We have had a pretty day today. The breeze can be quite brisk at times but the temperature has been hovering around 70 all day. We are still drying out the basement, so the warmth is appreciated.
We had a good chuckle this morning. Our resume has been posted on Workampers.com for a few days and we received a job offer! It was from Oaklake Trails Nature Preserve in Oklahoma. I was really excited until I found out that they were located a short distance from the recent tornadoes. Then, the gentleman mentioned that it is a clothing optional resort. Hahahahahahaha! He was quick to add that we would not be required to remove our clothes but that most people at the resort did. I thanked him for the offer but told him that I would not be very comfortable under those circumstances. He thanked me for the honesty and wished us well in our job hunt.
We are finding that we can afford to be a little picky about which position we take. We only want something part time and for a short duration. There seem to be a lot of campgrounds and parks that need help. So, we'll keep looking.
Our package is due to arrive today, but we haven't seen it yet. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some pictures of our new window shade.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Almost Forgot You!
We've had a busy day here at the coach. We woke up to a water overflow and spent the day trying to dry things out and do laundry. Doug had to make a run to Lowes for a fan to help the drying situation.
The weather has improved a little. But, it sure gets cold at night. It was 28 degrees at 7am! The precipitation has stopped, the snow has melted and we were almost to 70 degrees this afternoon. We needed the warmth to get the basement dry. Hopefully we'll get another good day tomorrow.
Our mail from South Dakota arrived with lots of tax information forms. Yuck. At least we will be able to get the IRS off our minds next week. Tomorrow the rest of the packages should arrive and we are looking forward to heading east. We'd like to find some sun and stay away from tornadoes.
The weather has improved a little. But, it sure gets cold at night. It was 28 degrees at 7am! The precipitation has stopped, the snow has melted and we were almost to 70 degrees this afternoon. We needed the warmth to get the basement dry. Hopefully we'll get another good day tomorrow.
Our mail from South Dakota arrived with lots of tax information forms. Yuck. At least we will be able to get the IRS off our minds next week. Tomorrow the rest of the packages should arrive and we are looking forward to heading east. We'd like to find some sun and stay away from tornadoes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A.R.E.Y.O.U.K.I.D.D.I.N.G.M.E!!!!
Okay......is this someone's idea of a joke?????
This is what we saw when we got up this morning! 30 degrees and snowing!
Puhleeeeze....somebody pinch me......I can't believe this!
Eventually, I had to put my shoes on and go outside for a picture.
Update: The snow has stopped, the sun is shining and it's almost 40 degrees. Woohoo! But, now the wind is blowing like crazy. When that mail shows up, we are going to find some sunshine.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Back to Benson
We tried to dodge the rainstorms for our move, but weren't entirely successful. We left St David around 11am for our short trip back to Benson to the Valley Vista RV Park in the middle of a rain shower.
The rain stopped long enough for Doug to get everything hooked up and the satellite dish set in place. Then it sprinkled again several times throughout the rest of the day.
We almost didn't get back into this park this week. They are very full and everyone is squeezed in pretty tight. But, that's okay with us. We needed to stay in this area for another week in order to receive a package and mail that is crucial. So we are grateful that we were able to stay at Valley Vista again.
The rain stopped long enough for Doug to get everything hooked up and the satellite dish set in place. Then it sprinkled again several times throughout the rest of the day.
We almost didn't get back into this park this week. They are very full and everyone is squeezed in pretty tight. But, that's okay with us. We needed to stay in this area for another week in order to receive a package and mail that is crucial. So we are grateful that we were able to stay at Valley Vista again.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Getting Ready for the Storm
We spent another lazy, relaxing day at home except for the big storms that were supposed to roll in. Doug put away everything outside and battened down the hatches. And then, we opened the windows because it was too warm. No sign of a storm......just fluffy, white clouds drifting past us.
The wind picked up early in the evening and about 1 o'clock in the morning the rain started. It poured all night. Guess the weatherman knew what he was talking about!
We plan on moving tomorrow, so it was nice to get things put away ahead of time. We watched the nascar Budweiser Shootout race and talked to family off and on all day.
The wind picked up early in the evening and about 1 o'clock in the morning the rain started. It poured all night. Guess the weatherman knew what he was talking about!
We plan on moving tomorrow, so it was nice to get things put away ahead of time. We watched the nascar Budweiser Shootout race and talked to family off and on all day.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Checking Out the Park
We stayed home and relaxed today. So, I thought I would show you some pictures we took of the clubhouse here at the St David RV Resort.
Constructed in the southwest style, the main clubhouse is very striking. It has several entrances and patios that make it feel casual and comfortable.
The interior is slightly worn, but welcoming with the conversation settings and bright, airy colors.
In the other corner of the main room is a large fireplace. In addition to this room, there is a kitchen, game room, activity room (with books) and office.
After crossing one of the patios, we found the pool area. It's still warm enough in the mid afternoon to enjoy the outdoor pool.
There are also two small lakes stocked with bass and catfish and several small ponds connected by tiny canals.
We found shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits as well as a tiny putt-putt golf course. I didn't get pictures of the activity building. But there are tons of classes, card games, exercises and entertainment in the other building too.
We do like this park and are looking forward to returning.
Constructed in the southwest style, the main clubhouse is very striking. It has several entrances and patios that make it feel casual and comfortable.
The interior is slightly worn, but welcoming with the conversation settings and bright, airy colors.
In the other corner of the main room is a large fireplace. In addition to this room, there is a kitchen, game room, activity room (with books) and office.
After crossing one of the patios, we found the pool area. It's still warm enough in the mid afternoon to enjoy the outdoor pool.
There are also two small lakes stocked with bass and catfish and several small ponds connected by tiny canals.
We found shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits as well as a tiny putt-putt golf course. I didn't get pictures of the activity building. But there are tons of classes, card games, exercises and entertainment in the other building too.
We do like this park and are looking forward to returning.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Putting the Brakes On
Sorry there was no post yesterday. I had good intentions.....but.....as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Anyway, we left the coach early in the morning and didn't get back until after 8pm. We headed south to Sierra Vista where our pals Doug and Diane M. are staying. We found their park easily and while Diane and I relaxed on the patio and visited to our heart's content, Doug and Doug replaced all of the brakes on his jeep.
Once the job was completed and they cleaned up, they treated us to lunch at Cafe O Le in downtown Sierra Vista. It's a terrific restaurant owned by Doug's nephew and wife. The lunch was outstanding and the prices were very reasonable. We wouldn't hesitate to return.
Diane wanted us to see the Coronado National Forest, so, we followed them in our jeep south on hwy 92. A few miles down the road, we started smelling an odd burning smell and within a minute or two, saw smoke coming from the rear wheels. We signaled them to pull over and the rear brakes were smoking hot. After waiting for them to cool and lots of opinions and ideas, it was decided to head back to the rv park.
We followed them closely and signaled them to stop each time the smoke reappeared. Doug's sister Kathy lives nearby so we limped into her driveway and had a lovely visit with her and her two new puppies.
When the brakes cooled again, the park was our next destination. Success. The guys took the wheel off and checked and double checked but couldn't find anything wrong. They finally came to the conclusion that the brakes hadn't been properly broken in. So, they took it for a test drive while applying pressure to the brakes as indicated in the directions. Voila, everything worked fine and no smoke.
Meanwhile, Diane and I enjoyed the news and more visiting.
Doug and I stopped at Lowes on our way home and picked up a new electric heater at 25% off. It's nice looking, works great and most important of all (to Doug).....it has a remote. Just what we need, another remote.
We zipped through the border patrol checkpoint in the dark and finally arrived home a little after eight. I sure didn't feel like doing a blog and we just crashed.
Anyway, we left the coach early in the morning and didn't get back until after 8pm. We headed south to Sierra Vista where our pals Doug and Diane M. are staying. We found their park easily and while Diane and I relaxed on the patio and visited to our heart's content, Doug and Doug replaced all of the brakes on his jeep.
Once the job was completed and they cleaned up, they treated us to lunch at Cafe O Le in downtown Sierra Vista. It's a terrific restaurant owned by Doug's nephew and wife. The lunch was outstanding and the prices were very reasonable. We wouldn't hesitate to return.
Diane wanted us to see the Coronado National Forest, so, we followed them in our jeep south on hwy 92. A few miles down the road, we started smelling an odd burning smell and within a minute or two, saw smoke coming from the rear wheels. We signaled them to pull over and the rear brakes were smoking hot. After waiting for them to cool and lots of opinions and ideas, it was decided to head back to the rv park.
We followed them closely and signaled them to stop each time the smoke reappeared. Doug's sister Kathy lives nearby so we limped into her driveway and had a lovely visit with her and her two new puppies.
When the brakes cooled again, the park was our next destination. Success. The guys took the wheel off and checked and double checked but couldn't find anything wrong. They finally came to the conclusion that the brakes hadn't been properly broken in. So, they took it for a test drive while applying pressure to the brakes as indicated in the directions. Voila, everything worked fine and no smoke.
Meanwhile, Diane and I enjoyed the news and more visiting.
Doug and I stopped at Lowes on our way home and picked up a new electric heater at 25% off. It's nice looking, works great and most important of all (to Doug).....it has a remote. Just what we need, another remote.
We zipped through the border patrol checkpoint in the dark and finally arrived home a little after eight. I sure didn't feel like doing a blog and we just crashed.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Town Too Tough To Die
Since we are staying only 24 miles away from Tombstone, AZ, we decided that today would be a good day to head 'em up and move 'em out.
Off we went to see the O.K. Corral where many historical gunfights occurred, as well as the rest of the tourist traps. The streets of Old Tombstone are blocked off and that made it easy to stroll down the wooden boardwalks.
It was fun seeing the old stage coach and rugged cowboys in worn out western wear.
Our first stop was the Tombstone visitor center to get a walking map of the town. Across the street, we found the Rose Tree Museum. The story goes that a small rose tree was sent from Scotland and was planted in a hotel courtyard in 1885. That same, small tree now covers 8000 square feet and 300 people can sit in the shade of it.
The next stop was the Bird Cage Theatre. This building from the 1880's served as a theater, saloon, gambling hall and brothel. While some of the claims are pretty outrageous, it isn't hard to imagine what it was like one hundred years ago.
Inside are some of the original artifacts, including this old bar. And in several places, bullet holes mark the walls, ceilings and paintings.
It is fascinating to see the narrow staircase leading to the tiny rooms where the ladies of the night entertained their guests.
The orginal gas lamps are still in place although they have since been converted to electric.
We wandered the dusty streets some more, in and out of the gift shops. Doug found an old friend!
There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. But we just walked and took it all in.
After leaving the old part of town, we stopped at the Boothill Graveyard.
We entered the old cemetary by way of this museum/gift shop. It was laid out in 1878 as the burial place for Tombstone's first pioneers. But because of the many violent deaths, it became known as Boothill Graveyard.
Along with many outlaws and their victims are suicides, hangings and the hardy citizens.
There are over 250 graves and the ones with markers have been researched by all available sources of information, including relatives, old residents and the Arizona Historical Society records.
Some are quite ornate and others are very simple.
And some are pretty clever. Lester was a Wells Fargo agent that died in a dispute over a package.
All in all, an entertaining day with enough history to make it interesting and enough legend to make it fun.
Off we went to see the O.K. Corral where many historical gunfights occurred, as well as the rest of the tourist traps. The streets of Old Tombstone are blocked off and that made it easy to stroll down the wooden boardwalks.
It was fun seeing the old stage coach and rugged cowboys in worn out western wear.
Our first stop was the Tombstone visitor center to get a walking map of the town. Across the street, we found the Rose Tree Museum. The story goes that a small rose tree was sent from Scotland and was planted in a hotel courtyard in 1885. That same, small tree now covers 8000 square feet and 300 people can sit in the shade of it.
The next stop was the Bird Cage Theatre. This building from the 1880's served as a theater, saloon, gambling hall and brothel. While some of the claims are pretty outrageous, it isn't hard to imagine what it was like one hundred years ago.
Inside are some of the original artifacts, including this old bar. And in several places, bullet holes mark the walls, ceilings and paintings.
It is fascinating to see the narrow staircase leading to the tiny rooms where the ladies of the night entertained their guests.
The orginal gas lamps are still in place although they have since been converted to electric.
We wandered the dusty streets some more, in and out of the gift shops. Doug found an old friend!
There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. But we just walked and took it all in.
After leaving the old part of town, we stopped at the Boothill Graveyard.
We entered the old cemetary by way of this museum/gift shop. It was laid out in 1878 as the burial place for Tombstone's first pioneers. But because of the many violent deaths, it became known as Boothill Graveyard.
Along with many outlaws and their victims are suicides, hangings and the hardy citizens.
There are over 250 graves and the ones with markers have been researched by all available sources of information, including relatives, old residents and the Arizona Historical Society records.
Some are quite ornate and others are very simple.
And some are pretty clever. Lester was a Wells Fargo agent that died in a dispute over a package.
All in all, an entertaining day with enough history to make it interesting and enough legend to make it fun.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Dougs Diggin' St David
We had visitors this morning!
What treat to find three roadrunners scampering around our site. We never managed to get all three in one picture but it was sure fun trying.
Our pal Doug also came by to go digging with Doug. While Doug and I were taking pictures of the birds, Doug was taking pictures of us! (confused yet?)
The guys took off a few minutes later, while I remained at home to be a domestic diva.
I worked on the computer, read my book, took more pictures of the roadrunners and baked cookies. Not bad for a free afternoon.
Meanwhile, the guys had a great time in the desert.
Not content with just dry panning and digging, they spent some time driving through the washes and taking pictures of each other.
They got some pretty spectacular shots in between climbing and digging.
It was a relaxing day and Doug came home with more rocks. The picnic table is now covered with treasures. They are good looking rocks......but........he's starting to remind me of Lucy in the Long Long Trailer.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Moving South
It was only a short jaunt today. We left the Valley Vista RV Park a few minutes after 10 and drove through the small town of St David. It's not much of a town. And, as Doug found out later, it's a dry town with a Mormon background.
St David was founded in 1877 and named after a LDS apostle. It's claim to fame is the St David school district which is the oldest in the San Pedro Valley. And, it's most recent newsworthy item is that three skunks found in the area have tested positive for rabies. Hmmmmmmm
Just south of town is the Holy Trinity Monastery, which is a Benedictine community. The retreat also includes a meditation garden, conservatory, birdwalk, bookstore, library, gift shop and museum. Maybe we will get a chance to stop in and get a few pictures.
And, just south of the monastery is the St David Western Horizons RV Resort. We checked in and were assigned a spot at the top of the hill. After winding through the park, past a small fishing lake we came out in a large meadow.
The sites are huge and the park is not very crowded. We hauled over a picnic table from an empty lot and made ourselves at home. It's a bit breezy, so we have to put our chairs away when we aren't using them. But the picnic table has become Doug's rock station.
We have a lovely view of the mountains (don't ask me what the name is).
And in the evening the sunsets are spectacular. I like this quiet, peaceful park.
St David was founded in 1877 and named after a LDS apostle. It's claim to fame is the St David school district which is the oldest in the San Pedro Valley. And, it's most recent newsworthy item is that three skunks found in the area have tested positive for rabies. Hmmmmmmm
Just south of town is the Holy Trinity Monastery, which is a Benedictine community. The retreat also includes a meditation garden, conservatory, birdwalk, bookstore, library, gift shop and museum. Maybe we will get a chance to stop in and get a few pictures.
And, just south of the monastery is the St David Western Horizons RV Resort. We checked in and were assigned a spot at the top of the hill. After winding through the park, past a small fishing lake we came out in a large meadow.
The sites are huge and the park is not very crowded. We hauled over a picnic table from an empty lot and made ourselves at home. It's a bit breezy, so we have to put our chairs away when we aren't using them. But the picnic table has become Doug's rock station.
We have a lovely view of the mountains (don't ask me what the name is).
And in the evening the sunsets are spectacular. I like this quiet, peaceful park.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Lazy-Stay-At-Home Day
We spent a relaxing day at home in the coach. Doug restored the Wii to working condition, so we golfed for a bit. And that was the highlight of the day. Tomorrow, we move about seven miles down the road to another Resorts of Distinction park. It's the St David Western Horizons park. There is still a lot to see and do in this area and we can be as busy as we choose. (or not)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Musty Books
We visited the Benson Arizona Visitor Center today. What a way to learn about the area! The volunteers are always so nice and helpful and the brochures are plentiful. Doug was interested in places to get more information about his rockhounding. And I was finding everything I wanted to know about the tourist traps. (I love 'em!)
After leaving the visitor center, we headed for a rock shop in town. It was just a small place and 90% of their rocks and minerals were from Mexico. We enjoyed looking at the various displays, but Doug was looking for books to help identify the rocks that he has collected and the lady had none available.
Doug remembered seeing a rock shop in St David which is only about six miles away. So, off we went. But before we could barely get out of Benson, we passed another small shop. Pulling a u-turn, we went back to check it out. This one was much larger and well stocked. The owner, Lars, was quite knowledgeable and friendly. He had lots of advice and hints, but no books. However, he recommended a used book store in Benson where he quite often picked up books on geology and rock collecting.
Back we went to Benson where we found the Musty Books store. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It's not a large shop, but there were books everywhere! Some were on shelves, in boxes, stacked in piles here and there and you never knew what you might find. The owner directed Doug to the back where most of the reference and geology books were and I just wandered and browsed to my heart's content. Doug found several books that he wanted and a map that shows areas to find gems, minerals and gold. Score!!!
We returned to the coach to finish some chores and enjoy the sunshine. We both spent the evening with our noses in books. Doug, dreaming of finding riches and me just dreaming. Rough life!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Domestic Duties
After such a busy day in Bisbee, I wanted to catch up on some domestic business. It has been getting very cold at night here. Even dipping below freezing in the early morning hours. But, when the temperature finally hit 70, I opened the windows and doors and started laundry. I paid some bills, made some phone calls and updated the blog. Thank you to all of our dear readers.
Our pal Doug M. drove up to see if my Doug could come out to play. So, the two of them headed for the town of St David to do some rockhounding. Doug M had found desert rose rocks in that area before and wanted to show Doug where they were. But, after a couple of hours, they had to admit that they were skunked. My Doug did come home with some neat looking rocks though and spent several hours cleaning, sorting and wondering what they might be. It might be time for some rockhounding classes.
Having a few hours of me-time was quite pleasant. With this life style, you must enjoy spending lots and lots of time with your spouse or partner. But, it's also important to have opportunities for space and solitude. I sat in the warm sunshine and read a new (to me) book and relished the quiet. How nice to daydream and drift with no interruptions.
Our pal Doug M. drove up to see if my Doug could come out to play. So, the two of them headed for the town of St David to do some rockhounding. Doug M had found desert rose rocks in that area before and wanted to show Doug where they were. But, after a couple of hours, they had to admit that they were skunked. My Doug did come home with some neat looking rocks though and spent several hours cleaning, sorting and wondering what they might be. It might be time for some rockhounding classes.
Having a few hours of me-time was quite pleasant. With this life style, you must enjoy spending lots and lots of time with your spouse or partner. But, it's also important to have opportunities for space and solitude. I sat in the warm sunshine and read a new (to me) book and relished the quiet. How nice to daydream and drift with no interruptions.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bisbee and the Queen Mine
The only thing better than getting out and sightseeing is doing it with friends!
We met our pals Doug and Diane M. at the junction of highways 80 and 90 then followed them to Bisbee.
This picturesque, little town was founded in 1880 and is perched precariously on the hillsides surrounding the Copper Queen Mine. The old west mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world and had a population of 20,000 people. It has since evolved into an artist colony and retirement community of about 6,000 residents.
After a quick stop at the visitor center, we headed for the Queen Mine where we had reservations for the tour. After over 100 years of production, this famous copper mine finally closed in 1975.
The first part of the tour includes the necessary equipment to journey deep into the mine. We donned hard hats, slickers and mining lanterns (with heavy battery packs) and posed for Diane to capture us in our finery. A more charming group would be hard to find!
We then proceeded outside where the mine train awaited us.
See our intrepid photographer Diane, taking the last shot of us before we venture into the mine........... possibly forever.
The tour was a blast. Our guide rang the bell and off we went into the tunnel. Our first stop was at the stairway to a stope. A stope is a good size room where ore is extracted. Joe, the guide, worked in this mine for many years and had lots of stories to tell.
We reboarded the train and continued 1500 feet into the dark, bowels of the mine. Doug (the other Doug, also known as Al) was our front man on the train. Since we each had miners lanterns, we were able to watch the walls that were sparkly and veined with remaining minerals.
This was our final stop on the tour. Here they showed us the procedure for blasting the walls of ore and answered questions. We saw the original porta potty and elevators to the other six levels. As well as some of the equipment that was used for drilling and excavating.
After the very cool, 47 degree tour, we made our way to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum in town. Doug and Diane posed near one of the ore trains in front of the museum, then treated us to the displays inside. The curators don't allow photographs inside but the galleries were fantastic.
The main floor showed vignettes of life in the early mining days as well as actual artifacts used by the miners and townspeople. Upstairs were displays of gems and minerals from the surrounding areas. The colors, shapes, sizes and varieties left us open jawed.
By now, we were starving but several of the restaurants and cafes we chose to try were already closed for the day. So, we ended up with a delightful lunch at The Bisbee Grille. The two Dougs tried buffalo burgers and we girls (I use the term lightly) stuck with more traditional fare.
We each headed separate directions home with fond memories and lots of pictures. Thanks Doug and Diane for a fun day!
We met our pals Doug and Diane M. at the junction of highways 80 and 90 then followed them to Bisbee.
This picturesque, little town was founded in 1880 and is perched precariously on the hillsides surrounding the Copper Queen Mine. The old west mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world and had a population of 20,000 people. It has since evolved into an artist colony and retirement community of about 6,000 residents.
After a quick stop at the visitor center, we headed for the Queen Mine where we had reservations for the tour. After over 100 years of production, this famous copper mine finally closed in 1975.
The first part of the tour includes the necessary equipment to journey deep into the mine. We donned hard hats, slickers and mining lanterns (with heavy battery packs) and posed for Diane to capture us in our finery. A more charming group would be hard to find!
We then proceeded outside where the mine train awaited us.
See our intrepid photographer Diane, taking the last shot of us before we venture into the mine........... possibly forever.
The tour was a blast. Our guide rang the bell and off we went into the tunnel. Our first stop was at the stairway to a stope. A stope is a good size room where ore is extracted. Joe, the guide, worked in this mine for many years and had lots of stories to tell.
We reboarded the train and continued 1500 feet into the dark, bowels of the mine. Doug (the other Doug, also known as Al) was our front man on the train. Since we each had miners lanterns, we were able to watch the walls that were sparkly and veined with remaining minerals.
This was our final stop on the tour. Here they showed us the procedure for blasting the walls of ore and answered questions. We saw the original porta potty and elevators to the other six levels. As well as some of the equipment that was used for drilling and excavating.
After the very cool, 47 degree tour, we made our way to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum in town. Doug and Diane posed near one of the ore trains in front of the museum, then treated us to the displays inside. The curators don't allow photographs inside but the galleries were fantastic.
The main floor showed vignettes of life in the early mining days as well as actual artifacts used by the miners and townspeople. Upstairs were displays of gems and minerals from the surrounding areas. The colors, shapes, sizes and varieties left us open jawed.
By now, we were starving but several of the restaurants and cafes we chose to try were already closed for the day. So, we ended up with a delightful lunch at The Bisbee Grille. The two Dougs tried buffalo burgers and we girls (I use the term lightly) stuck with more traditional fare.
We each headed separate directions home with fond memories and lots of pictures. Thanks Doug and Diane for a fun day!
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