sunday, after dumping our tanks, refilling with water, and getting our first noticeable boo boo on the RV while exiting the dump area

 we moved to the RV parking lot at the Cocopah Casino a little south of Yuma.  This place had huge sites on an asphalt parking lot, and only cost $5.00 for three nights of dry camping.

The first night there we tried the buffet.  Lots of good food, but nothing like the spread at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa.  Monday was a normal workday for Ann, and a wonderful day for me to sit outside and enjoy the 78 degree sunshine!  Summer weather again at last!

Tuesday started out to be another beautiful day in paradise;  Warm, sunny ahhhhhhhhhh this is what winter is all about!  Later in the after noon as Ann was working away on her computer, all at once it just went black, nothing, nada, zip, completely dead!  This aint good for someone who needs her computer and the files on it for work.  The first thing I did was to check the voltage from the inverter that we had purchased in Quartzsite.  The volt meter showed it was only producing 88 volts!  No wonder it ruined Ann's computer!  I feel really stupid for not checking the inverter as soon as Ann started having problems with the battery on her computer.   Fortunately, a few few months back when the hard drive on her computer died I purchased a connector for a laptop hard drive to a usb port on another computer.

 She was able to use this device to get files off her computer and transfer them to my laptop, so she could at least finish up her work for the day. Our first thought was to go to Best Buy and get a new hard drive to see if that was the problem.  Best Buy did have several hard drives, but not at a price we were interested in.  On the way home we stopped at a Loves Truck Stop and purchased a new Cobra brand inverter.  The first thing I did once we got back to the RV was to check it for proper voltage.

As Ann had already scheduled Wednesday March 17 off, not to celebrate St. Paddy's day, but to take the opportunity to go to Algononnes Mexico to check it out, and pick up some booze, and prescriptions at bargain prices.  It was an interesting trip.  Things were not as cheap as we expected, but it was still fun, but when we got ready to go back across the border there was a pretty long line.  It moved pretty quickly and there was no problem getting back into the country.  Here is a pic Ann took while standing in line on the Mexican side of the border, and looking up at the American flag on the American side.

After returning to the RV, we needed to put together a plan to replace Ann's computer.  We decided to load up and drive to Fry's Electronics in Tempe, a sister store to the one in Phoenix where I had purchased my new Fujitsu Lifebook a few weeks back.  The trip to Tempe was uneventfull, and finding the store was no problem.  Ann finally decided on a HP Pavillion DV6.  It had all the features she wanted, and she really wanted to stay with HP, as she said her "Compaq 2200(Compaq and HP are the same company) was the best computer ever!"   We moved the motorhome across the parking lot into the Denny's parking lot, where we had a nice St. Paddy's dinner, even though they didnt have corned beef and cabbage.

Before leaving Yuma, be had decided to go on to Tucson after getting the computer.  Ann had communicated with the wife of a couple we met in Quartzsite, and she invited us to come and stay at their house while in Tucson.  We quickly said yes, and headed toward Tucson.  We arrived at their house about 9:00PM.  Deb was in the yard directing us to a parking place.  We couldnt get the car off the road while still on the dolly, so we unloaded it and parked it in the driveway.  By that time Randy had joined us in their yard, and we chatted for quite some time before we decided it was bedtime for all of us.

When we went to the RV to put the slides out, the driver's side slide only went out about  six inches and stopped.  I tried retracting it, but it wouldnt move.  Not good! Not much we could do that late at night, so it was sleeping in the bedroom with it still and in, and us unable to get to our clothes in the dresser drawers.  We still got a good nights sleep, and we ready to face the problems of the next day, and it was a good thing as the next day would proved very frustrating, more for Ann than me, but still it was quite a day.

With her new computer in hand, and my plan was to check the fluid level in the hydraulic system that runs the jacks and slide outs, we thought we had things covered. NOT!  When Ann set up her computer, it would not connect to the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200.  Between spending a few hours on the phone to tech support and first with HP, then with Verizon, nothing they suggested would make a difference.  We concluded that the problem was with the wifi adapter in the new computer, and after calling the store in Tempe, the plan was for Ann and Deb to drive the 100 miles back to Tempe to exchange the new computer.  In the meantime after purchasing a couple of quarts of dexron for the hydraulic system, and then talking to a tech at HWH, the company that makes the system that runs the jacks and slideouts, he told me the problem was the shuttle valve.  Beaudry RV in Tempe had the part, so Ann and Deb agreed to pick it on their trip to Tempe.  Problems solved right?  WRONG!

When they returned from Tempe with the new computer and the shuttle valve it was dinner time, and Randy and Deb invited us over for a nice meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and broccoli dinner,then  it was back to our RV to try and see what we can do to make the computer connect to the MiFi.  Nothing worked!!! So after much effort we finally gave up and went to bed.

Friday morning started with me replacing the shuttle valve and it was pretty easy.  Nice to have the slides and jacks working again.  In the mean time Ann was on the phone talking to tech support at HP.  This time she asked for someone with a lot of technical knowledge.  He walked her through several changes to her computer, finally it connected! Wooo Hooo!  But wait, the connection only lasted a few seconds, and then it faded away!!!  So it was back to using my computer for Ann to do her work, while we were trying to figure out our next step.  While I was messing with Ann's computer it connected again, but again the connection lasted for only a short time.  After several more attempts at connecting then disconnecting, Ann took the computer outside, and it connected, but when she back inside she would lose the connection.  We decided the problem was with the network adapter or the built in wifi antenna in the computer.  Deb who has a HP computer as well, brought hers to our RV and it had no problem connecting and staying connected.  A check of the brand of the network adapter showed that Ann's computer had an adapter made by Broadcomm, while the one in my computer and Deb's computer is made by Atheros.

We decided the only thing to do was another trip back to Tempe, and exchange the computer for one with an Atheros network adapter, and to make sure it worked, we took the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 with us.  By now it was a familiar trip.  No problem in exchanging the computer.  Ann finally decided on a Gateway NV59.

Her first instinct was not to get a Gateway, as at one time they were making some less than stellar computers, but this one seemed nice and have some nice features.  The deal was that if the computer Ann purchased was cheaper than one the one she brought back, she would be give "store credit" for the difference, since we probably wouldnt be getting back to Tempe for a while we had about a $100 difference to make up.  After picking up a few items, the total came to within a nickel of the value of the one we brought back.  Pretty close.

With that done, and being pretty confidant that the computer would work at home as well in the store, we stopped at In and Out Burger for a quick sandwich, and then it was back to Tucson.  At last Ann once again had a computer.  Some problems are easier to solve than others. By time we got home it was time to end another day.

Saturday March 20 started with beautiful sunrise and warm temperatures!  All is right with the world again!  Randy and Deb treated to us to a wonderful breakfastat a place not too far from their home.(They actually live in their motorhome in the back yard when not travelling, and their daughter and son-in-law live in the house).  After enjoying the food and wonderful conversation at the restaurant, we continued when we got back to the RV.  Randy and Deb are truly nice people and we are glad we met them in Quartzsite!

Even though it was a great time at their house we decided it was time to head out in the direction of Iowa.  After hugs, handshakes and good-byes we  headed toward Deming, New Mexico, and the Dream Catcher RV Park.  We planned an overnight stay of dry camping and them head to Tucumcari, New Mexico by way of Alamagordo.  We had no trouble finding the park and checking in.

Sunday morning when we got up and since we were not hooked up to electricity, we needed to run the generator to make coffee, but the RV was low on fuel and the generator wouldnt start.  The system is designed this way so that you dont run your main fuel tank empty by running the generator.  We then just took off and headed for Las Cruces to find gas, coffee, and breakfast.

It was a short drive to the Pilot in Las Cruces to fill up.

Then it was across the street for breakfast and a place to park while I watched the NASCAR race from Bristol Tennessee.

After the race it was off to Almagordo and points north and east toward Tucumcari.  Here is a pic of the white sands near the White Sands Missile Range.

 

We arrived here at the Mountain Road RV Park here in Tucumcari about 7:50PM on Sunday night.  It is not the nicest place, but it evidently works well for a lot of travellers like us who tow a vehicle behind a motorhome, as all of the sites are pull through sites.  It is nice just to be able park and not have to unload the car.  When we arrived the place was about half full, but almost empty by mid-morning, and filled up again by dark on Monday night.  The routine repeated itself today.  It seems that lots of other RVers know this place as a great place to overnight.

Since we have been here, I havent done too much other than get caught up on this blog while Ann has continued her work work.  We are contemplating when to head closer to Iowa.  The weather is supposed to turn bad tomorrow.  We are not sure whether to try and get ahead of the weather or wait it out here.  I guess we will decide tomorrow.

Well that is about it from us for now.  Wished I had kept the blog up better.

Paul

A Drive to the Fairgrounds in Yuma Arizona

Today was moving day.  A day I had looked forward to pretty much since we left Iowa.  The Gypsy Journal Western Rally held at the Yuma Fairgrounds started today.  Not really much going on today except parking and getting registered, but that is a start.  We left Friendly Acres RV park just before noon and made the twenty minute drive over here without incident, other than driving through some significant pools of water which was the result of having about an inch of rain overnight and this morning.

After a few minutes of waiting and some confusion on the part of the people who volunteered to help park the RVs, we were one of the first to get parked.  When most of the rigs were parked a crew started stringing out electrical hookups. We hooked up quickly just as it started to rain again.  But whenever I plugged into the electric box, the breaker would trip.  After about fifteen minutes of trying different cords and adapters, and being soaking wet, I and a couple of others were stumped.  I went inside, changed out of my soaking wet clothes, and proceeded to ponder what the problem could be.  Since there was only twenty amps of power available, when normally we have fifty or thirty amps available, I decided it had to be something drawing over twenty amps that was the problem.  We had already made sure that almost everything that runs on 120 volts was turned off or disconnected.  The next step was to shut off the breakers, plug in, then turn breakers on one by one till the breaker at the plug in kicked out.  It didnt take long to figure out it was the breaker for the refirgerator/convrter.  For the next step I unplugged the converter, and tried again.  Voila! It worked, so obviously there is a problem with our converter which I will have to deal with.

By then it had stopped raining, so we went to the registration building, got registered, wandered around a bit to see what vendors had there wares here.  Food was the next thing on our mind, so it was off to eat.  We found an Asian Buffet close by, and had some great food.

Then back to the RV for some tv watching and computer time, before calling it another day of adventure.

Paul

Wow, a Week Since I Blogged!

I cant believe how fast the last week went!  Friday February 26 was a cool and windy day.  I started the day by going over to the track and watched practice for the various classes of cars.  Here is a pic of the Sprint Cup cars getting ready to go on the track for practice.

I spent most of the day at the track while Ann did work work back  at the motorhome.  While watching practice the air show from across the street at Nellis Air Force Base continued.  This is an AWACS plane taking off.

The day at the track was pretty mundane, but still a lot of fun to be a part of the race weekend.   After returning to the motorhome, Ann and I thought it might be a good idea to go into town to get something to eat before we went to the dirt track to watch the World of Outlaws winged sprint cars.  Big mistake as there was still tons of traffic leaving the track and heading back to hotels, and there is only two ways to get there.  Las Vegas Boulevard or the Interstate.  After taking about an hour to go about a half mile, we bailed, made a u-turn, and headed to the dirt track to have a dinner of track burgers and sodas.

Earlier in the day we had received word that a sister-in-law of mine was in the hospital and not doing well.  While we were stuck in traffic Ann made some phone calls others confirmed the worst.  There was no hope of recovery, and it just a matter of time.  Sometimes reality just slaps you up side the head.  As there was little we could do, and it was virtually impossible to get to Sacramento in time to be supportive, we went ahead with our weekend, albeit with very heavy hearts.  I know that has a lot to do with my not posting for a few days.  It is just very hard to talk about such tragedies.

The Outlaws put on a real good show.  Man those things are fast!  The picture is a little dark, but here is the "Outlaws" on their four wide pace lap.

On Saturday we went over to the big track for Nationwide Series qualifying and the race.  Here is a couple of pictures of the start of the race.  The bright green car toward the back is Danica Patrick.

As a side note.  If you are not already aware, you can click on any picture, and you will see it in full size.


The race was not all that exciting.  Danica got crashed out by a  slower car.  Kevin Harvick was the eventual winner.  There was one bright spot to an otherwise gloomy day.  One of the cars I had bet on to win stayed out on the racetrack when others stopped for tires and gas, and became the leader of the race under caution, and it began to sprinkle.  Had the rain continued and the race been called, I could have won $600!  But it wasnt to be.  The rain went away, the guy leading faded  along  with my thoughts of what I might do with a few hundred bucks.  After we returned from the race we received notice that my sister-in-law had died at  6:30PM.

Sunday morning arrived bright and sunny and a whole lot warmer than the previous few days.  As the race started at noon and we wanted to look around the booths before the race we started heading to the race track about 10:40 expecting to take at least 20-30 minutes just to get from the campground to the grandstand.  They have trams to take people from the campground to the track, but there are not enough of them, and they seemed to be poorly managed.  There are also golf carts all over the place, but they are usually reserved for VIPS, or those that have trouble walking very far.  But to our surprise just as we stepped on the road to the track, and young man in a golf cart stopped and asked if we wanted a ride.  Ann asked if it was alright, as we didnt want him getting into trouble for giving someone he shouldnt a ride.  He assured us it was ok, so we jumped in and headed for the track, bypassing hundreds of people waiting for the tram.  On the way over we chatted with the young man, and found out he was a volunteer from a church group just doing good deeds.  We have been to lots of race tracks and seen lots of golf carts drive by us, but this is the first one that has stopped and given us a ride.  I could think of only one explanation.  Thanks for getting us the ride Lana.

With getting to the track sooner than expected we had plenty of time to look around at all the booths and attractions you find at a NASCAR race.  Speed TV is a big part of the racing and had a booth where you could sit behind a desk and have a picture taken with a simulated crowd behind you.  We couldnt pass up the chance.

The race itself was interesting in that if all you watched was the leaders, it wast that exciting, but the nice thing about being there is you can watch whatever you want, and there was some good racing farther back from the leaders.  As a Jeff Gordon fan it it was a great race until the last 20 laps, when team mate Jimmie Johnson passed Gordon and went on to win the race.

Here is Jimmie Johnson's car before the beginning of the race.

 Here is a picture of the start of the race.

Here is Jeff Gordon(24) leaving his pit and passing Dale Earnhart jr.(88).

These are the only pics we have of the race as I forgot to take our regular camera with us, and these were taken with our Meade binocular camera.

Monday March 1, 2010

Monday was moving day.  We had to leave the race track parking by noon.  Ann worked on her job stuff, as I got things ready for our move southward to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  A little before noon we headed south our of Las Vegas on Hwy 95 retracing part of the route we took from the North Ranch RV park near Congress Arizona.  But instead of turning east and going through Laughlin Nevada, we continued on south on Hwy 95 to Interstate 40.  The section of the road south of the Laughlin turn off was not all that good, and Ann almost got sea sick as we drove through what seemed like hundreds of dips in the road.  Here is an example of what the road looked like.  The dips are a lot worse than the picture shows.

We followed Interstate 40 east  through Needles California, turning off on Arizona Hiway 95, and heading south toward Lake Havasu City.  We stopped ata  Pilot Truckstop with an RV island to fill up with gas.  The price for 87 octane was $2.59, and whole lot cheaper than the $3.39 we saw in Needles California!

 

We found Prospectors RV Park and got set up without any trouble.  It was a beautiful 70 something day with plenty of sunshine!  Ann worked the rest of the day and into the evening, so had dinner in, and retired for the night pretty early.

Tuesday March 2, 2010

Another beautiful day.  I would  say it actually  almost got hot as it was 78 about 2:00PM !  A whole lot better than the wind and cold(relative term, I know) in Las Vegas.  Ann spent another long day working, while I worked on my tan for a while. Later in the afternoon I went grocery shopping at the Safeway, missed a turn on the way back, and ended up driving over London Bridge twice!  Here is the bridge in the background.

Tuesday night we decided to go our for dinner, and I had spotted The Golden Horseshoe on my way to go grocery shopping.

 

 

I had the prime rib and shrimp special, and Ann had the small sirloin and a "really nice salad bar".  The food was pretty good, but must have sat in the window a little too long as it was not as hot as it should have been.

After our meal we headed toward the local American Legion as a couple we met in Quartzsite in January said they had been there, and it was fun place.  They were having karaoke but you had to be a member to get in, and since I didnt feel like joining, we left.  We found a small bar close to the RV park and stopped for  an adult beverage.  There were only a couple customers and the bartender there.  We had a nice chat with the locals and heard horror stories from them about sun spiders, tarantulas, and scorpions.  Ann had the bartender check the women's bathrooms for said arachnids before she would go in there.  So after our short visit there we headed back to the RV and called it a day.


Wednesday March 3, 2010
  





Paul