Where are we going next?

Our next trip is a Copper Canyon Tour. We will be in Mexico for 27 days. You can enlarge the map if you want a closer look.

We meet our tour group in El Paso, Texas in January.

We're taking advantage of nice weather at home to get the truck & trailer ready to go.

Playing in the Leaves

Today was a great day to play in the leaves. It was crispy, cool and dry.

Walt used the lawn mower and bagger to take care of most of the leaves. He left the playground area for Caden to rake, roll & jump in the leaves. Our neighbor Alex came over and helped cart the leaves to the ditch for burning in the spring.

We all had a fun time 'playing' in the leaves.

In Memory of Shadow

Shadow has been a loyal companion and friend for almost 13 years.

She passed away just before midnight last night. We will miss her.

She loved to play in the snow and run in the yard with kids. She is pictured here enjoying the snow last year.

Updated Map

Here is our updated map of states visited after adding -- Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and New Mexico.

We probably won't add any new states in our winter trip to Mexico but will get to see lots more of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Western Kansas

Left Tucumcari this morning taking US-54 east. We traveled through the panhandles of both Texas & Oklahoma.

In western Kansas, I took this photo of a 'Western Kansas Freeway'. If you look far into the distance, you might see another vehicle!

Ah, we're almost home. Look at those beautiful rolling plains.

We drove to Hutchinson and set-up camp at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. They have a nice full hookup campground and it was not busy.

We were able to visit my aunt tonight. Had a nice visit with her. She has just moved from her apartment at Wesley Towers to a room at Hester Care Center on the same grounds.

This last photo is downtown Hutchinson. Pretty fall plantings and you can see that they just had a nice rain shower.

We'll be home tomorrow. 

A Sampler of Weather

We left Surprise, AZ this morning at 8 am. The temperature was 85 and sunny. Forecast to be in the upper 90's (which in desert-speak is about 99 degrees!)

The first two photos here are Crape Myrtle & Mexican Bird of Paradise planted along the freeway. I was amazed at the brilliant beauty of the shrubs when it is so hot & dry.


We took I-17 north to Flagstaff. From there we traveled I-40 toward Albuquerque NM.

Between Grants and Albuquerque, the streams were muddy and swollen with their recent rains. Suddenly we were in a downpour - so hard we were starting to pull to the side of the road when it quit as quickly as it started. About 10 miles down the road, the downpour started again but only lasted a short time.

This was the first rain we have seen since leaving home in early August. We have had misty days or light rain overnight several times but this was REAL rain!

I started calling campgrounds and there were no vacancies -- the Balloon Festival started last Friday and goes through next Sunday. It had been a long day of driving but we figured we could make it east of Albuquerque or even as far as Moriarty. As we started the climb into the Scandia Range east of Albuquerque we saw drifts of hail along the roadway and it was definitely getting colder. Soon the rain started again, then sleet, then snow!

Well, all campgrounds were full until Tucumcari NM. We pulled in late to drizzle and COLD. Yes, we were still dressed in shorts & sandals.

Just listened to the news & weather. We were even just ahead of a tornado east of Albuquerque! Now that's a wide range of weather!

Wickenburg

Today we drove NW to Wickenburg. We could see more vegetation as the altitude increased. We enjoyed walking around the historic district and some of the shops.

We really enjoyed the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. We saw western art from various atrists. Remington & Russell were expected but there was much more. I enjoyed the loaned art from the 2006 Cowgirl Up art exhibition. Look at this site for information about the exibition for 2007. There was also a large exhibit of Jim Willoughby art. I remember some of his cartoons but was really surprised at the range of works - oil, charcoal, bronze, storyboards, etc.

In addition to the art, there was a replica of Wickenburg streets in the gold rush days, examples of cowboy ropes, spurs, guns, holsters, saddles, etc.

Visiting, sightseeing & shopping

We have found much to do in the Phoenix area.

Today my sister took the day off and we went shopping in Phoenix & Scottsdale. Ended the evening with a lovely dinner out at the Stockyards Steakhouse in SE Phoenix. GREAT food.

Challenger Learning Center

Today we visited the Challenger Learning Center in Peoria, AZ.

It was interesting as we had a good guide. The center is dedicated to continuing the teaching mission of the Challenger Space Flight.

While we were there, a high school class was in a simulated mission. We could watch through the classroom windows and see hands-on 'mission control officers' on duty.

This learning center is affiliated with the Smithsonion and offers distance learning sessions via the internet. They also offer a planetarium and stargazing programs.

If you get to the Phoenix area, make this a stop. Kids would really like it. 

Arizona sunrise

This was the view from my bedroom window this morning a little after 6 am.

The last few days have had a high from 100 - 103. The mornings are beautiful and much cooler (lower 70s).

Great time & weather to go for a morning walk.

Weather is predicted to gradually cool to the upper 80s by the end of the week.

Surprise - Arizona that is!

Today we drove about 400 miles from Aguanga CA to Surprise AZ. It was in the upper 50's when we left California and we didn't stop until a rest stop around Blythe at noon. Boy were we surprised how hot it was!! It was at least 100 and we were in an area surrounded by desert & asphalt. The heat hit us like a blast furnace. We had not been in 100 degree weather since leaving Kansas on August 6th. Guess we will re-condition. It WILL be hot in the Phoenix area.

We are camped in Surprise at the Sunflower RV Resort. Boy, this would be a great place to escape a cold winter. There are lots of amenities here - pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, billiards hall, ballroom, craft room, golf driving cage, etc. A lot of park models here and few full-time residents.

Got to spend some time with my sister & brother-in-law. They fixed us a good meal and we had a nice visit.

San Diego Zoo

Today we made our last trip into San Diego. We spent the day at the zoo. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the upper 80's.

It was too hot for some of the animals but many others entertained us.

Our favorite animals of the entire visit were the Panda Bears. They were so cute and cuddly. They don't like noise so we were routed through a special viewing area and asked to use our 'soft voices'. We saw three different Pandas. We saw them at close range and a docent was present giving a narration.

The common zoo animals were in good form - elephant, giraffe, apes, monkeys and birds.

I know we walked through four aviaries, and I believe there may have been some we missed.

The bear in the last photo spent most of the day soaking in his water pool. On our last trip past his cage, he had climbed out of the water and lay exhausted against a rock. It is a rough life being a zoo animal. 

San Diego again

We had a busy day today. We went back to San Diego.

Our first stop was the Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo National Monument. Cabrillo explored the Pacific west coast in 1542. He set sail from Mexico but may have been of Portuguese descent.

The monument is located at Point Loma. The Visitor Center overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the Rosecrans National Military Cemetery, the San Diego Bay, the Naval Air Station, San Diego International Airport, Old Point Loma Lighthouse (pictured here) and the new Point Loma Lighthouse & Coast Guard Reservation.

Then we drove around the San Diego Bay and across the bridge to Coronado.






In the photo below are Kite Surfers. The kites are beautiful above the waves. These surfers must have a great amount of upper body strength. We watched them pull & tip the kite to maneuver them out into the next wave to surf back toward the beach.






In the last photograph is the Hotel del Coronado. It is beautiful and huge. The woodwork inside (mahogany?) is exquisite. This photo only gives a small view of the building.




 

Sea World

Today we drove to San Diego to visit Sea World. We arrived shortly after 10 am and stayed until about 4:30 pm. We saw a lot but am sure that there is much more to see.

We did not take the camera because we weren't sure just how wet we would get during the day. We didn't get real wet. The weather was cool & overcast. It was a great day.

My favorite exhibits were the Shamu Show and the Polar Zone replication of an Arctic Research Station.

San Diego is about 1 - 1 1/2 hour drive from where we are camped - depending on traffic.

Old Temecula & Julian

The rally ended this morning with good-byes. We were surprised how many pulled out today. Alot of the rally attendees are from this area so did not have far to travel and no desire to stay longer & explore.

We ran some errands then explored Old Town Temecula and Julian. Julian is famous for orchards - especially apples. They are also famous for nice little shops and great apple pies. The pie WAS delicious!

Grape Stomping

Tonight we had our last group dinner for the Rally.

We went to the Ponte Winery in Temecula Valley. Before dinner, the four regions of our Teton Club had representatives compete in a Grape Stomping Contest. There were half barrels filled with clusters of grapes, a spout extended from the bottom front of the barrel. Each stomper had a partner who held a wine bottle to the spout. The partner also had a stick to frequently clear the solids from the spout. The first team with a full wine bottle of juice was the winner. It was a lot of fun to watch.

We had appetizers while waiting for the grape stomping. Afterward, we had a nice dinner of chicken breast stuffed with pears & apples, steamed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. There was also a nice array of desserts. Everyone had a good time. 

Getty Art Museum & Hollywood

Today we took a bus trip to the Getty Art Museum in Los Angeles. This is a beautiful facility and houses art from 1300 - 1800. We were only able to spend about 3 hours there and it would take much more time to see the entire facility.

Then we were driven through Hollywood and got to see the Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard.

It was a long day as it took 2 hours to drive from the resort to L. A. The return trip was in heavier traffic and took over 2 1/2 hours. Glad we don't live in that kind of traffic.

 

Seminars

Yesterday & today we have had a variety of RV related seminars. We have attended some together and some individually.

Here is a partial list -

• Dometic (A/C, awnings, refrigerators & toilets)
• Wilson Antenna
• Accu-Dish (satillite systems)
• MorRyde (suspension systems)
• Mountain Master (medium duty trucks - MDT)
• RV Casuals (womens clothing)
• Jewelry Making (beading)
• Internet Connection Tips
• Water Heater Maintenance
• Truck Driving & Back-up Tips
• Pure Water Systems
• Trip-Tech & Smart Tire monitors.

One panel discussion that we did not attend was "How to get along 24-7 inside a box (RV)". Walt said his solution is to 'think outside of the box'!

Rancho California Outdoor Resort

Here are some photos of the resort where we are camped. It is a beautiful oasis in the desert.

It is Rancho California Outdoor Resort in Aguanga, CA

The resort is built in sections - each being three holes of the golf course. The RV lots surround each of these sections.

Currently there are over 500 RV lots. When the project is completed, there will be about 800 RV lots.

Wild Animal Park

Today we took a bus trip to the Wild Animal Park in Escondido. It is associated with the San Diego Zoo. It was about an hour trip to the park. We were entertained by a presentation of animals by their trainers or keepers. This little fox is found in the Sahara Desert of Northern Africa. It is called a Fennec Fox and is the smallest of all foxes and the lightest in color. It is about 13 inches long and 10 inches tall. It weighs about 3 pounds. Its very large ears are about 6 inches long.

The next photo is a pregnant rhino. She is due to deliver in November. The gestation period is about 20 months.

The next photo is a pelican. He would scoop and strain food through his large bill.

The last photo is my favorite --the meerkat. Since their supporting roles (Timon and Pumbaa) in Disney's Lion King, I am fascinated by these cute little characters.
 

2006 Teton Club International Rally

We arrived at the Teton Rally destination. For the next 12 days we will be at Rancho California Outdoor Resort in Aguanga, CA. As we approached within 15 miles of the resort, the terrain became more rocky and desolate. The resort is a lush gem surrounded by rocky peaks. You can see some photos by clicking on the link above. I will take some photos and add to the blog later. The park is currently 593 sites. The planned completion will be over 800 sites.

The rally officially starts tomorrow at 2pm. There are about 70 members (x 2) registered. Most are already here enjoying the sunny, clear weather.

Immediately upon pulling in the entrance of the resort, we were greeted by friends. In fact we had received a phone call from another couple as we passed Temecula Wal-mart where they had been shopping.

Most of our rally members are parked in the loop around the last three holes on the golf course. We're enjoying renewing friendships and making new friends. I think the next 12 days will really fly by.

Now this is TRAFFIC!

We were afraid our directions, map reading and GPS would not save us from Los Angeles traffic. Actually the combination did work pretty well.

We did manage to skirt LA and drove through San Fernando, Glendale and Pasadena. Then dropped south and finally landed for the night in Temecula.

These photos give an example of the heaviest traffic around Pasadena. Thank goodness it was a leisurely Saturday afternoon drive!

We counted 7 lanes of eastbound traffic and a commuter train. The traffic moved at around 25 mph for quite a distance. Many cars darting & changing lanes -- never leaving a cushion for sudden stops.

Neither of us were disappointed that we missed LA. We will only have a short distance to drive tomorrow to get to the site of the Teton Rally. We might even sleep late!

We enjoyed the early part of the drive this morning. We saw truck farms, orchards & vineyards. Some of the crops we could identify were peaches, apricots, pistachios, tomatoes, onions, grapes, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, alfalfa, corn and milo. Oh, there were also meadows of dairy cows and feedlots full of beef cattle.