Day 33-Sat, 31 Jan 09-Malibu, Calif

I didn't move much or go far today. By 11 am it was at least 80 degrees and while Wayne decided to go on a long hike through the canyon trails, I sat on my ever-fattening butt and gave myself a pedicure. All was not lost!

We put the canopy out on the LuvMasheen which shaded the inside. Because there is absolutely no humidity at this time of year, once you step in to the shade, it is quite cool so it's a continuing game of move the chair when it gets too hot, move again when it gets too cool. It saves on the sunburn. However, even in the van there are 'chores' so the fridge got cleaned out and a couple of loads of laundry. We're good to hit the road again.

We think we are heading for Big Sur tomorrow. It's probably a two-day drive, stopping frequently to see all the sites and there's a few wonderful state parks along the way. The couple that pulled in with a Roadtrek a few sites up from us just came down that way and apparently there are large groups of elephant seals along the beach which we are anxious to see again. We had come across them on our first trip here a few years ago and I'm anxious to spend some time photographing them. At some point we have to start back in to Arizona but as long as the weather holds here, we want to take advantage of it. There's so much to see and we are so lucky to be able to enjoy the coastline in ideal weather. We've already decided that the distance we go in a day really isn't important...it's what we see...and staying 2-3 days at beautiful RV sites is relaxing and enjoyable.

If we do stay at a few state parks, we won't have internet to enjoy so blogging may be sporatic for the next weeks or so. Until next time, love and hugs to all.xx

Day 32-Fri, 30 Jan 09-Malibu, California

Oh how wonderful to wake up to the sun streaming in the window! Now THIS is what we've travelled a gazillion miles to experience. I actually had to break out from under the quilt last night, even though we had the fan going, and I'm sure it wasn't a hot flash--just a warm night.

We have decided to stay at this RV site for two more nights..it's really lovely here and we just feel like enjoying it. That's what the trip is all about, right? We did want to sit on a beach though and packed up the van and headed back towards Santa Monica. Before we reached it however, we started driving past the Malibu Beach, saw the big pier and turned in. We were able to get a parking spot right by the boardwalk--which makes it convenient to go back for cold drinks, food, etc--and ended spending the better part of the day.

We wandered the pier first. It's a combination of amusement park, fishing pier, restaurants, and harbour patrol....loved it! We sat and had a coffee and people watched for a while...it was great. While we were strolling we noticed that besides the usual pelicans, seagulls, and cormerants, there was a school of dolphins plus a few sea lions next to the pier. When we looked down in to the water, we could see millions of small fish..like sardines...and I'm guessing that's what the action was all about. Very entertaining. Wayne said he saw a tuna just lazing at the top of the water as well.

The beach was almost empty when we arrived and by 1 pm there were more people but certainly not crowded. I'm sure on nice weekends or later in the year, it can get pretty crowded. A few people were in swimming but it's still a tad too cold for me!

I kept my eyes peeled for a celebrity but didn't see anything but a skinny old man in a thong. Once I'd swallowed the bile, I figured I'd have to hang out there all day, every day, and "Sorry Matthew, but I'm just too darn busy!"

I expect tomorrow we'll just wander down the road to the beach area by the RV park...although trying to cross the highway is a life-threatening event. The traffic is constant and they travel fast.

Remember Carmel in your thoughts and prayers...she's doing great but extra positive thoughts from all of us just can't hurt. I'm missing my baby HoneyB...he gave us his whole supper menu on the phone the other night...Lord, I love that child!

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 31-Thurs, 29 Jan 09-San Diego to Malibu, Calif

Well, we had ourselves a day today! We h’mmed and hawed about whether or not to stay in San Diego for one more night and then decided we would head up the Pacific Coast Hwy to Santa Monica, wander the pier and stay there. After what seemed like hours going through one, long, town after town, stoplight after stoplight, we decided to go to Malibu Beach and that’s where we’ve bunked down.
The first few miles out of San Diego were very peaceful and scenic but because it’s only 75 miles to Los Angeles, it doesn’t take long before some of those towns we all know and love from television, start to appear…Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Redondo Beach…they are all suburbs of LA. Laguna Beach is where the money is and I’m not sure where the ‘Housewives of Orange County’ live but it wouldn’t be hard to believe they are there. It was beautiful..lots of galleries and restaurants, BMWs, Ferraris, Jaguars, etc. It was much the same for Newport...long beautiful beaches and few people on them—rather few tourists. Huntington Beach was spectacular and we ended up stopping at one of the State Parks, making lunch and taking it down a huge bluff to eat on the beach. Huntington hosts the world surfing championship every year in August and there were a quite a few in the water a little further down from where we were. On each of the balconies of the apts/condos facing the beach was a least one surfboard.
Long Beach was a bit of a hole—at least the portion along the hwy was but it’s getting pretty close to LA and certainly not as trendy as those areas leading up to it. It gets dark very quickly here so we were able to see the sun going down as we drove through the town of Malibu. We are staying in an RV park, high up on a hill, and when we open the doors of the van in the morning, we will have an unobstructed view of the ocean as well as the most amazing sunset ever! It’s going up to 81 degrees tomorrow and nice all week. We’re within walking distance of the beach so may stay for a couple of days and just enjoy the sun.
I know we got this far when we were here a few years ago but it was long enough back that everything is still new. I read in People magazine that Matthew McConaughey likes to jog and surf on this beach so I plan to be up early, on the beach, tanning lotion in hand, looking for ‘someone’ to apply it.
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 30-Wed, 28 Jan 09-San Diego, Calif

We were at Balboa Park by 9:30 am and walked and gawked until 3 pm. I took pictures of everything that didn't move..and a few things that did..and left feeling satisfied that I'd had a day to wander and ponder. It was great.

It was a very cool night but we woke to the sun shining and by 10 am I had started to peel off my hoodie and look for shady spots. It's still early in the tourist season so other than hoards of school kids, it wasn't crowded at the park at all. I just kept heading in the opposite direction the kids were going and rarely saw them...heard them, but hardly saw them.

I never go to Balboa Park that I don't marvel at the architecture. There is so much scroll and decorative plaster work on the buildings that whatever museum is inside is almost secondary to the outside. Even the Skillen plasterers would have been impressed.

We are on the move again tomorrow, haven't decided where yet but if the weather report is as good as predicted, it will probably north up the Pacific coast. We'll see.

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 29-Tues, 27 Jan-Yuma, Ariz to San Diego, Calif

It was a beautiful day to be on the road..sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures are still in the mid-60's but as sister-Brenda says: "pulle-e-e-se, it's minus 20 here". Too true, and I'll (try) to stop whining!

We headed west on Hwy 8 through some true, honest-to-God desert. I don't have a map of Calif and don't know the mountain ranges which surrounded this valley, but as we drove for about 80 miles through such varied landscape, we could see them in the distance and knew we would have to cross them to get to the Pacific. There were massive sand dunes (Imperial Dunes), some with bits of vegatation that held them in place but for the most part it was barren...but beautiful. There were hundreds of boon-dockers (people in RVs just parked and sitting on what must be public land) but I'm betting they were breathing, eating, and shoveling sand as there is a constant wind blowing that gets in every crack and crevice of an RV.

There was a canal built through this area which means before and after the 10-mile stretch of dunes, significant agriculture is possible. We saw huge fields of cauliflower, onions, hay, and other stuff. At a rest stop in this valley there was an interesting story about a man who visited this valley in the 1800's and saw the possibility of diverting water from the Colorado River. In following years, the rivers overflowed and sent huge amounts of silt into the canal and they gave up until the early 1900s when a better plan for building the canal was done. Between those times, it was called 'The Valley of Death'.

I'm sure the unofficial name for it now must be either 'Valley of Illegal Imigrants' or 'Valley of Migrant Workers' as this area virtually runs along the Mexican border and there were more Inspection Stations along this stretch than almost anywhere else we've been. As the last two we've gone through, we've seen groups of Mexicans that have tried to get into the US, were caught in trucks, cars or whatever, and were waiting for the nice bus with bars on the windows to be taken back across the border. Things must be booming as there are huge billboards advertising the job opportunities for Border Guards. I'd apply but riding a horse to work every day is no longer on my list of dream jobs.

We finally got to the 'mountains' which threaded through hills that were completely make up of huge...and I mean huge...boulders stacked and piled on on top of the other. It was nothing short of fascinating and we had to stop to wander through and of course, take some photos. I was admittedly looking 'down' for rattlesnakes before I looked 'up' for photos. Mind you, I had this terrifying thought that I'd lean up against one and it would move, creating a landslide of gigantic proportions! Some of these boulders are sitting so precariously on the edge of another that it blows your mind why this highway is constantly closed due to rock slides! That may happen I guess but what amazed me most was that these boulders, which would each weigh tons, are sometimes split into 3 or 4 pieces so that you could see at some point it was one big boulder but was now in pieces. We went from zero to 4100 ft above sea level within half an hour and there were numerous pull-offs that provided 'radiator water'. Ah, the force of Mother Nature.

Gertie (GPS) got us to the San Diego KOA by 3pm. While it is the most expensive KOA we've stayed in ($51 night) it is beautiful. It is the first place we've stayed that has actual grass and is surrounded by trees and flowering bushes (saw a hummingbird this morning)...well worth the money. There a huge pool and hot tub as well as a big games room. I did laundry last night after supper so that's out of the way for the next week.

Today we are going to Balboa Park which is right next to the San Diego Zoo. We've spent time here on previous trips but I've never had the time to really wander with my camera and take the kind of photos I'd like to take...we've always been on a time crunch. The Park holds nearly all the museums as well as a Botanical garden and it's really pushing things to try and do it in one day. We've decided to take the LuvMasheen vice public transpo so that we can each go our own way and have a spot to eat, nap, and meet during the day. I'm really looking forward to it. Perhaps tomorrow will be public transpo downtown and take the trolley over to Coronado Island.

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 27-Sunday, 25 Jan 09 - Yuma, Arizona

Photos: (1)This little girl decided dog was 'boring' for a pet so she has a goat! She dragged it around like a puppy and spent lots of time riding it. Too funny! (2)These horses had come from up north and were enjoying the sun and warm weather. They chased each other and had a great time. (3)'Cyclone' didn't let anyone ride him. What an ugly brute! (4) Steer wrestling is a dangerous sport. We saw a couple of injuries and not a surprise as it's all fast and furious.

We stayed in Apache Junction for a couple of nights and for the best part, the weather was cloudy with showers most of the time. When the sun did come out, I went to the pool (80 degrees) but hardly had time to get the lotion on before it clouded over again. We have been so used to having good WiFi at the sites we've stayed in that we really got cranky with the awful service in the KOA at Apache Junction. Wayne persisted but was so frustrated with the whole thing that we left a day earlier than planned.

We met with a friend of Wayne's from the gym at home who bought a trailer here last year and spend the winter in Apache Junction. Marcel & Michelle Goldfinger are just the sweetest couple and invited us over for breakfast and a tour through their trailer park. It was very nice and we even looked through a couple of trailers that were for sale. They sell very quickly as the price is right and the sad truth is that many of the owners are older people who just find the winter trip too much now. We looked at a very nice 2 bdrm unit ($10,000) but as much as we like their park, thought we'd keep on moving and see what happens.

I was determined to see a rodeo and found one on the internet in Buckeye. We pulled in to the fairgrounds and paid our weekend entrance fee ($10) and then saw a sign for 'RV Parking'. We knew it was for participants but, like, who wouldn't think a small RV from Ontario, Canada might not be participating??? We had electric and water hook-up, which was more than sufficient and were able to see the bronc riding and bull riding that evening, both of which were terrific. What we didn't think about was bringing a flashlight with us for the 1/2 mile walk back to the RV so it was a rather mushy walk in the pitch black (through endless piles of manure)when it all ended. We were up early and walked back over to see the calf & steer roping and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Another checkmark for the bucket list! Cowboys are just the nicest, friendliest, cutest things on earth and we met a couple who were more than willing to give us the 'business' on rodeos. Lots of fun! We still have the lingering odor of horse & cows in the van but less than this morning.

We decided that we would head for Yuma--a place we'd never been and is supposed to be the most consistently warm place in the US and the snowbirds swell the population considerably. I think there are 3 RVs for every resident car and the most pages for RV parks/resorts in the guide book. We like what we've see so far and will stay here for a couple of days. Right now we are in an 'overflow' area and if the weather stays nice, we may ask for a nicer site and stay for a few more days. The bigger RV resorts are booked solid with people who come for the winter and reserve their sites the previous year. The KOA here is filled for the winter and on our way back from the grocery store, we saw a 'No Vacancy' sign in front of our park...Blue Skies RV Park. We are within walking distance of a medium-sized mall so runs to the grocery store & Dairy Queen isn't a problem.

It would be nice if we could stay until the weather gets a bit warmer in California...we are only about 250 miles from San Diego. I'd like to go through northern Arizona on the way back to see the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert again but it will depend on the weather...it has to get a lot warmer there...I think they still have snow! We've already decided Las Vegas is also going to be a stop on the way home.

We are still keeping eyes open for that 'special' place when we'll nest for a bit. We know we don't want to be a one of those huge resorts and finding an apartment or mobile home for a longer rental doesn't seem to be possible this late in the winter.

All in all, still having a great time and seeing lots of wonderful sights. We are paying our neighbour to hook in to his WiFi and it's nice and strong so we will be making phone calls over the next couple of days. Until next time, love and hugs to all xx

Day 24-Thurs 22 Jan 09-Benson to Apache Junction, Arizona

It was a short drive today…overcast and cloudy and rained a good part of the time. It’s so dry here that the ground just sucks it up like crazy. By the time we got to Apache Junction it was clear and quite warm.
Last night in Benson there was a police car that went near the campground with sirens blaring. Within a couple of minutes, the coyotes started howling and when another police car went by, they really stepped it up. Of course, every dog in the campground started barking and it was quite a racket for a while. However, it was neat to hear the coyotes and I guess there are lots of them around that area as the site is outside of town, in the desert.
We made a couple of stops to stock up the fridge and go to Campers World to get new light bulbs for the LuvMasheen. We shopped at Wayne’s favourite store…Fry’s Grocery. Last year he applied for a VIP card which gives significant discounts on food items plus 10 cents a gallon on gas. It’s a great store and I love finding all the small packaging stuff, it’s so much easier to pack in the van and means we can eat lots of different things.
We are going to stay here for 4 nights and use it as a jumping-off points to visit around the area. Wayne has a friend here from his gym who bought a mobile home last year. He’s checking to see what the rental situation is at that park and we’ll also look around and see what else is available for longer term rental in the area. It’s not as easy and you would think to find something and seems to be more ‘who’ you know…people seems to find places from other people. I find it all a tad frustrating.
The weekend is going to be rodeo-ing and then we’ll pack up and head west again. Until things warm up farther north, we’ll stick to the southern parts of Arizona & California.
Hope things are well at home. I see the OC Transpo strike is still on…they should be getting hungry soon! Until next time, love and hugs to all. The internet SUCKS at Apache Junction...having no end of problems here.xx

Day 24-Thurs 22 Jan 09-Benson to Apache Junction, Arizona

It was a short drive today…overcast and cloudy and rained a good part of the time. It’s so dry here that the ground just sucks it up like crazy. By the time we got to Apache Junction it was clear and quite warm.
Last night in Benson there was a police car that went near the campground with sirens blaring. Within a couple of minutes, the coyotes started howling and when another police car went by, they really stepped it up. Of course, every dog in the campground started barking and it was quite a racket for a while. However, it was neat to hear the coyotes and I guess there are lots of them around that area as the site is outside of town, in the desert.
We made a couple of stops to stock up the fridge and go to Campers World to get new light bulbs for the LuvMasheen. We shopped at Wayne’s favourite store…Fry’s Grocery. Last year he applied for a VIP card which gives significant discounts on food items plus 10 cents a gallon on gas. It’s a great store and I love finding all the small packaging stuff, it’s so much easier to pack in the van and means we can eat lots of different things.
We are going to stay here for 4 nights and use it as a jumping-off points to visit around the area. Wayne has a friend here from his gym who bought a mobile home last year. He’s checking to see what the rental situation is at that park and we’ll also look around and see what else is available for longer term rental in the area. It’s not as easy and you would think to find something and seems to be more ‘who’ you know…people seems to find places from other people. I find it all a tad frustrating.
The weekend is going to be rodeo-ing and then we’ll pack up and head west again. Until things warm up farther north, we’ll stick to the southern parts of Arizona & California.
Hope things are well at home. I see the OC Transpo strike is still on…they should be getting hungry soon! Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 24-Thurs 22 Jan 09-Benson to Apache Junction, Arizona

It was a short drive today…overcast and cloudy and rained a good part of the time. It’s so dry here that the ground just sucks it up like crazy. By the time we got to Apache Junction it was clear and quite warm.
Last night in Benson there was a police car that went near the campground with sirens blaring. Within a couple of minutes, the coyotes started howling and when another police car went by, they really stepped it up. Of course, every dog in the campground started barking and it was quite a racket for a while. However, it was neat to hear the coyotes and I guess there are lots of them around that area as the site is outside of town, in the desert.
We made a couple of stops to stock up the fridge and go to Campers World to get new light bulbs for the LuvMasheen. We shopped at Wayne’s favourite store…Fry’s Grocery. Last year he applied for a VIP card which gives significant discounts on food items plus 10 cents a gallon on gas. It’s a great store and I love finding all the small packaging stuff, it’s so much easier to pack in the van and means we can eat lots of different things.
We are going to stay here for 4 nights and use it as a jumping-off points to visit around the area. Wayne has a friend here from his gym who bought a mobile home last year. He’s checking to see what the rental situation is at that park and we’ll also look around and see what else is available for longer term rental in the area. It’s not as easy and you would think to find something and seems to be more ‘who’ you know…people seems to find places from other people. I find it all a tad frustrating.
The weekend is going to be rodeo-ing and then we’ll pack up and head west again. Until things warm up farther north, we’ll stick to the southern parts of Arizona & California.
Hope things are well at home. I see the OC Transpo strike is still on…they should be getting hungry soon! Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 23-Wed, 21 Jan 09 - Benson, Arizona

We had a wonderfully quiet day and it was nice to laze around and not 'be' somewhere. We cleaned the van inside and out, re-organized clothes and food and had a nap. It was great! The weather is warm and overcast..supposedly there will be light showers tonight but as per last year, any amount of water from the sky is so appreciated here that it's hard to be upset because we're inconvenienced.
I got on the internet today to find out what the rodeo schedule is for Arizona. I want long-horned bulls! I want bow-legged cowboys! Well, it turns out there is a rodeo in Buckeye this weekend so that's where we're headed pardner. It's a 3-day event and I'm not sure we'll take in all of it but where there's a rodeo, there's bbq'd ribs and corn dogs so I'm sure there will be enough to keep us busy. I just have to make sure we resist all temptation to buy any piece of clothing that has fringe or rhinestones on it. Lots of good photo ops as well.
It's a short blog today but hopefully tomorrow, there will be another story to tell. Until then, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 22, Tues, 20 Jan 09-Tuscon,AZ to Benson, AZ

After getting some information on longer-term rental at the Tuscon RV Resort, we decided to move on. The rental charges are pretty steep ($2700 mo) added to the fact the resort is so big...too big. It's like a small city and without transportation, getting from one end to the other is a major accomplishment. We'll keep looking.
We did a return trip to Tombstone and had another wander through the cemetery where some of the participants, ie deceased participants, of the OK Corral shoot-out are buried along with about 200 other people, including Old Man Clanton. Since we were last here, they have done a lot of work to clean it up and fix some of the gravesite as well as making a 'map' of the graves. It's a pretty kitchy town and every other house was Wyatt Earp's and a shoot-out on main street happens twice a day.
On the way to Tombstone however, we had stopped at Kartchner Caverns State Park and while we were interested in going on another cave tour, we were interested in the camping sites. The park isn't too big but the location is spectacular. The camp sites sit at the base of the Whetstone Mtns and it would be quite a site when you step bleary eyed out of the van early in the morning. I find that many of the State Parks don't match some of their descriptions but this was totally the opposite...it was far more beautiful that the description.
We are staying at a KOA in Benson and as soon as we went to the office to register, we both realized we had been here last year and it was run by an Asian couple who don't have really good organization skills. The office is filled with all kinds of junk and so unlike every other KOA we've ever stayed at that we're amazed it's still part of the chain. Obviously, the big guns from KOA don't make it to Benson very often to check on their partners. However, it's clean and had a laundry room, which was at the top of our priority list for today. We've decided to stay here two nights, just veg a bit tomorrow and clean up and re-organize before moving on. There are a few more parks in the area that look interesting and then we'll probably head for the Phoenix area.
We watched the inaguration this morning and I continue to be impressed by Obama. What an orator! Whatever the future brings from his hand, this was an historic day and I'm glad I was able to witness it.
Until tomorrow, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 21-Monday, 19 Jan 09-Las Cruces, NM to Tuscon, Arizona

Photos: Our picturesque lunch stop today.

It was a glorious day to be on the road and the further west we went…the warmer it got! I performed 2 ‘rights of summer’….I shaved my legs this morning in preparation for shorts and I had to turn on the van’s air conditioner! Summer has officially arrived for us!
We went down to have coffee with our Roadtrek compatriots and ended up talking non-stop with them for 2 hours. They have a newer RT that is a real beauty and the extra couple of feet in length makes a major difference. We’ll be looking at those not long after we get home. Mel and Heather are from Kansas City, although she was born and raised in Canada, and it was amazing how much we had in common. They were such a wonderful couple and we look forward to meeting them again, either on the road or at a future rally event.
We got back onto I-10 and headed for Deming, New Mexico. Once again, the entire 200+ drive to Tuscon was through a valley; the Langford Mts on one side and the Victoria Mts on the other. It was a spectacular drive with the closer mountains being clean and clear and the further mountains & hills in blues and mauves—absolutely glorious! We passed through the Continental Divide which was only marked by a sign and the ‘Continental Divide Café’…there’s not much along that highway.
While Wayne snoozed, I enjoyed the drive…if the van had ‘auto pilot’ I could have snoozed as well as the highway was straight with few turns. As I breezed past Gary, NM, I glanced at the off-ramp and realized (too late) that Gary is a ghost town called the Shakespeare Ghost Town. Another big photo-op missed and no other off-ramp close enough to go back; however, I’m hoping we’ll be spending more time in NM on the return trip and noting all of these little haunts that I’d like to visit.
The second missed op was the Texas Canyon (even though we’d just crossed the state line to Arizona) which is a very short strip marked by gigantic boulders that balance on one another in a way that boggles the mind! I seem to recall we hit it on Hwy 40 last year but it’s the kind of place that requires at least an hour’s stop to photograph properly. I’d be a bit nervous to wander through the rocks as I’m betting there are signs warning people about snakes.
Wayne had looked through the RV bible (Woodall’s) and found an advertisement for an RV Resort in Tuscon which also rents house trailers and park model homes. We have pulled in for the night, as they also do 1-night rentals and will meet with the lady in the morning who manages the rental properties.
This is a HUGE park…I’d guess 1000+ trailer, RV, and park model homes and Wayne is currently out doing his 2nd recce to see how to get from Point A to Point B before being declared officially MIA. Like the park we visited last year, there are no end of conveniences here, from a small hotel to community centre, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, clubs for everything from woodworking to quilting and everything in between. It’s quite a complex. If we do decide to stay for a couple of weeks, we’ll use the van to visit points of interest in the area. If we enjoy the ‘life’, we’ll probably look for a similar place in the Phoenix area to stay for a few weeks. As I had said previously, we both love being on the road and seeing new things but after a few weeks of doing it, I especially need a door, somewhere, that I can close behind me for a short while and Wayne needs to be able to get up early without living in fear that he wakes me up. This may be the place!
There is no on-site internet service but apparently a couple of hot-spots where wireless is available so I’ll send from there. Until tomorrow, hug and kisses to all. xx Please keep Carmel in your thoughts—she starts round 2 today.

Day 20-Sunday, 18 Jan 08-Carlsbad, NM to Las Cruces, New Mexico

Photos: Lynne on the trail and the LuvMasheen in front of El Capitan.

We had another chilly night last night but were certainly warm enough in the LuvMasheen. However, when I went to do dishes this morning the water wasn't coming through the pipes, and sure enough, they were frozen. It didn't take long before things defrosted though and no damage done.

We had backtracked about 45 miles last night in order to stay at the KOA in Carlsbad. We tend to stay in those RV sites as they have a very high standard of cleanliness, friendliness, and services and we weren't disappointed. When you are travelling in one of these small RVs, clean and roomy washrooms with nice showers becomes so important. We weren't disappointed with this one...it was terrific. There was a large pecan farm next to the KOA and I bought a couple of bags of fresh, shelled pecans. It's a big industry in southern NM and they are delicious!

We made our way back down Hwy 180/62, past the Carlsbad Caverns towards the Guadalupe Mts National Park that brought us temporarily back in to Texas. We weren't sure how much time we'd spend there as most of the activity is hiking and there are numerous trails that lead up to, and through, the local mountains. Many take more than a day to complete--which sure doesn't suit us--but there was a nice little 1-mile trail around the welcome centre that was great. The ruins of the Butterfield Overland Stage station were there and the trail was well marked with signs for all the various trees and plants.

The main mountain is El Capitan, and was used by the earliest settlers and mail stage coaches as the marker to guide then through the area. The only higher mountain in Texas is right beside El Capitan and is the 8,750 ft Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. It is surrounded by the Chihuahuan desert. I was amazed to read that for a few years from 1858 the stage (with passengers & mail) would run from St Louis, Missouri to San Francisco is no less than 25 days--that's 2700 miles of rough, dirt road! The scenery was breathtaking (is anyone keeping count of the superlatives so far) and I'm so glad we made the decision to visit this park--it was memorable for sure.

After a quick lunch, Wayne settled in for his 15-minute nap while I drove the straighest highway ever, through the Sierra Diablo and Delaware Mountains, past the Salt Falts and back in to New Mexico. Truly, every miles was a feast for the eyes.

We drove in to El Paso and for the first 10 miles, we wondered if what we were seeing was real or we had stepped in to a 'Groundhog Day' scenerio. For mile after mile, there was nothing...and I mean nothing...but car, RV, bus, & truck salvage yards! The city must have decided that this particular end of the city would be inhabited by only this industry...and they were huge!

As we approached Las Cruces, we decided it was time to stop and glory be....there's a KOA! It's a beautiful spot--half way up a mountain and overlooks the city which is backdropped by the Organ Mts. It's quite a sight at night!

I was standing beside a brand-new Roadtrek looking at the sights and started talking to the couple who own same. Turns out they are from Oakville and staying here for a month. We are going to have coffee with them in the morning to trade Trekkie stories--and get a look inside their beautiful van--and then leave for Tuscon. I'm hoping Tuscon (or immediate area) will be our 'home' for a couple of weeks. The weather sure looks great and I know it's time to 'nest'.

I didn't get abducted last night although I had this dream that Tom Cruise landed in a spaceship beside the van and asked me if I'd like him to take me to outer space. No details beyond that suitable for blogging but what....just what....if it wasn't a dream? Can I make a story out of anything or WHAT??? ha ha

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 19-Saturday, 17 Jan 09-Ft Stockton, Tex to Carlsbad, New Mexico

Photos: Aliens WILL suck out your brains if you aren't protected! Paisano Pete...biggest roadrunner in the world! We've had quite a day! We woke up to sun, glorious sun and although Wayne missed breakfast at the Roadrunner Cafe (home-made biscuits don't-you-know!) we had the next best thing--Egg McMuffins!

Jen's Aunt Maureen had lent me a book on National Parks and we've decided we're going to check off as many of them as we can--except for those in Utah and Colorado (cripes..there's SNOW there). We've already been to a few of them but there's two along our way, with a small diversion on our way to El Paso are the Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mts National Parks. We headed north on Hwy 285 and it was 185 miles of straight highway, through the scrubby landscape of Texas.

Two highlights along the way....Pecos and Orla, Texas. Now, Pecos was the town where all the real bad-ass cowboys hung out, drinking, carousing, and killing each other--also the home of the first rodeo in 1883. I was really looking forward to Pecos...you know, the saloons, the museums with guns and stuff. Unfortunately, nobody is stopping in Pecos anymore...not the cowboys, not the tourists...nobody! It's a pretty sad little run-down place with more boarded up stores and houses than Messena. However, it looks good compared to Orla! We stopped to look at a historical marker and it told us that the postmaster moved 1/4 mile up the road in 1931. In both places you can tell from some of the buildings that they are old...very old...in fact, I'm not sure what is holding them up considering the wind that blows across the plains. I did take a few photos...it's history.

We got to the New Mexico border and the flat landscape automatically changed to a more hilly landscape and we could see mountains in the distance. At Carlsbad we headed for the National Park and went through some beautiful areas. When we were at one of the nature reserves, I bought a Nat'l Park annual pass. The regular price is $80 BUT, if you are a senior (62+), the pass is $10 and that includes the pass holder and 3 other individuals in the car. The entrance to the caverns was $6 each...unless you had a pass and then it was nothing. Wayne loved that whole process.

The entrance to the caverns is at the top on one of the highest hills and the discovery of these amazingly, beautiful, gorgeous caverns is really interesting. In the early 1900's, a 16-year old boy who worked at one of the local ranches saw the huge flock of bats that left (the Mexican bats still reside in the caves from May-Sep) the caverns every night and thought it was smoke. He decided to investigate. When he got to the natural entrance, he went in and found this amazing place. He tried to tell people what he'd found but because he was young and uneducated, no-one believed him. It was years before he finally convinced someone to come and look and in the meantime, he had gone through, discovering tunnels and huge caverns. It is still being investigated and there are tunnels that are yet to be discovered. In some places, the original ropes and old ladders the boy and early investigators used to descent 100 or more feet.

The park has installed lights strategically through some of the caverns and it's almost like being in a church. The 'Big Room' is a massive cavern with equally massive stalagmites and stalectites and it's estimated to have taken thousands of years of dripping water and minerals to have created these formations. If you have a 'bucket list', add the caverns. It was incredible!

We intended to do both parks today but that was impossible...there was too much to see at the caverns (like we have somewhere to be!). They have various tours...the self-guided (which we did and took about 2 1/2 hrs), and then the more strenuous that required you to crawl on your belly through small spaces with a helmet and head-lamp. We're w-e-l-l past the point of crawling any distance for any reason other than free food or 1/2 price off coupons.

All in all, a spectacular day and if I wasn't excited enough about the sun, warm weather and spelunking, Roswell is just up the road! Yep, Roswell, Area 51, Alien Invasion site! I don't know if we'll get there but I've set the outside light on the van to blink out a code..."Take me, I'm ready to practice everything I've learned from 1,826 episodes of Star Trek". I may be blogging from outer space tomorrow. ha ha

Until tomorrow, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 18-Friday, 16 Jan 09-Lake Braunig to Ft Stockton, Texas

Oh-h-h, it was a chilly night last night….not -30….but cold enough to keep the heater going the better part of the night. When we woke up, you could almost see your breath and as we pulled out of Lake Braunig, a bank sign indicated it was 44 degrees.
It stayed cloudy and windy as we drove through the Hill Country. Texas is broken down into 10-12 different ‘zones’ from Gulf Coast (where South Padre Island is), to Big Bend Country (where we are tonight), Hill Country, Panhandle Plains, Piney Woods, Prairies and Lakes, and South Texas Plains (San Antonio area). We were traveling I-10 West and by the time we reached Junction, the skies were clearing and our hopes for sun were rising. We stopped at one of the beautiful rest areas on the Interstate and had grilled ham & cheese sandwiches and nearly cleared up the last of the Xmas cookies.
I drove for a bit while Wayne napped and after snorking himself awake a couple of times, we stopped and switched drivers and I gave it a go. When I woke up, the warm sun was blazing in the side window and the terrain was the one I love the most….rock formations and miles of scrubby plains. I’m clearly a ‘desert’ person and while many would find it boring, I love the cactus and the huge rock formations that look so majestic from far away and change to a ‘pile of rocks’ as you get nearer. I’m sure that’s why I love Arizona so much and I’m really looking forward to spending some time this year trying to capture on ‘film’ what I most love to see when I’m there. So far I’ve resisted all temptation to venture off the directed paths as I don’t own a pair of ‘snake boots’ (yet) but I’m sure I’d pass right out if I ever came across a rattle snake. I’d probably kill him when I dropped on top of him!
We are in a former KOA in Fort Stockton and just waiting for the mesquite BBQ ribs to be done at the little attached restaurant…no cooking tonight. Tomorrow we will stop at the Fort to have a look-see…there’s so much history around here as these were the towns that were formed when the US Army set up Forts in the 1880s and the wagon trains made their way through the wilderness. The town grew when the Fort was built in 1859, and was an outpost on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. This area was one of the earliest irrigated farming efforts in Texas; some 8,000 acres irrigated as early as 1877.
Be prepared folks…the world’s largest roadrunner sits right in the middle of town (Paisano Pete) and I have no doubt you’ll see it here tomorrow. There’s also an old cemetery at the Fort and ghoul that I am, I’m looking forward to wandering through it.
The skies are clear and I’m hoping we’ll have some sunny days ahead. Take care, we are thinking of you and missing each of you.
Until tomorrow, love and hugs to all. Xx
P.S. Just had the most fabulous dinner…ribs, potatoes, gravy, green beans, homemade biscuit for $8.59. Oh…and a piece of marble cake thrown in. yummy!

Day 17-Thursday, 15 Jan 09-S. Padre Island to Lake Braunig, Texas

Photos: Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas--honest-to-God, the 'book' says so!). So beautiful. Photo 2: Havelin or Piccari--like a wild pig).

We were up at 7 am and on the road by 8 am. Although it was a bit cloudy, the temperature was around 60-65 degrees and it was pleasant. We decided to take a quick detour and visit the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge while we were in the area. It’s over 88,000 square acres of swamp, shoreline, thickets, etc for a variety of wildlife, including the Ocelot. Although we didn’t see any of them, there were birds aplenty. I did get a book on birding so at least now when I take a picture of something, I can put a name to it.
Instead of heading back to San Antonio (& points West) on Hwy 77, we went up Hwy 281, through some very small towns that have sure seen better days.
This whole area is so close to Mexico that the majority of the population is Mexican. Judging from the architecture, most of these small towns are old but at one point I said to Wayne that we must have crossed the border and not realized it….it was déjà vu of last years trip, for sure. There was a large border patrol inspection station and according to their sign, they have already picked up ‘1032 undocumented aliens’, ie Mexicanos, this year. I don’t know what kind of employment there ever was in these towns but I suspect some of the towns grew from the migrant workers that came up from Mexico to work on the large farms in the area and stayed. They really look to be in a sorry state though.
Along Hwy 281 are some very elaborate gates that lead to ranches that are far back from the road. However, we learned last year, and this, that the cost of the gates and all the wrought iron work is perhaps worth more than the run-down trailer which is the ‘ranch house’. The local system of housing developments is a little confusing as there can be one or two very nice looking houses with front yards filled with old cars and crap. Next door can be a couple of trailers that were not in very good condition in 1955.
We decided to stay in a park outside of San Antonio vice going back to the KOA in the city. The LuvMasheen is currently overshadowed by 200+ big rigs in the Lake Braunig RV Resort. It’s very nice…but a ‘resort’ it ain’t. We know we want to head West and at some point, sit for a week or so, but still haven’t decided where. I guess (hope) we’ll know when we get there. The ‘one nighters’ are tiring for both of us but we want to be somewhere where we have things to see and do.
From what we see on the internet, it’s freaking cold at home. Is that better than mounds of snow? Until next time, love and hugs to all. Xx

Day 16-Wednesday, 14 Jan 09-S. Padre Island

It It was a glorious day on the island and a welcomed respite from the wind, cold air, and cloudy skies. Last night when we went to bed the sky was full of stars..it was like a ‘cottage night’ when it’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face but the sky is alive with stars. The moon was almost full and I walk up to the big pavilion to see it over the water. I almost…almost…dug my tripod out of the back to trudge over the dunes for a photo but…… Instead, I slept with the back curtain open so the moon shone through the window. Isn’t there some tale about ‘sleeping in moonlight makes you become younger?’ I like that story!
I was up early and walked across the highway to the convention centre which has a wonderful nature walk. I’d had a quick look yesterday when I went over to ‘borrow’ a bit of their WiFi and knew I had to go back in the morning when the sun would be perfect for photos. Well, 300 pictures later I was back at the LuvMasheen for breakfast and so happy I’d gone. There were so many different varieties of Herons, (I’ve GOT to get that Audubon book) duck, and birds and although there is a big sign saying it’s alligator habitat, I didn’t see any. The boardwalk itself goes a long way out and around a swampy area and is make of a materiel…plastic or something…that doesn’t echo footsteps or create any noise when you walk on it. The birds must know that it’s safe as they don’t move when you walk up to the railing.
There were quite a few bird watchers and because I was using my telephoto lens, must have thought I knew what the hell I was taking pictures of….I played along of course….it’s easier than trying to explain that, “No, I have no idea what the name of it is…but it sure has cute long legs”. I’m told people come to Texas at this time of year specifically to watch birds as it’s the ‘migration highway’ for thousands of species. I’m told there are beautiful Spoonbills here…now THAT’s one I know and would love to get in a photo.
Wayne’s knee is continuing to give him problems so walking on the beach is out! He’d gone to the sports Dr before we left and thought it was better but not so. While I was out and about, he sat in the sun and read, snoozed, and put ice on it but I knew it was bothering him when he didn’t even try to sneak a walk in the sand. Our noses definitely have a rosey glow and we had to remind ourselves to get the lotion out. Ah, I love the smell of Coppertone in the morning!
I’m heading back to the convention centre now to send this and hand around for the sunset, which was spectacular last night. Because it’s going to rain tomorrow, there are clouds which always provides for great sunset colours.
We are leaving in the morning…for sure this time…and still having the discussion about whether to head for Arizona or Florida. I’m holding out for Arizona as I know it will be beautiful by the time we arrive and there are some wonderful National/State parks that I want to see. By the time we come back this way, Florida will be warmer.
I’ve mailed a small parcel home for Ty….here goes Honey with the souvenirs….but couldn’t resist an Engineer’s hat, shirt and train whistle from Chattanooga. Maybe because it’s train related he won’t get upset that’s it’s not toys. Heaven knows he loves trains!
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 15-Tuesday, 13 Jan 09-S.Padre Island, Texas

We got up this morning and said goodbye to Wil & Dianne and by 9 am were packed and ready to head to San Antonio and then points West. We’ll keep tracking each other and may end up in the same area again. If not this year, perhaps next year.
The wind had started to blow through the night but the sun was shining and it was above 60 degrees.I’d asked Wayne to drive down to the end of the road past town to the beach access so that I could get a few photos. We wandered along the beach, resisting the impulse to pick up more shells and both of us hated the thought of leaving….it’s so beautiful along here. There are miles and miles of sand and sand dunes and so few people—perhaps because the weather just isn’t conducive to lots of tourists yet—although the campground at the National Park we went to yesterday was full. The park allows people to stay for up to six months, which is a real surprise, and the cost is $28 per day, vice the $50 per day at KOA and about 250 sites. Mind you, the washrooms are pretty basic and geared for day trippers to the beach.
The weather report for tomorrow is sunny skies again but 80 degrees which makes a day at the beach very attractive. We had passed by a much smaller park, about 20 (all occupied) sites, situated behind the dunes about 100 yards from the beach. We looked at one another and without a word the LuvMashen pulled in. A guy walked by us and we asked if he know if anyone was leaving….he replied, “I am in about 15 minutes”. We quickly drove to the office and signed up for tonight, and will go back to the office in the morning and take another night if tomorrow looks as good as the local forecast.
There is no internet service, or cable TV (tonight will be movie night in the LuvMasheen) and I’ve walked a short distance across the road to the Convention Centre to post this. We’ll see how that works.
The wind is still blowing hard but Wayne managed to find a knoll between the dunes for his chair and snoozed for 15 minutes. I’ve got to be careful with my camera as there is a fine sand blowing but I keep it covered and inside my jacket.
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 14-Monday, 12 Jan 09-S.Padre Island

Photos: Although the beach looks like Ft Lauderdal, it's really not very busy. The tallest building that's furthest down the beach is the start of the huge area we like to wander. The seagulls were eating right out of our hands...but Wil paid the price by getting pooped on.

We had a magnificant day. It was a bit cloudy when we got up but by the time we'd showered and 'cleaned the house', the clouds had parted and the sun was out.

We packed a lunch and headed for the beach. Instead of going to the area we normally do, we went in to the National Park, found a nice secluded area out of the wind and enjoyed the afternoon. There are so many shells on the beach that you can't walk more than one or two steps without bending over to pick one up. We just sat, walked, harassed the seagulls, and enjoyed the afternoon. We are all a tad redder than we were when we got there but not enough to be uncomfortable.

After a rigorous happy hour, we bounded back to Dirty Dan's and had probably our last over-the-top deep fried everything. I expect we'll get back to more sensible eating once we are travelling again.

Wil and Dianne are heading towards Florida tomorrow and we'll go back to San Antonio on our way to Arizona. We've had such a wonderful time with them and still can't believe we were able to meet so far from home. We've all commented on how we slipped back into our old friendship so easily.

Before we get on the road tomorrow we'll make a quick trip back to the big beach so I can get some photos.

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 13-Sunday, 11 Jan 09-S.Padre Island

Photos: One of the hundreds of 'sandscapes made by the wind on the beach.

Will, Dianne, Wayne and I at Dirty Dan's...the best fresh fish restaurant on the island.

It was almost like sleeping in a rocking chair last night. The wind was really howling and it was v-e-r-y chilly, however the combination of Wayne & heater meant I was toasty warm and slept like a baby. Watching the weather channel this morning was just a bit depressing and there’s no place close to get away from it. However, we still don’t have to shovel so we are still happy people.
We got in to Wil’s truck and headed out to the beach…they could not be here and not see it, but it was freezing and it only took a short walk before we were back in the warm vehicle. We took the opportunity to stop and get some extra meat and fresh stuff for the fridge…I don’t like running low in case we are really comfortable somewhere and have to unhook to get groceries.
The sun came out this afternoon and although the wind still had a bite, it wasn’t quite as cool as the morning. It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow so we’ve opted to stay one more day. We’ll all pack a lunch and head back to the beach, even if we have to find a ‘valley’ between some of the dunes. If the wind isn’t blowing we won’t have to worry about sand in the food!
I’m anxious to take lots of photos tomorrow. The sand is a golden brown but there is a mixture of dark colours and the wind forms the most incredible patterns. This beach has thousands of shells and we really have to control ourselves not to haul too many of them home. Dianne & Wil are also staying one more day, hoping the beach will be warm enough, even with a light jacket, to spend some time on…that’s what South Padre Island is all about.
We went out for dinner tonight to Dirty Al’s…it’s walking distance from the KOA and the fish is so fresh. I’ve eaten more fish in the last week than in the last year. The shrimp here is big, fresh, and delicious. Note to self…don’t get cholesterol checked for a few weeks when we get home.
So far my back is holding out well. I’ve showed Wayne how to do the ‘spinal push’ which keeps things loose. His knee was hurting when we first left but seems to be better. I guess all the parts are just getting old although I know we’ll both be much better condition once we can start swimming regularly.
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 12-Saturday, 10 Jan 09-San Antonio to S.Padre Island, Texas

Holy moly…….we pulled in to Harlingen, Texas for lunch and the temperature was nearly 80 degrees. By the time we reached South Padre Island and hour later, people were scrambling to bring in awnings and put away lawn chairs as the wind had really come up and the temperature had dropped to below 60 degrees. Last night in San Antonio I was kicking off the covers…tonight I’ll have the heater on!
The weather is supposed to heat up again Monday, which is when we had planned on leaving the island but if it warms up considerably, I’d like to stay a couple of more days and spend some time at the beach. We have to decide where we will go from here. We are still looking for that ‘great’ place where we can potentially stay for 2 weeks but haven’t found it yet. The weather is more and more unpredictable but in the end, we aren’t shoveling snow or wearing winter coats (yet).
Dianne & Wil had brought some pickerel fish fillets with them so we had a communal dinner of fish, fresh corn, salad, baked potatoes, and carrots and it was delicious. Wayne would eat more fish…I’m just lousing at cooking it and when it turns out soggy or greasy, it just puts me off and I don’t eat it for months. When it’s cooked properly, I love it and Dianne pan fried it so nicely.
Unless it’s raining or really miserable, we want to drive down to the beach for a stroll. The island was not hit by Hurricane Ike but Dolly went through and did all the damage. Pictures on the internet showed the beach filled with garbage from the mainland but blogs on the web indicated that it was being cleaned up quickly. We’ll see tomorrow. I know Wil & Dianne have to head to Florida to meet their kids for a family trip to Disneyland but I’d like to take some photos of the area that I didn’t get to last time…or screwed up last time and want a second chance.
Texas has hundreds of wildlife refuge areas and because it is on the main path for bird migration, there are lots of areas to view wildlife…I just need the weather to cooperate a little more. I’m just not tough—or motivated—enough to go out in cruddy weather and wait for that ‘perfect’ shot. I do know that I’m getting anxious to do some photography though—it’s one of the reasons I love coming south.
Hope all is well at home. I notice that the bus strike is still on but didn’t see anything on the Citizen website that talked about the amount of snow Ottawa’s had so not sure if it’s better or worse than last year. Let us know so we can commiserate, if only superficially!
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 11-Friday, 9 Jan 09-San Antonio Texas

Photo: My friend Dianne Joudrey from Winnipeg opening her special bottle of champage she received last year for her retirement.

This is our last day in San Antonio…we head out in the morning for South Padre Island. Wil & Dianne had decided they would like to see it as well so we’ve both reserved a 2-night stay there and then they will head for Florida and we’ll head West I think, or perhaps go down to the Brownsville area.
It was a bit cloudy when we woke up…it had spattered rain through the night…but by mid morning it started to feel a bit muggy and then the sun came out. It was warm and wonderful and I did get a tiny bit of red on my face but it felt terrific. By 1 pm I felt a nap coming on and gave in to it for a couple of hours.
Wayne and I always have a bit of a transition when we start to travel. At home, he can get up through the night or very early in the morning and I never hear him. In this wee van, there’s not much he can do that doesn’t wake me up, even momentarily, and I find after week or so in the van, I tend to be a bit more tired than when we’re at home. However, a nap here and there takes care of it all and I just try to get to bed a bit earlier. Once the MP3 headphones are plugged in, he can lay in bed and watch TV and I’m out like a light.
Dianne had brought the beautiful bottle of champagne she’d been given when she retired and she decided this trip, and with us, was the appropriate time to pop it. It’s a gorgeous presentation bottle with a silver medallion and silver bottom ring and comes it a nice case which can also be engraved. Anyway, it tasted as good as it looked and we got to make a toast to all of our retirements as well as to special friendships.
There are two huge 5th wheelers next to us…it's 42.6 ft long (the kind that have a ‘play room’ for motorcycles or ATVs in the back) and the couples who own them are from Oklahoma. They women are retired school teachers and they are as nice and as much fun as anyone we’ve met traveling. The women came over to show us the mink stoles they’d bought at an antique flea market…Margueritas in hand…and we had lots of laughs. We all ended up at the ‘Chuckwagon’ for catfish and chicken fried steak.
There is a bit of a cold front moving in for a few days so it may only get to mid-60s or 70 degrees in S.Padre Island but that’s A-OK by me. As strange as it sounds, I think a gentle transition from minus temperatures to the heat is probably better for this old body banyway.
I love San Antonio and we’ll certainly come back again, if for nothing else than to look around the outskirts and investigate some of the smaller towns in the area. This isn’t the place we want to stay for any extended time though and it’s no hardship to move on.
Hope the snow isn’t holding anyone down or in. I can tell you that as much as we miss everyone, we don’t give much thought to the weather at home and in fact, I have to remind myself to log on to the webstream to get the Ottawa news occasionally.
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 10-Thursday, 8 Jan 09- San Antonio, Texas

The sun…the heat…the light breeze…the outlet mall! It’s a very warm day in San Antonio and if it hadn’t been for the fact Wil had promised Dianne for 2 years that he’s let her loose in an outlet mall, we probably would have had a day around the heated pool with drinks. However, not to be one to let an opportunity pass, Dianne (and I) elected to have them drive us shopping and wait around for us until we were finished. We are too good to them.
The San Marcos mall was fabulous….if you normally shop Gucci, Armani, Coach, Neiman Marcus, etc., the bargains were terrific! I picked up a cute pair of Prada sandals…the kind with no heel, no straps, no nothing and I thought…”When will I ever have a chance to own a pair of Prada sandals…I’ll get them anyway”. They were originally $540 marked down to the ridiculously low price of $249. I put them back. I may decide to re-invent my leather pants, write ‘Prada’ on the soles and impress myself.
As luck would have it, there was another outlet mall across the street and although the guys had just about had the biscuit, let us loose again. We scored and scored again. It was one of those 50% off everything and add another 30% discount. Remembering that we are just starting Week 2 of a long holiday, I resisted and didn’t buy too much. I’d better wear it soon though because the store windows reflected a woman with two rolls across her stomach (me) although I was sure I had walked off a few pounds. By the time we were ready to call it a day, the men had separated and were looking for us and had passed the word to everyone they met that they were looking for us. They were good sports but had had enough shopping on a warm beautiful day. Fortunately, Dianne and I were ready to call it quits as well.
We all commented on how wonderful it is having GPS. It takes all of the frustration and guess-work out of driving anywhere and it is a real marriage saver. Gone are the days when you are trying to read maps and road signs at the same time and still getting lost. The funny thing is that even the outlet malls are on the GPS…the programmer must have been a woman!!
Happy hour was VERY happy…we stopped and bought fixings for Pina Coladas and Bloody Caesars and the picnic table resembled a bar for a while. We decided to be sensible though and at least get to the part of the day when we ate an actual supper vice cheese and crackers.
Tomorrow is ‘pool day’ and the plan is to sit and relax, swim, read, get some sun and prepare for departure on Saturday morning. I’ve got a rather large laundry to do but figure I do that from the pool, so all is not lost. Another great day.
Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 9-Wednesday, 7 Jan 09 - San Antonio, Tx

Photo: Part of the River Walk


Oh, it was so nice to wake up to sun! We slept until 8 am and then opened all the curtains and let the sun shine in. It was a bit cool overnight, which suited me fine under the comforter, and we took our time getting dressed and just enjoyed the fact that there was no more rain.


We'd already decided to take the bus downtown with Wil & Dianna and wander the River Walk and have some lunch. Dianne had not been here before so a stroll around the Alamo was a 'must'. I still love seeing it and whether it's I forget what I've seen before, or just didn't notice it the previous time, I always see something else so it's never a wasted trip. We agreed that the Americans do 'shrines' so well and certainly, the Alamo is a good example of that.


After a wonderful lunch on the River Walk, we wandered for a bit longer and then headed back to the KOA. We had lots of good laughs....while waiting for the bus I talked Dianne in to looking at this big display set up by Monsanto on some of the work they are doing to genetically modify corn, soya, & cotton seeds. Well, we got kind of interested in the whole thing, forgetting that the men were waiting at the bus stop for us. By the time we excused outselves from the tour..which, by the way, was very interesting..two busses that we needed has passed by and another wasn't due for a half hour. The guys were good natured about the whole thing and although Dianne & I tried to impress them with all our new-found knowledge, they weren't having any of it.


Happy hour lasted a tad longer than we intended...as happy hour tends to do...until the night chill drove us inside.


Ladies...read this and weep...tomorrow we are going to the Outlet Mall at San Marcos...RATED THE 3RD BEST IN THE WORLD!!! It's only the end of week one in the LuvMasheen so I suspect that if we do buy anything, it will have to be packed up and mailed home..we'll see.


We will be here until Saturday and then heading for South Padre or Brownsville where the heat seems to be. I'd like to be able to set up near the beach and just spend a week listening to waves and perhaps getting a start on a tan.


Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx

Day 8-Tuesday, 6 Jan-Lake Charles/Vinton, Louisianna to San Antonio, Tx

Photo: Everybody loves it when the rain stops and the sun comes out!

We headed out this morning and it was rain, and more rain again. We put the small heater on last night, not because it was cold, but it was damp. It rained heavily until we got to Houston and once through the city, the clouds lifted and within a short time the glorious sun came out and stayed. It’s about 68 degrees here in San Antonio and supposed to stay sunny for another couple of days until the rain heads here. By that time, we’ll be heading further South, around South Padre Island and/or Brownsville. There's certainly lots to see and do in those areas and we didn't get much time there last year.
It’s a good thing the rain stopped because I was getting ready to send a new definition of ‘van fever’ to Wikopedia. Carl...Wayne has been munching non-stop on his chocolate covered almonds. He calls them 'appetizers' before supper, snacks all the rest of the time.
We got the site beside my friend Dianne and as soon as we pulled in, she came out of her trailer and we were hugging and laughing and totally amazed that although the chances of us getting together in Canada are remote, we can be ‘living’ beside one another in San Antonio. After a glass of wine and lots of discussion about our trips here, we went back to the LuvMasheen for supper and will meet in the morning. Dianne has brought the bottle of champagne she received for her retirement and we’ll crack it tomorrow.
While we were at the welcome center in Louisianna yesterday we had a long chat with some of the women who work there about the aftermath of Katrina. I had remarked that we hear virtually nothing about it anymore and yet there’s clearly lots of damage yet. New Orleans got all the attention but there was damage all along the coastline of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisianna. One of the girls said it will be many years before there is anything close to normality in those areas--and of course Hurrican Ike did it's own damage this year. Apparently, one of the reasons the older parts of New Orleans isn’t re-built yet is because there is a real problem figuring out who owns clear title to the property. Many of the original tenants in the lower 9th Ward moved there over a hundred years ago and when they died/left, family members or others just moved in…over and over. I guess a team of lawyers have been working none stop trying to figure out who really owns the property and hence can collect disaster payments. However, she did say that there are still lots of volunteers helping people to rebuilt, especially church group and every day a busload of Amish or Mennonites arrive at someone’s house and spend a few days working with the owners. In fact, many of the campsites are filled with out-of-state workers who have come here to work. When I asked why there are still acres of FEMA trailers here, the girl said she suspects this area is ‘hurricane central’ and the trailers can be dispersed more quickly from this area.
Saw a Candy Cane Pink Mustang convertible at one of the gas stations….I need one!
We’ll do some River Walking tomorrow and then I’d like to visit the 5 Missions in the area.
Until tomorrow, hugs and kisses to all. xx

Day 7 - Monday 5 Jan 09-Biloxi, Miss to Lake Charles, Louisianna

Photos: At the Atchafalaya Swamp Welcome Centre

Photo: A birds-eye view of the highway system through the swamp.

Rain, rain, and more rain. We are treking West to try and drive out of it but not much luck so far. When we got up this morning the fog was so thick but lessened as we got farther from the gulf. The sun would come out for a bit and then the skies would open up with torrents of rain.

I've been keeping in touch with my friend (and former co-worker) from Winnipeg, Dianne Joudrey. Dianne & Wilf and also coming South. They pulled in to the KOA in San Antonio last night so after a conversation via Skype, we decided to meet them there and should arrive tomorrow afternoon. Dianne and I would often attend the same conferences and would take an extra week and have some wonderful adventures together. I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time with Dianne and we have travelled a couple of time together in B.C. It will be so fabulous to see her again.

We stopped at the Atchafalaya Swamp Welcome Center and it was amazing. This swamp is the biggest in North America and the wildlife it contains is incredible. They had a rolling display of photographs which confirmed my resolve to take a swamp tour on the way back. The highway system through the swamp is a marvel--the road is a series of 40-ft concrete slabs set on concrete pilons and the two major highways run at least 30 miles through the swamp. This is the 'low water' season but you can see the high water mark on the pilons where the water rises during 'high water' season (Spring). Perhaps the Americans should be looking South vice North for water...God knows they have enough of it here!

Wayne is still looking at vacation rentals on the internet as we wouldn't mind finding a condo or cottage to rent for a couple of weeks. Anything on South Padre Island is stupid expensive but we did find a nice cottage for $500 a week and may check on that one.

I'm antsy to start taking some photos, but as per last year, while we are on the Interstate it's against the law to stop and by the time we get to our site, it's dark and we don't feel like venturing out again. There's lots of time....patience Lynne, patience.

Please give a special thought for Carmel--she started chemo last week. I believe when concern for someone is sincere, a message is sent 'somewhere' which puts an extra checkmark next to that persons name when help is needed.

Until next time, love and hugs to all.

Day 6 - Sunday 4 Jan 09 - Boloxi, Mississippi

Photo: As my Grandmother would say, the LuvMasheen looks like a 'pimple on the ocean' next to all these other big boys.

A very lazy day, much like a Sunday at home. Wayne was up at 0-dark-30, and I slept until 7 am but then, I think I was asleep by 10 pm last night. It rained hard through the night but sleeping in the LuvMasheen when it's raining is like being at the cottage in the rain--it just feel comforting somehow.

The sun has been out off and on most of the day and we ended up setting the chairs up outside and reading for a while and then had lunch. I could feel a nap coming on and gave in to it. It feels good to just relax and not think about which highway, which park, or anything else. It's very quiet here; Wayne had a conversation with the guy across from us but we haven't seen or heard anyone else in the park. There are about 125 sites and Wayne says all (except us) are American. Perhaps now that the price of gas has gone down, they are back on the road again.

Jenn--they have the BEST SciFi channel ever here. It's been monsters, vampires, and Satan all day. I'm in television heaven! Wayne says he doesn't know how I sleep at night OR why he's brave enough to sleep with me.

We'll be on the road tomorrow and the weather report is cloud/rain for most of this area anyway. The beach is so beautiful here and I wish the weather had been a bit more cooperative, however we may make the trip back on the way home. Unless it's pouring I will take some photos of the houses along the strip.

Until then, hugs and kisses to all. In our Skype call this morning, I told Ty I loved him 'five'. He says he "loves Honey fwee". That will keep me going until I speak to him again.

Chattanooga Photos

Wayne loves a good competition:

Lynne on the 'Chattanooga Choo Choo'

Day 5 - 3 Jan 09 - Mobile, Alabama to Boloxi, Mississippi

We woke to cloudy skies but balmy temperatures and after have the“East or West?” conversation, we decided to head (SouthWest) for the Gulf Shores of Mississippi. The clouds never lifted although the sun did make a few brief appearances.
By noon we were back on familiar territory. Last year I said that this area was flattened by Hurricane Katrina and there was a lot of rebuilding going on (the high water mark one street up from the beach was 34 ft). The rebuilding is continuing and the homes that are going up along the new highway, directly across from the beach, are unbelievable! Most of them are being built ‘plantation style’ and I swear to God, they must be 3500 sq ft plus. I will take and post some photos on our way out of the area. I guess people have short memories.
There are many, many vacant lots, foundations still there that are for sale, and were for sale last year as well. I had expected to see new buildings or homes going up but there aren’t. However, the casinos are booming and adding new extensions and they are right on the beach so they obviously aren’t worried about any other hurricanes in the near future.
The skies opened up while we were driving down the strip and I commented to Wayne that we hadn’t had the radio on all day—perhaps Katrina II was on it’s way. You could hardly see and it just pounded down for quite a while. We were undecided about where to go next but while we were in getting groceries, the rain stopped and we had time to find an RV park.
We are in the Majestic Oaks RV Resort and it’s quite nice. We are a tad dwarfed by some of the rigs here but that’s not unusual. Years ago we had a 16 ft day sailor (sailboat) and kept it at the marina in Barrie. When we would take the boat out, we had to motor through the marina canals to the Kempenfelt Bay, past these 2 & 3 story yachts, and sort of felt like the ‘little brother’….same thing in some of these parks. However, we don’t lack for any of the amenities and we were sitting snug inside with a rum & coke, watching TV within a half hour.
We’ve decided to stay here a couple of nights—and may stay longer if the weather improves—we are both ready to laze around instead of looking at maps. If it rains, we’ll nap, read, watch movies, and browse the internet. Doesn’t seem too bad a way to relax to me.
I expect we’ll head for Texas after this but the weather will dictate the destination. Until next time, hugs and kisses for all.

Day 4 - 2 Jan 09 - Chattanooga, Tenn to Mobile, Alabama

We had a wonderful sleep in our Pullman car last night—too bad they don’t have some kind of mechanism that makes the car sway slightly so that it would really feel like sleeping on the train. When we got up we saw that it had rained overnight and was still cool and cloudy with a misty rain so decided that downtown could wait for another year—we want sun!
We hit the road and made Mobile our destination for the night and that’s where we are. It was Interstate all the way so no photos yet. Very little traffic and the roads were good so the LuvMasheen just hummed along.
We started off at the La Quinta Inn with a $39 coupon but when Wayne went to check in, he said it was a tad ‘stinky’. Well, Got knows we don’t do ‘stinky’…too old for that…and ended up next door at the Hilton. Go figure, but they DO have free cookies!
By the time we reached Birmingham the weather was definitely warmer…same for Montgomery and when we pulled in to the hotel at Mobile, it was totally balmy. I think it’s 71 degrees (F) now at 7 pm and supposed to be in the mid-70s all week. We’ll be packing the jackets and boots away tomorrow and hope to be in an RV park along the Gulf Shores tomorrow night.
The Gulf Shores are only about 30 miles wide and situated between Louisiana & Florida. They pack quite a lot in to that area though and a glance through the RV books indicates there is no shortage of places. The sites that are right on the beach have probably been reserved by the regular snowbirds but that’s okay…as long as the sun is shining. Right now we are only about a 2-hr drive to the Gulf so once we get groceries and find a spot, I expect we’ll settle for a few days and perhaps use it as a ‘home base’ if we want to check out other areas along the Alabama coastline as well as Louisiana/Florida coastlines. The Sandhill Crane wildlife reserve is just a few miles into Louisiana and I definitely want to check that out.
Until tomorrow, hugs and kisses to all. Xx