This year we are taking the big motorhome - the Alfa to Mexico. Right now we are spending some time in the Sedona, AZ area just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Next we head to Las Vegas then on to the west coast of Mexico for the winter. For the time being I'm posting to my blog The Golden Years at
http://lifeinbrowncounty.blogspot.com/ Come travel with us.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
End of this winters Trip to Mexico
I know I’m late in writing this but there are extenuating circumstances – really there are.
First and foremost – lack of Internet access. We can only get on line when the modem feels like cooperating. Called Hughes Net and they are sending a technician out next Tuesday. The joy of living in the sticks.
Back to the end of the trip. Thursday morning was our last day on the road. This year we did 6613 miles in Jennie – and God Knows how many in Willie going here and there. We were on the road 149 days.
As you can see from the map most of the driving was in the U.S. coming and going.
The final day of travel was pretty uneventful. There was a storm moving east but luckily we were moving east faster than it was. Drove through Illinois and into Indiana. Only stopping once at a Flying J for brunch at Denny’s (sure liked their old restaurants better but….) Just inside the Indiana border we left the I-70 and took State Road 46 towards home. Lots of pretty scenery. Green fields and blooming trees. Around 2:00 we turned on our road and soon were home.
First look at the house through the barren trees as we made the last turn.
And here Jennie is right where she started out in November. The wild daffodils are blooming like crazy.
And the tiny violets popping up here and there.
Checked out the pond and there are still lots of fish in there.
So that is the end of our trip this past winter. Now we have lots of work to do around here. Lawn cleanup, house cleaning and repairing, Internet repairing, etc. etc.
For more on that check out my Brown County blog as that is where I’ll be writing from now on – or until our next trip somewhere. In case that doesn't work the URL is http://lifeinbrowncounty.blogspot.com/
If the Internet stays working I’ll try to post some of the interesting (annoying) ways of getting things done here in the country. And we have dealt with plenty this week.
See you over there.
First and foremost – lack of Internet access. We can only get on line when the modem feels like cooperating. Called Hughes Net and they are sending a technician out next Tuesday. The joy of living in the sticks.
Back to the end of the trip. Thursday morning was our last day on the road. This year we did 6613 miles in Jennie – and God Knows how many in Willie going here and there. We were on the road 149 days.
As you can see from the map most of the driving was in the U.S. coming and going.
First look at the house through the barren trees as we made the last turn.
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| Home Sweet Home |
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| Just a couple of the fish in the picture |
For more on that check out my Brown County blog as that is where I’ll be writing from now on – or until our next trip somewhere. In case that doesn't work the URL is http://lifeinbrowncounty.blogspot.com/
If the Internet stays working I’ll try to post some of the interesting (annoying) ways of getting things done here in the country. And we have dealt with plenty this week.
See you over there.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sorry - Not been able to post
Our Internet here at home keeps going off and on. Have not been able to stay on line long enough to post. Hopefully this will work. A lot going on around house I want to share so will try later again.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Almost Home
Wednesday p.m.
The Driver battled the wind every mile today – finally gave up just west of Saint Louis, MO. Lots and lots of heavy wind. Depending on the weather tomorrow – it’s supposed to be raining – we might be home by late tomorrow. Less than 300 miles away. If it rains we will stay here until it quits.
Our TV and Internet are working. We did have to change spaces to get away from the trees to get the Direct TV working. We’re staying at another KOA campground and it’s quite nice. Next to us is a trailer with a family with four young boys – right now they are roasting marshmallows – smell good. On the other side is an RV that belongs to a bicycle group. It says on it “Cycling 50 States for America’s Veterans and Military” – has a great paint job. Big eagle and red, white and blue. And their tow car matches it.
Not much else to say about today’s trip – good road lots of green rolling hills and trees starting to bud. If it hadn’t been for the wind it would have been a nice drive.
Thursday a.m.
Well we're up and getting ready to leave - no rain here yet but it is about 200 miles behind us. Hope we can drive faster than it moves.
Cannot believe the mess the government is in. Enough said.
The Driver battled the wind every mile today – finally gave up just west of Saint Louis, MO. Lots and lots of heavy wind. Depending on the weather tomorrow – it’s supposed to be raining – we might be home by late tomorrow. Less than 300 miles away. If it rains we will stay here until it quits.
Our TV and Internet are working. We did have to change spaces to get away from the trees to get the Direct TV working. We’re staying at another KOA campground and it’s quite nice. Next to us is a trailer with a family with four young boys – right now they are roasting marshmallows – smell good. On the other side is an RV that belongs to a bicycle group. It says on it “Cycling 50 States for America’s Veterans and Military” – has a great paint job. Big eagle and red, white and blue. And their tow car matches it.
Not much else to say about today’s trip – good road lots of green rolling hills and trees starting to bud. If it hadn’t been for the wind it would have been a nice drive.
Thursday a.m.
Well we're up and getting ready to leave - no rain here yet but it is about 200 miles behind us. Hope we can drive faster than it moves.
Cannot believe the mess the government is in. Enough said.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Ate at Worlds Largest McDonalds in Vinta, OK
Tuesday p.m.
Another day another state – actually a couple of states. We’re at a KOA in Joplin, MO. Left Wichita Falls, TX this morning around 8a.m. Took the I-44 north planning on stopping in Tulsa, OK. Guess we overshot it a little.
The I-44 through Oklahoma is almost all a toll road. 353 miles and only cost us $31.75 – quite a bit cheaper than the toll roads in Mexico. Part of it was good road and part of it was purely Oklahoma road. Shake, rattle and roll. Mostly shake and rattle. I have a question. Why is the pavement on bridges always so much worse than the pavement on the road? Can’t find it on Google. But kind of figure that it maybe ‘cause bridges freeze sooner – the contracting and expanding maybe?
So far we’ve been on the road 147 days and driven Jennie 6088 miles in Jennie. We’re only 550 miles from home now.
The wind is picking up again – sure glad it wasn’t blowing so hard while we were traveling – The Driver says it was coming from behind us most of the day. Again we were thankful we were on the western side of that terrible storm that just passed through the east. Did have a moment last night though – all of a sudden the warning sirens near the RV Park started to wail. No one else seemed to get excited – turns out they check them every Monday. Wish they would have told us when we checked in.
Not much to write about – saw lots of rolling green hills, nice fat cows and trees just starting to bloom. The one item of note – we had lunch in supposedly “The Largest McDonalds in the World” It is between Tulsa and Joplin on the I-44. It is built over the highway so you can go into it from either direction. End of exciting news for today.
Another day another state – actually a couple of states. We’re at a KOA in Joplin, MO. Left Wichita Falls, TX this morning around 8a.m. Took the I-44 north planning on stopping in Tulsa, OK. Guess we overshot it a little.
The I-44 through Oklahoma is almost all a toll road. 353 miles and only cost us $31.75 – quite a bit cheaper than the toll roads in Mexico. Part of it was good road and part of it was purely Oklahoma road. Shake, rattle and roll. Mostly shake and rattle. I have a question. Why is the pavement on bridges always so much worse than the pavement on the road? Can’t find it on Google. But kind of figure that it maybe ‘cause bridges freeze sooner – the contracting and expanding maybe?
So far we’ve been on the road 147 days and driven Jennie 6088 miles in Jennie. We’re only 550 miles from home now.
The wind is picking up again – sure glad it wasn’t blowing so hard while we were traveling – The Driver says it was coming from behind us most of the day. Again we were thankful we were on the western side of that terrible storm that just passed through the east. Did have a moment last night though – all of a sudden the warning sirens near the RV Park started to wail. No one else seemed to get excited – turns out they check them every Monday. Wish they would have told us when we checked in.
Not much to write about – saw lots of rolling green hills, nice fat cows and trees just starting to bloom. The one item of note – we had lunch in supposedly “The Largest McDonalds in the World” It is between Tulsa and Joplin on the I-44. It is built over the highway so you can go into it from either direction. End of exciting news for today.
Monday, April 4, 2011
White Sand, Aliens and Texas
Monday p.m.
We’ve been looking at the weather and it looks like the next few days will be good for travel. Here in Wichita Falls the winds have let up and the temperatures have gone down. Have finally decided what way we are going to go from here. We’re heading north on the I-44 through Oklahoma City and Tulsa then into Missouri. Probably only get as far as Tulsa tomorrow. In Las Cruces after getting back from the Missile Range we visited Mesilla just south of town.
It was founded in 1848 after the Mexican War by a group of Mexican settlers. The town was once a major stop for the Butterfield Stagecoach. This is one of the original brick buildings built in 1860. It is still in use as a gift shop.
One other claim to fame the town has is Billy the Kid stood trial for murder here and then escaped. Didn’t take many pictures as most of the buildings were plain adobe and have been fully restored and now are gift shops. Kind of reminded me of our hometown in Indiana except with a southwest look. Lots of places to eat and gift shops.
From Las Cruces we drove over the mountains to Roswell. Past White Sands National Monument – just a glance of some of the white sand.
And what is this? A check point? Yep, a border patrol check point. All vehicles had to stop. All they asked was, “Where is your next stop?”
“Why Roswell of course,” we answered. The Border Patrol agent laughed, shook his head and waved us on.
On the outskirts of Alamogordo we passed this giant pistachio nut. I’d just seen it on line a few days earlier as one of the strange roadside sites in the U.S. Wow – I can cross it off my list now.
Over the mountains through the big Mescalaro Apache Reservation.
Then through Lincoln County where Pat Garrett was sheriff and where the Lincoln County War was. Kind of interesting reading Link http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-lincolncountywar.html We also passed through the little town of Ruidoso – why do I mention that? Well today I saw on the news that there is a wild fire there – glad we got through when we did.
Stayed at the Trailer Village RV Park in Roswell. Very nice park just on the east edge of town. If you’re ever there I recommend it. Also recommend the Cowboy Café for breakfast and/or lunch. It’s just a little place but very good.
Drove around downtown Roswell for a while – just looking at the residents.
Copy of a newspaper from the time.
Was there a flying saucer crash or not? It's still a mystery.
Just some fun things - party time.
A body?
We left the next morning for Lubbock where we spent the night. The trip was uneventful – lots of country without much scenery and lots of wind.
From Lubbock we continued on to Wichita Falls. Did manage to watch both NASCAR races over the weekend. Go Kyle – he is now first in points. Two good races.
We’re staying at the Wichita Falls RV Park here. Very nice place. Big level spaces, good WiFi. Haven’t done much of anything except go to Home Depot – still looking for the spigot and to Wal*Mart – where we finally found the spigot.
Going to watch the basketball game tonight then get ready to leave tomorrow morning.
We’ve been looking at the weather and it looks like the next few days will be good for travel. Here in Wichita Falls the winds have let up and the temperatures have gone down. Have finally decided what way we are going to go from here. We’re heading north on the I-44 through Oklahoma City and Tulsa then into Missouri. Probably only get as far as Tulsa tomorrow. In Las Cruces after getting back from the Missile Range we visited Mesilla just south of town.
It was founded in 1848 after the Mexican War by a group of Mexican settlers. The town was once a major stop for the Butterfield Stagecoach. This is one of the original brick buildings built in 1860. It is still in use as a gift shop.
From Las Cruces we drove over the mountains to Roswell. Past White Sands National Monument – just a glance of some of the white sand.
On the outskirts of Alamogordo we passed this giant pistachio nut. I’d just seen it on line a few days earlier as one of the strange roadside sites in the U.S. Wow – I can cross it off my list now.
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| Now that's a big nut! |
Drove around downtown Roswell for a while – just looking at the residents.
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| Well Hello There! |
Just some fun things - party time.
From Lubbock we continued on to Wichita Falls. Did manage to watch both NASCAR races over the weekend. Go Kyle – he is now first in points. Two good races.
We’re staying at the Wichita Falls RV Park here. Very nice place. Big level spaces, good WiFi. Haven’t done much of anything except go to Home Depot – still looking for the spigot and to Wal*Mart – where we finally found the spigot.
Going to watch the basketball game tonight then get ready to leave tomorrow morning.
Visit to White Sands Missile Range
Monday a.m.
We have been making tracks the last few days. Now in Wichita Falls, TX. We’re going to stay here for a couple of nights and hopefully the wind stops blowing before we take off again.
Thursday morning we got out early had breakfast at IHop and headed to the White Sands Missile Range Museum and Park. Had to drive through the jagged mountains – 7200 foot pass.
A beautiful view of the valley – looking out at the many many empty square miles of the missile range.
The Missile Range was established in 1945. It now occupies 3,200 square miles of what used to be a private ranch..
Entering the Range - No Photography allowed except in the Missile Park and museum
We had to park outside the gate and walk in to the Missile Park. I had read that you could drive in but guess things had changed since that was written. Luckily it wasn’t too far as we were still over 5000 feet in altitude and it was pretty warm out. Heard the gate guard telling a couple of people that they couldn’t take pictures of the gate – just of the sign next to it. [Just a thought but doesn’t Google Earth take pictures of it?]
Any way a shot of the missile park – Lots and lots of different kinds and sizes of missiles.
This was interesting to me – it is a Patriot Missile – had no idea they – the whole thing – was that big. These are the ones Israel uses to shoot down the Scuds. It is designed to defend against high performance targets.
Interesting graffiti on it
Another shot of some of the park
This big gun was originally installed on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Weighs over 73,000 lbs. In 1977 it was relocated to White Sands and was used for testing.
A Flying Saucer? Nope part of the Voyager Balloon System that was launched near Roswell, NM Hummm???? The information goes on to say “It is the only one in captivity.” Captivity? Weird.
This is a missile that was making groaning sounds – Did it want to go somewhere? Was it crying? Tried to get a video with sound but all I picked up was the wind noise.
After walking around checking everything out we went into the museum. If you ever get a chance it’s a very interesting place to visit.
One of the displays – a display of the old ranch house that was used as the assembly point for the Bomb. The house survived the blast with only broken windows.
It was pretty interesting. If you want to know more about it just Google Trinity Site New Mexico.
More later after we go shopping.
We have been making tracks the last few days. Now in Wichita Falls, TX. We’re going to stay here for a couple of nights and hopefully the wind stops blowing before we take off again.
Thursday morning we got out early had breakfast at IHop and headed to the White Sands Missile Range Museum and Park. Had to drive through the jagged mountains – 7200 foot pass.
We had to park outside the gate and walk in to the Missile Park. I had read that you could drive in but guess things had changed since that was written. Luckily it wasn’t too far as we were still over 5000 feet in altitude and it was pretty warm out. Heard the gate guard telling a couple of people that they couldn’t take pictures of the gate – just of the sign next to it. [Just a thought but doesn’t Google Earth take pictures of it?]
Any way a shot of the missile park – Lots and lots of different kinds and sizes of missiles.
One of the displays – a display of the old ranch house that was used as the assembly point for the Bomb. The house survived the blast with only broken windows.
More later after we go shopping.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Lubbock, TX Closer and closer to home.
Saturday p.m.
Haven't got the pictures together yet - maybe tomorrow evening.
We made it to Lubbock, TX where we are spending the night. Will leave very early tomorrow a.m. as there is a Cup NASCAR race tomorrow at 12 Central Time.......!!!! Kyle came in 2nd today in the truck race.
Tomorrow we are planning in stopping in Wichita Falls, TX - there is only one RV park there according to Woodalls - hope we can find it okay.
Paid $3.599 for gas today for Jennie then stopped for breakfast at a little cafe in Tatum, NM
Road was good all the way but lots of wind.
Had a couple of problems with the TV and Internet when we got here - had to change spaces to get away from the only tree around. Weather is very warm here - it's 10:00 at night and still warm enough to have the windows and door open. Lots warmer than Arizona.
Promise I'll catch up tomorrow with photos of White Sands and aliens.
Haven't got the pictures together yet - maybe tomorrow evening.
We made it to Lubbock, TX where we are spending the night. Will leave very early tomorrow a.m. as there is a Cup NASCAR race tomorrow at 12 Central Time.......!!!! Kyle came in 2nd today in the truck race.
Tomorrow we are planning in stopping in Wichita Falls, TX - there is only one RV park there according to Woodalls - hope we can find it okay.
Paid $3.599 for gas today for Jennie then stopped for breakfast at a little cafe in Tatum, NM
Road was good all the way but lots of wind.
Had a couple of problems with the TV and Internet when we got here - had to change spaces to get away from the only tree around. Weather is very warm here - it's 10:00 at night and still warm enough to have the windows and door open. Lots warmer than Arizona.
Promise I'll catch up tomorrow with photos of White Sands and aliens.
Spent Night in Roswell, NM - didn't see any flying saucers
Saturday a.m.
Getting ready to leave Roswell. Spent the night here. While in Las Cruces we visited the White Sands Museum and Missile Range and a short walk around Mesilla where Billy the Kid escaped from jail. Yesterday we crossed the mountains - up to 7000 feet and stopped for the night in Roswell, NM. Weather is getting warmer - go figure.
Today we plan on stopping in Lubbuck, TX - then the weather will decided which way we go from there.
Today we'll have even hotter weather, gusts of wind and lots of Texas. Fire danger is the weather alert for today.
Will do more updating today after we stop - including some pictures.
Getting ready to leave Roswell. Spent the night here. While in Las Cruces we visited the White Sands Museum and Missile Range and a short walk around Mesilla where Billy the Kid escaped from jail. Yesterday we crossed the mountains - up to 7000 feet and stopped for the night in Roswell, NM. Weather is getting warmer - go figure.
Today we plan on stopping in Lubbuck, TX - then the weather will decided which way we go from there.
Today we'll have even hotter weather, gusts of wind and lots of Texas. Fire danger is the weather alert for today.
Will do more updating today after we stop - including some pictures.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Left Arizona on to Las Cruces, NM
Thursday a.m.
Surprise Surprise! We are in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Decided about 9:30 yesterday morning that we didn’t want to spend another day in Arizona. So off we went.
Stopped for the evening in a KOA in Las Cruces, NM. Going to spend a couple of days here.
Except for a low tire we discovered in Lordsburg, NM it was a pretty uneventful drive. Stopped for gas at a Flying J and The Driver trumped the tires. One instead of going Thump Thump went Bummp Bummp – Not good. Ate lunch at Denny’s and checked the phone book – there was a truck tire place right down the road.
Yep he could fix it – turned out it was a bad valve stem. Took about 20 minutes to fix it. Then came the bill Dismount/mount $40 + valve stem $2 = $47 + tax- $3 = $50…….new math? Creative addition? Discussed total and paid $45 in the end.
Another change in the time for us – New Mexico has Daylight Savings Arizona didn’t. Got late quick.
Lots of California cars on the highway going east – like three out of every five! What do they know that others don’t?
Passing a boat on the road. It was a big one.
And some of the only pretty scenery. Mostly it was just plain flat desert.
We did cross the Continental Divide – does that mean were in the east?
For the first time in a long time saw signs of wild life along the highway. Unfortunately the first one was deceased – a bobcat. Then crossing the desert a coyote ran into the brush next to the road.
Staying here today and going to explore around here a little.
Surprise Surprise! We are in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Decided about 9:30 yesterday morning that we didn’t want to spend another day in Arizona. So off we went.
Stopped for the evening in a KOA in Las Cruces, NM. Going to spend a couple of days here.
Except for a low tire we discovered in Lordsburg, NM it was a pretty uneventful drive. Stopped for gas at a Flying J and The Driver trumped the tires. One instead of going Thump Thump went Bummp Bummp – Not good. Ate lunch at Denny’s and checked the phone book – there was a truck tire place right down the road.
Yep he could fix it – turned out it was a bad valve stem. Took about 20 minutes to fix it. Then came the bill Dismount/mount $40 + valve stem $2 = $47 + tax- $3 = $50…….new math? Creative addition? Discussed total and paid $45 in the end.
Another change in the time for us – New Mexico has Daylight Savings Arizona didn’t. Got late quick.
Lots of California cars on the highway going east – like three out of every five! What do they know that others don’t?
Passing a boat on the road. It was a big one.
Staying here today and going to explore around here a little.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Doing Nothing in the Desert
Wednesday a.m.
Yesterday was another do nothing day. We went to McDonalds for an early lunch. Been awhile since we’ve been to one. I see their prices have gone up too. Put some gas in the Jeep. It’s $3.559 a gallon here – glad we filled up Jennie in Mexico when we did. We’ll be able to get a few miles before another filling. Walked around the True Value Hardware store for a bit. We saw a squirrel proof bird feeder we liked – maybe we’ll be able to find a couple when we get home. The feeder is inside a big metal open ball shape that the squirrels can’t fit through. It is made by or distributed by Gardman
Yesterday was another do nothing day. We went to McDonalds for an early lunch. Been awhile since we’ve been to one. I see their prices have gone up too. Put some gas in the Jeep. It’s $3.559 a gallon here – glad we filled up Jennie in Mexico when we did. We’ll be able to get a few miles before another filling. Walked around the True Value Hardware store for a bit. We saw a squirrel proof bird feeder we liked – maybe we’ll be able to find a couple when we get home. The feeder is inside a big metal open ball shape that the squirrels can’t fit through. It is made by or distributed by GardmanSeveral on-line places sell it. Probably not supposed to post a picture of it but it looks like a neat thing to use.
Made the mistake of taking a nap in the afternoon – So up until late – had no problem finishing a book before nodding off.
The weather here is so perfect – cool at night and in the low 80s during the day. At home there were snow showers again last night. And our house sitter says the yard is a mess from all the storms but the weather continues to be so bad he hasn’t been able to get anyone up there to clean it up. He also says at least some of our fishies (koi and goldfish) made it through the winter. He sees them swimming around when the sun is out. I never thought I's say this but I'm looking forward to be going up and down the stairs at home. Jennie is getting VERY VERY small and confining.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A little history in Tumacacori Arizona
Tuesday a.m.
Surprise! Surprise! We are still in Amado, Arizona. So much for our plans – we won’t be leaving here until Thursday. Why Thursday? Well we were looking at the weather reports and it is still SNOWING at home. No rush to get there. So lets stay another day – then realized we’d get a better rate if we were here a full week so okay – BUT WAIT – if we stay a full week not only do we get a better rate we get an extra day too. So that’s why Thursday.
Watched the NASCAR race Sunday of course – Kyle lead 151 of 200 laps but not the important one – the final one. Oh well.
Since we’ve been here I’ve been watching the little tree next to us. It barely had little buds when we got here. Yesterday the buds started opening and turning into pretty little leaves – Spring is here – in Arizona anyway.
The poverty of the area and the wars in Mexico and with the Indians eventually led to the missions abandonment in 1848. Soldiers abandoned the Presidio at Tubac and the last residents left Tumacacori. In 1853 with the Gasden Purchase the area became part of the US.
We were lucky to catch up with a tour that had just started. Looking in the church towards the altar with its domed ceiling.
Some of the original decorations on the walls.
There are 12 of these “frames” around the altar area. They are thought to have been portraits of the Apostles
A closer look at the ceiling.
Looking towards the front of the church. The roof is new. According to the priest who was conducting the tour the original roof was stripped away by the area ranchers and farmers who utilized the already cut and formed beams for their buildings. When the time came to restore the church the architects just went around to the neighboring ranches and measured the “borrowed” beams and framing to get accurate measurements to rebuild the present roof.
One of the side altars, there are four of them. This church never had the side aisles of most churches.
A rendering of what the church looked like in its glory
The priest said that during the time the church was abandoned it was not necessarily unused. Many, many people used it as a convenient “Motel Six.” Many leaving graffiti behind. Including a faded signature from General Black Jack Pershing.
Behind the church is a small cemetery with a round building that was a Mortuary/Chapel. According to the priest the King of Spain decreed it should be built to house the dead before they were buried. A man before his times – this kept the bodies of those who had died of diseases such as measles and small pox isolated.
Then we visited the storage building.
The grounds were surrounded by a wall that had niches for the Stations of the Cross.
There is also living quarters on the grounds – called a convent.
One of the roofless rooms with a fireplace.
Just a look at the church through some of the winter sleeping bushes. Can’t you imagine it 200 years ago?
A bunch of poppies blooming in the garden
Very interesting visit. On the way back to the campground – what is this? A check point? Yep border patrol check point. Had to roll the back windows of the Jeep down so they could see in.
Today The Driver seems to have been bitten by a cleaning bug. He is going at it full force. Jennie really needs a thorough cleaning – so much sand and dust in here. But there is only so much we can do while still on the road. It'll take weeks to do a good job once we're home.
Surprise! Surprise! We are still in Amado, Arizona. So much for our plans – we won’t be leaving here until Thursday. Why Thursday? Well we were looking at the weather reports and it is still SNOWING at home. No rush to get there. So lets stay another day – then realized we’d get a better rate if we were here a full week so okay – BUT WAIT – if we stay a full week not only do we get a better rate we get an extra day too. So that’s why Thursday.
Watched the NASCAR race Sunday of course – Kyle lead 151 of 200 laps but not the important one – the final one. Oh well.
Since we’ve been here I’ve been watching the little tree next to us. It barely had little buds when we got here. Yesterday the buds started opening and turning into pretty little leaves – Spring is here – in Arizona anyway.
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| Spring has sprung here in AZ |
Yesterday morning we went out to breakfast – Yum and then to Wal*Mart for a couple of things we’d forgotten and a new razor for The Driver as his took a crap. After coming home (?) and putting things away we decided to go a little south on the I-19 to Tumacacori. There is an old mission there I wanted to check out. And luckily it is a National Park so we could use our Golden Age or Senior Pass
The original church was founded by Jesuit Padre Eusebio Kino (he really got around) in early 1691. Kino founded the mission San Cayetano de Tumacacori on the banks of the Santa Cruz River. In 1767 the King of Spain banished the Jesuits from the area. The Franciscans eventually took over the area. They started to rebuild the church in 1800 – this is the church that stands here today.
We were lucky to catch up with a tour that had just started. Looking in the church towards the altar with its domed ceiling.
Some of the original decorations on the walls.
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| remains of a side altar |
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| very colorful interior |
Behind the church is a small cemetery with a round building that was a Mortuary/Chapel. According to the priest the King of Spain decreed it should be built to house the dead before they were buried. A man before his times – this kept the bodies of those who had died of diseases such as measles and small pox isolated.
Then we visited the storage building.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Our last day in Arizona -
Sunday a.m.
Up early again so now I’ve got the whole day to do it in and nothing to do! Well actually I do have something to do later - watch the Cup race sometime around noon.
Go Kyle – good call in yesterday’s Nationwide race. Love to watch the number 18 win.
Just found out that there was a big wild fire in Big Pine, CA – my oldest son and wife live there. They had to evacuate but wind shifted and fire went around their place. Lots of their friends lost everything though. Every thing except the cars they got away in. 19 homes completely destroyed. With all the snow and rain the California Sierras have had this year you wouldn’t think there would be a wild fire this early in the season. Just never know when your whole life can change in a second.
Our friend/house sitter in Indiana called us yesterday – well his phone called us – but we ended up talking with him – says they were expecting three inches of snow last night. Come on weather – it’s supposed to be Spring already! Glad we’re still here in the south. Will really be watching the weather as we head across the states.
I want to mention the campground we’re staying in here in Amado, AZ. It is called the Mountain View RV. Full hook ups, WiFi, book and video exchange, laundry. We’ve stayed here either on our way down or back from Mexico for the last three years. Every year it gets nicer. The people who now own it have really been making improvements and they are such nice people. If you should come this way check it out.
Watched a soccer game between the US and Argentine national teams last night - it ended in a 1 - 1 tie. US is getting better and better.
Up early again so now I’ve got the whole day to do it in and nothing to do! Well actually I do have something to do later - watch the Cup race sometime around noon.
Go Kyle – good call in yesterday’s Nationwide race. Love to watch the number 18 win.
Just found out that there was a big wild fire in Big Pine, CA – my oldest son and wife live there. They had to evacuate but wind shifted and fire went around their place. Lots of their friends lost everything though. Every thing except the cars they got away in. 19 homes completely destroyed. With all the snow and rain the California Sierras have had this year you wouldn’t think there would be a wild fire this early in the season. Just never know when your whole life can change in a second.
Our friend/house sitter in Indiana called us yesterday – well his phone called us – but we ended up talking with him – says they were expecting three inches of snow last night. Come on weather – it’s supposed to be Spring already! Glad we’re still here in the south. Will really be watching the weather as we head across the states.
I want to mention the campground we’re staying in here in Amado, AZ. It is called the Mountain View RV. Full hook ups, WiFi, book and video exchange, laundry. We’ve stayed here either on our way down or back from Mexico for the last three years. Every year it gets nicer. The people who now own it have really been making improvements and they are such nice people. If you should come this way check it out.
Watched a soccer game between the US and Argentine national teams last night - it ended in a 1 - 1 tie. US is getting better and better.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Staying in Arizona until Monday
Saturday a.m.
We are still in Arizona – and don’t seem to be getting ready to get going this morning.
Yesterday we did the laundry. I got spoiled in Mexico – took the dirty clothes in and got them back all clean and folded.
Got my NASCAR fix yesterday watched most of the afternoon. Kyle wrecked his Cup car before he even made one lap around the track. But still managed to qualify 8 And Bill got to see a soccer game or two.
We still haven’t figured out how we are going home. Will start out on the I-10 at least as far as Deming, NM. Kind of would like to go to Roswell, NM – the weather there seems to be okay. But still terrible in Indiana – snow – rain and cold.
Well its noon now and we’ve decided to stay here until Monday. So went out to breakfast and then to Wal*Mart to get a few things we need.
Looking forward to watching the Nationwide race this afternoon – if the weather holds in California.
We are still in Arizona – and don’t seem to be getting ready to get going this morning.
Yesterday we did the laundry. I got spoiled in Mexico – took the dirty clothes in and got them back all clean and folded.
Got my NASCAR fix yesterday watched most of the afternoon. Kyle wrecked his Cup car before he even made one lap around the track. But still managed to qualify 8 And Bill got to see a soccer game or two.
We still haven’t figured out how we are going home. Will start out on the I-10 at least as far as Deming, NM. Kind of would like to go to Roswell, NM – the weather there seems to be okay. But still terrible in Indiana – snow – rain and cold.
Well its noon now and we’ve decided to stay here until Monday. So went out to breakfast and then to Wal*Mart to get a few things we need.
Looking forward to watching the Nationwide race this afternoon – if the weather holds in California.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Lazy Day in Amado, AZ
Friday a.m.
We may or may not leave here today. Are we lazy or anxious to get home? Maybe we’ll just wait until this next big storm going through the plains is over. Though if we take the 10 east we’ll be below it. Decisions!!! We are thinking about going as far as Deming, NM for the first leg of the trip across – but as always our plans are subject to change.
Haven’t done much since we’ve been here. Just grocery shopping and go out to eat. I like that part.
The restaurant just across the freeway, the Cow Palace, has the best food – breakfast, lunch and dinners. Went there for steak last night – delicious – first good steak we’ve had since we left here in the fall.
Went grocery shopping to Safeway yesterday afternoon. Bacon is $8 a package???? A little bit of sticker shock there. And Folger Coffee $12! What really caught our attention while in the store were the customers. We aren’t what I’d consider young (72 & 74) – but everyone else shopping there made us look like kids. I’ve never seen so many senior - senior citizens in one place in my life. But then there are lots and lots of retirement communities in this area south of Tucson. Not sure how I felt about the employees working there…..they were almost too helpful as if they were dealing with people who no longer had all the lights on.
We found some of The Driver’s favorite sugar – Bakers Sugar – it is extra fine and he likes it for his coffee – so we bought four or five boxes ‘cause we can’t find it anywhere near home.
Dug out all our US maps and camping books and put all the Mexico stuff away. We ended up with just a little over 600 Pesos when we crossed the border. About $50 – one more toll booth and we’d of been short. In a couple of days we’ll be putting our shorts and t-shirts away and dragging out the heavier clothes. It still get darn cold here in Arizona at night. Had the little electric heater running all night last night. Yesterday morning I turned the main heat on when I got up – it was only 50 in here! Warms up nice during the day though.
Saw on the news that there was a shooting in a school in a little town not to far from where we live – any people think Mexico is dangerous.
Enough for now – no pictures yesterday – my camera is probably in shock.
We may or may not leave here today. Are we lazy or anxious to get home? Maybe we’ll just wait until this next big storm going through the plains is over. Though if we take the 10 east we’ll be below it. Decisions!!! We are thinking about going as far as Deming, NM for the first leg of the trip across – but as always our plans are subject to change.
Haven’t done much since we’ve been here. Just grocery shopping and go out to eat. I like that part.
The restaurant just across the freeway, the Cow Palace, has the best food – breakfast, lunch and dinners. Went there for steak last night – delicious – first good steak we’ve had since we left here in the fall.
Went grocery shopping to Safeway yesterday afternoon. Bacon is $8 a package???? A little bit of sticker shock there. And Folger Coffee $12! What really caught our attention while in the store were the customers. We aren’t what I’d consider young (72 & 74) – but everyone else shopping there made us look like kids. I’ve never seen so many senior - senior citizens in one place in my life. But then there are lots and lots of retirement communities in this area south of Tucson. Not sure how I felt about the employees working there…..they were almost too helpful as if they were dealing with people who no longer had all the lights on.
We found some of The Driver’s favorite sugar – Bakers Sugar – it is extra fine and he likes it for his coffee – so we bought four or five boxes ‘cause we can’t find it anywhere near home.
Dug out all our US maps and camping books and put all the Mexico stuff away. We ended up with just a little over 600 Pesos when we crossed the border. About $50 – one more toll booth and we’d of been short. In a couple of days we’ll be putting our shorts and t-shirts away and dragging out the heavier clothes. It still get darn cold here in Arizona at night. Had the little electric heater running all night last night. Yesterday morning I turned the main heat on when I got up – it was only 50 in here! Warms up nice during the day though.
Saw on the news that there was a shooting in a school in a little town not to far from where we live – any people think Mexico is dangerous.
Enough for now – no pictures yesterday – my camera is probably in shock.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Vehicle Permits, Tourist Cards and Potatoes -back in USofA
Thursday a.m..
WE ARE BACK IN U.S. of A
We got up early yesterday and left Sonora RV in Hermosillo at 7:00 – first we had to go south to a retorno so we could get back on Mexico 15D to go north. No problem wasn’t too far and traffic was light. Before we got three miles we encountered the first of three toll booths to the border. 33 US dollars before we crossed the border. This section of the road they should have paid us to use. Either it was in pretty bad condition or under construction with all traffic in either the northbound or southbound lanes. By next year it should be fine.
About sixty miles further up the road was a Military Check point – mainly for trucks.
Usually the trucks all take the right lane and the cars and busses take the left lane and get right through. The truck back up is usually three to five kilometers long! As we approached the area the big trucks were in both lanes at a dead stop – crap.
Slowly we inched forward. Smaller cars and pickups were pulling off the highway and going up the dirt center medium. Zipping past us. Finally we saw the problem – there was a truck stalled in the right lane and everyone had to go around him. Once past the trucks pulled back into there own lane and we were on our way again.
Just got asked where we were coming from and where we were going at the check point. About a 15 minute delay from first stop to getting through is all.
This section of the highway has lots more topes on it than other sections. So we had to be sure to watch for them. Especially around the little towns of Santa Ana and Magdalena. Made a stop for gas just before Santa Ana – another nice station – this one had a garden with a fountain and a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
And at each tope there was something for sale – from food to copper pots and pans, furniture and even blankets.
We had to turn in our Vehicle Permits and tourists cards before leaving Mexico. We knew where we were supposed to do it – right across the street from where we got them. But we weren’t sure how to do it. Saw the sign – Vehicle Permit Returns – pointing kind of to the right – Nope not there that is a mechanic. Slowly kept going forward – oh there.
In front and to the right of us we saw an official looking area. There were four lanes marked by lane dividers and two small guard type buildings each serving two lanes. Three of the lanes were blocked with barrels. So we took the only open lane – #1 - the narrowest and more difficult to go through as it curved around the little building. Could not see into the building because of the tinted windows. Pulled up to the door of the building. No one came out – nothing. Hum…..Maybe we’re supposed to go to the bigger building in front of us. So we pulled up there and stopped again. The Driver got out with the paper work just as a young female official came out of the little guard house behind us. Bill tried to give her the paper work. No No she couldn’t take it there we had to go back through the lane and stop at the guard house.
But we already did that.
Well you have to do it again I was on the phone the first time. AND you went through the wrong lane you should have gone through the one next to it. #2
But #2 is blocked by a barrel.
Well I’ll move the barrel!
Why didn’t you move it before when you saw me coming?
I was on the phone.
Talking to your boyfriend?
And it went downhill from there. But she won. We had to make a U-turn out onto the highway over the topes and go back through the other lane – she didn’t move the barrel until we were right up to it. At this point I was glad I couldn’t understand what was being said.
When Bill got back in Jennie he was grinding his teeth. Turns out she wouldn’t take the tourist cards only the vehicle paper work. To turn in the tourist cards he would have had to cross the highway (six lanes of traffic) and take them back to where we’d originally got them. Huh?
So anyway….On we went. Stopped and filled up with gas again – at US$ 2.84 a gallon still cheaper than the US.
Through the last Mexican check point.
Into no man’s land and in line for the US border.
Only took 35 minutes to get through. most of that time was spent waiting for the Agricultural Inspector. Thought we were okay this time. Nope he found something – potatoes – can’t bring them into the U.S. from Mexico. Jeezeeee. They were past their prime anyway.
While waiting for the inspector I was moving my camera around and a gentleman dressed all in black with a very big gun knocked on my window and told me I couldn’t take pictures in that area. No problem – I was just putting it away.
So up the road we went – Bill still steaming about the fiasco with the vehicle permit – me wondering what bugs potatoes have. Thirty miles further at about noon we were at Mountain View RV Park in Amado, AZ. They are pretty full with people spending the winter here and heading home.
After settling in we went to the Cow Palace for lunch then back for naps and TV watching.
I was reading and Bill came up to me and said “Yum, Bahia Kino and Huevos Rancheros.” I threw my book at him.
Today we’ll have to do some rearranging – find the US maps and camping books and get out our cold weather clothes as it was very cold in here when I got up. Then have to figure out which way we are going to go home.
WE ARE BACK IN U.S. of A
We got up early yesterday and left Sonora RV in Hermosillo at 7:00 – first we had to go south to a retorno so we could get back on Mexico 15D to go north. No problem wasn’t too far and traffic was light. Before we got three miles we encountered the first of three toll booths to the border. 33 US dollars before we crossed the border. This section of the road they should have paid us to use. Either it was in pretty bad condition or under construction with all traffic in either the northbound or southbound lanes. By next year it should be fine.
About sixty miles further up the road was a Military Check point – mainly for trucks.
 |
| He is coming over -notice double trailer |
This section of the highway has lots more topes on it than other sections. So we had to be sure to watch for them. Especially around the little towns of Santa Ana and Magdalena. Made a stop for gas just before Santa Ana – another nice station – this one had a garden with a fountain and a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
And at each tope there was something for sale – from food to copper pots and pans, furniture and even blankets.
 |
| the yellow sign is a TOPE warning |
In front and to the right of us we saw an official looking area. There were four lanes marked by lane dividers and two small guard type buildings each serving two lanes. Three of the lanes were blocked with barrels. So we took the only open lane – #1 - the narrowest and more difficult to go through as it curved around the little building. Could not see into the building because of the tinted windows. Pulled up to the door of the building. No one came out – nothing. Hum…..Maybe we’re supposed to go to the bigger building in front of us. So we pulled up there and stopped again. The Driver got out with the paper work just as a young female official came out of the little guard house behind us. Bill tried to give her the paper work. No No she couldn’t take it there we had to go back through the lane and stop at the guard house.
But we already did that.
Well you have to do it again I was on the phone the first time. AND you went through the wrong lane you should have gone through the one next to it. #2
But #2 is blocked by a barrel.
Well I’ll move the barrel!
Why didn’t you move it before when you saw me coming?
I was on the phone.
Talking to your boyfriend?
And it went downhill from there. But she won. We had to make a U-turn out onto the highway over the topes and go back through the other lane – she didn’t move the barrel until we were right up to it. At this point I was glad I couldn’t understand what was being said.
When Bill got back in Jennie he was grinding his teeth. Turns out she wouldn’t take the tourist cards only the vehicle paper work. To turn in the tourist cards he would have had to cross the highway (six lanes of traffic) and take them back to where we’d originally got them. Huh?
So anyway….On we went. Stopped and filled up with gas again – at US$ 2.84 a gallon still cheaper than the US.
Through the last Mexican check point.
While waiting for the inspector I was moving my camera around and a gentleman dressed all in black with a very big gun knocked on my window and told me I couldn’t take pictures in that area. No problem – I was just putting it away.
So up the road we went – Bill still steaming about the fiasco with the vehicle permit – me wondering what bugs potatoes have. Thirty miles further at about noon we were at Mountain View RV Park in Amado, AZ. They are pretty full with people spending the winter here and heading home.
After settling in we went to the Cow Palace for lunch then back for naps and TV watching.
I was reading and Bill came up to me and said “Yum, Bahia Kino and Huevos Rancheros.” I threw my book at him.
Today we’ll have to do some rearranging – find the US maps and camping books and get out our cold weather clothes as it was very cold in here when I got up. Then have to figure out which way we are going to go home.
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