Sunday – 12/19/10 – Monday 12/27/10
Prescott, Family and Christmas
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2755
When we awoke and went outside there was a rainbow over Prescott. The sun was shinning but it was still cold. We went in and had breakfast at the McDonald’s inside of Wal-Mart.
After getting the call, we drove to Niki’s where we will be staying in the parking lot of her apartment building. Thomas’ Mom & Dad and his sister Elaine (Niki’s mom) drove down to meet us with us and spend several days. They are there and waiting for us. After arriving, we had a reunion. Niki also has a dog named Max and a ferret named Milo.
The days spent here went by really fast. Most days we would venture out to go shopping or look around Prescott. At night we would enjoy each other’s company and sometimes watch a movie together.
One night we went out to eat while Niki had a date. After dinner we drove through a park that had a Christmas light display.
Milo was fun to play with. He is very hyper and just doesn’t stop! The funniest thing is that Max is afraid of Milo and will run from him.
There were several days that was very dreary, cloud covered and damp. There was one night that we had snow. It was very beautiful and just right for making snow balls! It didn’t last and was gone the next day.
Christmas Eve found Mom and Dad and Elaine departing for Marina, CA. We are staying until the local Wal-Mart gets in my medicine that they had to special order.
Christmas Day was quiet and uneventful. We stayed in and just enjoyed the day. Niki’s neighbor made supper and invited us to join. Thomas and I didn’t feel well so we stayed at Niki’s. Niki went over and brought back plenty of food for all of us. It was great.
My medicine is supposed to be in on Monday so we will be in the parking lot waiting for the shipment.
Thank you to Niki for her hospitality. We had a great time and hope to see you in NC this summer.
Friday, February 11, 2011
12/18/10 Saturday Holtville to Prescott, AZ
Saturday – 12/18/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2731
Today we packed up to head to Niki’s. Before hitting the road, we had to stop at the hot spring for one more dip. AAuuughhhh!
At 8:15am the hot spring was fading behind us. Our destination is making a stop at Wal-Mart and a car wash to remove some of the sand-dust on both the truck and trailer.
Leaving Yuma we take 95N towards Quartzsite, AZ. Quartzsite is a place that we would have missed on this trip but our route to Prescott will take us right to this area.
Quartzsite is another BLM land where there are lots of snowbirds spending the winter. They have a large area where all sorts of items are sold. I hope we have time to stop for a short visit.
On 95 we pass the Yuma Proving Ground entrance. This is also the entrance to Imperial Dam. There is more boondocking and LTVA here as well. Off to the right Castledome Peak begins to rise on the horizon.
The photos show some of the camping in Quartzsite. There are 4 different LTVA parking areas. Passing these, we stop for a while to visit some of the shops in Quartzsite. These are set up like a Flea Market or Trade Lot. Luckily we found a set of jacks to stabilize the trailer. They were $15 for the set.
Back on the road, it’s 95 to 60 to 71. It seemed like no time before we hit the mountains again. Seems like a whole different world from the heat and sand we just left.
A funny: One of the small towns we went through was Hope. Upon exiting the town, there was a sign that said: “You are beyond Hope.” Very appropriate. Just outside of Hope we spotted a rainbow.
We stopped and made a fast sandwich before turning onto Hwy 71. Look-finally another car! It has been quite some time since we have seen anyone else on the road!
After dark the road turns into a twisty, windy, mountain road! Are we back in NC? This is our kind of roads. The speed limit is 20 MPH. Up we go, and then farther up before hitting the summit at 6100 feet.
It was 8:00pm when we turned into the Wal-Mart at Prescott, AZ. There are signs in the parking lot that overnight parking is allowed by permit only. I go in to get the permit and spoke with the Manager. She told me that last month a man was found dead in his car. He had a heater running to stay warm and left the windows up. He was found several days later. This is the reason behind logging in the tag for the vehicle and also the time limit of 10 hours parking.
It’s going to be a cold night. Where is some of that desert heat we just left??????
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2731
Today we packed up to head to Niki’s. Before hitting the road, we had to stop at the hot spring for one more dip. AAuuughhhh!
At 8:15am the hot spring was fading behind us. Our destination is making a stop at Wal-Mart and a car wash to remove some of the sand-dust on both the truck and trailer.
Leaving Yuma we take 95N towards Quartzsite, AZ. Quartzsite is a place that we would have missed on this trip but our route to Prescott will take us right to this area.
Quartzsite is another BLM land where there are lots of snowbirds spending the winter. They have a large area where all sorts of items are sold. I hope we have time to stop for a short visit.
On 95 we pass the Yuma Proving Ground entrance. This is also the entrance to Imperial Dam. There is more boondocking and LTVA here as well. Off to the right Castledome Peak begins to rise on the horizon.
The photos show some of the camping in Quartzsite. There are 4 different LTVA parking areas. Passing these, we stop for a while to visit some of the shops in Quartzsite. These are set up like a Flea Market or Trade Lot. Luckily we found a set of jacks to stabilize the trailer. They were $15 for the set.
Back on the road, it’s 95 to 60 to 71. It seemed like no time before we hit the mountains again. Seems like a whole different world from the heat and sand we just left.
A funny: One of the small towns we went through was Hope. Upon exiting the town, there was a sign that said: “You are beyond Hope.” Very appropriate. Just outside of Hope we spotted a rainbow.
We stopped and made a fast sandwich before turning onto Hwy 71. Look-finally another car! It has been quite some time since we have seen anyone else on the road!
After dark the road turns into a twisty, windy, mountain road! Are we back in NC? This is our kind of roads. The speed limit is 20 MPH. Up we go, and then farther up before hitting the summit at 6100 feet.
It was 8:00pm when we turned into the Wal-Mart at Prescott, AZ. There are signs in the parking lot that overnight parking is allowed by permit only. I go in to get the permit and spoke with the Manager. She told me that last month a man was found dead in his car. He had a heater running to stay warm and left the windows up. He was found several days later. This is the reason behind logging in the tag for the vehicle and also the time limit of 10 hours parking.
It’s going to be a cold night. Where is some of that desert heat we just left??????
12/4/10 - 12/14/10 Holtville, Hot Spring, & Area
Saturday – 12/4/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2706
Our days here are slow and easy. Usually in the mornings after we wake up the first thing is coffee for Thomas and cheese crackers for me. Then we straighten up which mostly means making the beds and turning them into the couch and living room. From there is the morning trip to the hot spring for a dip and then back “home” and have a shower followed by breakfast/lunch and reading, napping, cooking, or something until time to go back to the hot spring again. The nights are filled with fixing supper then watching a movie or just talking.
When we left home Thomas packed three boxes of tomatoes. Now we are into the very last box and they will only be with us for a couple more days before we have to buy tomatoes in the store. Needless to say, we are savoring every bite that is left.
Sunday 12-5, I awoke to find a wondrous sunrise. I could tell it was going to be unmatched and wasn’t proven wrong. (Photos 6393-6406) As the sun got closer to making its appearance the sky became more and more colorful. Even the sky behind me, over our trailer and towards the west reflected pinks. The clouds kept me from seeing the sun creep over the horizon and instead kept the sun shielded from view until it was much higher in the sky.
On 12-9, Thursday, I had accidentally left our swim suits hanging on the fence after the morning dip. When we went back that night, they were gone. Of course, this was my favorite bathing suit and I was so very disappointed. My hope was that one of the regulars might recognize them and had saved them for us. But no, they were gone.
The folks from the local area also use the hot spring so everyone we talked to said to forget seeing them again. Yes, it was my fault they were left but it still threw me back to when our truck and trailer were stolen and I was very upset for a couple of days.
The next day, Friday the 10th, we went to town to mail some things, fill up with gas, pick up a couple of things at Wal-Mart and we also hit the flea market again so Thomas could get a Sunday Afternoon Hat that was similar to his but only $5.
We also were looking for a swim suit for me. Wal-mart had a few but I was looking for a one piece. Nothing. Next we went to JC Penny’s…..nothing. Then Dillards and there was one that fit finally!
Saturday the 11th – So much for taking a nap! Across the canal there are fields which are being sprayed via a crop duster and the wind is blowing our direction. We get up and head to Calexico just to kill some time and visit the local flea market there. It was 3:30 when we arrived and it closes at 4:00pm. Oh, well. We didn’t see a whole lot but it was interesting. Almost everyone here is speaking Spanish and I don’t think there was much of anyone else there who didn’t have a Mexican heritage. I purchased a skirt and thankfully knew enough Spanish to understand it was $5.
We also went into a grocery store called Food 4 Less. Most of the prices were unbelievable! (This store is part of Kroger grocery stores.) Bean sprouts that were $2.29 at Wal-Mart were $0.99 here. Lots of their items were cheaper than other stores. Meats were about the same or just a little less. I checked Miracle Whip and it was the same. They did cater to the Mexican population with many things (including the meats) I didn’t know what you would do with. Can anyone tell me how to prepare Beef Lips or Beef Tongue? On second thought, don’t worry about it. I don’t think I want to know.
On Sunday the 12th – We want to wish Karen Sousa a very Happy Birthday! We understand they are celebrating in a hot spring also but they are still in NC.
This afternoon/tonight there is to be a party in Holtville at the ranch home of a local couple. This is the first of two parties they host for the snowbirds. This one is a welcome party. The next one will be in February just after the Carrot Festival and Parade. Everyone brings a covered dish and your own drinks the meat, plates, utensils, etc is provided. Some of the Snowbirds bring their instruments and play music and sing. One lady played the accordion, and there were also a harmonica player, and guitars.
On the ranch out back are many goats of various breeds, sheep, a couple of donkey’s, chickens, horses, peacocks and a bull. We felt right at home and I was hoping to maybe get to milk but that didn’t work out.
The food was wonderful. The fellowship was special. Everyone had a great time. I wish we were going to be here for the Carrot Festival but we will be in Monterey instead and I wouldn’t want to miss that adventure.
Tuesday the 14th- Last night was the climax of the Geminid Metorite Shower. At 1am we got up and went outside to watch for a bit. As promised it was a good show. This morning one of the guys at the hot spring said he say a really large fireball at 7:10pm last night.
Today is the day they clean the hot spring so we went at 10:45 am. It was the cleanest I have seen it and the water appeared to have a blue-green tint. There weren’t too many people here this morning.
On the way to the hot spring, Thomas saw a rattle snake in the road. It was large and was about 4 feet long. There were many rattles on its tail. Just before the rattles there were striped bands. See the photos.
So evidently it has warmed up enough for the snakes to venture out. Talk at the hot spring was that the rattlesnakes would not come out until the night time temps warmed up. The past few nights it has been in the mid 50’s to low 60’s so it must be warm enough. Now I’ll watch where I step more carefully!
We also met, or should I say re-met, a lady we had met earlier this year at the Slabs. Her name is Hazel. Of course she recognized Thomas right off and asked if we had been to the Slabs before. Small world.
Back home it’s snowed a couple of times and the weather has been really cold. Colder than usual again just like last winter. We hope that it won’t be too bad but they are calling for more cold weather to come. Tonight the low is 13 and tomorrow night the low is 27. Brrrr!
Well, we have hit our first change of plans. Thomas’ sister Elaine and Mom and Dad Wince are coming down to Prescott, AZ (north of Phoenix) to visit Elaine’s daughter Niki. We are going to leave here on Friday and meet them there for a few days. It will be a change for us because it will be much colder weather and rain and maybe a touch of snow. Let’s cross our fingers for a freak warm spell or at least well about freezing and no snow.
With this change, we will probably hit I-40 to the coast instead of going to the Slabs this year. But the direction of travel is yet to be determined. Either way we will be spending at least two weeks along the Big Sur coast before getting into Monterey/Marina, CA on January 11. Of course, you will be updated as we get closer to time.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2706
Our days here are slow and easy. Usually in the mornings after we wake up the first thing is coffee for Thomas and cheese crackers for me. Then we straighten up which mostly means making the beds and turning them into the couch and living room. From there is the morning trip to the hot spring for a dip and then back “home” and have a shower followed by breakfast/lunch and reading, napping, cooking, or something until time to go back to the hot spring again. The nights are filled with fixing supper then watching a movie or just talking.
When we left home Thomas packed three boxes of tomatoes. Now we are into the very last box and they will only be with us for a couple more days before we have to buy tomatoes in the store. Needless to say, we are savoring every bite that is left.
Sunday 12-5, I awoke to find a wondrous sunrise. I could tell it was going to be unmatched and wasn’t proven wrong. (Photos 6393-6406) As the sun got closer to making its appearance the sky became more and more colorful. Even the sky behind me, over our trailer and towards the west reflected pinks. The clouds kept me from seeing the sun creep over the horizon and instead kept the sun shielded from view until it was much higher in the sky.
On 12-9, Thursday, I had accidentally left our swim suits hanging on the fence after the morning dip. When we went back that night, they were gone. Of course, this was my favorite bathing suit and I was so very disappointed. My hope was that one of the regulars might recognize them and had saved them for us. But no, they were gone.
The folks from the local area also use the hot spring so everyone we talked to said to forget seeing them again. Yes, it was my fault they were left but it still threw me back to when our truck and trailer were stolen and I was very upset for a couple of days.
The next day, Friday the 10th, we went to town to mail some things, fill up with gas, pick up a couple of things at Wal-Mart and we also hit the flea market again so Thomas could get a Sunday Afternoon Hat that was similar to his but only $5.
We also were looking for a swim suit for me. Wal-mart had a few but I was looking for a one piece. Nothing. Next we went to JC Penny’s…..nothing. Then Dillards and there was one that fit finally!
Saturday the 11th – So much for taking a nap! Across the canal there are fields which are being sprayed via a crop duster and the wind is blowing our direction. We get up and head to Calexico just to kill some time and visit the local flea market there. It was 3:30 when we arrived and it closes at 4:00pm. Oh, well. We didn’t see a whole lot but it was interesting. Almost everyone here is speaking Spanish and I don’t think there was much of anyone else there who didn’t have a Mexican heritage. I purchased a skirt and thankfully knew enough Spanish to understand it was $5.
We also went into a grocery store called Food 4 Less. Most of the prices were unbelievable! (This store is part of Kroger grocery stores.) Bean sprouts that were $2.29 at Wal-Mart were $0.99 here. Lots of their items were cheaper than other stores. Meats were about the same or just a little less. I checked Miracle Whip and it was the same. They did cater to the Mexican population with many things (including the meats) I didn’t know what you would do with. Can anyone tell me how to prepare Beef Lips or Beef Tongue? On second thought, don’t worry about it. I don’t think I want to know.
On Sunday the 12th – We want to wish Karen Sousa a very Happy Birthday! We understand they are celebrating in a hot spring also but they are still in NC.
This afternoon/tonight there is to be a party in Holtville at the ranch home of a local couple. This is the first of two parties they host for the snowbirds. This one is a welcome party. The next one will be in February just after the Carrot Festival and Parade. Everyone brings a covered dish and your own drinks the meat, plates, utensils, etc is provided. Some of the Snowbirds bring their instruments and play music and sing. One lady played the accordion, and there were also a harmonica player, and guitars.
On the ranch out back are many goats of various breeds, sheep, a couple of donkey’s, chickens, horses, peacocks and a bull. We felt right at home and I was hoping to maybe get to milk but that didn’t work out.
The food was wonderful. The fellowship was special. Everyone had a great time. I wish we were going to be here for the Carrot Festival but we will be in Monterey instead and I wouldn’t want to miss that adventure.
Tuesday the 14th- Last night was the climax of the Geminid Metorite Shower. At 1am we got up and went outside to watch for a bit. As promised it was a good show. This morning one of the guys at the hot spring said he say a really large fireball at 7:10pm last night.
Today is the day they clean the hot spring so we went at 10:45 am. It was the cleanest I have seen it and the water appeared to have a blue-green tint. There weren’t too many people here this morning.
On the way to the hot spring, Thomas saw a rattle snake in the road. It was large and was about 4 feet long. There were many rattles on its tail. Just before the rattles there were striped bands. See the photos.
So evidently it has warmed up enough for the snakes to venture out. Talk at the hot spring was that the rattlesnakes would not come out until the night time temps warmed up. The past few nights it has been in the mid 50’s to low 60’s so it must be warm enough. Now I’ll watch where I step more carefully!
We also met, or should I say re-met, a lady we had met earlier this year at the Slabs. Her name is Hazel. Of course she recognized Thomas right off and asked if we had been to the Slabs before. Small world.
Back home it’s snowed a couple of times and the weather has been really cold. Colder than usual again just like last winter. We hope that it won’t be too bad but they are calling for more cold weather to come. Tonight the low is 13 and tomorrow night the low is 27. Brrrr!
Well, we have hit our first change of plans. Thomas’ sister Elaine and Mom and Dad Wince are coming down to Prescott, AZ (north of Phoenix) to visit Elaine’s daughter Niki. We are going to leave here on Friday and meet them there for a few days. It will be a change for us because it will be much colder weather and rain and maybe a touch of snow. Let’s cross our fingers for a freak warm spell or at least well about freezing and no snow.
With this change, we will probably hit I-40 to the coast instead of going to the Slabs this year. But the direction of travel is yet to be determined. Either way we will be spending at least two weeks along the Big Sur coast before getting into Monterey/Marina, CA on January 11. Of course, you will be updated as we get closer to time.
12/3/10 Friday
Friday – 12/3/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2684
Last night we saw a kit fox. These are smaller than a normal sized fox. Thomas opened the door, turned on the outside light and there it was right outside the door! I grabbed the flashlight to get a better look. It was so cute, like a miniature fox. While skittish, it didn’t run off. We watched it scrounging for any morsel of food it could find and then it scampered off to look elsewhere.
While Thomas gets everything ready outside I get things done inside for the short trip to Holtville. He steps to the door and tells me that I might want to look at the 5’er behind us. They have an inversion rack and it is being used. (See the photos.) You never know what you’ll see out here in the desert! I took a few last minute photos of the campsite and the area. All hitched up, we pull up to the station to dump our black tank and fill a few empty drinking water bottles.
Along the road we began to see the first sand of the Imperial Dunes. Like other places, there are fewer people camped in the sections where you can camp along the Dunes. On top of one of the dunes only once did we see someone riding in a buggy. There are photos of the fence that keeps the dune buggies from getting out onto the interstate and also of landscape here.
Off to the north side we see the Geo-Thermal facility. The hot spring and north camping area is just to the west of it. On the south side of I-8 will be where we camp in the 14 day free area. There is a LTVA (pay area) on both sides of I-8.
From I-8, if you know where to look, you can see the trees that hide the hot spring and adjoining pond. As you look at the photo taken from interstate, you can see the sandy area between the trees and the hill up to I-8. In this sandy area close to the tree line, some people will shower using containers of the hot water along with shampoo and soap they bring with them. (There is no soap allowed in the hot spring.) While this is somewhat common, we have never seen anyone as we drove past on interstate.
Before finding a camping area, we had to take a dip in the hot spring. This is a natural hot spring that has been contained and is piped into a cemented pool that is about 4 ½ feet deep. The water runs from this pool into another pool which is shallow enough to sit in. From there the water runs into the pond. No swimming is allowed in the pond. A few people will take a quick dip in the pond to cool off. From the main pipe which feeds the first pool there is another pipe with holes in it that forms a shower. Before entering the pool people shower off. Every Tuesday the pools are emptied and cleaned. There is also a hose attached to the pipe where you can fill water jugs and bottles to take water with you.
Now to find a place to camp and get set up. Don’t think I have mentioned that we have added a privacy screen which is attached to the front of the trailer so we can give massages! While we did give each other a massage in Pilot Knob, it was far too windy. Hopefully it will be less windy here and that can happen more frequently.
A good night’s sleep and we’ll be back at the hot spring in the morning.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2684
Last night we saw a kit fox. These are smaller than a normal sized fox. Thomas opened the door, turned on the outside light and there it was right outside the door! I grabbed the flashlight to get a better look. It was so cute, like a miniature fox. While skittish, it didn’t run off. We watched it scrounging for any morsel of food it could find and then it scampered off to look elsewhere.
While Thomas gets everything ready outside I get things done inside for the short trip to Holtville. He steps to the door and tells me that I might want to look at the 5’er behind us. They have an inversion rack and it is being used. (See the photos.) You never know what you’ll see out here in the desert! I took a few last minute photos of the campsite and the area. All hitched up, we pull up to the station to dump our black tank and fill a few empty drinking water bottles.
Along the road we began to see the first sand of the Imperial Dunes. Like other places, there are fewer people camped in the sections where you can camp along the Dunes. On top of one of the dunes only once did we see someone riding in a buggy. There are photos of the fence that keeps the dune buggies from getting out onto the interstate and also of landscape here.
Off to the north side we see the Geo-Thermal facility. The hot spring and north camping area is just to the west of it. On the south side of I-8 will be where we camp in the 14 day free area. There is a LTVA (pay area) on both sides of I-8.
From I-8, if you know where to look, you can see the trees that hide the hot spring and adjoining pond. As you look at the photo taken from interstate, you can see the sandy area between the trees and the hill up to I-8. In this sandy area close to the tree line, some people will shower using containers of the hot water along with shampoo and soap they bring with them. (There is no soap allowed in the hot spring.) While this is somewhat common, we have never seen anyone as we drove past on interstate.
Before finding a camping area, we had to take a dip in the hot spring. This is a natural hot spring that has been contained and is piped into a cemented pool that is about 4 ½ feet deep. The water runs from this pool into another pool which is shallow enough to sit in. From there the water runs into the pond. No swimming is allowed in the pond. A few people will take a quick dip in the pond to cool off. From the main pipe which feeds the first pool there is another pipe with holes in it that forms a shower. Before entering the pool people shower off. Every Tuesday the pools are emptied and cleaned. There is also a hose attached to the pipe where you can fill water jugs and bottles to take water with you.
Now to find a place to camp and get set up. Don’t think I have mentioned that we have added a privacy screen which is attached to the front of the trailer so we can give massages! While we did give each other a massage in Pilot Knob, it was far too windy. Hopefully it will be less windy here and that can happen more frequently.
A good night’s sleep and we’ll be back at the hot spring in the morning.
12/2/10 Thursday
Thursday – 12/2/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Happy Birthday to Mom (Goldie Wince)!
We called the post office in Winterhaven, CA around 2pm. The mail is there and we can only pick it up between 2:30pm -4:00pm. With the mail drop here, this means we can leave tomorrow heading to Holtville, CA and the hot spring.
With the mail picked up, we go to Wal-Mart for supplies. While in Holtville the closest Wal-Mart would be in El Centro around 25 miles round trip. So we opt to get things that will hold us through for at least a week to 10 days. The turkey is still on sale so that will be good to cook and make several meals out of. Also it will do double duty of acting as ice for a few days. A few more meats, milk, drinks, chips…you know the necessities of life. ;)
Now to put things away and pack up what we can.
PS- I don’t think I have mentioned this but our solar system is working great now. We are able to watch movies at night, run our lights, water pump, etc and have not experienced any sign of being low on juice. Finally, it’s working properly!
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Happy Birthday to Mom (Goldie Wince)!
We called the post office in Winterhaven, CA around 2pm. The mail is there and we can only pick it up between 2:30pm -4:00pm. With the mail drop here, this means we can leave tomorrow heading to Holtville, CA and the hot spring.
With the mail picked up, we go to Wal-Mart for supplies. While in Holtville the closest Wal-Mart would be in El Centro around 25 miles round trip. So we opt to get things that will hold us through for at least a week to 10 days. The turkey is still on sale so that will be good to cook and make several meals out of. Also it will do double duty of acting as ice for a few days. A few more meats, milk, drinks, chips…you know the necessities of life. ;)
Now to put things away and pack up what we can.
PS- I don’t think I have mentioned this but our solar system is working great now. We are able to watch movies at night, run our lights, water pump, etc and have not experienced any sign of being low on juice. Finally, it’s working properly!
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