CHRISTMAS AT YUMA


Another Christmas come and gone on the BLM land at the VFW. Christmas Eve Joanne Jones put on another excellent talent, no talent show. There were songs, songs and more songs. Everything from a guitar to a ukelele to a gazoo. Even Randy and Joanne dazzled us with their tap dance routine, only to be yanked off by stage manager Bob Dwyer.

On a beautiful, warm Christmas day we devoured another wonderful dinner put on by the VFW and added to by the WIN’s contributions. After the dinner, those that could still stand, enjoyed stretching their legs as the local Western band played on.

The week following included dance lessons by Judy at the VFW and a variety of entertainment including, 4-wheeling, rock hounding, flea marketing, kayaking, dancing, hiking, movies, more dancing and bowling.

Mistress of Ceremonies - Joanne

Randy and Joanne (aka Fred and Ginger)

Bob Serenades Us

Ron Sings Elvis

After a week in Brenda, off we went to Quartzsite where the weather turned cooler, much cooler and I came down with a GI bug. Just taking it easy until time to move on to Yuma for the holidays.

November 22-29th, 2008

Got a heck of a rain storm on Wednesday, the 26th and decided to pack up and head for the Blue water Casino tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner with a couple of friends.

The casino has free RV parking and had an interesting rock band Friday night where I ran into another WINer, “Cowboy Roy” and his friend, Glenn from Oregon. We danced a few fast ones (me very cautiously guarding my recently sprained ankle) and then put a couple of dollars in the slots. I actually doubled my money. Big win, put in $2 and left with $4. Saw the most unusual camper in the casino parking lot. It was a couple camping in a tent made in South Africa on top of their car.

Next morning there was a boat race in front of the casino. The casino also has a great indoor water slide and pool, arcade, miniature golf and a movie theater.

Hit the road again and hooked up with some more WINers, Carolyn and Warren in their rigs at Brenda, AZ where we parked on some BLM land close to town. Views are spectacular and we are the only ones camped here.

Yep, made it to Oatman via the Old Route 66 and back again okay. Truck is shifting strong even though there are still a few drips from both pans this morning.

NOVEMBER 21, 2008

Yes, I think I will stay at the Windsor Beach State Park another week just to be sure my truck is going to be ok. I still have a small leak from the oil pan plug and transmission pan and I’m keeping an eye on it. Think I will go on a trial run tomorrow to Oatman and check it out. Here are a few more pics of the State Park. The rangers are about to hire me if I spend any more time here. I really do love it here, though. Weather is perfect and everyone is so nice. And, the price is right at $10 a day.

November 18, 2008

Okay, is this “dejavu” or what? I had small leak from my oil pan plug on my truck and
thought I just needed it tightened yesterday so I took it in to my favorite mechanic here in Lake Havasu City. While I was there I decided to have the transmission flushed, new filter and try the new, expensive synthetic fluid everyone raves about.

They were so nice at the repair shop and didn’t even charge me labor since I had such a bad time last year with the tranny going out three times. When I picked it up, I went up to the local Walmart to pick up a few groceries and everything seemed fine.

Well that didn’t last as on my way back I couldn’t get it over 35 mph. Truck just wouldn’t shift, so back I went to the shop. Poor mechanic was totally frustrated when he test drove it and said there was major problems going on with the tranny again.

Sooooooooo, here I sit at the State Park again just like last year, waiting for them to figure out what the heck is going on. I hope it won’t take another 23 days like it did then. I was planning on heading down the road from here in a couple of days and start my adventure again.

November 12,2008

Well let me tell you how I celebrated Veteran’s Day yesterday. It started out as
Another beautiful day here camped at Lake Havasu State Park. Decided to take the dogs, Chewy and Trucker, to the doggy park early so I could go bowling with my friends later.
Enter…..MISS KLUTZ………..somehow I managed to step off the sidewalk edge and my right ankle folded up underneath me and down I went. I was down for the count. The pain was so sharp, I wasn’t able to get up for a few minutes. Finally I was able to get up and hobble to the nearest bench where I rested for a few minutes.

Meantime, a large Boxer dog enters the scene and gets into it with a couple of Pitbull puppies and Trucker goes over to investigate. At that point, I decide I better retrieve my dogs and get out of there before the mayhem starts.

I managed to drive back to the camp and spent the rest of the day with icepacks and my foot up. It was nicely swollen already and really hurt.

If that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, around sunset I hear a noise outside and Chewy has broken loose from his collar and disappeared after a rabbit. I hobbled around in the dark for a good half hour and called his name, but to no avail. I came in and put my foot up for about a half hour and couldn’t stand it and got in my truck and started searching in vain. Ironically, I just had a chip put in him yesterday and registered it online that day. So I figured if someone found him and turned him in to the pound or vets, they would scan him. However, if the coyotes got him, forget it and there are zillions of those pesky devils in the park.

A neighboring couple joined in on the search with me and drove around in their jeep also looking for him. This park is quite large, over a mile to the entrance and so much underbrush to hide him from view, but I kept trying. Almost three hours later, I decided it was hopeless and went back to my trailer. Well…….lo and behold, there sits Chewy, tongue hanging to the ground and looking quite weary. I felt like killing him, but hugged him instead. Today we are off to Petsmart for a stronger collar.

November 9, 2008

Went down to the Desert Bar today north of Parker and reunited with a bunch of WIN’s that I hadn’t seen since last trip. It was dejavu for sure. There was Bagpipe Bob, Larry Larson, Chuck Brothwell, Maniac Mike, Andy Parmley, Richard, Dick Webb, Shari, Vicki, Carol Wilson, Joanne Jones, Tom Cassidy, Paul Aakervik, Bill, Francine, Bob Ceelen and so many more whose names escape me right now. It was so much fun even though a little windy and a pretty loud rock band. Everyone had a great time dancing.

November 6, 2008

We made it! Got to Lake Havasu just before 4 pm, 80 degrees (I’m loving it) and windy. Stopped at the Prospector’s RV park and said hello to a couple of WIN’s, Carol Wilson and Bob Dwyer. They are moving on to Parker tomorrow.

I decided to go on down to Windsor Beach State Park and found my old favorite spot from last year was available. The park is 90% full, how lucky is that. The two hosts Scott and Terry remembered me and my trials and tribulations with my truck when I was here last year.

Settled in, sat back and relaxed after the long drive. Trucker and Chewy are loving it. So many bunnies and quail to stalk and the lake just yards away to swim in. They are in heaven. They are also having a ball at their daily romp in the beautiful Lions Dog Park they have here.

2008 TRIP JOURNAL

November 5, 2008

Woke up after a nasty storm yesterday to a frosty morning in the 20’s at home in my driveway where I’ve been camping out with the dogs for the last few days until my caretaker/tenants moved in. Scraped the frost off the windows and off we go, me, Trucker and Chewy. Caretakers offered to take care of Red, thank goodness. That’s one last dog to walk and deal with the pickup detail.

Arrived at Ash Springs around 3:30 pm (MST) and welcomed the almost 60 degree weather. Trip so far was uneventful. Truck is running strong. Little snow here and there along the road and some wind, but otherwise fair sailing

JANUARY 11-16

WENT BACK TO QUARTZSITE, MM 99 FOR 6 MORE DAYS. PRETTY QUIET THERE, BUT THE TOWN IS BOOMING AND THE RV SHOW HASN’T EVEN STARTED YET. “DOC” WAS THE HOST AND IT WAS MOSTLY FUN AND GAMES, ETC. I TOOK IT EASY AS MY LEFT LEG IS STILL HURTING A LOT WHEN I TRY TO BEND IT. ALLERGIES STILL BOTHERING ME. STARTED USING A NETI POT LAST NIGHT

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JANUARY 16, 2008

DECIDED TO MOVE UP TO THE SCHEDULED QUARTZSITE SITE ON PLUMOSA ROAD. LOT OF OLD WINS THERE I HAVEN’T SEEN FOR AWHILE. ANDY SHOWED UP AS WELL AS BOBBI AND KATIE, AND CAROLYN AND WARREN.

JANUARY 17 -24, 2008

LOTS OF DANCING STILL GOING ON. HAD A PARTY OUT IN BOUSE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING CAME DOWN WITH SORE THROAT AND COLD. EVERYONE ELSE HAD IT OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND IT FINALLY GOT ME. LEG IS STILL HURTING, GUESS THIS WILL GIVE ME A CHANCE TO REST IT UP. FOUND A TRAILER YESTERDAY AND MADE AN OFFER. LOOKS LIKE I’VE BOUGHT A TRAILER. IT NEEDS SOME TLC AND THE OWNER WAS A SMOKER. HOPING I CAN GET IT CLEANED UP. FINALLY REALIZED I CAN’T AFFORD THE DREAM TRAILER I WANT, BUT AT THIS PRICE THIS WILL DO FINE IF EVERYTHING WORKS LIKE THE GUY SAYS. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED. IT’S A 28’ SPLASH BY NATIONAL, AN ENTRY LEVEL TRAVELER WITH THE BASICS. SMOOTH SIDED WITH A 14’ SLIDE WITH 2 RECLINERS AND DINETTE. BEDROOM AND BATH IN THE FRONT, LOTS OF WINDOWS. . HAS NEWER FRIDGE, TIRES AND BATTERIES.




















JANUARY 11-16

WENT BACK TO QUARTZSITE, MM 99 FOR 6 MORE DAYS. PRETTY QUIET THERE, BUT THE TOWN IS BOOMING AND THE RV SHOW HASN’T EVEN STARTED YET. “DOC” WAS THE HOST AND IT WAS MOSTLY FUN AND GAMES, ETC. I TOOK IT EASY AS MY LEFT LEG IS STILL HURTING A LOT WHEN I TRY TO BEND IT. ALLERGIES STILL BOTHERING ME. STARTED USING A NETI POT LAST NIGHT

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JANUARY 16, 2008

DECIDED TO MOVE UP TO THE SCHEDULED QUARTZSITE SITE ON PLUMOSA ROAD. LOT OF OLD WINS THERE I HAVEN’T SEEN FOR AWHILE. ANDY SHOWED UP AS WELL AS BOBBI AND KATIE, AND CAROLYN AND WARREN.

JANUARY 17 -24, 2008

LOTS OF DANCING STILL GOING ON. HAD A PARTY OUT IN BOUSE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING CAME DOWN WITH SORE THROAT AND COLD. EVERYONE ELSE HAD IT OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND IT FINALLY GOT ME. LEG IS STILL HURTING, GUESS THIS WILL GIVE ME A CHANCE TO REST IT UP. FOUND A TRAILER YESTERDAY AND MADE AN OFFER. LOOKS LIKE I’VE BOUGHT A TRAILER. IT NEEDS SOME TLC AND THE OWNER WAS A SMOKER. HOPING I CAN GET IT CLEANED UP. FINALLY REALIZED I CAN’T AFFORD THE DREAM TRAILER I WANT, BUT AT THIS PRICE THIS WILL DO FINE IF EVERYTHING WORKS LIKE THE GUY SAYS. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED. IT’S A 28’ SPLASH BY NATIONAL, AN ENTRY LEVEL TRAVELER WITH THE BASICS. SMOOTH SIDED WITH A 14’ SLIDE WITH 2 RECLINERS AND DINETTE. BEDROOM AND BATH IN THE FRONT, LOTS OF WINDOWS. . HAS NEWER FRIDGE, TIRES AND BATTERIES.

DECEMBER 17, 2007

HUNG AROUND CAMP TODAY AND TRIED OUT THE NEW SOLAR PANELS. STILL DOESN’T SEEM TO BE CHARGING THE BATTERIES. HAVE TO GET A BATTERY CHARGER WHEN I GET TO YUMA, I GUESS.

DECEMBER 18, 2007

ANDY AND I WENT WITH THE WIN’S TO HAVE PIZZA AT SILLY AL’S. THERE WERE ABOUT 30 OF US AND IT TOOK FOREVER TO GET OUR DINNER. THEN WE ALL WENT INTO THE BAR AND DANCED TO THE KAROKE. WE ALL GOT UP AND SANG “WE ARE FAMILY” SISTERS SLEDGE. IT WAS FUNNY. I SNAPPED SOMETHING IN MY LEFT KNEE WHEN ANDY AND I WERE DANCING TO A FAST ONE. DAMN, SAME THING I DID TO IT A MONTH AGO.

DECEMBER 19,2007

STILL HOBBLING AROUND ON MY SORE LEG. ANDY AND I DECIDED TO PACK UP, DUMP AND GET WATER IN TOWN AND CARAVAN TOGETHER TO YUMA TODAY. NOTHING MUCH TO DO HERE ANYWAY. IT WAS A SHORT TRIP. TRUCK SEEMED TO BE RUNNING OK EXCEPT I NOTICED A LOUD INTERMITTENT WHISTLE OCCASIONALLY. MAYBE THE TURBO. JUST TURNED THE RADIO UP AND IGNORED IT. GOT TO YUMA JUST BEFORE 1 PM AND A LOT OF THE WIN’S WERE ALREADY THERE. JUST A SANDY PARKING LOT BEHIND THE VFW AND RIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE 95 NEXT TO THE RAILROAD TRACKS. IT’S GOING TO BE A NOISY TWO WEEKS. OH WELL, AT LEAST THE WEATHER IS NICE HERE. IT WAS IN THE 70’S WHEN WE ARRIVED.

DECEMBER 20-JANUARY 4, 2008

OMG, DANCING EVERYDAY AT VFW AND THEN IN TOWN AGAIN AT NIGHT AT MICKEY B’S, COUNTRY ROADS RV PARK, MOOSE LODGE AND FORTUNA DE ORO RV PARK. THESE PEOPLE ARE DANCING FOOLS. HAVING A LOT OF FUN, BUT CAN’T KEEP UP THE PACE EVERY DAY. O.J. CAME DOWN ON 21ST AND I SIGNED HIM UP FOR DANCING LESSONS. HE WAS A LITTLE HESITANT AND SHY AT FIRST, BUT IS REALLY CATCHING ON TO THE DANCING. HOPE I’M NOT CORRUPTING HIM. DON’T THINK SO, ONCE A NICE GUY ALWAYS A NICE GUY. HAD DINNER ON HIS BIRTHDAY 29TH AT RED LOBSTER. WAS GREAT. STUFFED OURSELVES. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS PARTIES AT THE VFW WITH MORE FOOD. GOT TO START WATCHING IT, I’M PACKING ON THE POUNDS. O. J. LEFT FOR IDAHO ON THE 3RD OF JANUARY AND GOT BACK THE 4TH TO SNOWY GOODING.

ON TO MARTINEZ LAKE NEAR YUMA PROVING GROUNDS ON THE 4TH WHERE I FINALLY GOT TO DUMP AND GET WATER. NOT MUCH HERE AND ONLY A FEW PEOPLE SHOWED UP, BUT I WELCOMED THE QUIET AND ABLE TO GET SOMETHING DONE SUCH AS LAUNDRY AND CLEANING FINALLY. STILL HAVEN’T FOUND THE TRAILER I WANT AT THE PRICE I CAN AFFORD. HOPEFULLY BETTER LUCK AT QUARTZSITE. FINALLY TRACKED MAIL DOWN. IT’S STILL SITTING IN LAKE HAVASU SO FAXED THEM ANOTHER FORWARD THIS TIME TO QUARTZSITE. GOOD LUCK.

WENT DANCING AT THE LAKE MARTINEZ CANTINA. SOME COLORFUL AND EXPENSIVE HOMES AROUND THE LAKE AND SOME REALLY DUMPY ONES, TOO. NOT MUCH HERE.
WIN’S THAT SHOWED UP WERE CHUCK, HOST AND GIL, JIM, JOY, BOB LARSON, BOB DWYER, BOB FROM PIONEER CALIF., JUDY, JOE, BONNIE SAM FROM CAMBRIDGE, IDAHO………………

DECEMBER 16, 2007

WENT 4-WHEELING WITH ANDY AND SOME OTHERS. RODE WITH ANDY. WE PACKED SNACKS AND STOPPED FOR LUNCH. HAD A GREAT TIME. WHEN WE GOT BACK ANDY INVITED ME TO DINNER WITH WARREN AND CAROLYN AT JANET’S CAFÉ IN QUARTZSITE. FOOD AND COMPANY WAS GOOD. AFTERWARDS WE PLAYED CARDS. PHASE 10. I LOST OF COURSE. 

DECEMBER 13, 2007

MADE IT TO QUARTZSITE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. MET UP WITH THE W.I.N.S
FINALLY. CAROLYN BAIRD AND HER DOG, SOPHIE, FROM TWIN FALLS WERE ALREADY THERE. EVERYONE WELCOMED ME WITH OPEN ARMS, LITERALLY. I GOT HUGS FROM EVERYONE. THERE ARE NOTHING BUT RV’S SCATTERED ALL OVER THE DESERT. NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE.

DECEMBER 14, 2007

WENT WITH A BUNCH OF WINS TO THE “YACHT CLUB” AND DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY. DIDN’T DRINK AS I WAS THE DESIGNATED DRIVER FOR THE NIGHT, HAULING 3 GALS AND A FELLOW IN MY TRUCK. HAD A LOT OF FUN.

DECEMBER 15, 2007

WENT OUT DANCING AGAIN. NEVER SAT OUT A DANCE. THERE ARE ALWAYS MORE GUYS THAN GALS. A COUPLE OF THEM WERE REALLY GOOD DANCERS

November 19, 2007

Well today I had the fright of my life. I took Trucker down for his daily swim at the dog beach here at Cattail and he decided to take after some ducks. I called and called and he just kept swimming out towards the center of the lake. I hollered at a fellow in a passing boat and he shouted to his sister on the beach next door to call the dog. I ran like crazy in my thongs up two flights of stairs leading from the dog beach, across the boat ramps, past the docks, past the swimming beach to the beach next door where he was now swimming parallel about 100 yards out. When he heard me calling, along with everyone else on the beach, he turned and started paddling toward us. Meantime I was emptying my pockets of my cell phone and keys and was heading out to get him if he couldn’t make it. All I could see was this little black head bobbing along. He kept on coming, the little devil and I ran to grab him. I could have killed him, but all I could do was hug him. After everything else that has happened on this trip, if he hadn’t made it, I would have packed up and gone home. That is, of course, if I ever get my truck out of the shop. Arggggggggggggg!!!

November 20, 2007

Went bowling with Gordon again and checked on the truck. Still not fixed.

November 21, 2007

Wrenched my left leg today trying to vault over a 4-½’ fence to retrieve Trucker’s Frisbee. Hobbled back to the trailer and spent the rest of the day on my back with ice on my leg. This is all I need. When am I going to learn I’m not 20 again.

November 22, 2007

Gordon picked me up and we went to the Thanksgiving buffet at the Bluewater Casino in Parker. It was OK, but not really worth the $12.00. Then I lost $3 in the poker machine.

November 23, 2007

Went up to the Sandpiper resort next door and got my 4 month fishing license and some lures and wind was blowing like crazy. Maybe wait until a better day.

November 24, 2007

Gordon picked me up and we went to the flea market in Parker today. It’s sunny and warm, but the wind’s still blowing. Got some videos, drills and junk and came home.

November 25, 2007

Went fishing off the point and got skunked. That was ok, it was such a beautiful sunny day in the low 80’s that I didn’t mind. Later that night took Trucker for his evening walk, in the dark, and managed to trip over a speed bump on the road and skinned up my left knee, ripped my pants and bloodied my hand. What a klutz!

November 26, 2007

Another gorgeous, sunny day. Still no word on the truck.

November 27, 2007

Gordon picked me up and we went bowling again. Made our weekly stop at the transmission place and found that the truck hadn’t moved since we were there last week. Owner said he was short of help and hadn’t been able to touch it all week. I was LIVID!
Seems he had time to work on other trucks, but not mine. I walked away rather than say something unlady like and got into Gordon’s truck. Went over to Lakeside Tire and Auto who had contracted the transmission work and who I had paid my $3000 to and told the manager I was extremely unhappy with the service and had been without a vehicle now for 3 weeks. He called the transmission shop and got the same story. Apologized and stated they had always been reliable in the past. I am so frustrated, I could cry.
Then found out my mail for the month had been returned and wouldn’t be here for another 3 days. Can’t wait to see how many bills I’m late on. No Internet service here so I can’t pay them on line as usual. Oh brother.

November 28, 2007

Went into town with campsite neighbor, Pat. We went to Brewed Awakening, an Internet coffee shop and I caught up on my bill paying and emails. I called Ben Holland, my mechanic, back in Idaho and he said I should demand a new tranny from Chrysler with a warranty. After that we went over to see Chet at Lakeside Tire and Auto and I told him what my wishes were and that over 3 weeks was ridiculous to be without my truck. Bill said he was two thirds done with the tranny and they would give me a 3 yr. $50,000 warranty at no extra cost. (usually you pay $200 a yr. for that).I said ok.

November 30, 2007

Just got up and was about to go outside and lo and behold up drives my truck. I thought I would never see it again. Hallelujah!!! Both Bill and Chet were there and apologized again and presented me with the Warranty. I said OK with reservations, but I would stick around for a few more days and be sure it was working. I had mentioned to Chet that I would like to purchase new tires for my son’s trailer and he offered to do that at his cost with free labor. Sounds reasonable.

December 1-3, 2007

Have been driving to town (15 miles each way) every day and taking Trucker to Doggy Park and testing out the truck. So far so good.

DECEMBER 4-12

GETTING LAZY ABOUT JOURNALING. TRUCK SEEMS TO BE RUNNING OK, BUT STILL NERVOUS ABOUT IT. JIM HAS BEEN TEACHING ME TO CATCH AND CLEAN STRIPERS AND THEY REALLY TASTE GOOD. JIM AND MARY HAVE BEEN VERY NICE AND HELPFUL TO ME.

Trucker and I took a hike on a steep trail along the cliffs overlooking the lake. It’s really beautiful from up there.


Later we found another trail on the other side of the campground that led to the neighboring private campground next door. Met some nice people camped on the lake that invited me to sit and visit with them. They had two border collie mixes also. All of a sudden my cell phone started beeping and I had voice mail. They said that happens occasionally, but that I wouldn’t be able to call out. Well, I did make a call to Idaho and it went through. Go figure. Must of got a signal bouncing off the Cingular tower. On the way back to our campsite, ran into a couple young fellows who had just caught a whopper stripedbass,14lbs.worth.

STRANDED IN THE DESERT AFTER TRUCK WAS TOWED AWAY
So, off I go, on my way south to Cattail State Park, 15 miles down the lake. Hopefully, they still have a site available. Well, everything seems to be shifting great, and it goes out of overdrive on the hills. Then at 65 mph.,approximately 10 miles down the highway, POOF…………back into neutral on this narrow highway. Put on my flashers and coasted to the very narrow side of the road. Waited a minute and then tried to start it and was able to get it up to 3 mph. and headed for a pullout about ¼ mile ahead. Phew……….barely made it, with engine racing dangerously close to the redline on the tach. Called Bill back again and think he was about to lose it. I told him I would call AAA to tow it back to his shop. AAA would not take the trailer, however. Meantime, Bill sends his poor wife and 2 yr. old down to take me to Cattail State Park to pay for a spot before they are all gone. There were only a few left. Then Chet from the other shop (that put the alternator in and contracted for the transmission work) came down in his truck and towed me to the campsite.Thank goodness I now have water and electricity, however, no TV or cell phone reception, let alone wi-fi. Oh well, just happy to be here.

As I am preparing dinner I notice the floor is getting wetter and wetter. Water is pouring out of the area below the tub and fridge. Now what???? After drenching all the rugs and soaking up the rest of the water with all the towels I had, I am now without water.

November 16, 2007

Called the only mobile RV repair place in the yellow pages (thank goodness they have a pay phone here) and he said just a service call alone would be $120, yikes, we’re not in Idaho any more. Anyway, I mentioned what a tough week I was having and added I couldn’t get in to pick up my medication at the Pharmacy in LHC. He came out a couple hours later, and also brought my prescription. What a guy! Then he said to get to the plumbing, he would have to remove the refrigerator and cut a hole in the wall to the tune of another $500. This can’t be happening. Anyway, after hooking up the water and letting it run for awhile, no leak appeared. Go figure. So, it looks like it only cost me $120 to get my prescription delivered. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the leak will not return. Please…………..
Am I having fun yet? ………………………..you betcha!

November 9,2007 O.J. _____________________________________

Checked on the truck and it won’t be ready until Monday, so I signed up for another 3 days at the State Park. That puts me 3 days over the 14 day maximum. They are so nice here to let me stay and help me out. Met up with Gordon and went bowling.
I asked O.J. to lock the trailer door, specifying the lower lock while I got ready to take Trucker swimming. Well, he didn’t hear me and locked the upper lock. Now we are locked out. I tried and tried and couldn’t get it open. By now I am just a little upset. It’s ten to five and I told O.J. he better go call a locksmith before they close. He was hesitant, but left. Meantime, Scott, my neighbor here at the park, and ex-camp host came over and solved the problem and got the door open just about the time O.J. came back after calling 4 locksmiths who declined to come out. Checked on the toilet and now it seems to be fine. Go figure??

November 10, 2007

Went to the dog park again and then watched the model seaplanes compete at the park. Had a nice lunch, dinner, at the Golden Corral and checked out trailers for sale.

November 11, 2007

O.J. left this morning and I started packing up to get ready to depart camp tomorrow. Woke up in middle of the night and it was raining cats and dogs. Definitely cooling down finally. In the high 70’s today instead of 90’s. Felt good.

November 12, 2007

Called the transmission place and they were waiting for the torque converter for my truck. Since today is a holiday, it might not come in until tomorrow. I walked Trucker to the dog park and then on the way back signed up for two more days at the State Park.
Gordon called and invited me to go bowling tomorrow and will pick me up.



November 13, 2007

Had fun bowling colored pins with Gordon and his friends. On the way back we stopped at Get It In Gear and they were still working on my truck and said I would have it Wednesday. Went back to the campsite and had a couple beers with Gordon.

November 14, 2007

Chet from Lakeside Tire and Auto came and got me in my truck. It was so good to have it back. There goes my Visa bill, a whopping $3036.32 with tax. I ran some errands and then went back to the transmission shop to inquire about a written warranty. Jason, the son of the owner said his father would write one up for me. I left their shop and 2 blocks later the truck went into neutral and wouldn’t budge another inch. After other drivers honked and cussed me out, I managed to coast into the right lane and into a parking lot.
I called the shop and the owner himself came out to drive it back to the shop. With help of some passersby started to push it the final block. Yikes, it kicked into gear and he had to chase it, jump in and zoom back into the shop. This is not good. He let me use his truck to go back to my campsite and I paid for another night. He made some adjustments and I took the truck back to the campground.

November 15, 2007

I got up bright and early and loaded up the truck and hooked up the trailer. Can’t wait to get on the road again. I drove it just a few feet and felt a sort of “shuddering” at low speeds. I had a feeling this was not right, so took it back to the transmission shop again and had the owner, Bill, drive it. He agreed that something was not right. Said it was because he didn’t know there was a chip installed. Duh, that’s the first thing I mentioned when I took it in. Seems like the governor, or something has to be adjusted if there is a chip installed. Said it would only take “minutes” to fix and I went for a 45 minute walk. Well…………3 hours later, we hooked the trailer back up, quite hastily, I might add, as Bill was getting a little “testy” and stressed out at this point. Hello…………what about me? He said it was perfect but drove around like a maniac, zooming up to stop signs and braking hard, barreling around corners. Oh the poor trailer.
I had checked all the cupboards, but the fridge still managed to come open and food was strewn everywhere.

November 5, 2007

It’s Monday and John is checking out as his two weeks are up. You can only stay in a State Park for a maximum of two weeks here. It’s kind of peaceful now here, I think I'll stay a little longer.

Talked to camp host who lives here full time to get his recommendations for an honest auto repair shop to check my transmission tomorrow. He thinks it might be my chip, but I’m inclined to think it’s the tranny. We’ll see………..

November 6, 2007

Took Trucker to the doggy park early so I could get my truck in to the shop and check it out. Oh, oh, now the dash light came on. Truck was so dirty from going out to the Desert Bar Sunday that I decided to get it washed first. When I went to start it, NOTHING! Sucker was dead as a doornail (whatever that is). Don’t Panic…..Don’t Panic. Got my trusty AAA card out and called the 800 number. Tow truck was there in 10 minutes. Nice guy. He jump started it, but said batteries were dead. Just got them 3 weeks ago. Probably the alternator like the guy at Sears warned me about. AAA driver followed me to the auto repair shop, where the truck died before I could drive it into one of their bays. Yep, it was the alternator…..$350 worth. Had him check out the tranny, too and it was toast. There goes another $2800. I’ll be without my truck for a few days. Talked to the camp host and they were very understanding and said I could stay over my two week limit if necessary. My holding tanks are almost full and they said they could help me out with that, too if necessary. Everyone is so nice here. The mechanic at Lakeside Auto repair reminded me so much of my oldest son, Stan.

November 7, 2007

Well just going to kick back today and wait on my truck. O. J. was supposed to be in Vegas last night with some friends from his church and then he was going to come down here and visit me today. I hope he does, so I don’t feel so stranded here without wheels. I can’t call him because he doesn’t believe in cell phones (basically he’s very conservative,but O.J. calls it “cheap”).

November 8, 2007

O. J. arrived late yesterday to the rescue. It was good to see a familiar face again. He drove me a round to do errands and take Trucker to the dog park. We decided to take a drive and look up Gordon Vert at Havasu Springs Resort where he spends the winter in his 5th wheel. We found him and shared a couple of beers and set up a date to go bowling the next day. When we got back to the trailer we found that the toilet had overflowed and flooded the bathroom. What a mess. Mopped it up and emptied the storage compartment that was also flooded. Seems that every time the water pump is turned on, the toilet runs??

October 31,2007

John Boggs and I and Trucker took a ride down to Parker to connect with the W.I.N. people. They are really an outgoing bunch and invited us to stay for the Halloween party, but John begged out. Seems he’s not the sociable type, too bad for him.
My truck transmission still seems sluggish to me and I still feel some vibration and the high end even though I didn’t have the trailer behind me today. Checked out Parker Dam and some other State Parks I might decide to move to later this week.

November 1-2, 2007

Did errands and picked up mail at the post office. Signed up for another week at the State Park here in Havasu. It’s a bargain at $10 a night. No hookups but nice camp spots on the beach and great showers. Lots of beaches and trails and everyone is friendly and helpful.

November 3, 2007

There was a Chillin n’ Swillin Beerfest here at the park today. All the beer you could drink for $15. They had all kinds of brews from all over. I didn’t care for the Raspberry or
Pumpkin beer, but loved the Fat Tire beer. They had a good band that played oldies from the 60’s and 70’s. Here is sunset view from my campsite

November 4, 2007

Met up with the W.I.N. people again down in Parker at the County Park. This time went alone! They invited me to go with them to the famous “Desert Bar”. Couldn’t believe after driving on an old, steep, windy, rough gravel road for 4 miles that here was this oasis in the desert.
It was really cool. They operated strictly on solar power. Hamburgers sucked, but the beer was ice cold. They had a stone dance floor and a great band and the place was packed by noon. They only operate during daylight hours because of the lack of power. I danced so much, I couldn’t walk the next day. Had to ice my knee. This time it was the left knee

October 27-30,2007

Days are still hot and setting record temperatures. Taking Trucker to the Doggy Park here every day and he loves it. Then he goes swimming in the lake in the afternoon. I am indulging in far too many goodies and drinking way too much beer (because of the heat.)
Have developed a persistent cough that keeps me awake at night but my blood pressure is way down and I finally feel what it’s like to be relaxed

October 26, 2007

John found me a pull in spot with a view of the lake and next to the bathrooms. I have some nice trees for privacy and the only draw back is I hear the septic tank recycle every time someone uses the bathroom. Guess I’ll get used to it. Trucker really loves it here. It is still hot, in 90’s, but he gets to swim every day in the lake. He has become a very good camping buddy. I paid for a week because it is only $10 a day if you stay a whole week or $14 per day if you don’t. I may sign up for another week as I really like it here. I do have to conserve on my power and water as there are no hookups. I am parked near a water spigot so I can fill up if necessary. The showers are ok, so I save my holding tanks there. I really like the Lake Havasu area. It is pretty busy here and a haven for fast boaters and young people. The city has really grown. There is a Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes and all the major banks and fast food places. London Bridge and the village is cute. There is also a water park nearby.

October 23, 2007
Arrived at Nancy and Clark Monk’s place in Pahrump. Quite a climb out of Vegas. Discovered I had to take truck out of overdrive and the vibration quit. They have quite a cute place on about an acre. Had pizza and beer and reminisced about the old days. They are great people. Turned out my water heater was working all along. Duh……Spent the night and then called Billy Santoro and met him at the local Burger King for coffee and to hear of his new venture in the storage business. .

October 24, 2007
Got to Lake Havasu with no problems. Yikes it is 100 degrees. Stayed at the Prospector RV camp on north side of town so I could enjoy air conditioning for a couple of days. Called John Boggs who was staying at the local State Park and decided to check it out.

On the Road 2007

October 22, 2007

Left Gooding around 9:15 am and arrived in Ely, NV approx. 1:30 pm their time. Day was nice in 60’s, sunny and no wind. When I left home I was a little apprehensive and felt a little sick to my stomach. By the time I got to Jackpot I forgot the trailer was even behind me. It pulled straight as an arrow. I did experience quite a bit of vibration when accelerating between JP and Ely. At first I thought it was just the road, but didn’t seem to change when road smoothed out. Maybe tires are unbalanced, not sure. Will have to check it out if it keeps up on my way to Pahrump, via Vegas today.
Well, I guess you learn from your mistakes. I didn’t detach the water hose at the Ely campground last night and it froze. Somehow I thought they were heated or something as everyone else in their huge motor homes parked next to me, left their hoses attached. Then, next dumb thing I did was try and unscrew it from the trailer. Of course, the L-shaped hose adapter that John gave me, snapped right off. I also forgot to plug in my truck, so I did that at 7:30 am, 28F degrees. Guess I’ll have to delay my departure until it thaws. Don’t want to break the campground’s faucet, too. Oh my, live and learn. Oh yes, did I mention the water heater won’t light?
Trucker has been a very good traveling companion. Doesn’t bark and hasn’t chewed up anything…….yet.