Today I have updated lots of photos and entered several posts. If you have read the previous posts, go back and view the photos by clicking on the links.
Hugs to all!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
11-26-10 Last day in Mexico Yippee
Friday – 11/26/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above
Last day for dental work. Yippee!
Today we head back into Mexico for our final day to finish up this dental work. Janira removed the temporaries and tried the permanents. After we decided on the final adjustments that needed to be made, she sent the finished crowns back to the lab to be polished and refitted.
Another 30 minute wait and I now have 4 new caps on my front teeth and they look great. Now I can have corn on the cob and all those things I could not bite into. It’s been a long wait.
For those inquiring minds…….each cap was $187. That comes to:
4 caps @ $187 = $748
2 root canals and posts @ $250 = $500
Total for all =$1248.
This is less than I would have had to pay in the US for just the one root canal, post and cap! They way we look at it, the other three were free!
Now we are just hanging out in Pilot Knob until our mail comes next week. And finally, a great sunset.
There has not been the wonderful sunsets of the past years. Seems like being here in November instead of January is the difference in the weather and crowds.
Thomas has been wonderful while all this dental work was done. He has made me sit down and taken care of me. Thank you Thomas for being a real sweet heart!
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above
Last day for dental work. Yippee!
Today we head back into Mexico for our final day to finish up this dental work. Janira removed the temporaries and tried the permanents. After we decided on the final adjustments that needed to be made, she sent the finished crowns back to the lab to be polished and refitted.
Another 30 minute wait and I now have 4 new caps on my front teeth and they look great. Now I can have corn on the cob and all those things I could not bite into. It’s been a long wait.
For those inquiring minds…….each cap was $187. That comes to:
4 caps @ $187 = $748
2 root canals and posts @ $250 = $500
Total for all =$1248.
This is less than I would have had to pay in the US for just the one root canal, post and cap! They way we look at it, the other three were free!
Now we are just hanging out in Pilot Knob until our mail comes next week. And finally, a great sunset.
There has not been the wonderful sunsets of the past years. Seems like being here in November instead of January is the difference in the weather and crowds.
Thomas has been wonderful while all this dental work was done. He has made me sit down and taken care of me. Thank you Thomas for being a real sweet heart!
11-25-10 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone
Thursday – 11/25/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the link above
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends. May each of you take time to reflect on the present pleasures in your lives.
The day started out very windy and we weren’t sure if our Thanksgiving feast would have to be put off. Our solar oven doesn’t do well with the wind. Around 10am the wind changed directions which allowed us to set up the solar oven beside our trailer and be blocked from the wind.
Around 4:30pm a full feast was spread which included: a 10lb. turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli casserole. Yummy!
We ate until we thought we would pop! Today is a good day. Our life is a good life. We give thanks for everyone that shares our life and hope we can be a spark in your life as you are in ours. And who wouldn’t be grateful for the opportunity to come here to get quality dental work done that we could not afford in the US?
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the link above
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends. May each of you take time to reflect on the present pleasures in your lives.
The day started out very windy and we weren’t sure if our Thanksgiving feast would have to be put off. Our solar oven doesn’t do well with the wind. Around 10am the wind changed directions which allowed us to set up the solar oven beside our trailer and be blocked from the wind.
Around 4:30pm a full feast was spread which included: a 10lb. turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli casserole. Yummy!
We ate until we thought we would pop! Today is a good day. Our life is a good life. We give thanks for everyone that shares our life and hope we can be a spark in your life as you are in ours. And who wouldn’t be grateful for the opportunity to come here to get quality dental work done that we could not afford in the US?
11-24-10 Day three
Wednesday – 11/24/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos of Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the same link above
Day three of dental work.
Last night we saw a coyote! All the time we have spent here in the past years and we have never seen a coyote here or even heard one. Where in all this barren land does he (or they) live? They are definitely American Coyotes because there is no way they could cross the canal even if they want to because of the fence that runs along the border on this side of the canal.
Thomas has been putting out some left over scraps to help whatever is living in this area. There has never been a crumb left in the mornings. Now we know part of what is scarping down the bread and such.
Back in Mexico, Janira began to prepare my other front and next tooth for an impression. Then she started on the other two. They were still sore but with the pain meds and the Novocain, we were able to get it done. She took the impressions and set my next appointment for Friday since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US.
While Janira is Mexican she is married to an American and lives in Yuma. Everyday she drives back and forth across the border. Mexico will be open for business as usual but she will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her family in the US.
Again, no crowd to get back across the border.
Talk to you again soon…………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos of Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the same link above
Day three of dental work.
Last night we saw a coyote! All the time we have spent here in the past years and we have never seen a coyote here or even heard one. Where in all this barren land does he (or they) live? They are definitely American Coyotes because there is no way they could cross the canal even if they want to because of the fence that runs along the border on this side of the canal.
Thomas has been putting out some left over scraps to help whatever is living in this area. There has never been a crumb left in the mornings. Now we know part of what is scarping down the bread and such.
Back in Mexico, Janira began to prepare my other front and next tooth for an impression. Then she started on the other two. They were still sore but with the pain meds and the Novocain, we were able to get it done. She took the impressions and set my next appointment for Friday since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US.
While Janira is Mexican she is married to an American and lives in Yuma. Everyday she drives back and forth across the border. Mexico will be open for business as usual but she will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her family in the US.
Again, no crowd to get back across the border.
Talk to you again soon…………
11-23-10 Day two in Mexico
Tuesday – 11/23/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the link above
Day two of dental work.
I had an 8:30am appointment with Manuela. We got up early, showered and headed for the Q. On Tuesday’s they offer breakfast and lunch buffet’s at buy-one-get-one. The breakfast is $7.99 and the buffet is wonderful. One area is for made-to-order omelets. Another area is a spread of fruits and yogurts. Another serving area if for pancakes, French toast, crepes, blitz’s, etc. Another area tempts you with a multitude of meats and eggs in both American and Mexican styles. And it continues…….. This is a great treat even though I was really sore this morning.
Manuela numbed me up again and removed the temporary fillings. After I was numb, she told me that if I felt anything she did to let her know. I shouldn’t be even the least bit uncomfortable. Several times she asked if I could feel this or that. If I could, then she would numb it more. She then took the impressions and apologized if I was uncomfortable at all.
There is something slightly different in the Novocain they use here. While I was numb to the tip of my nose, it wasn’t the same as in the US. I didn’t feel huge and swollen. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t move my mouth to talk. But, I was numb. As the numb starts to wear off there was a somewhat similar feeling of tingling but nothing like the US Novocain. This is much better. And the dentists really want you to experience the work as painlessly as possible.
After the impressions were taken she put two temporary teeth back in place and told me to be back at 12:30pm to have the post put in place. If this was done in the US it would have taken a week.
We went to the town square and watched tourists wander past and watched them purchase things from the vendors. Knowing this would be a long day, we had brought a lunch with us. The sunshine felt good as we sat on the bench.
In the town square a couple of massage therapists had set up under a canopy to work on customers. Three adjoining vendors sold lanterns, rocks and plates that were spray painted on the spot. If you brought in something, they would paint that. They even had photos of paintings on mobile scooters and digital TV dishes.
Time is up and back to Manuela. The permanent posts are put in and now to go back to Janira for her to finish up.
For curious minds…. The cost of the root canals and metal posts were $250 each for a total of $500.
Janira tried to start shaping the metal posts and supports that Manuela had just put in but with any pressure I was in pain. She thought it best to continue taking the meds and come in tomorrow for her to start. Janira glued in my 2 temporary caps and gave me an appointment for the next day.
The rest of the day was pretty much the same as yesterday.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the link above
Day two of dental work.
I had an 8:30am appointment with Manuela. We got up early, showered and headed for the Q. On Tuesday’s they offer breakfast and lunch buffet’s at buy-one-get-one. The breakfast is $7.99 and the buffet is wonderful. One area is for made-to-order omelets. Another area is a spread of fruits and yogurts. Another serving area if for pancakes, French toast, crepes, blitz’s, etc. Another area tempts you with a multitude of meats and eggs in both American and Mexican styles. And it continues…….. This is a great treat even though I was really sore this morning.
Manuela numbed me up again and removed the temporary fillings. After I was numb, she told me that if I felt anything she did to let her know. I shouldn’t be even the least bit uncomfortable. Several times she asked if I could feel this or that. If I could, then she would numb it more. She then took the impressions and apologized if I was uncomfortable at all.
There is something slightly different in the Novocain they use here. While I was numb to the tip of my nose, it wasn’t the same as in the US. I didn’t feel huge and swollen. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t move my mouth to talk. But, I was numb. As the numb starts to wear off there was a somewhat similar feeling of tingling but nothing like the US Novocain. This is much better. And the dentists really want you to experience the work as painlessly as possible.
After the impressions were taken she put two temporary teeth back in place and told me to be back at 12:30pm to have the post put in place. If this was done in the US it would have taken a week.
We went to the town square and watched tourists wander past and watched them purchase things from the vendors. Knowing this would be a long day, we had brought a lunch with us. The sunshine felt good as we sat on the bench.
In the town square a couple of massage therapists had set up under a canopy to work on customers. Three adjoining vendors sold lanterns, rocks and plates that were spray painted on the spot. If you brought in something, they would paint that. They even had photos of paintings on mobile scooters and digital TV dishes.
Time is up and back to Manuela. The permanent posts are put in and now to go back to Janira for her to finish up.
For curious minds…. The cost of the root canals and metal posts were $250 each for a total of $500.
Janira tried to start shaping the metal posts and supports that Manuela had just put in but with any pressure I was in pain. She thought it best to continue taking the meds and come in tomorrow for her to start. Janira glued in my 2 temporary caps and gave me an appointment for the next day.
The rest of the day was pretty much the same as yesterday.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow………
11-22-10 First day in Mexico
Monday – 11/22/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above.
Last night was spent in Pilot Knob. The remainder of our time will be spent here at least until the dental work is done. This will also be where we will receive our first mail drop from home.
It’s amazing how few people are here! There are only 4 others in one parking area. It also appears that the BLM has made the camping area smaller since this past January. No one is in the farther camping area. We had assumed that a lot of the snow birds (RV’ers that go south in the winter to avoid the cold up north) would be here by now.
While setting up, Thomas talked to another camper here about the shortage of people here. He said that they had experienced the same surprise at the number of people in the area. He told us that Mexico was empty when they went to Algodones. He said, “You could shoot a missile down the street and not hit anyone. That was how empty it is.”
Yesterday I sent my dentist an email telling her that we would be in Yuma by last night and could come to Mexico as early as tomorrow or when she had room for me. Her return email told me to meet her at her office and she would be waiting whenever I could get there. How’s that for an appointment? Has ANY US medical physician, dentist, etc ever told you that they would be waiting on you?
It was scary heading to and into Mexico. There is hardly anyone here as compared to January. From the exit on I-8 the two lane road passes by the Quechan Casino (better known as the Q) with separate parking lots for autos and RV’s, crosses the American Canal, continues past sandy hills that some RV’s park on, past the pay RV Park and to the Quechan Indian parking lot before arriving at the border crossing.
The parking lot for the RV’s at the Q was almost empty. The parking areas on the hills was almost empty. No one was parked along the sides of the roads leading up to the signs for no parking on either side even though the no parking area had been extended. The pay RV Park had many empty spaces. The parking lot at the border was about only 1/4th full. Where is everyone? Has the economy stopped the people from coming? Is there something going on that we don’t know about?
After parking and crossing the border, it was much of the same. No one is here compared to the past January’s. The street vendors and people who are employed by various pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, etc seem more desperate to get you to use their sponsors.
As you walk down the sidewalk lined with stores and offices you hear, “Can I help you? What are you looking for today? Are you looking for pharmacy, dentist, eye glasses? Everything on sale today, just for you and your girlfriend. Check us out. Hey sir, you need a haircut, Rolex, wallet? Lady, I have purse just for you.”
We arrived at the office of our Mexican Dentist, Janira Rodarte around 10am. She confirmed that I needed one root canal and metal post for my front tooth. If the price is right, I hope to get all four front teeth recapped since the original caps had been in place for 16 years. Since I am having problems with one, I don’t want to get back to the States and something happen to the other three and wind up in the same predicament.
Janira sent me to a specialist to start on the root canal and recheck the additional three. Manuela found that the tooth beside the first one also needed a root canal with metal post. The other two could just be recapped. And so the process began.
Manuela was very good about getting me numb. After getting the teeth prepped, she told me that my gums were too inflamed and angry to do the impressions for the posts today. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory with pain medicine. It would be best for me to come back tomorrow morning to finish with her. I was in minimal discomfort but was not going to argue.
We went to the outdoor plaza/restaurant. Thomas ordered a coffee and we sat and watched the other patrons for a while. Of course, there were the street vendors winding through the tables hawking vases and plates, bracelets, jewelry, etc. While here, we asked other tourists if they thought the crowds were down for this time of year. They thought this was normal for this time of year and that it was a little more crowded this year. So maybe it is just this time of year and not the economy that is the difference.
As the numb starts to wear off the thumping becomes more pronounced. Time to find a pharmacy and take meds! The two prescriptions cost me $12 and no they don’t take insurance. That was the full cost.
Now to get back across the border. Where is the line of people waiting to go through the US border checkpoint? Where is the 1 ½-4 ½ hour wait we have usually experienced before? It is 1pm and it only took us 15 minutes to through the line and check point. This is strange. But with my pain starting to build, who am I to question this streak of luck?
Back to our home and to start on the meds. I fixed lunch and later supper. Thomas was so sweet. He put me to bed and told me he would clean up and take care of everything.
Hope everyone has a good night………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above.
Last night was spent in Pilot Knob. The remainder of our time will be spent here at least until the dental work is done. This will also be where we will receive our first mail drop from home.
It’s amazing how few people are here! There are only 4 others in one parking area. It also appears that the BLM has made the camping area smaller since this past January. No one is in the farther camping area. We had assumed that a lot of the snow birds (RV’ers that go south in the winter to avoid the cold up north) would be here by now.
While setting up, Thomas talked to another camper here about the shortage of people here. He said that they had experienced the same surprise at the number of people in the area. He told us that Mexico was empty when they went to Algodones. He said, “You could shoot a missile down the street and not hit anyone. That was how empty it is.”
Yesterday I sent my dentist an email telling her that we would be in Yuma by last night and could come to Mexico as early as tomorrow or when she had room for me. Her return email told me to meet her at her office and she would be waiting whenever I could get there. How’s that for an appointment? Has ANY US medical physician, dentist, etc ever told you that they would be waiting on you?
It was scary heading to and into Mexico. There is hardly anyone here as compared to January. From the exit on I-8 the two lane road passes by the Quechan Casino (better known as the Q) with separate parking lots for autos and RV’s, crosses the American Canal, continues past sandy hills that some RV’s park on, past the pay RV Park and to the Quechan Indian parking lot before arriving at the border crossing.
The parking lot for the RV’s at the Q was almost empty. The parking areas on the hills was almost empty. No one was parked along the sides of the roads leading up to the signs for no parking on either side even though the no parking area had been extended. The pay RV Park had many empty spaces. The parking lot at the border was about only 1/4th full. Where is everyone? Has the economy stopped the people from coming? Is there something going on that we don’t know about?
After parking and crossing the border, it was much of the same. No one is here compared to the past January’s. The street vendors and people who are employed by various pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, etc seem more desperate to get you to use their sponsors.
As you walk down the sidewalk lined with stores and offices you hear, “Can I help you? What are you looking for today? Are you looking for pharmacy, dentist, eye glasses? Everything on sale today, just for you and your girlfriend. Check us out. Hey sir, you need a haircut, Rolex, wallet? Lady, I have purse just for you.”
We arrived at the office of our Mexican Dentist, Janira Rodarte around 10am. She confirmed that I needed one root canal and metal post for my front tooth. If the price is right, I hope to get all four front teeth recapped since the original caps had been in place for 16 years. Since I am having problems with one, I don’t want to get back to the States and something happen to the other three and wind up in the same predicament.
Janira sent me to a specialist to start on the root canal and recheck the additional three. Manuela found that the tooth beside the first one also needed a root canal with metal post. The other two could just be recapped. And so the process began.
Manuela was very good about getting me numb. After getting the teeth prepped, she told me that my gums were too inflamed and angry to do the impressions for the posts today. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory with pain medicine. It would be best for me to come back tomorrow morning to finish with her. I was in minimal discomfort but was not going to argue.
We went to the outdoor plaza/restaurant. Thomas ordered a coffee and we sat and watched the other patrons for a while. Of course, there were the street vendors winding through the tables hawking vases and plates, bracelets, jewelry, etc. While here, we asked other tourists if they thought the crowds were down for this time of year. They thought this was normal for this time of year and that it was a little more crowded this year. So maybe it is just this time of year and not the economy that is the difference.
As the numb starts to wear off the thumping becomes more pronounced. Time to find a pharmacy and take meds! The two prescriptions cost me $12 and no they don’t take insurance. That was the full cost.
Now to get back across the border. Where is the line of people waiting to go through the US border checkpoint? Where is the 1 ½-4 ½ hour wait we have usually experienced before? It is 1pm and it only took us 15 minutes to through the line and check point. This is strange. But with my pain starting to build, who am I to question this streak of luck?
Back to our home and to start on the meds. I fixed lunch and later supper. Thomas was so sweet. He put me to bed and told me he would clean up and take care of everything.
Hope everyone has a good night………
11-21-10 To Pilot Knob
Sunday – 11/21/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2592
And I thought night before last was bad! Last night we stayed in a truck stop. All the way to the right was an RV and then two open spaces before the line of trucks. We backed in beside the RV and got into our trailer. After realizing that we had parked beside a refrigerated big truck, Thomas backed up as far into the space as he could to get away from the generator. Ok, this is a little better.
THEN, around 2:00am I was roused up by another truck trying to swing into the empty spot between us which he thought was actually two spots. He realized in mid turn that we were parked in one spot. From the brakes and then voices, I could tell that someone wasn’t happy! He back up and then made it into his parking spot only to leave his generator running right at our door/window. Needless to say, I have been up since 2am today!
Our first stop of the day was in Casa Grande, AZ for a shower and breakfast then into Wal-Mart to restock on a few things. By noon we were heading to Yuma, AZ.
There have been fields of cotton growing here. Seems strange to see it here when I am use to seeing it in NC.
Now we hit our first rain of the trip. It was nice to have some of the dust washed off the truck and trailer.
Shortly after the cotton fields were the very tall saguaro cactus. There were many of them. Their arms were sometimes wrapped in different formations. One had one “arm” wrapped around it’s trunk like it was hugging itself. Most of them had been eaten on the bottom by animals or birds. It’s a wonder some were still standing from the destruction.
About 33 miles east of Yuma we turned off the interstate towards a mountain with a large “A” on it. Last January I had taken a photo of this same mountain but didn’t know what it was. This year we are going to Antelope Hill to see some of the hundreds of petroglyphs on a volcanic basalt outcrop that lies next to the Gila River. It is believed to have been utilized for thousands of years but its use is more evident from 500 A.D. until the 1800’s. On the north side of the mountain the petroglyphs can be found with some visible from the parking area. There are several photos to be posted. They ranged from smaller ones to very large. The larger ones were at the top of the hill but it was too windy for us to climb to the top. We were perfectly happy with the ones we found sheltered from the wind.
Back towards Yuma and the surrounding area has become very familiar. This is our fourth trip here and we were here last January. We pass through the valley, on towards the mountain we travel through before entering Fortuna Hills. When going through the mountain the road separates and actually crosses so that the west bound is on the left side and the east bound is on the right.
The wind has picked up again and we travel to Sidewinder Road/Pilot Knob BLM for the area where we can stay for 14 days for free. To get there, you pass through Yuma, AZ on I-8. Continue into CA, past the exit to Mexico, through the Inspection Checkpoint and the next exit is Sidewinder Road. Cross over the interstate to the sign for Pilot Knob. There is a Long Term Visitors Area where you can stay 6 months for $180. (There are 7 of these LTVA’s and the 6 month permit can be spent in all, one or any combination of LTVA’s. This is BLM land.) Turn to the right and follow the dirt road into the desert and parallel to I-8 for 1 ½ miles to get to the “no-fee” 14 day area. There are two small areas designated for the free camping.
Between our camping area and the interstate is approximately 1 mile. The community across the interstate from us is the unincorporated community of Felicity, CA, population 280. Beyond Felicity are the railroad tracks.
Time to set up for the night. Tomorrow will be my first dentist appointment in Mexico.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2592
And I thought night before last was bad! Last night we stayed in a truck stop. All the way to the right was an RV and then two open spaces before the line of trucks. We backed in beside the RV and got into our trailer. After realizing that we had parked beside a refrigerated big truck, Thomas backed up as far into the space as he could to get away from the generator. Ok, this is a little better.
THEN, around 2:00am I was roused up by another truck trying to swing into the empty spot between us which he thought was actually two spots. He realized in mid turn that we were parked in one spot. From the brakes and then voices, I could tell that someone wasn’t happy! He back up and then made it into his parking spot only to leave his generator running right at our door/window. Needless to say, I have been up since 2am today!
Our first stop of the day was in Casa Grande, AZ for a shower and breakfast then into Wal-Mart to restock on a few things. By noon we were heading to Yuma, AZ.
There have been fields of cotton growing here. Seems strange to see it here when I am use to seeing it in NC.
Now we hit our first rain of the trip. It was nice to have some of the dust washed off the truck and trailer.
Shortly after the cotton fields were the very tall saguaro cactus. There were many of them. Their arms were sometimes wrapped in different formations. One had one “arm” wrapped around it’s trunk like it was hugging itself. Most of them had been eaten on the bottom by animals or birds. It’s a wonder some were still standing from the destruction.
About 33 miles east of Yuma we turned off the interstate towards a mountain with a large “A” on it. Last January I had taken a photo of this same mountain but didn’t know what it was. This year we are going to Antelope Hill to see some of the hundreds of petroglyphs on a volcanic basalt outcrop that lies next to the Gila River. It is believed to have been utilized for thousands of years but its use is more evident from 500 A.D. until the 1800’s. On the north side of the mountain the petroglyphs can be found with some visible from the parking area. There are several photos to be posted. They ranged from smaller ones to very large. The larger ones were at the top of the hill but it was too windy for us to climb to the top. We were perfectly happy with the ones we found sheltered from the wind.
Back towards Yuma and the surrounding area has become very familiar. This is our fourth trip here and we were here last January. We pass through the valley, on towards the mountain we travel through before entering Fortuna Hills. When going through the mountain the road separates and actually crosses so that the west bound is on the left side and the east bound is on the right.
The wind has picked up again and we travel to Sidewinder Road/Pilot Knob BLM for the area where we can stay for 14 days for free. To get there, you pass through Yuma, AZ on I-8. Continue into CA, past the exit to Mexico, through the Inspection Checkpoint and the next exit is Sidewinder Road. Cross over the interstate to the sign for Pilot Knob. There is a Long Term Visitors Area where you can stay 6 months for $180. (There are 7 of these LTVA’s and the 6 month permit can be spent in all, one or any combination of LTVA’s. This is BLM land.) Turn to the right and follow the dirt road into the desert and parallel to I-8 for 1 ½ miles to get to the “no-fee” 14 day area. There are two small areas designated for the free camping.
Between our camping area and the interstate is approximately 1 mile. The community across the interstate from us is the unincorporated community of Felicity, CA, population 280. Beyond Felicity are the railroad tracks.
Time to set up for the night. Tomorrow will be my first dentist appointment in Mexico.
Saturday - 11-20-10 On the road
Saturday – 11/20/10
Photos:
Last night we slept in a Rest Area 32 miles south of El Paso, TX. It definitely was not Big Bend! Not once did we hear the lonesome call of a coyote but instead slept to the hum of generators of the trucks all around us.
The past several nights I have had a lot of trouble sleeping due to the cap on my front tooth keeps coming off even with the cream to make it stay in place. We are in much more of a hurry to get to Yuma and Los Algodones, Mexico to get this fixed. I’ve been fighting this since the first part of June. No pain – just can’t bite anything even something soft.
Today we saw road runners crossing the road. We passed over the Continental Divide. And made good time getting into Arizona.
I took several photos of the high desert landscapes. We passed a sign stating this was Texas Canyon…What? I thought we were in Arizona?
Next came the Tucson city limits which was 22 miles outside of the city center. Looks like they didn’t want to go through the annexation process again so allowed plenty of growing room and expansion.
Now to find a place to stop for the night…..
Photos:
Last night we slept in a Rest Area 32 miles south of El Paso, TX. It definitely was not Big Bend! Not once did we hear the lonesome call of a coyote but instead slept to the hum of generators of the trucks all around us.
The past several nights I have had a lot of trouble sleeping due to the cap on my front tooth keeps coming off even with the cream to make it stay in place. We are in much more of a hurry to get to Yuma and Los Algodones, Mexico to get this fixed. I’ve been fighting this since the first part of June. No pain – just can’t bite anything even something soft.
Today we saw road runners crossing the road. We passed over the Continental Divide. And made good time getting into Arizona.
I took several photos of the high desert landscapes. We passed a sign stating this was Texas Canyon…What? I thought we were in Arizona?
Next came the Tucson city limits which was 22 miles outside of the city center. Looks like they didn’t want to go through the annexation process again so allowed plenty of growing room and expansion.
Now to find a place to stop for the night…..
11-19-10 Big Bend thru Marfa
Friday – 11/19/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2531
It didn’t take too long to be fully loaded and ready to hit the road. Thomas did most of the packing on the outside while I took care of the inside.
Mike and Adela came over to say good bye. They were heading out today also and our paths may cross again later today but only time will tell.
Mike spotted a stick bug on our tire. Thomas removed it and as he moved it from the tire to a stick, it changed color to green. Interesting little bug.
Heading out we decided to have a good shower for the road. That was nice.
From our campground, we head up hill for 20 miles back to the main welcome center. We get just enough water to do us for a couple of days since we have a lot more up hill to travel and don’t want to pull the extra weight.
From the Main Welcome Center we head towards the West entrance and from there to Alpine, Texas. The road is much like the one coming in. There are mountains around us and in the distance.
Once outside of the park we stop in Study Butte/Terlingua for gas. Here it is $3.059 we get $20 to get us to Alpine where it will be cheaper. Notice the “No Swimming” sign over the door to the store in the photos. Who are they kidding?
In Terlingua the land is cheap if anyone is interested but water and road access is the problem. Oh, and it helps to be about 200% hermit if you want the best priced land. A lady we talked to had purchased 80 acres for $14,000. It’s amazing how many RV’s and mobile homes there are in this area.
All the mountains, peaks, mesas, etc in this area have a sign on the road with their name and height pointing to them so you can’t miss them. This is something that would be nice for other areas to do also. Coming in we passed Santiago Peek on one side and now we pass it on the other. Gradually there are no more homes to be seen. At times you see mailboxes and a few roads. The land is flat to slightly hilly with a mesa or butte or mountain thrown in.
Shortly after 3pm it is time for lunch and a break. Back on the road, things are getting greener and bushes start to appear. Beside the road is a gray colored deer. We’ve never seen one that color before. The deer back home are mostly browns.
Now we are coming into Alpine, Texas. There are valleys and mountains beyond the town. We gas up here and then head out to Marfa.
Marfa is partly known for it’s mystery lights. Across the desert is a mountain which the lights play on. On this mountain there are no roads and if you go close to the mountain you can no longer see the lights. To date, there has been no explanation for these lights.
The lights appear every night just as the sun is setting and continue for about 1 ½-2 hours before disappearing until the next night. They float along or sometimes zip from place to place. There can be two or three that join into a third one or one that separates. Mostly they are white but can be seen changing colors from white to red or blue or green and back again. Some are very bright, some dim, some change in their intensity.
Tonight the most that I saw at the same time was nine. To the left were the brightest ones and this was also the ones that changed from red to white and back again. A few danced sideways while others moved diagonally and horizontally. Several times they merged from 2-3 into 1. One would separate into 2 or 3. This was amazing and fascinating for me.
Back in North Carolina in the northern most part of McDowell County (where I was born and raised) they have the Brown Mountain Lights. Like these, there are all sorts of folk tales to explain their history but no one has a concrete explanation for their existence. I never have seen the Brown Mountain Lights. At least now I can say that I have seen the Marfa Lights. Needless to say, Thomas was not as captivated by them as I was. The lights were mostly gone by 7:30pm.
Since the wind has died down, it’s now a good time to be on the road. Thomas wants to get some miles behind us now that he’ll not be fighting the wind. It’s 7:40pm and we hit the road. Shortly afterwards, there were some deer standing beside the road eating. They had really large ears and were not frightened by the closeness of the traffic.
Another good day with plenty of excitement.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2531
It didn’t take too long to be fully loaded and ready to hit the road. Thomas did most of the packing on the outside while I took care of the inside.
Mike and Adela came over to say good bye. They were heading out today also and our paths may cross again later today but only time will tell.
Mike spotted a stick bug on our tire. Thomas removed it and as he moved it from the tire to a stick, it changed color to green. Interesting little bug.
Heading out we decided to have a good shower for the road. That was nice.
From our campground, we head up hill for 20 miles back to the main welcome center. We get just enough water to do us for a couple of days since we have a lot more up hill to travel and don’t want to pull the extra weight.
From the Main Welcome Center we head towards the West entrance and from there to Alpine, Texas. The road is much like the one coming in. There are mountains around us and in the distance.
Once outside of the park we stop in Study Butte/Terlingua for gas. Here it is $3.059 we get $20 to get us to Alpine where it will be cheaper. Notice the “No Swimming” sign over the door to the store in the photos. Who are they kidding?
In Terlingua the land is cheap if anyone is interested but water and road access is the problem. Oh, and it helps to be about 200% hermit if you want the best priced land. A lady we talked to had purchased 80 acres for $14,000. It’s amazing how many RV’s and mobile homes there are in this area.
All the mountains, peaks, mesas, etc in this area have a sign on the road with their name and height pointing to them so you can’t miss them. This is something that would be nice for other areas to do also. Coming in we passed Santiago Peek on one side and now we pass it on the other. Gradually there are no more homes to be seen. At times you see mailboxes and a few roads. The land is flat to slightly hilly with a mesa or butte or mountain thrown in.
Shortly after 3pm it is time for lunch and a break. Back on the road, things are getting greener and bushes start to appear. Beside the road is a gray colored deer. We’ve never seen one that color before. The deer back home are mostly browns.
Now we are coming into Alpine, Texas. There are valleys and mountains beyond the town. We gas up here and then head out to Marfa.
Marfa is partly known for it’s mystery lights. Across the desert is a mountain which the lights play on. On this mountain there are no roads and if you go close to the mountain you can no longer see the lights. To date, there has been no explanation for these lights.
The lights appear every night just as the sun is setting and continue for about 1 ½-2 hours before disappearing until the next night. They float along or sometimes zip from place to place. There can be two or three that join into a third one or one that separates. Mostly they are white but can be seen changing colors from white to red or blue or green and back again. Some are very bright, some dim, some change in their intensity.
Tonight the most that I saw at the same time was nine. To the left were the brightest ones and this was also the ones that changed from red to white and back again. A few danced sideways while others moved diagonally and horizontally. Several times they merged from 2-3 into 1. One would separate into 2 or 3. This was amazing and fascinating for me.
Back in North Carolina in the northern most part of McDowell County (where I was born and raised) they have the Brown Mountain Lights. Like these, there are all sorts of folk tales to explain their history but no one has a concrete explanation for their existence. I never have seen the Brown Mountain Lights. At least now I can say that I have seen the Marfa Lights. Needless to say, Thomas was not as captivated by them as I was. The lights were mostly gone by 7:30pm.
Since the wind has died down, it’s now a good time to be on the road. Thomas wants to get some miles behind us now that he’ll not be fighting the wind. It’s 7:40pm and we hit the road. Shortly afterwards, there were some deer standing beside the road eating. They had really large ears and were not frightened by the closeness of the traffic.
Another good day with plenty of excitement.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
11-18-10 Thursday, A day to relax
Thursday – 11/18/10
Photos:
Today is a day to rest and just hang out around camp. Not much to tell.
Mike and Adela were going to hike over to the Hot Springs. Having done that yesterday, we offered to meet them there and drive them back but they declined. After they returned, we headed over for today’s dip and stayed for about an hour or so.
Earlier I had cooked lasagna in the sun oven. In the cooler was some of my chevre goat cheese so that went into the lasagna instead of ricotta. It was wonderful to come back and have supper ready. Yum, it was good.
Well, still no internet and there isn’t any cell phone service to be had. Bills need to be paid. Add all that with the fact that the crowd will be coming in doesn’t entice us to stay longer. We have made the decision to load up in the morning and head out.
After supper, we head over and hang out with Mike and Adela. We sat around talking and laughing and enjoying each others company until time to head to bed.
Good friends, good times and a great adventure…what else could anyone want?
Photos:
Today is a day to rest and just hang out around camp. Not much to tell.
Mike and Adela were going to hike over to the Hot Springs. Having done that yesterday, we offered to meet them there and drive them back but they declined. After they returned, we headed over for today’s dip and stayed for about an hour or so.
Earlier I had cooked lasagna in the sun oven. In the cooler was some of my chevre goat cheese so that went into the lasagna instead of ricotta. It was wonderful to come back and have supper ready. Yum, it was good.
Well, still no internet and there isn’t any cell phone service to be had. Bills need to be paid. Add all that with the fact that the crowd will be coming in doesn’t entice us to stay longer. We have made the decision to load up in the morning and head out.
After supper, we head over and hang out with Mike and Adela. We sat around talking and laughing and enjoying each others company until time to head to bed.
Good friends, good times and a great adventure…what else could anyone want?
Wednesday 11-17-10 Hike to Hot Springs
Wednesday – 11/17/10
Photos:
Today we are going to hike to the Hot Spring! We pack a sandwich and something to drink. After breakfast we are on the trail at 11:30am. Ok, so we are slow.
The trail that we have already walked doesn’t seem nearly as hard or take as long. Unlike that Appalachian Trail, this trail has no trees to leave marks on. The trail is marked by rocks piled up. If you are not to turn to the right on what looks to be the trail, there are rocks lined up across the trail as a marker. It would be very easy to get lost if your mind wanders or you aren’t paying attention. Looking into the near distance there can be what appear to be different trails to take.
The sun and shadows add to the ambience of the scenery. With the sun behind a prickly pear cactus the thorns leap to a brilliant fiery red. Canyons and crevices punctuate the vast emptiness. Mid-day sun sends animals of all sizes to seek the coolness of shade where ever it might be found. Crickets and birds are the only animals to be seen.
The last 1/3 of the trial is close by the Rio Grande River. This area has the more varied scenery. A couple of spots on the river look like they would be a great private swimming hole if there were only some access. There just wasn’t anyway to get down to them. The best swimming hole was already occupied by 6 turtles. They swam lazily in the green clear water.
Boulders were everywhere in the next section. Lots of shadowy areas were around for small creatures and snakes to curl into for shade and safety. Large rocks were floating on several smaller rocks and looked like you could just roll them from one place to another…if they weren’t wedged in.
Next was an area which had fossils in the path of the trail. One had rocks piled around it so you wouldn’t miss it or step on it. The shell was larger than Thomas’ shoe! Other fossils appeared to be leaves and smaller shells.
Now the horses on the Mexican side come into view and we know it can’t be much farther. At long last, the Hot Spring comes into view. As we approach the only group there is leaving.
Hiding in the reeds, we change clothes. Then hunger overcomes us. A fast sandwich and we are seeking the refreshing water. The Hot Spring water feels good but I’m more interested in the cold water of the river. Oh yes! The river’s cold water soothes the heat of the sun and wind toasted shoulders and the feet which have walked almost 3 miles on very hot sandy soil.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the return trip. Our hope is to find someone to give us a ride back to the campground. Sorry, the next two groups have no extra room. Neither of us wants to walk back but if we had to it would be shorter going back on the trail rather than to try to walk the road and hope to hitch a ride. Finally, with us about to give up, a couple shows up just to look at the Hot Spring. They have the room and give us a ride back.
More people have moved into the campground. It’s starting to fill up. By Saturday, all the spots which can be pre-booked will be occupied. Thanksgiving week is to be one of the busiest of the year hear.
A really nice couple moved in across from us. They are Mike and Adela from Texas. We enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them.
Get back with you soon.......
Photos:
Today we are going to hike to the Hot Spring! We pack a sandwich and something to drink. After breakfast we are on the trail at 11:30am. Ok, so we are slow.
The trail that we have already walked doesn’t seem nearly as hard or take as long. Unlike that Appalachian Trail, this trail has no trees to leave marks on. The trail is marked by rocks piled up. If you are not to turn to the right on what looks to be the trail, there are rocks lined up across the trail as a marker. It would be very easy to get lost if your mind wanders or you aren’t paying attention. Looking into the near distance there can be what appear to be different trails to take.
The sun and shadows add to the ambience of the scenery. With the sun behind a prickly pear cactus the thorns leap to a brilliant fiery red. Canyons and crevices punctuate the vast emptiness. Mid-day sun sends animals of all sizes to seek the coolness of shade where ever it might be found. Crickets and birds are the only animals to be seen.
The last 1/3 of the trial is close by the Rio Grande River. This area has the more varied scenery. A couple of spots on the river look like they would be a great private swimming hole if there were only some access. There just wasn’t anyway to get down to them. The best swimming hole was already occupied by 6 turtles. They swam lazily in the green clear water.
Boulders were everywhere in the next section. Lots of shadowy areas were around for small creatures and snakes to curl into for shade and safety. Large rocks were floating on several smaller rocks and looked like you could just roll them from one place to another…if they weren’t wedged in.
Next was an area which had fossils in the path of the trail. One had rocks piled around it so you wouldn’t miss it or step on it. The shell was larger than Thomas’ shoe! Other fossils appeared to be leaves and smaller shells.
Now the horses on the Mexican side come into view and we know it can’t be much farther. At long last, the Hot Spring comes into view. As we approach the only group there is leaving.
Hiding in the reeds, we change clothes. Then hunger overcomes us. A fast sandwich and we are seeking the refreshing water. The Hot Spring water feels good but I’m more interested in the cold water of the river. Oh yes! The river’s cold water soothes the heat of the sun and wind toasted shoulders and the feet which have walked almost 3 miles on very hot sandy soil.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the return trip. Our hope is to find someone to give us a ride back to the campground. Sorry, the next two groups have no extra room. Neither of us wants to walk back but if we had to it would be shorter going back on the trail rather than to try to walk the road and hope to hitch a ride. Finally, with us about to give up, a couple shows up just to look at the Hot Spring. They have the room and give us a ride back.
More people have moved into the campground. It’s starting to fill up. By Saturday, all the spots which can be pre-booked will be occupied. Thanksgiving week is to be one of the busiest of the year hear.
A really nice couple moved in across from us. They are Mike and Adela from Texas. We enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them.
Get back with you soon.......
11-16-10 Tuesday fron Big Bend, TX
Tuesday – 11/16/10
Photos:
This morning we packed a sandwich and water because we wanted to hike further today. It was 11:30 before we could get onto the trail today. I found the only flower around that was blooming! It was bright purple/pink with another tiny white bloom coming from the center of it. We hiked until the trail started to turn down hill. If we had packed our bathing suits, we might have continued on to the Hot Springs. But this is enough for today. My feet hurt! Tomorrow we will take what we need and make the full hike to the Hot Spring.
We met a couple on the trail from Texas. They want to come to NC and hike some of the AT. We gave them our name and email address. They were also telling us that they saw a mother bobcat nursing a baby on their way to the trail head. Maybe we will get to see it before we leave.
On the way back, we stopped at the store. The internet is supposed to be working now. We also ate an overpriced but still very good ice cream sandwich. While sitting outside, the bobcat came by and headed into the woods. There weren’t any babies with her. I followed her and was able to get a couple of photos as she made her way across a field behind the store.
After getting back to the trailer and eating the lunch we packed and carried, it was time for a nap. But that was interrupted by a guy at the door. Would you believe it was a man from Lenoir, NC? Lenoir is about an hour from us. Small world.
Ok, now siesta time for Thomas but I plan to upload photos and continue with the blog. Later we are going to wash clothes and I can put all this on the blog and catch up with email.
At this point we are not sure if we will get to the Hot Springs again today or not.
If any of you need to get in touch with us, you will have to do it by sending emails.
Hope all is going well with each and every one of you.
Photos:
This morning we packed a sandwich and water because we wanted to hike further today. It was 11:30 before we could get onto the trail today. I found the only flower around that was blooming! It was bright purple/pink with another tiny white bloom coming from the center of it. We hiked until the trail started to turn down hill. If we had packed our bathing suits, we might have continued on to the Hot Springs. But this is enough for today. My feet hurt! Tomorrow we will take what we need and make the full hike to the Hot Spring.
We met a couple on the trail from Texas. They want to come to NC and hike some of the AT. We gave them our name and email address. They were also telling us that they saw a mother bobcat nursing a baby on their way to the trail head. Maybe we will get to see it before we leave.
On the way back, we stopped at the store. The internet is supposed to be working now. We also ate an overpriced but still very good ice cream sandwich. While sitting outside, the bobcat came by and headed into the woods. There weren’t any babies with her. I followed her and was able to get a couple of photos as she made her way across a field behind the store.
After getting back to the trailer and eating the lunch we packed and carried, it was time for a nap. But that was interrupted by a guy at the door. Would you believe it was a man from Lenoir, NC? Lenoir is about an hour from us. Small world.
Ok, now siesta time for Thomas but I plan to upload photos and continue with the blog. Later we are going to wash clothes and I can put all this on the blog and catch up with email.
At this point we are not sure if we will get to the Hot Springs again today or not.
If any of you need to get in touch with us, you will have to do it by sending emails.
Hope all is going well with each and every one of you.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
11-15-10 Monday at Big Bend National Park
Monday – 11/15/10
Photos:
This morning we decided to take a hike. There are many trails but since it has been so long since we have done much hiking, we decided to start slow. One of the trails that leads from a close by picnic area goes to an over look. If you follow it the full 3 miles, you will be at the Hot Spring. Today we went to the overlook and then a little beyond before returning to the trailer.
Just past the entrance to the trail the same type of souvenirs were laid out by the Mexican businessmen. It seems that they are tolerated to come across as they wish as long as they do so without flaunting it and stay mostly unseen. There is a sign on the bulletin board stating that the items sold by the Mexican businessmen are contraband. If you purchase them, they can be taken from you. If they Mexicans are caught here, they will be sent to a detention facility and then deported. Most surprising is that these same trinkets and walking sticks can be purchased in the Store at a higher price.
The trail started out up hill and continued like this past the overlook. It finally leveled out some. The terrain is very rocky. The plant life consists of mostly different types of cactus and prickly plants. Everything has the appearance of being sharp. The only life we see are the birds and large crickets and one ant. We see no lizards, snakes or spiders. Most everything seems to be some shade of brown. LOL Green brown, brown, yellow brown. The sun is bright yellow and hot and continuously beats down on you. Today is very windy which helps keep you cool but now you have wind burn instead of sun burn. Maybe a combination of both.
At the overlook the Rio Grande can be seen from both directions. The land of Mexico stretches out before you. There is no difference between the two countries here. From this vantage point, it is even clearer how the border between the two countries is pretty much open.
After returning to the camp site, we cleaned up and ate some lunch. Time for another trip to the Hot Spring. It was about 4pm when we got there and were the only ones for about an hour. The same four Mexicans were at their camp on the other side of the river. Since we didn’t have head lamps we wanted to get back to the truck before dark.
Tonights supper consisted of bite size pieces of grilled Ribeye steak in a mushroom and onion gravy nestled in a bed of fluffy herbed rice with a large salad.
Yummy. When we closed the garden up, Thomas packed up 3 boxes of tomatoes in various stages of ripeness. We are just finishing up the first box which was packed with ripe tomatoes. It is time to start on the next box which was packed at different stages of ripeness. The last box is full of all green tomatoes.
After dinner we decided to splurge and take a “pay” shower at the store. It is $1.50 for 5 minutes. Even though we couldn’t get finished in the 5 minutes, it was well worth the $3.
During the night, the coyotes howled again. This time they weren’t nearly as close.
Photos:
This morning we decided to take a hike. There are many trails but since it has been so long since we have done much hiking, we decided to start slow. One of the trails that leads from a close by picnic area goes to an over look. If you follow it the full 3 miles, you will be at the Hot Spring. Today we went to the overlook and then a little beyond before returning to the trailer.
Just past the entrance to the trail the same type of souvenirs were laid out by the Mexican businessmen. It seems that they are tolerated to come across as they wish as long as they do so without flaunting it and stay mostly unseen. There is a sign on the bulletin board stating that the items sold by the Mexican businessmen are contraband. If you purchase them, they can be taken from you. If they Mexicans are caught here, they will be sent to a detention facility and then deported. Most surprising is that these same trinkets and walking sticks can be purchased in the Store at a higher price.
The trail started out up hill and continued like this past the overlook. It finally leveled out some. The terrain is very rocky. The plant life consists of mostly different types of cactus and prickly plants. Everything has the appearance of being sharp. The only life we see are the birds and large crickets and one ant. We see no lizards, snakes or spiders. Most everything seems to be some shade of brown. LOL Green brown, brown, yellow brown. The sun is bright yellow and hot and continuously beats down on you. Today is very windy which helps keep you cool but now you have wind burn instead of sun burn. Maybe a combination of both.
At the overlook the Rio Grande can be seen from both directions. The land of Mexico stretches out before you. There is no difference between the two countries here. From this vantage point, it is even clearer how the border between the two countries is pretty much open.
After returning to the camp site, we cleaned up and ate some lunch. Time for another trip to the Hot Spring. It was about 4pm when we got there and were the only ones for about an hour. The same four Mexicans were at their camp on the other side of the river. Since we didn’t have head lamps we wanted to get back to the truck before dark.
Tonights supper consisted of bite size pieces of grilled Ribeye steak in a mushroom and onion gravy nestled in a bed of fluffy herbed rice with a large salad.
Yummy. When we closed the garden up, Thomas packed up 3 boxes of tomatoes in various stages of ripeness. We are just finishing up the first box which was packed with ripe tomatoes. It is time to start on the next box which was packed at different stages of ripeness. The last box is full of all green tomatoes.
After dinner we decided to splurge and take a “pay” shower at the store. It is $1.50 for 5 minutes. Even though we couldn’t get finished in the 5 minutes, it was well worth the $3.
During the night, the coyotes howled again. This time they weren’t nearly as close.
11-14-10 Sunday at Big Bend National Park
Sunday – 11/14/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2430 This includes all photos of the time in Big Bend National Park.
After breakfast and general clean up we headed to the hot springs. They are two miles off the main road with a dirt access road. However, only smaller vehicles are able to manipulate the road. No wide trucks or trucks with 4 tires on the back axel, no trailers, no RV’s etc.
Thankfully, Thomas was driving. The road was a narrow road with a cliff with sharp jagged rocks waiting to grab you on one side. The other side was a straight drop off. In one area the road split into one way traffic.
The parking area had a restroom. The other buildings were from years ago when there was a house, store and maybe a type of single floor “motel” with 7 rooms. There was a sign and old photo inside the store that showed how it used to look. The Rio Grande River was visible from the “hotel”.
On down the trial were cliffs that had Petroglyphs on them. The trail to the hot spring was beside the Rio Grande River. In areas there were reeds between the trail and the river.
To our surprise, the hot spring is in the Rio Grande River! There is an old bathing area of cemented rocks which contains the hot water. Many years ago there was water from the river which was gravity fed into the pool to cool it. Today this is not working. Dividers had been built in the pool. Part of the dividers in the pool appears to be cut logs. There is a lot of silt on the bottom from where the river rises and overflows into the pool leaving silt to cover the bottom. The pool was hot and the river was cold. After sitting in the hot springs you could take a dip in the river to cool off.
Across the river is Mexico. Yes, that close! Mexicans and their horses were on one side and we were on the other. They would ride the horse over and leave trinkets, bracelets, rocks (mostly amethysts), painted rocks and walking sticks. There would be a sign with the amounts for the items and a can or jar to leave money in.
While we were there a man was talking to one of the Mexicans. He road over and they talked more while he checked the items and jar. When the Mexican left his horse, he kept looking down the trail to make sure there were no border patrol or park ranger coming. This trip he made it with no problem. It was evident that the river would be easy to cross even on foot.
After we got back to the trailer, Thomas took a nap and I started putting this information onto our computer to upload to the blog when we could.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely. After supper and a shower we watched a movie from a collection we brought with us. (The solar is finally working so much better. There is still a small glitch and we think it is probably in the inverter.) Just after laying down the coyotes began to howl. One sounded like it was just outside our trailer. Another up in the mountains would answer back.
Other than that it is amazingly quiet here at night. Almost eerily quiet. We are paid here through the 18 but can stay another week if we want to. The sites that can be reserved are filling up and the host told us it get full and busy here the week of Thanksgiving. We will probably stay on here on a day by day basis. If it gets too loud and busy, we will leave and head on. Of course, will keep you updated on what we decide to do.
Hugs to all.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2430 This includes all photos of the time in Big Bend National Park.
After breakfast and general clean up we headed to the hot springs. They are two miles off the main road with a dirt access road. However, only smaller vehicles are able to manipulate the road. No wide trucks or trucks with 4 tires on the back axel, no trailers, no RV’s etc.
Thankfully, Thomas was driving. The road was a narrow road with a cliff with sharp jagged rocks waiting to grab you on one side. The other side was a straight drop off. In one area the road split into one way traffic.
The parking area had a restroom. The other buildings were from years ago when there was a house, store and maybe a type of single floor “motel” with 7 rooms. There was a sign and old photo inside the store that showed how it used to look. The Rio Grande River was visible from the “hotel”.
On down the trial were cliffs that had Petroglyphs on them. The trail to the hot spring was beside the Rio Grande River. In areas there were reeds between the trail and the river.
To our surprise, the hot spring is in the Rio Grande River! There is an old bathing area of cemented rocks which contains the hot water. Many years ago there was water from the river which was gravity fed into the pool to cool it. Today this is not working. Dividers had been built in the pool. Part of the dividers in the pool appears to be cut logs. There is a lot of silt on the bottom from where the river rises and overflows into the pool leaving silt to cover the bottom. The pool was hot and the river was cold. After sitting in the hot springs you could take a dip in the river to cool off.
Across the river is Mexico. Yes, that close! Mexicans and their horses were on one side and we were on the other. They would ride the horse over and leave trinkets, bracelets, rocks (mostly amethysts), painted rocks and walking sticks. There would be a sign with the amounts for the items and a can or jar to leave money in.
While we were there a man was talking to one of the Mexicans. He road over and they talked more while he checked the items and jar. When the Mexican left his horse, he kept looking down the trail to make sure there were no border patrol or park ranger coming. This trip he made it with no problem. It was evident that the river would be easy to cross even on foot.
After we got back to the trailer, Thomas took a nap and I started putting this information onto our computer to upload to the blog when we could.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely. After supper and a shower we watched a movie from a collection we brought with us. (The solar is finally working so much better. There is still a small glitch and we think it is probably in the inverter.) Just after laying down the coyotes began to howl. One sounded like it was just outside our trailer. Another up in the mountains would answer back.
Other than that it is amazingly quiet here at night. Almost eerily quiet. We are paid here through the 18 but can stay another week if we want to. The sites that can be reserved are filling up and the host told us it get full and busy here the week of Thanksgiving. We will probably stay on here on a day by day basis. If it gets too loud and busy, we will leave and head on. Of course, will keep you updated on what we decide to do.
Hugs to all.
11-13-10 Saturday To Big Bend
Saturday – 11/13/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2411
Last night about 6 RV’s came into the WalMart. One was from Canada.
Today is our trip to Big Bend, Texas. We have already been told to load up before we leave Fort Stockton. It is 100 miles to Big Bend with no services or supplies on the way. The few things that are available there are going to be very expensive.
Fort Stockton is a smaller town. Their WalMart is not a supercenter so we will have to find a grocery store. They are supposed to be getting a supercenter next May.
We decided to have a good breakfast (cooked by someone else.) IHOP was around the corner and it was great. Next was the grocery store. After filling up with gas @ $2.889, we headed down the road.
As advised, civilization fell by the wayside very fast leaving us with desert. The road (US 385) was long and straight. Ranchs with a seldom seen house was the neighborhood. Then off in the distance the vast horizon expanded to give birth to a backdrop of mountains. Off to the left side Santiago Peak rose to 6,551 feet. The Chicos Mountains loomed up in front of us and now the Sierra Del Caballo Modesto Range can be seen.
Upon arriving at the front entrance to the park we were told it was another 30 miles to the main Welcome Center. This is a huge park encompassing over 800,000 acres. The lady gave us a one week pass. On the way to the Welcome Center we realized that we should have been given the two week pass and planned to stop at the Welcome Center to ask about that. If there had been no questions we would have visited the Welcome Center just to stretch our legs, we visited the Welcome Center.
At the Center, we were told that we could get the 2nd week pass after the first week was up and could get that at any of the Welcome Centers in the park.
From the main Welcome Center @ Panther Junction we will have to drive 20 more miles to get to the RV Campgrounds. In the southeast corner of the park is the Rio Grande Village which has two RV Campgrounds. One has no hook ups but has flush toilets. The other is a full hook up Park. We had opted for the regular park since it was within our budget ($7 with Access Card.) Close by these campgrounds are the parks only RV dump and water station, pay showers and “store”. Like the trip down here, we have no cell service available to us. There is wifi at the store which we will use when we can.
These Campgrounds are located adjacent to the Rio Grande River which is the defining park boundary with Mexico for 118 miles. This Park has 3 distinctly different areas which include the River, the Desert and the Mountains. Each has its own beauty and we hope to experience at least a little of each one while here.
After finally finding an appropriate campsite, the rest of the day was spent in setting up and making this home for several days to come. Just before sundown the camp host came by to say hi and gave us some information. Tonight it is suppose to be in the 30’s and it is to be windy. Take down all camp chairs or anything that might blow away. Awnings on trailers are likely to be torn up.
She also told us about the javalinas. (I’m not sure this is the correct spelling.) These look like wild boars but are in the rhinoceros family. The bear boxes with each campsite (in this area) are not for bear but the javalinas and the ravens. They will work together to get food. If you have trash hanging, the ravens will peck at the bags until they are torn open and then the javalinas will eat. Before the flood here, the javalinas has learned to open coolers, unzip tents and break into places where you thought your food was safe.
Happy roads to all and get some sleep.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2411
Last night about 6 RV’s came into the WalMart. One was from Canada.
Today is our trip to Big Bend, Texas. We have already been told to load up before we leave Fort Stockton. It is 100 miles to Big Bend with no services or supplies on the way. The few things that are available there are going to be very expensive.
Fort Stockton is a smaller town. Their WalMart is not a supercenter so we will have to find a grocery store. They are supposed to be getting a supercenter next May.
We decided to have a good breakfast (cooked by someone else.) IHOP was around the corner and it was great. Next was the grocery store. After filling up with gas @ $2.889, we headed down the road.
As advised, civilization fell by the wayside very fast leaving us with desert. The road (US 385) was long and straight. Ranchs with a seldom seen house was the neighborhood. Then off in the distance the vast horizon expanded to give birth to a backdrop of mountains. Off to the left side Santiago Peak rose to 6,551 feet. The Chicos Mountains loomed up in front of us and now the Sierra Del Caballo Modesto Range can be seen.
Upon arriving at the front entrance to the park we were told it was another 30 miles to the main Welcome Center. This is a huge park encompassing over 800,000 acres. The lady gave us a one week pass. On the way to the Welcome Center we realized that we should have been given the two week pass and planned to stop at the Welcome Center to ask about that. If there had been no questions we would have visited the Welcome Center just to stretch our legs, we visited the Welcome Center.
At the Center, we were told that we could get the 2nd week pass after the first week was up and could get that at any of the Welcome Centers in the park.
From the main Welcome Center @ Panther Junction we will have to drive 20 more miles to get to the RV Campgrounds. In the southeast corner of the park is the Rio Grande Village which has two RV Campgrounds. One has no hook ups but has flush toilets. The other is a full hook up Park. We had opted for the regular park since it was within our budget ($7 with Access Card.) Close by these campgrounds are the parks only RV dump and water station, pay showers and “store”. Like the trip down here, we have no cell service available to us. There is wifi at the store which we will use when we can.
These Campgrounds are located adjacent to the Rio Grande River which is the defining park boundary with Mexico for 118 miles. This Park has 3 distinctly different areas which include the River, the Desert and the Mountains. Each has its own beauty and we hope to experience at least a little of each one while here.
After finally finding an appropriate campsite, the rest of the day was spent in setting up and making this home for several days to come. Just before sundown the camp host came by to say hi and gave us some information. Tonight it is suppose to be in the 30’s and it is to be windy. Take down all camp chairs or anything that might blow away. Awnings on trailers are likely to be torn up.
She also told us about the javalinas. (I’m not sure this is the correct spelling.) These look like wild boars but are in the rhinoceros family. The bear boxes with each campsite (in this area) are not for bear but the javalinas and the ravens. They will work together to get food. If you have trash hanging, the ravens will peck at the bags until they are torn open and then the javalinas will eat. Before the flood here, the javalinas has learned to open coolers, unzip tents and break into places where you thought your food was safe.
Happy roads to all and get some sleep.
11/12/10 Friday To Fort Stockton, Tx
Friday – 11/12/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2397
OK, so finally a night that wasn’t that good at WalMart! Around 10:30pm the Fed Ex truck started up his generator. Surely this won’t go on for long. It’s not like he needs an air conditioner tonight. Boy were we wrong. After a couple of hours, Thomas woke up again with this loud generator bussing in our ears. In a huff, he jumps up, grabs clothes and the keys and says: “I’m moving us. This is ridiculous!” He starts up the truck and moves to another area. However, he forgot that he put our aluminum folding table under the fender well of the trailer. Someone who just parked told him that he must have left a chair our where we had been parked. He walked back and got it. The table is a little warped and unstable now but will do until we can find another one to replace it.
Today we hope to see San Antonio. Maybe there will be some place to park and drop the trailer for a little sight seeing. But the rain started early.
Before leaving WalMart, they let us fill our water tank at the tire center. They were very friendly and nice. Thank you.
Back on the road. It has been raining sporadically and just wasn’t a good day for sight seeing. Then we got to San Antonio. The road was crazy! In one place I-10 W split into Upper Level and Lower Level. What? There was such a need to increase the lanes and no where to go sideways so they built more lanes above the other. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The buildings were amazing. The Lincoln Center was all glass. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The landscape has changed from flat to hilly. On the other side of Junction, Texas I knew I was out west again by the first sight of windmills again. Like before, it is strange to see how many are not working but just sitting.
Tonight will be in WalMart in fort Stockton, Texas. This is not a Super Center. We parked close to a Class A. They were very nice and we talked for a while. They will probably be in Holtville, CA while we are there. As the night goes on, more and more RV’s pull in.
Tomorrow…Big Bend
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2397
OK, so finally a night that wasn’t that good at WalMart! Around 10:30pm the Fed Ex truck started up his generator. Surely this won’t go on for long. It’s not like he needs an air conditioner tonight. Boy were we wrong. After a couple of hours, Thomas woke up again with this loud generator bussing in our ears. In a huff, he jumps up, grabs clothes and the keys and says: “I’m moving us. This is ridiculous!” He starts up the truck and moves to another area. However, he forgot that he put our aluminum folding table under the fender well of the trailer. Someone who just parked told him that he must have left a chair our where we had been parked. He walked back and got it. The table is a little warped and unstable now but will do until we can find another one to replace it.
Today we hope to see San Antonio. Maybe there will be some place to park and drop the trailer for a little sight seeing. But the rain started early.
Before leaving WalMart, they let us fill our water tank at the tire center. They were very friendly and nice. Thank you.
Back on the road. It has been raining sporadically and just wasn’t a good day for sight seeing. Then we got to San Antonio. The road was crazy! In one place I-10 W split into Upper Level and Lower Level. What? There was such a need to increase the lanes and no where to go sideways so they built more lanes above the other. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The buildings were amazing. The Lincoln Center was all glass. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The landscape has changed from flat to hilly. On the other side of Junction, Texas I knew I was out west again by the first sight of windmills again. Like before, it is strange to see how many are not working but just sitting.
Tonight will be in WalMart in fort Stockton, Texas. This is not a Super Center. We parked close to a Class A. They were very nice and we talked for a while. They will probably be in Holtville, CA while we are there. As the night goes on, more and more RV’s pull in.
Tomorrow…Big Bend
11/11/10 Thursday
Thursday – 11/11/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2376
Happy Anniversary to us!
Last night was another great night. It was quiet with no one running a generator in our ear all night.
By 7:30 we were on the road again. If you ever get to Lake Charles you will surely remember the stupidly tall bridge that goes over the water. There is no way any ship will have any problem getting under it. Someone either was out to prove something by building it this tall or there is a good reason for it. Make sure you look at the photos. I hope it gives you some idea of the height of this thing. Even approaching it, we wondered if we would be able to make it up that steep of a grade! Besides the bridge all you can from the interstate are refineries and huge cranes.
Welcome to Texas. The welcome center became our breakfast stop of the day. With dishes washed and everything back in place we continue on.
Yes, we have been in a push to get to Big Bend where we can put down roots for a few days. So the blog is lacking some of the details as the last one but it will improve.
1:15pm finds us in Houston. There are 16 lanes. I’m so glad Thomas likes to drive. After that a nap is called for. LOL
Refreshed, on the road again and yes awake we come upon a bridge to nowhere! It was half built and they just stopped! Watch out for that last step!
Our Anniversary night was in Sequin, Texas. We decided to splurge and got a chicken and potato salad at WalMart. Ohhh, it was so good! Until now, we have been having fast to cook foods and sandwiches to keep cleanup to a minimal. So the chicken was a delight.
No other RV’s are here and the place they told us to park was close to a Fed Ex truck. So this should be another good night.
Happy Trails until we talk again…
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2376
Happy Anniversary to us!
Last night was another great night. It was quiet with no one running a generator in our ear all night.
By 7:30 we were on the road again. If you ever get to Lake Charles you will surely remember the stupidly tall bridge that goes over the water. There is no way any ship will have any problem getting under it. Someone either was out to prove something by building it this tall or there is a good reason for it. Make sure you look at the photos. I hope it gives you some idea of the height of this thing. Even approaching it, we wondered if we would be able to make it up that steep of a grade! Besides the bridge all you can from the interstate are refineries and huge cranes.
Welcome to Texas. The welcome center became our breakfast stop of the day. With dishes washed and everything back in place we continue on.
Yes, we have been in a push to get to Big Bend where we can put down roots for a few days. So the blog is lacking some of the details as the last one but it will improve.
1:15pm finds us in Houston. There are 16 lanes. I’m so glad Thomas likes to drive. After that a nap is called for. LOL
Refreshed, on the road again and yes awake we come upon a bridge to nowhere! It was half built and they just stopped! Watch out for that last step!
Our Anniversary night was in Sequin, Texas. We decided to splurge and got a chicken and potato salad at WalMart. Ohhh, it was so good! Until now, we have been having fast to cook foods and sandwiches to keep cleanup to a minimal. So the chicken was a delight.
No other RV’s are here and the place they told us to park was close to a Fed Ex truck. So this should be another good night.
Happy Trails until we talk again…
11/10/10 Wednesday Leaving Gautier Crowley, Louisiana
Wednesday – 11/10/10
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Photos through Crowley: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2367
Last night was very peaceful. We heard small animals moving about but didn’t hear the barking of the fox family that lives on the property.
We spoke to the neighbor across from us. His house had burned and he was in the process of renovation. He had his hands full.
More photos were taken and we walked down to the dock to look at the water. Having not been there long, Thomas spots a Manta Ray swimming along. It was probably about a foot wide or so. There was a school of small fish, like minnows, about 30 feet long and 6 feet wide that swam past us. Most of the fish we spotted were these smaller ones but there were so many.
Discouragingly, we spotted what appeared to be filmy oil spots on top of the water. These spots were anywhere from 3” to 12” round and very thin filmy spots on the water. Any thoughts of fishing here dissipated unlike the oil.
The part of Gautier that we experienced was a very nice small and growing small beach town. The summers here would probably be brutal but this time of year is nice.
Having taken several photos to show Mom and Dad we decided to head on towards our next destination of Big Bend National Park in Southwestern Texas. I-10 will be taken from here to Fort Stockton, Texas. Baton Rouge, Louisiana was passed by at 6 pm.
Tonight found us in Crowley, Louisiana at the WalMart. A class C was there and around 8:30 pm a class A showed up with a nice tiger photo on the back. The driver’s name was Wayne and he was very nice. He was also heading for Texas.
Another long day put behind us………
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Photos through Crowley: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2367
Last night was very peaceful. We heard small animals moving about but didn’t hear the barking of the fox family that lives on the property.
We spoke to the neighbor across from us. His house had burned and he was in the process of renovation. He had his hands full.
More photos were taken and we walked down to the dock to look at the water. Having not been there long, Thomas spots a Manta Ray swimming along. It was probably about a foot wide or so. There was a school of small fish, like minnows, about 30 feet long and 6 feet wide that swam past us. Most of the fish we spotted were these smaller ones but there were so many.
Discouragingly, we spotted what appeared to be filmy oil spots on top of the water. These spots were anywhere from 3” to 12” round and very thin filmy spots on the water. Any thoughts of fishing here dissipated unlike the oil.
The part of Gautier that we experienced was a very nice small and growing small beach town. The summers here would probably be brutal but this time of year is nice.
Having taken several photos to show Mom and Dad we decided to head on towards our next destination of Big Bend National Park in Southwestern Texas. I-10 will be taken from here to Fort Stockton, Texas. Baton Rouge, Louisiana was passed by at 6 pm.
Tonight found us in Crowley, Louisiana at the WalMart. A class C was there and around 8:30 pm a class A showed up with a nice tiger photo on the back. The driver’s name was Wayne and he was very nice. He was also heading for Texas.
Another long day put behind us………
11/09/10 Tuesday
Tuesday – 11/09/10
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Last night was a cold one. At 3:30 am it was 36*. It was quiet and there were no other RV’s in the parking lot.
8:45 am found us on the road again. Day two! We are still excited about the CA gig in January.
9:45 am was the Alabama state line. We stopped at the welcome station. Overnight parking is prohibited but they have dump stations at the rest areas. Good for you Alabama.
Tonight will end at Gautier, Mississippi. Thomas’ Mom and Dad have a waterfront lot there which is on a canal off the Gulf of Mississippi. They haven’t been here and years and have no idea of what the neighborhood now looks like.
During a call to Mom and Dad for the address, we found out that Elaine (Thomas’ sister) had knee replacement surgery on Monday. She is doing great! Today she even took 3 steps. Our thoughts are with you, Elaine, during your recovery.
Until Alabama, I really haven’t taken any photos. Maybe it was because I still felt like I was at home. Maybe it was because there just wasn’t anything really remarkable to see. Most of the landscape has been flat or slightly hilly.
The lower part of Alabama changed that. It was amazing how much water was inland. Swampland was everywhere.
After crossing into Mississippi, we needed gas. The price here is $2.779 so we only got $18 to get us farther into a town. Hopefully this will change soon.
Bayous were everywhere! The road is built up like a bridge. It’s easy to see why there could be so much destruction from a hurricane or serious storm.
4:15 pm found us in Gautier, Mississippi. Following Dad’s directions we went to what we thought was the property. After talking to a neighbor we are pretty sure this is it. We parked for the night on the road in front of the property which was on a cul de sac.
The lot was totally overgrown with no easy way to walk through it. We took some photos and will take more tomorrow. The neighbor told us we could walk through her property to the water.
Sleep well,
Brona and Thomas
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Last night was a cold one. At 3:30 am it was 36*. It was quiet and there were no other RV’s in the parking lot.
8:45 am found us on the road again. Day two! We are still excited about the CA gig in January.
9:45 am was the Alabama state line. We stopped at the welcome station. Overnight parking is prohibited but they have dump stations at the rest areas. Good for you Alabama.
Tonight will end at Gautier, Mississippi. Thomas’ Mom and Dad have a waterfront lot there which is on a canal off the Gulf of Mississippi. They haven’t been here and years and have no idea of what the neighborhood now looks like.
During a call to Mom and Dad for the address, we found out that Elaine (Thomas’ sister) had knee replacement surgery on Monday. She is doing great! Today she even took 3 steps. Our thoughts are with you, Elaine, during your recovery.
Until Alabama, I really haven’t taken any photos. Maybe it was because I still felt like I was at home. Maybe it was because there just wasn’t anything really remarkable to see. Most of the landscape has been flat or slightly hilly.
The lower part of Alabama changed that. It was amazing how much water was inland. Swampland was everywhere.
After crossing into Mississippi, we needed gas. The price here is $2.779 so we only got $18 to get us farther into a town. Hopefully this will change soon.
Bayous were everywhere! The road is built up like a bridge. It’s easy to see why there could be so much destruction from a hurricane or serious storm.
4:15 pm found us in Gautier, Mississippi. Following Dad’s directions we went to what we thought was the property. After talking to a neighbor we are pretty sure this is it. We parked for the night on the road in front of the property which was on a cul de sac.
The lot was totally overgrown with no easy way to walk through it. We took some photos and will take more tomorrow. The neighbor told us we could walk through her property to the water.
Sleep well,
Brona and Thomas
11/08/10 Monday
Monday – 11/08/10
Photos until we depart Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Finally we are on the road! It was beginning to seem like it would never happen. With my arm in a brace over my elbow, most of the work with the heavy things was left up to Thomas. He had his hands full with trying to get the garden closed up and put to sleep, making sure the exterior of the house and micro-farm were ready for us to be gone about 6 months, and now filling in for me where I couldn’t use my right arm for much.
On Monday morning the trailer and truck were packed. The finishing touches to the house were done and the refrigerator was emptied out. At 12:45 we got in and departed the driveway. Out on the main road Thomas turned North instead of South. Ooopps! At least it wasn’t a biggie. Then we realized we hadn’t checked the lights on the trailer. OK, another stop to assure everything was in working order. Things have got to get better. LOL
Then the phone rings. It is Matt with Monterey County Parks in California. We got the work camper job in Monterey County! How wonderful. The trip is looking up now. We are to begin January 15, 2011. That will be our first day to be on our site. It will be mostly just a day to get set up and meet the other couple there and also Matt.
Our park will be Jack’s Peak Park which is a day park. Jack’s Peak is open from 10 am to 5 pm in January the hours will shift some with daylight savings time and the summer but those are generally the hours. We are not sure how many days we will work yet but have been told that for a couple they ask about 25 hours and we work the same hours and days.
We are very excited to say the least. This is the first work camper job we have ever applied for AND the only one we applied to this year. Our luck could not have been better. This also means that we will be able to spend those 3 months close to Thomas’ Mom and Dad and his sister Elaine and her husband Lucky.
Now we are floating down US 221 South to 85 South towards our first major stop which will be Gautier, Mississippi. (Pronounced “Go-shay”.) The first gas stop in South Carolina was to fill up at $2.599. I-85 will be our route until we get to Montgomery, Alabama. From Montgomery, we will take I-65 S to Mobile, Alabama to I-10 W to US 90 to Gautier, Mississippi.
The trip navigator didn’t figure in what time we would be driving through Atlanta, Ga and the last thing we wanted to do was fight work traffic. A two hour layover put us back on the road at 7 pm.
We arrived in Newnan, GA and went to the Super WalMart for our first night on the road.
Good night to all and we will talk to you again soon,
Brona and Thomas
Photos until we depart Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Finally we are on the road! It was beginning to seem like it would never happen. With my arm in a brace over my elbow, most of the work with the heavy things was left up to Thomas. He had his hands full with trying to get the garden closed up and put to sleep, making sure the exterior of the house and micro-farm were ready for us to be gone about 6 months, and now filling in for me where I couldn’t use my right arm for much.
On Monday morning the trailer and truck were packed. The finishing touches to the house were done and the refrigerator was emptied out. At 12:45 we got in and departed the driveway. Out on the main road Thomas turned North instead of South. Ooopps! At least it wasn’t a biggie. Then we realized we hadn’t checked the lights on the trailer. OK, another stop to assure everything was in working order. Things have got to get better. LOL
Then the phone rings. It is Matt with Monterey County Parks in California. We got the work camper job in Monterey County! How wonderful. The trip is looking up now. We are to begin January 15, 2011. That will be our first day to be on our site. It will be mostly just a day to get set up and meet the other couple there and also Matt.
Our park will be Jack’s Peak Park which is a day park. Jack’s Peak is open from 10 am to 5 pm in January the hours will shift some with daylight savings time and the summer but those are generally the hours. We are not sure how many days we will work yet but have been told that for a couple they ask about 25 hours and we work the same hours and days.
We are very excited to say the least. This is the first work camper job we have ever applied for AND the only one we applied to this year. Our luck could not have been better. This also means that we will be able to spend those 3 months close to Thomas’ Mom and Dad and his sister Elaine and her husband Lucky.
Now we are floating down US 221 South to 85 South towards our first major stop which will be Gautier, Mississippi. (Pronounced “Go-shay”.) The first gas stop in South Carolina was to fill up at $2.599. I-85 will be our route until we get to Montgomery, Alabama. From Montgomery, we will take I-65 S to Mobile, Alabama to I-10 W to US 90 to Gautier, Mississippi.
The trip navigator didn’t figure in what time we would be driving through Atlanta, Ga and the last thing we wanted to do was fight work traffic. A two hour layover put us back on the road at 7 pm.
We arrived in Newnan, GA and went to the Super WalMart for our first night on the road.
Good night to all and we will talk to you again soon,
Brona and Thomas
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Yippee! We are on the road again!
Finally we got on the road around noon. As the miles flew by I could feel all the trappings and constraints of being a home owner and life at home peeling away with the passing breeze. It felt like the leaves dropping from the trees. The farther from home, the freer I felt. Then the phone rang..............
Great news! It was Matt with Monterey County Parks calling to tell us that we have been accepted as workcampers for Jack's Peak Park in Monterey County. This park is overlooking the Monterey Bay and Carmel. We are ecstatic to say the least. This is the first workcamper job we have applied for and we got it! And even better who wouldn't want to stay in Monterey, California for 3 months. I'll write more about the Park we will be in. Our first day to arrive is January 15, 2011.
Monday night found us south of Atlanta, Ga at a Wal-Mart parking lot. It got cold. Around 3am it was 36*.
Tuesday night found us in Gautier, Mississippi. This is pronounced "Go-Shay." Thomas' Mom and Dad have a lot there and we were going to check it out for them.
Around lunch time on Wednesday we left Gautier and are heading west on 10 towards Texas. However, it is doubtful that we will make Texas by tonight.
This post is short but I will fill in the details on my next post. Just wanted to say "Hello" to everyone and let them know we did get started, did get the work job and where we are.
Hugs to all and welcome to our newest adventures,
Thomas and Brona
Great news! It was Matt with Monterey County Parks calling to tell us that we have been accepted as workcampers for Jack's Peak Park in Monterey County. This park is overlooking the Monterey Bay and Carmel. We are ecstatic to say the least. This is the first workcamper job we have applied for and we got it! And even better who wouldn't want to stay in Monterey, California for 3 months. I'll write more about the Park we will be in. Our first day to arrive is January 15, 2011.
Monday night found us south of Atlanta, Ga at a Wal-Mart parking lot. It got cold. Around 3am it was 36*.
Tuesday night found us in Gautier, Mississippi. This is pronounced "Go-Shay." Thomas' Mom and Dad have a lot there and we were going to check it out for them.
Around lunch time on Wednesday we left Gautier and are heading west on 10 towards Texas. However, it is doubtful that we will make Texas by tonight.
This post is short but I will fill in the details on my next post. Just wanted to say "Hello" to everyone and let them know we did get started, did get the work job and where we are.
Hugs to all and welcome to our newest adventures,
Thomas and Brona
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