Oct. 17 to 28th - Tucson to Mexico

Friday – October 17th we left Silver City for Tucson. We decided to stay at Beaudry Park for the entire time until we left for Mexico as that is where we were to meet up with the rest of the caravan called the La Penita Express. Our spot was right by the pool with orange and lime trees all around us. Lots of palm trees also. It was beautiful. We had planned to meet with a rep from Beaudry on Monday but he showed up Saturday morning and we went out with him then to look at new units and the RV park facilities. We had no intention of buying anything although we had discussed the possibility for the future as we had a better idea of what we would like. Anyways, to make a long story short, we purchased a 31.5 Keystone Cougar 2009 that has 3 slides, a desk for the computer and a complete private bathroom, with our Okanagan as a tradein. At that time the dollar was just starting to drop. By Monday when we made the money transfer it had dropped to 86 cents. Ouch! I still think we did OK but it made for a very stressful week trying to get everything moved over, getting ready to leave for Mexico, arranging insurances, etc. I sure wouldn’t do it that way again. During all this time of stress we also had great meetings & potlucks with our new group of friends who were in our caravan and got to spend most of a day with some old friends from Green Valley, Bud and Jean, who had stayed in out suite in Summerland 3 years ago. They took us to a lovely restaurant for lunch and then ferried us around to Costco and other stores to return and/or pick up items needed for our trip the next day. We are so lucky to have such great friends. We plan on spending more time in the area next spring so we can spend more time with them and see more sights. All in all our week in Tucson was very eventful and I really don’t want to get into all the details for awhile.

We left Monday (Oct. 27th) morning around 10 as we were going only as far as Santa Ana and our leaders thought that would make going through the border less stressful. We were quite worried as we only had a 90 day temporary license on the trailer as ICBC wouldn't insure us unless we took the trailer back to BC within 10 days of purchase and that wasn’t going to happen. Beaudry arranged for us to register it in New Mexico so we wouldn’t have to pay Arizona taxes but they could only give us a 90 day license and so close to the time it runs out, we have to contact them and they will send us another 90 days by Fedex so that we have 6 months to get back to Canada. We weren’t sure the border would accept that and sure enough it didn’t look like it would at first but then for some reason they decided that was OK and we breezed through. Unfortunately, some others had a lot of hassle because their Visa/Mastercard name didn’t match exactly to their passport and that’s the only way you can now pay for your tourist visa. The fellow that was with us had Joe on one item and Joseph on the other. The only way they could get through was by paying $500 cash in US funds for something like a bond. They get this money back on their way home but it was kind of a bummer. Eventually it got sorted out and we got going again. Two of our group of 6 units were also searched briefly at the border but no problems. We have 4 groups of 6 units each travelling 20 minutes apart. We all have walkie talkies to communicate topes (speed bumps) and big rigs passing and of course when there is a toll and how much the first unit paid. Just prior to getting to our RV site the rig in front of us had something hanging down at the back wheel and I called them to let them know but since we thought it was just a strap, we carried on for quite a few miles to the next gas station. It was then it was discovered they had broken a spring. Fortunately, they had brought two with them and their was a mechanic on site so they had help right away. Nothing like being prepared.

Since we were the first group to leave we were the first at the campsite in Santa Ana. It looked like it would hold about 10 rigs and there was one there already but we all managed to squeeze in with barely room to walk between. Talk about being close. The couple that owned the park, Edgar and Anna, were really nice and we all had a drink or two together and then some of us went on to a taco place a couple of doors down to eat. The guys had to run next door to get beer that they put in heavy duty black plastic bags and then loaded ice over top of. They brought it back to the restaurant while we waited for our food. The restaurant guy ran out of beef and had to go buy some more mid meal. We had tacos and a humungous thing called a Burro (kingsize burrito) It was great and lots of fun. Terry had a few too many beers and fortunately for me he made my first drink pretty strong so I quit drinking after that one so I was the only one who felt good the next morning.

We were up at 7 the next morning and on the road by 8. We were headed for Guaymas and a park called Playa de Cortes. It was 38 C and extremely humid. I was dripping as soon as I got out of the car. Fortunately, there was a breeze and believe it or not 30 amp service so we could use our AC. Also a pool and beach looking across to San Carlos. Very pretty. We quickly set up and had a bite and I headed to the pool. The water was very cold but I soon got used to it and had a couple of swims. I thought I’d better get my butt in gear and get something up on the blog as I’ve gotten quite behind and have heard from a few people wondering what’s going on. So here it is.

Oct. 9 to 17 - Thurs to Fri

After Fort Stockton we carried on to the Mission RV Park in El Paso. We tried to stay at the Hueco Tanks State Park in Texas but it was closed for a couple of weeks so that's why we carried on to El Paso. We were disappointed as we wanted to stay at Hueco Tanks for a few days but it was not to be. We had stayed at the Mission park last year and weren’t that impressed so we only stayed one night.

Fortunately, we decided to carry on the next day, Friday, to Silver City NM and stay at the Rose Valley Ranch RV Park. We loved it and decided to stay a week. By this time, I had not been feeling up to par and so was looking forward to a quiet time. The next day we woke up to thunder storms - an outflow of Hurricane Norbert. There was a Fall Festival being held in a nearby town called Mimbres so we drove over there to savour the local ambiance. It was quite interesting with many booths set up with local crafts for sale. There were several food booths and also a free flu shot booth. When we inquired about getting flu shots, they said sure go ahead, they didn’t care that we were Canadians and so we got our flu shots for free. What a deal! We wandered around and listened to some local music and a woman telling tales about her great great grandparents settling in that area. It was really interesting. We then tried some Filipino food and some homemade pie from a couple of the booths. It was great. By then the weather was blowing in some pretty wicked looking clouds again so we went into the school where more of this event was held. Inside there was a health fair going on so we got our BP taken, our blood tested and several other tests done. Everything looked pretty good except we are both overweight, especially me. Must do something serious about that. It’s a wakeup call. We returned via winding mountain roads thru the Gila National Forest and went by the historic town of Pinos Altos - 125 Kms.

Sunday and Monday we just puttered around the campsite as I really didn’t feel very good. Terry got all our pictures up to date and fixed some items that needed fixing. I did some sewing and generally took things easy.

On Tuesday I was feeling a little better so we decided to drive to the City of Rocks, a very unusual sight to see. All these huge rocks poking out of the ground just like a city of high rises. We drove around the different rock formations amongst which are lovely campsites, tucked in interesting nooks and crannies. Very unusual. Terry wanted to hike further afield so I stayed at one of the campsites with the truck and just sat in the sun and knitted and read. It was so peaceful.

Wednesday was another bad day for me. I just feel so crappy with nausea and general weakness. Not a nice feeling.

Thursday being our last day, we wanted to get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings which this area is so famous for. There are 42 rooms built inside several natural caves that were used by the Mogollon peoples for only about 30 years from 1276 to approx. 1300. We packed our lunch and drove the two hours to get there. Beautiful scenery and quite a long windy road that takes you along ridges of mountains looking down both sides at the same time. We got there about 12:30 and decided to do the hike to the cliffs before lunch. It is only 1 mile long but I had some difficulty between not feeling too good and the high altitude of around 7500 ft. I think the altitude is part of my problem of not feeling well as I’ve had this problem before. I did make it though and as usual it was definitely worth the effort of getting there. When we got back we had a picnic lunch and then drove to the Visitor Centre. We got back home around 6 and had a BBQ dinner and I did some laundry.

The next morning we drove to Tucson and registered at the Beaudry RV Resort for the next 10 days until we leave for Mexico on Oct. 26th. What a beautiful place! We are parked about 20 ft from a pool and spa plus laundry and showers. On one side of our site we have a lime tree dripping in limes and on the other side we have an orange tree also loaded but not ripe yet. Can't wait to hit the pool. I definitely feel much better now.

Oct 3 - 8 - Fri to Wed

Saturday we decided to head for the River Walk and the marketplace. Found parking for $7.50 a day and started walking toward the Alamo and on the way discovered the beautiful San Antonio River Walk . This used to be an area of flooding and devastation and after a huge flood in 1921, the area was reconstructed to provide a 2 ½ mile tree lined river walk with restaurants, shops and waterfalls. There are water taxis and tour boats floating by every few minutes. It’s the place to be on a hot day. Shaded by trees and buildings with venders of all sorts, park benches everywhere for you to just sit and contemplate how good life is. All this just a short couple of blocks from the Alamo.

Which is where we wandered over to next. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was home to missionaries and their Indian converts for almost 70 years. After being held by the Spanish, Rebels, Mexicans, there was eventually a final battle at the Alamo between some Texans and volunteers (approx 189) including Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie and nearly 4000 Mexicans under the Napolean wannabe General Santa Anna with devastating results for the Texans. It was a battle that lasted 13 days that continues to symbolize the heroic struggle of overwhelming odds. Thus the battle cry “Remember the Alamo”. Soon after this battle all the defenders died that day.

Fourty-six days later, General Sam Houston organized his men and attacked General Santa Anna and was victorious after only 18 minutes. Thus the Republic of Texas was born.

As we never made it to the market place, we decided to head for there on Sunday. It was so much like Mexcan markets that we didn’t buy anything as of course, we’ll have 5 months to shop at the real Mexican markets in a few short weeks. It was nice to see though.

That afternoon and the next day we just did some minor repairs and general cleaning chores done. Tomorrow we are headed for Del Rio. We’ve now completed a huge circle as we were here last February.

Arrived at Del Rio and I decided to go shopping at the same Wal Mart that we had gone to last winter with Butch and Shaunne. All the fall clothing are in now so I thought I'd pick up some summer bargains which I did. It was hot during the day and fortunately cooled off in the evening. Not like San Antonio. The scenery has changed drastically with the uglier parts of Texas being predominately what you see. Every so on there is a dramatic canyon where you can imagine the waters rushing through carving out the walls. Otherwise it is miles of low brush and no trees. Very dry but definitely greener than last February.

From Del Rio we decided to go to Fort Stockton for the night and set up, then drove around the townsite following road signs signifying a tour route. It brought us past the old Fort Stockton 1912 Pecos County Courthouse (very impressive building), the 1883 Jail, the Oldest House, and some of the original Fort, etc. ending with the world's largest Roadrunner (11' by 22' long). That was the most impressive.

Sept 26 - Oct. 3 , Fri - Fri

Drove to Memphis TN and on the way passed many fields of cotton, rice and soya beans. Terry even picked some cotton for me from one of the fields. It was a pleasant drive once we left the I 40. We’re also slowly getting used to people saying y’all and talkin’ funny.

We stayed at the Elvis Presley Blvd RV Park just 2 ½ blocks down from Graceland. Quite a dump especially the neighbourhood. We walked down to look at the outside of Graceland and the grounds that you could see from the street. I couldn’t imagine paying anything to go inside as it’s never been something we’ve wanted to see but you can’t go to Memphis without at least looking at it. As we were crossing the street to go to the wall, an old wreck of a car came out of the gates with a bunch of guys that looked like hoodlums. Generally, all the people we passed walking there were similar looking. There was though, a crazy striped black and white hummer limo full of teenage girls on a birthday party ride and the driver spoke to us for a few minutes and let me take a picture inside of the vehicle. It was kinda neat.

Saturday we drove to the Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro Arkansas. We stayed there two nights as I wanted to try our luck looking for diamonds. It’s a neat park with a huge plowed field (37 1/2 acres) that you can sift through the dirt looking for diamonds (and actually keep) and other semi precious stones such as amethyst, garnets, jasper, agate and quartz. There were dozens of people all over the place, families and lots of serious diggers. You can either dry sift or they have covered sluicing sheds where they had bins of water where you could sluice your screens similar to panning for gold. You then take any findings into the office for identification. All I got was an agate which I kept. It was fun but very hot dirty work. I then did laundry and we went shopping nearby.

Monday we drove to Shallow Creek RV park near Gladewater, TX. Probably one of the best RV sites we had ever had. Only $16.50 with our PA discount too. Too bad we had decided to stay only one night. On the way there we passed acres and acres of camping type trailers that were parked in a compound for FEMA Emergency Housing near Hope, AK. We would have thought they would have been used in Galveston, Texas after hurricane Ike.

Tuesday

We decided that we did have time to go to San Antonio so started to head south. On the way there we just about got run off the road by a stupid old man in a very long motohome pulling another long trailer that said "Catastrophe Response Unit" passing us on a narrow two lane highway. We had a semi right in front of us and lots of traffic heading our way. This idiot passed us and then cut right in front of us and then took off again like a bat out of hell. We hoped that would be the last we saw of him. Crazy!

Because our rig and truck desperately needed washing and waxing we decided to stay at a State park as they aren’t very busy right now and they usually don’t worry about what people do there re washing vehicles. We went to Huntsville State Park about one hour north of Houston. It was gorgeous. We parked right by a small lake that supposedly had alligators in it. We only saw turtles and egrets which was just as well. As we were sitting outside the first night enjoying the sunset, Terry mentioned that the only thing needed now was an armadillo walking past and guess what? One did, but too late for a picture. We couldn’t believe our eyes. A short while later while I was looking for him with my camera, I heard a scuttling in the leaves and turned and damned if he wasn’t there again. I quickly turned the camera on and snapped a photo but at that time he decided to scuttle into the waters edge and I only caught the tail end of him. Blurred too.

Wednesday we slept late due to the absolute peace and quiet of the place. We then got to work and I washed the truck and Terry got to work on the RV. Whew, what a job! We took a break late afternoon and went and did a bit of shopping. When we got back we tidied up and then had a drink. While we were doing this a large motorhome pulled up and the driver started talking to the park ranger who just happened to be driving by. They talked for about an hour while neither of them turned off their motors. Made us wonder what the hell was going on. Eventually, the ranger left and the guy parked his unit right next to our spot. About an hour later, the jerk started his generator. Why, we couldn’t figure out as we had 30 amp power. I thought this was ridiculous so went over to ask what was his problem. He stated that he was having a medical emergency and that he had called “someone”. I asked if he had called an ambulance and he said no. I said well, if you need help we’re right next door. I still didn’t get what the reason was for the generator but figured it was for some medical equipment but wondered why he would head for a state park instead of a more populated area. A while later, when no one had come yet, Terry went over. It turned out it was the same yahoo that tried to run us off the road! While Terry was trying to talk to him a policeman showed up and took over. After much discussion, the cop called an ambulance and they arrived. The twit who was having heart problems would not go with them and after a couple of hours of discussion, etc. he unhooked his utilities and took off supposedly for a rest stop. The guy was a complete lou lou and I still can’t figure out why the cop would let him drive but they did. I sure was glad we weren't on the road that night. After that it was peace and quiet again.

The next day was hot and very still. Terry wanted to finished the trailer and get some wax on it. I did all the truck windows and then wanted to get some sewing done. I’m quilting a baby quilt for Shauna’s new baby and I made six doubled receiving blankets also. I’ve finished a sweater and am also busy knitting a baby bunting bag too. Lots of fun but sometimes find it’s hard to find the time. I want to get all this mailed prior to leaving the states.

Friday we are headed for San Antonio, TX. I had booked ahead for 3 nights and also made an appointment for the RV to get a safety check at Beaudry RV in Tucson for Oct. 22nd. We passed a lot of Texas size ranches and pretty countryside. Just after lunch we started to come across tents set up for antique sales. First one, then another and then holey cow! There were hundreds and then thousands! We drove on further and there were miles of them. It made Quartzite look like a small garage sale. We have never seen anything like it. It would take you a month everyday to see it all. This was all between Heritage and Warrenton TX on Hwy 237. It was really something to see. They had cow hides, Persian rugs, western wear, jugs, bedsteads, windows, china, cowbells, you name it. Everything! It took us about 20 minutes to drive past it all. Well, worth the holdup though.

We arrived at the Braunig Lake RV Resort around supper time and set up in 38 C weather. Hot and sticky. Thank God for airconditioning. Tomorrow we hit the Alamo.