Another day in Paradise here in Weslaco, Texas.

Swim in the pool to start the day, shower, then home for a nice walk with Bosco, then breaky with Polly as we plan the day ahead. Dinner tonight with friends from each side of us, Dave and Joanne friends we met in Crofton, Barry and Sharon from PEI we met here, was another fun night, with happy hour, then dinner all on the patio. We planned pork shish-cabobs as we had talked about last night. Also wanted to try a Strawberry Margarita, never had one of these, but a friend Charlie Schaal told me to have one, so here we go.

The days plan was to go shopping with Joanne, and see what we could find at Costco. (Polly got some pants she had been looking for and a few groceries) Lunch, Costco hot-dogs, then to the bargain place Ramirez, Polly got her iron for $5.00, I got the table I wanted, Joanne got something she wanted. Then to Feldmans we all said sounded like a sporting goods store, but was a liquor store. We picked up a few bottles of what we wanted. Now HEB  and a few more groceries to finish.

Fancy Margaritas in plastic cups

Now home for a nap, and get ready for dinner.

Polly looks up how to make a fresh Strawberry Margarita, and I get the table setup, and the deck ready, the look at the directions. Glasses we know will be different then we would usually have as no big glasses here, so plastic will have to do. Not all ingredients here so adapt, and they turned out good after some adjustment to taste. Polly gets all the veggies ready, the meat she had in the marinade from the morning, makes it easy for me, I just put it all on the sticks, and BBQ.

All went well, with an appy Buffalo Chicken dip and crackers & Margaritas to start, dinner was all we needed and more. After we had ate our fill, Polly says desert! Most said no, but a few went for the fresh cooked pie Polly led us to believe she baked... not.

The propane fire pit came out later, and we sat and talked late around the fire. Was a nice way to spend the evening getting to know each other even better.

There is much to do here, but we have been busy not doing too much, walking in the morning, and pool in the afternoon, usually happy hour sometime around 4pm, and dinner late. Today was different as Breaky was to be in the main hall just bring a couple eggs each, and your plates and utensils, and ice for drinks. We came to the hall and was more then 1/2 full already and we were early. Got our eggs into the pile and got invited to sit with others by Carol, never met her before, intro to all at the table, very friendly, and then asked what were our plans, where next, and when will we be back? People from BC, Ontario, Manitoba, Texas, and Minnesota were the main places we heard mentioned. Some wanted to know what it was like in BC, on the island. Some we asked what it was like where they were from. All was interesting, in the mean time we had drinks early in the am, much different for us. A Fuzzy Navel for me and a Salty Dog for Polly, never had these before, so try them.

Our table number was called late as many went first, then we go up and get our eggs cracked into a plastic freezer bag with our name we wrote on it, and then we add our ingredients as we want from the table in the centre of the hall. The bags are closed by a qualified technician... lol then are sent out to the chefs that cook them in boiling water for precisely 13 minutes I’m told. The whole process goes by faster than we thought it would once the baggie is filled.

Once or baggies were served to us at the table, then carts came to the table that had fruit and pastries on them, and we filled up with what we wanted from these. What an interesting way to get together, and have Brunch is what it is called. As this went on there was a man that was MC and played music all through the morning, and announced as the morning went, for door prizes and the 50/50 prize at the end of the morning.

What a nice way to start the day, met many more people from many different places, and had a scrumptious breakfast, nice way to start another day.

Gee now what, hmm nap, and a swim again, tough life here in southern Texas. Think we will be back!

Loving life here in Country Sunshine RV Resort...

San Antonio to Weslaco

Was a nice drive through beautiful country some farm land all ploughed up and black, but mostly very green brush, some trees, was that beauty spring green everywhere. We saw flowers on the side and centre of the road, blue, pink, white and yellow, was the theme, with green grass all along, no more desert now for sure, but did see a few small cactus in between every once in awhile. The feeling now is humid, and lush now, no more dryness. The land is mostly flat, with water laying on it in some areas, you can have a look around when the road humps up for an overpass, kind got used to this, as best way to get a look at whats next. We start out seeing refineries every once in awhile, and the trucks hauling the unrefined oil to them steady. This is a big part of Texas we had forgotten since our last visit, I remembered the refineries, but forgot all the trucks hauling to them. Every once in awhile we would see a yard full of these oil hauling trucks, that let me know what was important here. No more wells drilled on the side of the road here, but production still happening. Polly comments she didn't remember driving here, as we did, and I say the same, just can't remember any of this. Then I think hey, remember we left San Antonio late that day, drove at night most of the way, no wonder we can't remember it. Not as many rest stops here, but we pass one early when we don't need it, and we stop after a few hours in a town and have lunch on the side of the road. Was good, didn't need a nap yet so got back on the highway to find out a couple miles down the road a rest stop... lol, have to look them up and put the rest stops in the plan, as not so easy pulling into a town to stop.
We managed to get to the town where our friends have taken up southern residency more permanently as they bought a park model and will drive back and forth from Canada in their car rather than tow and stay in different places as they go.
Was a colder cloud cover day we travelled, and when we set up was not too inviting, but as the day went on sun came out, and was a beauty night. Next day we got to look around and loved what we saw.

Tree out back of our trailer, Sundown soon

Country Sunshine RV Resort is a place where people are friendly, roads are wide, pool is warm, lots are big, you park on the grass, and the concrete is your deck, close to shopping, with many things to do in the park and around the area, birds are around all the time, and the smell of orange groves blows in the wind like perfume. Polly and I were told by Joanne that there was a deal on $130.00 a week, so we were prepared to stay the week and check out what it would be like to stay here for a winter in the future. We will travel for now, but in the future may want to stay put in one place for awhile, and this would be a nice location. The resort is owned by a company that has many places in this area, an other sister one next door we can go to as well. Will take a look there later.
Joanne and Dave were very inviting, after we setup we went for a cold beer or two, and sat and talked about this place and there reasons for staying, and why this place. We learn as we go as per usual, and this was part of our apprenticeship as full time RVer's,
as they have been doing just that for 4 years or more, so settle down was there next move. This is a great place to settle, humid not dry air, clean area, no dust, close to the ocean 1/2 hr drive, and warm temperatures without getting too hot.
Today I went to the pool and sat with a few of the people that were outside some having a smoke, and had a yak, got some info about here, and they got info about me and why I was here. Told me the reason they came was friendly people, and I can see that is true.
Later we went shopping at Walmart, and H.E.B. which reminded me of Safeway kinda.
Then after lunch and a nap, went to Karaoke as a friend of Dave and Joanne’s was going to sing. Was OK, but were not into karaoke, so we left before was over and came to the poll for a warm swim, wow 90`F30C water was nice. Will do that often while here. Talked with people we met from PEI for a couple hrs, till we were prunes...
Nice way to end the day.
Lovin life here in Texas...

Sundown end of first day 

Fort Stockton to San Antonio

First I want to correct a mistaken identity made last post. Again I learned something.

The animal Polly photographed was a Barbary Sheep, not a Big Horn Sheep as posted.

Thanks to Matthew Henry for the informed identification. Did a little studying the differences when I looked up which is which, Thanks Matt.

Fort Stockton to San Antonio was a better trip as we planned where we would go well ahead, and stopped often enough that we were rested for the tense drive through the rush hour traffic late in the afternoon. There was some construction in the city, but not bad, we managed, and Polly and Bosco were quiet to help me with concentration, and the GPS worked flawlessly.

Huge rock cut in the Hwy one of many on our way to San Antonio

 Braunig Lake RV Resort is a beauty place to hang our hat for a few days as we look around San Antonio. There is a big pond in the middle of the park that ducks and geese like to stay for awhile as they head north. Fish in it too I have been told, Bass, have yet to cast a line though.

Egyptian Geese I was told these are, they will stay and nest here

We noticed on the drive the change from desert to a greener more like the coast kind of brush and trees. All are in that spring young bright green colour, feels nice here, humid and more like what we are used to, even the water is like at home, no more calcium in the taps, or odd taste.

One of the interesting self converted motor homes, love the deck on the back

First stop was Texas Roadhouse for dinner as were advised was a good place to eat, Oh and it was. We had to wait at the bar with a pager for about 1/2 hour but it was worth the wait, besides met some interesting people while we waited. Dinner was good, steak and shrimp for me and fried chicken for Polly. As we waited for our dinner I asked for a taste of there chili and they brought a small taster for both of us, Wow real good will have that next time we go. Nice way to end a good day, sleep came fast today, was an early get up, and a long day.

Geese are not afraid of people, they just waddle away slowly.

Saturday we get up later, and go for a walk with Bosco around the lake in the park. A few fishermen, and many ducks, and a few geese on the pond, and on the grass. Many of these local birds like crows, plentiful as our crows at home, but make many odd sounds. People here are used to it but we find it fun to listen to them.

Female of these crow like birds that are every where here

Polly AKA Robin and Batman ready to go

San Antonio’s Traders Village was today’s destination, and we got an early jump on most people were there by about 11am. People were just opening when we got there, and more opened as we walked. Was Toy Fair & Comic Con today, and many interesting things to see, especially the Super Hero figures dressed in there costumes.

Spider-man and his friend?

Cat Woman

We didn’t buy much, another key for the trailer, and a Bluetooth speaker for the phone... Another thing for me to figure out how to get it to work. Was a good day, Bosco stayed in the truck (no dogs) but we had a sunless morning, but warm to walk around, and gave Bosco a good walk after to make sure he was alright for the ride back to our trailer.

The eyes have it here

In the afternoon we pulled the chairs out to the sunny spot in front of the trailer and caught some of the warmest rays in the day, and of course a few beers. Was nice to sit back and enjoy what was left of the day. After Polly and I had talked ourselves out she said I’m going to marinade the pork for the stir fry, and leaves Bosco and I to talk with each other. Hmm, Bosco doesn’t talk much so I decide to wax the truck with a cleaner wax I got some time ago and have wanted to try again. I went at it furiously and got about 3/4 of the truck done when Polly showed up and says how nice it looked, she volunteered to help, so it
began, Brent Wax on, Polly Wax off. Was a smooth operation, and
soon we were finished, and so was the sun. Truck sure looked good, and I came to the conclusion that this may be my way to keep in shape as we continued on as was a real good workout, will tackle the trailer next time.

Darth Vader X Three

Dinner was good as per usual with Polly cookin. I did the dishes for a change, and we sat on the couch, Polly read, and I researched where we would go next. On Facebook I get asked where next, what are your plans. We are on our way south toward South Padre Island area Monday to visit you and see where your new to you place is. We are connected, nice... Now I research for the next stop, Port Arthur we stop to visit with someone I know from long ago. Will be interesting, life is interesting here as on Vancouver island.

Shot of how packed it was

Sunday weather has changed, cooler and had some rain last night, and wind. We decide to shop today, and stay home for the afternoon, we go to Walmart anmd get groceries, and a few other things. Polly sees an opportunity to get her toe nails done, so I walk Bosco and have a little lunch at McDonald's, boy long time since I have eaten here, Filet fish I say, w chips and a coffee... Mmmm good as I remember, and watch all the Walmart go-ins on, man not my cup of tea here, but was good to eat, and read a little on the phone.

The Flash

I take a few chips left and give them to Bosco before I take him for a walk, he was happy. I get back in and Polly is just about ready to go, just need to get some beer she says, now that is my department... All beer here is like low cal, 4.2 4.3 percent, Lite or just American, not sure, but get some I like, and away we go after a long checkout. Nice day to take it easy and no big travel. Tomorrow a travel day, ready again for a move.

Loving life here in Texas...

El Paso to Whites City NM, then Fort Stockton, Texas

Was a beautiful easy drive once we got out of El Paso, and on our way east. I put the destination in the GPS and set it to go, and when Polly got in it had to be relocated and the screen went from one to another and then Polly got it back as we were driving. After that I had trouble trusting where it was taking us. Just felt wrong when it was telling us to turn west, when we were going east. After we cleared the city all was good, GPS was right. We skirted the city, but used city roads, with many lights, and turns that are hard to decipher what the GPS want us to do. We are now seeing that in the city is when we have the most tension. I can’t pull over just anywhere, and Polly does feel tense just because the volume of traffic, and I drive more aggressively then she would. Not that I push my way around, just lets go is my motto. Polly on the other-hand would wait longer than I at intersections. We knew this before we started, but never had to deal with it on a somewhat daily basis, and with a 29 foot trailer in tow, so we have some adjusting to do here, and we will get it right as we go. Just setting where we are going helps, but research ahead of the trip that day makes a big difference, and talking about how it went as the easier part of the drive sets in helps. Everyday a new adventure is how this is unfolding, looking forward to today's travels.

As we get close to Whites City we pass a salt flats, then Polly spots a huge mountain start to appear out of the misty sky, Guadalupe Peak, also known as Signal Peak, is the highest natural point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level. Polly gets a few pics, here is the best shot. (Had to look that part up)

Pulling up and over the pass was the steepest pull we have had yet, speed went down to 50 mph and our truck was pulling hard, but I kept my foot on it, just not too hard, don’t have to get there too fast, want to get there, not have troubles from over heating, or worse. Made it with no problem, and we continued with no more hills to Whites City where we took a site at White’s City RV. Not the best site, maybe the worst site so far, good we had just one night to stay there. We setup the trailer and unhooked, and set the air conditioner so Bosco would be OK, took him for a walk, made sure he had plenty of water, and had a coat of mine to lay on, then said bye, bye and off we went.

The ride in was about 5 miles, and we went up a small mountain to the top where the visitor centre is.

They gave us the speel, and off we went. Walked down the path to the entrance where we saw a flock of Barn Swallows who were nesting in the entrance swarm around, and the fly off in a flock. Was nice to see this to start our adventure. Well Polly and I couldn’t stop saying “Hey look here, Look here, Wow!” We never saw so many beautiful, and amazing sights in such a short time. Took us about 21/2 hours for the whole self guided tour. The trail in was very good, and the grade was gradual, and good paved coarse pathway so no slipping. There were a few wet spots, not much though, and good solid stainless steel hand rails all the way both sides. We didn’t really have to follow a map, the trail had others passing us as we did take our time and stop for photos, and just look in amazement at what had formed over the years, and how beautiful the shapes were. Here are a few pictures, I have to limit them here, but have posted more on Facebook. The photos, and all we could say will not do what we saw justice. You have to experience there caverns to understand how great they are.

The elevator ride up was good, we found out that it takes 58 seconds to go 700 feet up, and was such a smooth ride, much better than walking, we were tired after we finished.


 On the way back to our trailer we saw a Big Horn Sheep up on his haunches feeding on the cactus, was a nice sight to see on our way out. Polly was quick to get a picture as he stopped at a whistle and looked. Nice Shot Polly...

The RV Park had more campers when we got back, and we talked with a few of them about there experiences, here and other places. We are gaining info as we go about where to stay, what to watch for, and where to stop and look around.

Today we travelled to Carlsbad NM, a fast moving, working town. Farmers and oil field workers. We fuelled up and turned right toward Fort Stockton, Texas. This highway is an oilfield transporter. We saw many big trucks carrying almost everything needed for oil production, oil drill rigs beside the road drilling, and oil being hauled, and piped, and pipelines being built, and pump jacks everywhere. Was quite an education for Polly and I. I had seen some of this before in Alberta, but not so much so fast as this. The road had a few big chuck holes, which I managed to miss, one was lucky to miss as would have been at least on flat over that one.

Up hill to the Hill Top RV Park

Crooked fence on Hill Top RV 

Fort Stockton Welcome across from Hill Top RV

We arrived in Stockton, pulled over at a gas station with lots of room to manoeuvre and after some research we decided to stay close to where we had stopped at the Hill Top RV Park. Good decision, was close, and nicely kept, will stop here again. We were told of this place by another traveller in El Paso, got to pay attention to what is recommended. After we set up, I had a talk with Bob from Northern Ontario, he said he was thinking of doing same as us as house was always pulling them back. Then I went and had a swim in the cold pool, but was nice in the 80 degree sunshine, made for a nice break, stopped earlier today, nice too. Polly came and joined me when I came back for another beer, was nice to have her there dunking in her legs, she was a no swim, but was nice to lounge by the pool. Polly wanted me to mention here that she was asked twice in NM for ID at a store she was buying wine at, she was so happy about this.

A couple from Minnesota came and we talked for quite awhile about our travels, and there's, love how we are learning so much as we go. They told us of a campsite in San Antonio we will head to.

Loving life here in Texas...

El Paso Almost

We made it to El Paso west RV Park in good time with lots of daylight to setup. Nice for a change to have a little time before the sun goes down. The park is in New Mexico, 5 minutes north of the Texas boarder, in a town called Anthony, really a suburb of El Paso.

On the drive we saw a mountain that was like a huge bolder patch called Texas Canyon, (funny we are still in Arizona) there was a rest stop at the top of the hill so we stopped as I wanted to get some pictures of these boulders. I forgot all about the boulders when I saw this piece of machinery on a truck that was so interesting. This captured my attention, as it had 4 tracks instead of wheels. I went to examine it. The driver was just getting into his truck when I asked him what the machine was for, he said “Picking Almonds Sir” Always callin me Sir, still find that kinda different. I spend the whole time at the rest stop talking with the driver, and he told me he was hauling it to New Mexico for a machinery show, even wanted to give me the location and the salesman's name, good employee. I took a few pictures and went back to our truck, here I find Polly who has taken Bosco for a pee in the pet area as it was posted, and he is limping around like crazy. I lift him up and he has prickles in his feet, something I am now used to, some kind of plant has these kinda star shaped prickles that lay on the ground, like a seed, and Man do they stick in, Bosco was hoppin around till I picked them out of his paws. Then Polly and I had to pick them all out of our shoes, stuck like burs, but stuck right into your shoes. Learning as we go what can hurt you here in the desert.

The rest of the drive was nice, and as expected now the desert changes as we go, from huge cactus, to more grass lands, and different cactus, some look like cactus mixed with Palm tree. I haven’t got a shot of one yet, but will show one later.

The night was warm, just a sheet to sleep under, and still warm. Nice to hear of reports of snow on the island, when we are so warm.

Sunday and we take the highway north east to the White Sands Missile Range, Closed on Sundays the guard at the gate says, hmm well didn’t expect that, have to look up ahead of travel when places are open. Oh well we head up the road a few more miles to White Sands National Monument Park. Wow beautiful, bright white sand like snow, they even had to plough it off the roads like snow, as it would blow over the roads. We started the tour by talking with people at the visitors centre,

White Sands Visitor Centre, original style building

and learned that the sand is continuously moving, and the amount of sand is growing steadily so the park will grow in size in time. The missile range did have some effect on the park as they fired right into the sand years ago, so if you take a hike out on the trails, they have signs saying not to pick up metal if you see it. Surprised that they could make it a missile range here and still call it a park, as was designated a park in the 30’s and missile range in 1942. Hmm, that was puzzling.

Polly, Bosco and I wander through the sand park taking a boardwalk out over the sand to the edge of the dunes, reading posted signs about the animals that live here. Snakes Polly sees, not loving that Polly says, back we go. We watch others slide down the hills of sand, just like snow with the wind blowing most all the time, and the sky changing steadily, with clouds coming and going all day. Was the perfect time to go, as not blistering hot as it can be. We had our lunch Polly packed, and good thing she did as no restaurants here, just a bag of chips if you wanted. 

Took a few pictures as we went, but always worried about sand in the camera. We did do a picture where I set the timer, and had to run to get into the shot, another learning don’t setup on the other side of the road, could be run down while crossing the road...

Back home before dinner time, and on the way stopped and fuelled up, $2.37 a gallon, best price yet for diesel. Fuel is less as we head east, will get even cheaper as we go.

The Plaza down town

Monday we stay home a little longer, some stuff has to be done. Laundry, showers, bake a banana loaf, a few bills have to be straightened out, all thing we have to do with the internet, and this place has very good internet, so best to do it now. Noon and we go into town for a look at the old town, visit the History Museum, and walk around town. I got some info from the gardener here as hes lived here all his life, how to get there and where to go. Thanks buddy, he loved the piece of banana bread Polly gave him. Off we go down the old highway as construction on new one he said, well was not too bad till we got close to down town, Wow they had the highway restricted with this big bricks on both sides I wasn’t sure I could get through. Glad I didn’t have the trailer, would have been a mess.

Looking from El Paso, Texas to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

When we got into the down town always looking for shade, in case we leave Bosco for awhile, none to be found where you could park, so Bosco comes with us to the visitor info, and we walk around the town to find the Museum closed on Monday, still learning, check ahead. Web did have a look around, but decided better to look from the truck, so took a drive and ended up the hillside where some beauty big hoses here, with a fantastic view of the city. Now we see Mexico just across the Rio Grande, just like the city is cut in half. We still don’t see a wall, but there is an iron fence about 16 ft tall going through in some places, sure that makes the unwanted go around it. I take a few pictures of down town, but not many, we now head to Walmart, to get a few things, the late lunch at Famous Dave's, which we have never heard of before.

Supposed to go to Carlsbad Caverns today, Tuesday, but will stay another day here, caught a cold in the snow the other day.

Lovin life, even with a cold...

Tucson, at Justin’s Diamond J RV Park

Tucson is a great drive from Yuma, had a few hills to climb, but otherwise the desert was changing all the time. We are getting used to nice long straight roads, with more than enough room to wander a little. Traffic was very good, and Polly says she likes this better than too busy. We get to our campsite at around 4pm, later than we hoped, but still light to setup. As we got all things out and ready to stay a couple nights, the sun was just going down, and I was itching to get out with the camera and get a few shots of the huge cactus and the sunset. I managed to get a few before all changed to darkness, happens fast tonight, some clouds, but was a beauty day.

We are still working at getting it together re-getup and go in the morning as we lolly gag just a little too much, but I talk with many people and today I had a talk with a man from New York State, who worked in the city as a pile driver operator. He made a point of saying he didn’t live in the city, but liked the money he made there was real good he said. He lived about 100 miles away, on the Hudson River. He had lots to say, and I asked many questions, as we are going to pass by there and visit the city. Was a nice guy, and would have loved to talk longer with him but an 8-9 am leave time turned to a 10am leave... I guess that's retied life Eh!

We have planned to go to a place I saw on the map called Why. Not sure whats there but just had to have a look. Was a long drive, but was nice to see the changes in the desert as we went. Some places look barren, with nothing but scrub brush, and then just like a line in the sand, it changes, and there are many cactus, and the ground, though dry looks like has something the plants like, and green everywhere, with many cactus, almost like a forest, even all spaced out like was planned that way.

We pass a sign saying Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation, a long way after we see a school, and houses way back from the road. Not fancy, but not junky neither. I saw a coral made of dead dried cactus woven together length ways, but was moving too fast to get a picture. Many things you see in the desert you have never seen before, beautiful place when you have water, and can drive through it. I imagine beautiful on a horse too, but would be a long ride to places here, can’t imagine riding from place to place as a the cowboys did in the old days.

We arrive at Why and wonder Why we came all this way? Oh well won’t come back I say. There is a store, a small casino, with a gas station, and a small store with it, and RV Park that was nice. That was just about it.Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument we thought was a destination south of Why, but after we crossed the boarder patrol station we went another few miles and found a sign welcoming us to the park, and found out this was a huge park, and the visitor station was another 75 miles away.

OK, Lunch, and talk. Nope we are going back, too much nothing here to keep us busy. We go as far as the casino, get some more fuel, just in case, and check out the casino. Polly donates a few dollars while I take Bosco for a walk. After a short nap in the truck, Polly comes out and we head back to our campsite, the drive id even nicer this time, we share the driving when I get tired, and Polly can do just fine without the trailer, but she says no go with trailer.

We have passed many Boarder Patrol Vehicles, as well as Police and Sheriff vehicles, like this is a hot area for the unwanted to pass into the States.

Was a nice drive, and we did enjoy it, but not to go back for sure. I got a few photos as Polly drove, but pulling over on the highway was not easy, small turnouts, and narrow road discouraged us.

Tomorrow we leave for RV park close to El Paso, but still in New Mexico, will visit White Sands National Monument park, with sand as fine as Baking Powder Polly says. Also an old missile range there, may take a look at that.

Lovin life here in New Mexico...

Moving day goodbye Yuma, Hello Tucson.

Thursday moving day again, that week went by fast!

Our friends left yesterday for Messa, Polly and I got busy, clean up the truck and trailer, well I supervised. Papis workers did all the work. Every job needs a supervisor I have been told, and a tough job it was, they new what they were doing, but I did make sure when the wash brush dropped to the ground they washed it off good before they started washing again. Been wanting to have a good cleanup since we left the Island’s snow and rains behind, and today was a good day for it. Our truck and trailer look just beauty again, always feels better when clean and polished.

Backing up a little, we went to old town Yuma on Sunday morning, and we were the earliest to arrive, the town was dead looking. We wandered around as the rest of the crew said we would meet them later, and go for a burger at the best burger place somewhere down town. We had a map, and turn it around as many times as i did still didn’t make sense to me, but we did manage to see most of the town, old and new parts. I think the Law offices, City hall, Court house, and Sheriff buildings were the newest, and most prominent in the town. You could see the buildings from the past that had been main stores were still standing, but no money put into them. Like most old town across our countries, the down town just stops as the new malls pop up all around the outside of the town. We had made given our number to Chris to text us, then we would meet up for lunch, but never got a text, and we didn’t have her number.

Polly and I wandered around looking at the once booming town, and saw many closed stores, for rent the signs said, but not too much happening. We went to where the lineup started at what was labelled as a casino, but was a restaurant with an odd kind of decor. We were’t waiting, guess the crew got lost, or didn’t make it. We stood in line for about 15mins, and then the line started to move, was about 1:30pm now, and we were getting hungry. As we get to the doorway, and are about to be seated Polly says “is that Chris?, I think that’s Chris” I take a look and far in the distance, through a split in the people , it was packed, and I see Chris sitting at a table, good eye Polly. 

We tell the guy as he comes to let us in, and he says if not someone you know come back to me. So we walk in and yep, the crew is there! Chris says you didn’t give me you number! Yup I did, you just deposited it somewhere and forgot, and I tell her “You know Chris, Memory is the first to go” She laughs and we all get on with where we left off, order a beer, and get our burger decision done, and take a good look around at the decor, WOW much to look at here.

Bosco gets up now, wants out. I put the leash on open the door, and he goes out for a pee. Dark as ever out with the traffic going by on the highway, a somewhat steady flow, but not busy as some we have been near, and not to noisy. Kinda comforting to hear. Every once in awhile you will hear a truck with plastic covering a load, and the plastic is flapping in the wind, wap wap wap, getting used to that too. Bosco finishes, and walks up the stairs, he is a little more careful now, had a few falls from the stairs when he’s to fast up and the door isn’t open, and the screen is closed. Bam! he hit it before, and down he rolled. He is learning, but he does forget sometimes...

Lunch was good, the name of the place is Lutes Casino and has a history I haven’t looked up yet, but now as a restaurant is one of the busiest places in the old town, besides the courts I would guess looking at the way town was laid out. 

We part company and make our way back to camp, a nap and we join in for another happy hour, and yak around the propane fire ring, sure helps keep warm, and when the sun is down, the cool is hard now we have been acclimatized to the warmth.

Daylight now, Bosco starts growling at everything he sees move, I have to threaten to send him back to bed if doesn't stop.

Monday Los Algodones, Mexico. We meet Doug and Cathy at Walmart, 8:30an, park our truck, and ride with them the 1/2 hour to where we park to cross the boarder. This was a relaxed and fun experience. I looked for the wall, but not building too fast, although I did see some scaffolding, and some evidence that something was being renovated, but no Wall yet. Was no check on the way in to Mexico, just walk on in, and start shopping. As we go over the boarder there are 3 small dogs, pups hanging around the boarder, Cathy says Oh look at those poor puppies, I think they must be here for food from some one, not too poor. We head on in and start looking around, me with my camera, and Cathy and Polly with there Dollars. We don’t buy too much, but have fun looking around, Cathy is a seasoned shopper, Polly will learn. Me I am in awe of all the dentists wanting business, Wow, and Glasses, man what would cost Mucho Dinero in our country, they have here a plenty, and way less dinero’s, Polly is now awake, looks like writing will come to and end now, Pool for a swim, and shower in the best, biggest, cleanest shower room I have seen so far on our trip.

To finish, we had a coffee and big doughnut at 10am, and did a little more shopping, at 11am we had a Margarita, and enjoyed the open to the sky restaurant/bar with all the colours of Mexico around, with palm trees growing through the bar roof. Was a nice way to end our grand shopping experience. As we were leaving we get a few drops of rain starting, the forecast was rain, just didn’t look like we would get it till it started. On the way through the boarder Cathy says Donny Bodner is in Line I yell up to him, and glad to see him, been Wow, too long. We have a talk after we get through the boarder for a short time, long enough to get his address, and say will meet again soon. Fun day, Thanks to Doug and Cathy for the guidance. Rain starts as we head back, wow just in time we make it, nice.

Sun up now, swim and shower, walk the dog, breaky get ready to move, Why Az. next stop, and will stay in Tucson Az. At Justin’s RV Park for a couple days and check out the area...

Looking forward to new surroundings, Loving all we did here in Yuma, Onward Ho!