FLYING THINGS
While traveling along the gulf, we saw a variety of birds -the area is a birdwatchers paradise with many refuges and preserves. Sitting in the campground in Port Lavaca (waiting for our appointment) we were able to see regular visits from one of the most colorful, the Roseate Spoonbill. Walking out the raised viewing pier over the estuary, I got as close as 10 feet while they were busy feeding and paid me little attention.
Now we are in the Houston suburb of Katy, staying at the lovely Stephen Austin State Park. Our first view of a red flying bird revealed a cardinal, a real treat for Westerners.
While these are are real treat, the most common flying critter here in the park is the mosquito. I had no idea but found the following about the area.
Locking Mosquitoes out of Houston, TX
Houston mosquitoes are considered to be some of the worst in the United States. Of the 2,500+ mosquito species throughout the world, 80 of the most aggressive live in Texas. Houston, therefore, is affected by many mosquito-borne illnesses that affect both humans and pets, including:
In addition to these health hazards that can be caused by Houston mosquitoes, nobody likes swollen, red, itchy bug bites all over their body. And nobody likes smelling like over-the-counter insect repellent of questionable efficacy!
Houstonians have been installing mosquito misting systems in their homes and businesses in growing numbers, with excellent results in repelling our Houston Mosquitoes. Using natural insecticides extracted from chrysanthemum flowers, these houston mosquito control devices are the solution for keeping biting insects at bay. A simple, one-time installation and regular maintenance are all it takes to keep mosquitos, gnats, no-see-ums and other pests away from your home and yard.
We seem to be the only people who prefer to hang out in the coach rather than sit outside, getting bitten. They must be covered in repellent or genetically immune as are not covered in clothing, netting nor are they constantly swatting. No wonder Houston is a major medical hub with all those dreadful mosquito borne diseases. Fortunately the boys (not BD) are on heart worm meds. A quick Internet search revealed what everyone else seemed to know.
 
FOUR LEGGED CRITTERS
My late cocker, Boogerman, was an unforgettable dog. I had him for 17 years and never got tired of the spirit of that boy, right to the end. The camp host had a young pup who, but for a much lighter color, very much resembled Boogs as a young dog. Of course, I had to inquire about the dog and wrangle an invitation to visit. Mandy is full of life and is one of only a few cockers that are lucky enough to have kept her tail.
She was full of piss and vinegar and I told the BD that he was lucky she wasn't up for adoption.
Speaking of dogs, Max was at his usual dashboard observation post when he went nuts. I looked out only to see a huge black critter. While I first thought it was a cat, it seemed to lumber without the usual graceful feline movement. It disappeared into the brush and I proceeded to look up pictures of baby black bears-NO,-black panthers-NO, black cougars-NO. We stopped at the ranger station to register to this important sighting. The ranger laughed and said it is a huge black feral cat and that she worries about the safety of her dog when it is around. So much for exotic animals.
Texas experienced an interesting experiment in the mid 1800's when Jefferson Davies was faced with supplying the increasingly populated and traveled southwest with military protection. Efforts to create a transcontinental railway failed due to politics (can you even imagine) and so Davies dispatched Major Wayne to the middle east to study the feasibility of using dromedaries to transport military supplies. In 1856 33 disembarked at Indianola, TX, along with their Greek and Turkish drivers. The next year 41 more we shipped.
During the early summer of 1856, the Army loaded the camels and they were driven to Camp Verde via Victoria and San Antonio. Reports from initial tests were largely positive. The camels proved to be exceedingly strong, and were able to move quickly across terrain which horses found difficult. Their legendary ability to go without water proved valuable on an 1857 survey mission led by Lt. Edward Fitzgerald Beale. He rode a camel from Fort Defiance to the Colorado River and his team used 25 camels on the trip. The survey team took the camels into California, where they were stationed at the Benicia Arsenal. During an 1859 survey of the Trans-Pecos region to find a shorter route to Fort Davis, the Army used the camels again. Under the command of Lt. Edward Hartz and Lt. William Echols, the team surveyed much of the Big Bend area. In 1860, Echols headed another survey team through the Trans-Pecos that employed the Camel Corps. With the outbreak of the American Civil War, the Camel Corps was mostly forgotten. Handlers had difficulty with their camels spooking the horses and mules. Beale offered to keep the Army's camels on his property, but Union Secretary of War Edwin Stanton rejected the offer. Many of the camels were sold to private owners; others escaped into the desert throughout the West and British Columbia. Beale's favorite, the white camel "Seid", fought with another camel during rutting season and was killed by a crushing blow to the head. Seid's bones were sent to the Smithsonian Institution. Feral camels continued to be sighted in the Southwest through the early 1900s, with the last reported sighting in 1941 near Douglas, Texas. Hi Jolly (Hadji Ali), an Ottoman citizen, came to the US as the lead camel driver. He lived out his life in the US. After his death in 1902, he was buried in Quartzsite, Arizona. His grave is marked by a pyramid-shaped monument topped with a metal profile of a camel.
EATING CRITTERS
Texans love their meat. Fried or BBQ'd is best. Really good BBQ places range from shacks selling take out to large restaurants, complete with choices of southern style sides. There are not too many green veggies and those offered are never al dente. Salad means macaroni, potato or maybe bean.
  If it isn't meat it is fried catfish, shrimp or mud bugs-otherwise known as crayfish. |
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Critters in Texas
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Waiting in South Texas
We are still waiting for warranty work which will be done in the Houston suburb of Katy. With our original salesman pitching in to get things moving at Thor (the manufacturer) we finally seem to have the attention of the National Sales Manager. While there has been no improvement in the appointment wait time, we did manage to stir someone who acknowledged that the parts that were sent were useless, and now proper waste discharge parts are supposedly being sent to the service place in Katy, TX. The cabinet has dropped another inch or two and we are hopeful that the solution is simply bracing, shimming and better securing the cabinet unit.
Making the best of our "cooling our heels" time, we spent time in Port Isabel, Rockport and now Port Lavaca with visits to Port Comfort, Blessing, Palacios and Indianola. Our current home, Port Lavaca, meaning The Cow Port in Spanish, reflects the days when beef products were shipped out of here through Matagorda Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico.
This coastal area with the barrier islands has lots of history, including Spanish explorers in the 1500's and an attempt by France under La Salle to establish a claim to the coast of Texas and Louisiana.
On a cold winter day in 1687, the small French ship Belle ran aground on the Texas coast, the victim of a run of bad luck and a howling north wind. The Belle was the last of four ships of the expedition led by Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle. La Salle had come to establish a colony near the mouth of the Mississippi River with multiple aims that included providing a warm-water port to serve the fur trade and a base for invading Mexico. France and Spain were then at war, and La Salle, with the backing of his king, intended to challenge Spain's domination of the Gulf of Mexico.
The recovery of the Belle is a fascinating story of marine archeology, which is detailed in the link below.
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/belle/
The town of Indianola, now only featuring historical markers, was once the major commercial port in this part of Texas. It was fought over during the Civil War as the Union attempted to interrupt the blockade runners taking cotton and other goods to Mexico for sale. After the war, in 1875 a hurricane hit the town. The damage was significant but the town rebuilt. In 1886 the fifth most intense hurricane in US history made landfall at Indianola.
At Indianola a storm surge of 15 feet from Matagorda Bay overwhelmed the town. Every building in the town was either destroyed or left uninhabitable. When the Signal Office was blown down, a fire started which took hold and destroyed several neighboring blocks.[5] The fire destroyed all but two of the town's buildings and killed a large number of citizens. The storm also destroyed two and half miles of railroad track, making communication with Indianola very difficult and complicating rescue efforts.[6] This storm caused fewer fatalities however (46 in Indianola, compared to 400 in the 1875 storm),largely because the storm struck during the day and residents had time to take shelter. The hurricane also ended a severe drought in Texas.
The storm ended the rivalry between Galveston and Indianola as the chief port of Texas. With the abandonment of Indianola and the unwillingness of the former residents to rebuild close to shore, Galveston became the most important Texan port until the 1900 Galveston Hurricane led to the rise of Houston as a major port.
Prior to Port Lavaca, we spent a few days camping in a community of mobile, stick built and RV lots in Port Isabel. The nicest spaces, including ours, faced on canals with boat moorage. Many of the residents are the ever popular Winter Texans.
While in Port Isabel we visited the headquarters for local shrimpers. We had an informal tour by an Hispanic man who had worked in the industry for years. We bought a pound of jumbo shrimp (there were about 10 choices of size) after hearing a bit about the industry and its woes. He explained that federal policy limiting short term labor from Mexico (this is only miles from the border), fuel prices (in recent years) and favorable trade treatment of imported, farmed shrimp have reduced the fleet by about 50%. We heard the same story in Palacios, the "Shrimp Capital of Texas." Our new garrulous friend explained that his shrimpers travel far out into the gulf, gone for 30-40 days, in part because of the proximity to Mexican claimed waters. All the shrimp boats have the capability of freezing their catch, which is done within one hour of the catch. I will say they were very tasty, some of the best ever. A favorite sign in this part of the country is "Friends don't let friends eat imported, farmed shrimp." A familiar philosophy to that found in the NW regarding farmed salmon.
At the suggestion of our Camp Hosts (usually couples who manage RV Parks in exchange for rent) we drove to the little town of Blessing, TX. The attraction was the 100+ year old hotel, run by the local historical society. Rooms are for rent but the real attraction is the home style, all you can eat breakfast and lunch in the hotel dining room. We opted for lunch which consisted of salad, beans, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, grits, rice, corn, lima beans (a real favorite of the BD and apparently a common southern dish)chicken fried steak, roast beef, breaded fried pork chops, white and brown gravy, cornbread, rolls and apple cobbler. All this for $10 each.
Before leaving the Rio Grand Valley we found a great sign in a local gun store. It is now the property of my favorite vegetarian.
Making the best of our "cooling our heels" time, we spent time in Port Isabel, Rockport and now Port Lavaca with visits to Port Comfort, Blessing, Palacios and Indianola. Our current home, Port Lavaca, meaning The Cow Port in Spanish, reflects the days when beef products were shipped out of here through Matagorda Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico.
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| A view of the bay from our campsite. Max is in his favorite spot on Pancho's dash |
This coastal area with the barrier islands has lots of history, including Spanish explorers in the 1500's and an attempt by France under La Salle to establish a claim to the coast of Texas and Louisiana.
On a cold winter day in 1687, the small French ship Belle ran aground on the Texas coast, the victim of a run of bad luck and a howling north wind. The Belle was the last of four ships of the expedition led by Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle. La Salle had come to establish a colony near the mouth of the Mississippi River with multiple aims that included providing a warm-water port to serve the fur trade and a base for invading Mexico. France and Spain were then at war, and La Salle, with the backing of his king, intended to challenge Spain's domination of the Gulf of Mexico.
 |
| The Belle in the process of excavation |
The recovery of the Belle is a fascinating story of marine archeology, which is detailed in the link below.
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/belle/
The town of Indianola, now only featuring historical markers, was once the major commercial port in this part of Texas. It was fought over during the Civil War as the Union attempted to interrupt the blockade runners taking cotton and other goods to Mexico for sale. After the war, in 1875 a hurricane hit the town. The damage was significant but the town rebuilt. In 1886 the fifth most intense hurricane in US history made landfall at Indianola.
At Indianola a storm surge of 15 feet from Matagorda Bay overwhelmed the town. Every building in the town was either destroyed or left uninhabitable. When the Signal Office was blown down, a fire started which took hold and destroyed several neighboring blocks.[5] The fire destroyed all but two of the town's buildings and killed a large number of citizens. The storm also destroyed two and half miles of railroad track, making communication with Indianola very difficult and complicating rescue efforts.[6] This storm caused fewer fatalities however (46 in Indianola, compared to 400 in the 1875 storm),largely because the storm struck during the day and residents had time to take shelter. The hurricane also ended a severe drought in Texas.
The storm ended the rivalry between Galveston and Indianola as the chief port of Texas. With the abandonment of Indianola and the unwillingness of the former residents to rebuild close to shore, Galveston became the most important Texan port until the 1900 Galveston Hurricane led to the rise of Houston as a major port.
Prior to Port Lavaca, we spent a few days camping in a community of mobile, stick built and RV lots in Port Isabel. The nicest spaces, including ours, faced on canals with boat moorage. Many of the residents are the ever popular Winter Texans.
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| View from our RV space on the canal |
While in Port Isabel we visited the headquarters for local shrimpers. We had an informal tour by an Hispanic man who had worked in the industry for years. We bought a pound of jumbo shrimp (there were about 10 choices of size) after hearing a bit about the industry and its woes. He explained that federal policy limiting short term labor from Mexico (this is only miles from the border), fuel prices (in recent years) and favorable trade treatment of imported, farmed shrimp have reduced the fleet by about 50%. We heard the same story in Palacios, the "Shrimp Capital of Texas." Our new garrulous friend explained that his shrimpers travel far out into the gulf, gone for 30-40 days, in part because of the proximity to Mexican claimed waters. All the shrimp boats have the capability of freezing their catch, which is done within one hour of the catch. I will say they were very tasty, some of the best ever. A favorite sign in this part of the country is "Friends don't let friends eat imported, farmed shrimp." A familiar philosophy to that found in the NW regarding farmed salmon.
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| Shrimp boats in port |
Sunday, March 22, 2015
South Texas
We have been comfortably settled in South Texas for a few days, seeing my brother John and his wife Anna and continuing to get Pancho in shape-or at least trying to. BD has installed some very handy shelves, taking advantage of wasted and poorly allocated space. What we thought was a gray tank blockage turned out to be a factory mistake, switching the gray and black output. When you thought you were emptying the gray tank, you were actually emptying the black. A replacement part is "on its way" and then the challenge will be finding someone to do the warranty installation. We are finding that we are at the end of the line for warranty work since the coach wasn't bought from these dealers. Some places are two months out. A friend, sympathizing with my previous whiny blog, sent this as a lower tech alternative to Pancho.
South Texas is an interesting area. It is the most southerly location in the U.S. with the exception of South Florida, and is latitude wise like Loreto, BC. The weather is typically warm and nice in the winter, attracting migratory senior midwesterners and Canadians as well as birds. The demographics are pretty interesting. The permanent residents are largely Hispanic and it is not unusual to be the only Anglo in a shop or restaurant. It would be a great place to learn and practice Spanish. The seasonal people tend to live in Over 55 parks, some RV, some mobile homes and some stick built homes. There are hundreds of these parks, each with different features and characteristics. We are renting an RV space in John's park but most of the homes are mobile homes. John and Anna's home has been extensively expanded and is super comfortable. The area is a major citrus growing center, known for fabulous grapefruit and smells heavily of citrus blossom. I have a quart of grapefruit juice awaiting a bit of vodka for the cocktail hour. The juice is surprisingly sweet. Several pounds of grapefruit will feed us as we travel down the road.
I had seen an advertisement for a nearby park that has interesting plans for small homes with a patio and "RV Port." We went to look at it and were impressed with the concept. It provides great sun/weather protection for the rig while not traveling.
One evening we went to a nearby park for a "Patsy Cline" concert. The clubhouse was packed with people from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and even Saskatchewan. They clearly enjoyed the show based on the applause, but exhibited the well known midwestern reserve during the songs, reminiscent of my childhood with parents from Iowa and Minnesota. Anna and I couldn't help but move a bit with the music.
Here are a couple of links to one of my all time favorite songs, the first by Patsy and then the classic version by Gogi Grant. I prefer the latter and consider it one of my travel theme songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzsxlbqZ-RA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SaeWh3h8Fg
While we haven't seen my niece Christina, her husband Chris and their two kids, Maddie and Nori since October, I am periodically updated as to their doings. A milestone is being reached, almost, as Nori learns to use a spoon.
So much better this way. I did ask permission to use the picture, concerned that such a record on the internet might nix entry to Harvard some day but Christina did not share my worry.
John and Anna have an exuberant, black lab mix ( I think that might be redundant). Katie, who is about 10 months old, was dropped off in their park as a puppy and Anna heard her crying outside her porch. Being dog lovers, they gave Katie a home, concerned that the adoption record at the local shelter was not that good. Without a yard, it is hard for her to get exercise so John and I have been taking her and Max to the fabulous, square block dog park. About 1/4th is for small dogs, the rest for large dogs. Katie got frightened when she went to the large dog park and Anna got slammed by some big mastiffs, so we use the small dog park. Katie is over the weight limit but the other small dog owners are always gracious about allowing her in. Katie is overcoming her fear and getting great exercise. We go early to avoid crowds.
Today we head out for a few days in Port Isabel, close to Brownsville and South Padre Island. We are staying at an ownership park, renting a spot on a lake. With Spring break underway we are lucky to get such a choice spot. We are staying in the general area pending our appointment near Houston on April 7 for the necessary warranty work. A 2 1/2 week wait was the best we could do.
South Texas is an interesting area. It is the most southerly location in the U.S. with the exception of South Florida, and is latitude wise like Loreto, BC. The weather is typically warm and nice in the winter, attracting migratory senior midwesterners and Canadians as well as birds. The demographics are pretty interesting. The permanent residents are largely Hispanic and it is not unusual to be the only Anglo in a shop or restaurant. It would be a great place to learn and practice Spanish. The seasonal people tend to live in Over 55 parks, some RV, some mobile homes and some stick built homes. There are hundreds of these parks, each with different features and characteristics. We are renting an RV space in John's park but most of the homes are mobile homes. John and Anna's home has been extensively expanded and is super comfortable. The area is a major citrus growing center, known for fabulous grapefruit and smells heavily of citrus blossom. I have a quart of grapefruit juice awaiting a bit of vodka for the cocktail hour. The juice is surprisingly sweet. Several pounds of grapefruit will feed us as we travel down the road.
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| John and Anna outside Pancho |
I had seen an advertisement for a nearby park that has interesting plans for small homes with a patio and "RV Port." We went to look at it and were impressed with the concept. It provides great sun/weather protection for the rig while not traveling.
One evening we went to a nearby park for a "Patsy Cline" concert. The clubhouse was packed with people from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and even Saskatchewan. They clearly enjoyed the show based on the applause, but exhibited the well known midwestern reserve during the songs, reminiscent of my childhood with parents from Iowa and Minnesota. Anna and I couldn't help but move a bit with the music.
 |
| The singer sounded exactly like Patsy Cline |
Here are a couple of links to one of my all time favorite songs, the first by Patsy and then the classic version by Gogi Grant. I prefer the latter and consider it one of my travel theme songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzsxlbqZ-RA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SaeWh3h8Fg
While we haven't seen my niece Christina, her husband Chris and their two kids, Maddie and Nori since October, I am periodically updated as to their doings. A milestone is being reached, almost, as Nori learns to use a spoon.
 |
| Somehow the concept got lost |
So much better this way. I did ask permission to use the picture, concerned that such a record on the internet might nix entry to Harvard some day but Christina did not share my worry.
John and Anna have an exuberant, black lab mix ( I think that might be redundant). Katie, who is about 10 months old, was dropped off in their park as a puppy and Anna heard her crying outside her porch. Being dog lovers, they gave Katie a home, concerned that the adoption record at the local shelter was not that good. Without a yard, it is hard for her to get exercise so John and I have been taking her and Max to the fabulous, square block dog park. About 1/4th is for small dogs, the rest for large dogs. Katie got frightened when she went to the large dog park and Anna got slammed by some big mastiffs, so we use the small dog park. Katie is over the weight limit but the other small dog owners are always gracious about allowing her in. Katie is overcoming her fear and getting great exercise. We go early to avoid crowds.
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| The huge McAllen Texas dog park |
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| John, Katie and Max |
Today we head out for a few days in Port Isabel, close to Brownsville and South Padre Island. We are staying at an ownership park, renting a spot on a lake. With Spring break underway we are lucky to get such a choice spot. We are staying in the general area pending our appointment near Houston on April 7 for the necessary warranty work. A 2 1/2 week wait was the best we could do.
Friday, March 6, 2015
On the Road Again with Pancho and Lefty Toad
With my travel bug travel stalled for nearly a year and a half, I realized that my unrequieted passion was not unique after reading Steinbeck's Travels with Charley,
"...when the virus of restlessness begins to take possession of a wayword man, and the road away from Here seems broad and straight and sweet, the victim must first find himself a good and sufficient reason for going. This to the practical bum is not difficult."
When Steinbeck was preparing for his 3 month trip he saw in others "something I was to see over and over in every part of the nation-a burning desire to go, to move, to get underway, any place, away from Here."
Since the last significant travel, the road from Here has loomed larger and larger. Finally, after 3 house sales, two surgeries and more Seal Beach house maintenance than expected, we are on the road again. This time Mr. Lefty Toad has a new pal, Pancho Palazzo. Pancho is a nearly 35' diesel pusher, only three weeks old. Their traveling song is perfect for our current stay in Texas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvdmxszsDM8
While Pancho sounds like a tough cowboy with his big diesel engine, air brakes etc., he is in touch with his feminine side, equipped with an 18' fridge, washer and dryer, nice galley and plenty of storage, a/c capacity. Oh, did I mention a nice furnace? We are now in the lovely town of Fredericksburg in the Hill Country of Texas where we hunkered down during the recent midwest blizzard. This area, normally populated with snowbirds in the winter, suffered several days of freezing weather. We were toasty warm except when we needed to brave the cold and 19mph winds to take the boys out. Speaking of boys, Raggie is 17 1/2 and slow but still trucking. Max is 4 and getting easier all the time. He will probably always be a challenge because of his early experiences, 8 prior placements and shelters and perhaps, a reactive temperament to boot. He is very affectionate, curious and obedient, that is when he is not distracted.
We took delivery of Pancho in AZ and spent a few days in the funky town of Quartzsite. Moving from Bella to Pancho required putting everything in boxes and then there was the fun chore of figuring out how to stow things in the new configuration. Himself (he now calls himself Big Dog, hereafter BD) cleverly began to figure how to retrofit some of the ill conceived cupboards with additional shelves to make convenient space. We plan to spend months traveling, so the handier it is the better. The weather was comfortable in Quartzsite which is a funky town frequented by snowbirds, rockhounds and many members of the fringe culture. The poster child for the town is the owner of the bookstore.
We spent a few days in Tucson with our dear friends Larry and Sherril. Their hospitality, and help
figuring out Pancho, was very much appreciated. We also enjoyed seeing Suzanne, a transplant from SoCal, who hosted a lovely potluck in her relatively newly purchased home. They all live in the community of Civano, which is a wonderful planned community, featuring many environmentally friendly design elements and attractively laid out, smaller homes
"...when the virus of restlessness begins to take possession of a wayword man, and the road away from Here seems broad and straight and sweet, the victim must first find himself a good and sufficient reason for going. This to the practical bum is not difficult."
When Steinbeck was preparing for his 3 month trip he saw in others "something I was to see over and over in every part of the nation-a burning desire to go, to move, to get underway, any place, away from Here."
Since the last significant travel, the road from Here has loomed larger and larger. Finally, after 3 house sales, two surgeries and more Seal Beach house maintenance than expected, we are on the road again. This time Mr. Lefty Toad has a new pal, Pancho Palazzo. Pancho is a nearly 35' diesel pusher, only three weeks old. Their traveling song is perfect for our current stay in Texas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvdmxszsDM8
While Pancho sounds like a tough cowboy with his big diesel engine, air brakes etc., he is in touch with his feminine side, equipped with an 18' fridge, washer and dryer, nice galley and plenty of storage, a/c capacity. Oh, did I mention a nice furnace? We are now in the lovely town of Fredericksburg in the Hill Country of Texas where we hunkered down during the recent midwest blizzard. This area, normally populated with snowbirds in the winter, suffered several days of freezing weather. We were toasty warm except when we needed to brave the cold and 19mph winds to take the boys out. Speaking of boys, Raggie is 17 1/2 and slow but still trucking. Max is 4 and getting easier all the time. He will probably always be a challenge because of his early experiences, 8 prior placements and shelters and perhaps, a reactive temperament to boot. He is very affectionate, curious and obedient, that is when he is not distracted.
We took delivery of Pancho in AZ and spent a few days in the funky town of Quartzsite. Moving from Bella to Pancho required putting everything in boxes and then there was the fun chore of figuring out how to stow things in the new configuration. Himself (he now calls himself Big Dog, hereafter BD) cleverly began to figure how to retrofit some of the ill conceived cupboards with additional shelves to make convenient space. We plan to spend months traveling, so the handier it is the better. The weather was comfortable in Quartzsite which is a funky town frequented by snowbirds, rockhounds and many members of the fringe culture. The poster child for the town is the owner of the bookstore.
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| Quartzsite Bookstore Owner with Vashon Patron (just kidding) |
We spent a few days in Tucson with our dear friends Larry and Sherril. Their hospitality, and help
figuring out Pancho, was very much appreciated. We also enjoyed seeing Suzanne, a transplant from SoCal, who hosted a lovely potluck in her relatively newly purchased home. They all live in the community of Civano, which is a wonderful planned community, featuring many environmentally friendly design elements and attractively laid out, smaller homes
| Civano |
Just a few comments on buying a new motorhome. First they are enormously complicated. Second, the dealers, at least ours, are so quick to sell the coach and get you out the door that they overlook careful prep and do not provide adequate orientation. Third, manufacturers build the interiors for "curb appeal," forgetting that these things are lurching down the road. Visit a few boat builders and figure out how to make drawers that don't crash open already! While in Tucson we made several trips to Camping World for things that needed fixing or, in many instances, explaining. We ended up hiring an off duty tech to come to Civano and spend 2 1/2 hours walking up through the systems and features of the coach. I took 5 full pages of notes and the following morning, diagramed the electrical system. This is not simple as sources consist of shore power, battery power (two different battery systems) solar and generator. It is important for trouble shooting and for operation to understand how they work, what their capacity is, what works on 120 vs 12 volt.....NEVER did I think I would be troubling my little head with these pesky issues, but... Freightliner, the chassis manufacturer (whatever is a chassis?), runs a two day course for RV'ers who own rigs with their chassis. I have decided I will suck it up and attend along with BD, if we can find a schedule that works for us. SC in July won't do it! Next will be learning to drive Pancho, who assures me he is "easy." I see many female drivers in the truck stops where we fuel so, why not me?
The next stop should be South Texas to see my brother John.
The next stop should be South Texas to see my brother John.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Getting Ready to Go
We arrived on Vashon about the first of April and proceeded to spend 2 1/2 months aggressively downsizing, painting, landscape clean up etc.-all in order to list the house for sale. One day we had 8 workers here, painters, contractors and landscaped workers. All that time R and I were busy with our chores. We then had the realtors over for final review, only to be told that everything should be off counters, paperbacks should be ditched since they look "cheap," and the green leather chair and ottoman should be banished. Soooo, it has been nearly 4 months of living as though in a hotel, each morning cleaning all dog hair, removing newspapers and magazines, putting sponges, dish soap etc. out of sight and WAITING. It is a big pain for sure.
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| Add caption |
If we sell it will be a sad day in many ways as I don't think there is a more cozy house with the privacy and view on the whole island. We just want to travel for months at a time and the big house and 12 acres is more than we want to tend any more. Max will miss his kingdom for sure, including the coast moles, coons and other critters he can prey upon.
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| Max unearthed this mole |
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| Max's Kingdom |
We have targeted the end of the coming week to leave for Denver to see my niece, her husband, nearly 4 year old Maddie and the newest, Nori who is going on 9 months.
I have been busy making Maddie (last name Ng) her birthday present. The name of the critter is Slither Ng. Slither is 55" long and Auntie knit the whole thing!!!
If we get out of here in time AND the weather cooperates she may get the gift early. The trip from here to Denver entails going over the Rockies, so time is of the essence. We have one prospective buyer coming back Tuesday, if there is no good offer in a couple of days we will close her up and take off.
Bella is largely packed, the freezer is defrosting and the departure to do list is being checked off. One handy guide I ran across is the gas tax by state map. We do NOT want to get fuel in CA. Their outrageous tax policies continue to amaze.
Hopefully the next post will be from somewhere exciting while we are on the road.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
On the Road Again
We are on our way to Yellowstone for 5 nights in the park plus three interesting scenic drives off I-90 and three nights in a lovely campground north of the park, joining our friends Ann and Bill (and their dog Jake). This packing was been easy-two weeks.
Much has happened since arriving on Vashon almost two months ago. The garden is in and cranking. I am more and more limiting what I plant to 1) what does well in this climate, and 2) things that are better than what you get in the markets on the island or handy to have just outside the door. That means this year only cherry/pear tomatoes as the larger ones' ripening is often questionable in the climate, lots of snap peas, herbs, especially dill, carrots because they are easy, cukes and lettuce. The fig tree is laden, as is one pear tree and the little Fiesta apple tree had to be thinned as the fruit was so heavy. The flowers have been lovely, especially the peonies. Not having them grow in SoCal makes it a special treat to have them here.
The weather was very nice for this time of year with lots of sunshine, interrupted by some cloudy days and occasional rain. When Vashon is nice there is no prettier place.
We are now in the little town of Philipsburg in Montana on the first of three scenic routes off the interstate. This route is south of Missoula and west of Butte.
This valley was a big mining center in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The campground is three full service sites right in town. Terrific to walk to the famous BBQ place and the recently opened and already award winning Brewery. I walked the shops while the boys hung our in Bella and escaped with only 4 postcards. I like the spirit of Montana so far, independent and common sense based, maybe something you can do in a state with less that 1 million people. You may go to the brewery and get a beer and walk down the street carrying it to the BBQ joint-or visa versa. The brewmaster, a young man with a 4 year degree from Oregon in beer making, walks to work with his dog following him through town and the cat following the dog. Both critters hang out in the brewery. So civilized.
The old buildings are painted to reflect the original Victorian trim.
Much has happened since arriving on Vashon almost two months ago. The garden is in and cranking. I am more and more limiting what I plant to 1) what does well in this climate, and 2) things that are better than what you get in the markets on the island or handy to have just outside the door. That means this year only cherry/pear tomatoes as the larger ones' ripening is often questionable in the climate, lots of snap peas, herbs, especially dill, carrots because they are easy, cukes and lettuce. The fig tree is laden, as is one pear tree and the little Fiesta apple tree had to be thinned as the fruit was so heavy. The flowers have been lovely, especially the peonies. Not having them grow in SoCal makes it a special treat to have them here.
The weather was very nice for this time of year with lots of sunshine, interrupted by some cloudy days and occasional rain. When Vashon is nice there is no prettier place.
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| Views from the deck |
Max is slowly fitting in. He and Raggie have been buddies from the start and remain so. That is a huge advantage. We have mastered the leash walking up the hill but it is so quiet and private that it is not a real test. We will need to work on more congested areas. We have also gone to a little commercial area and sat and walked with the clicker and treats. Car goes by, Max tries to lunge, we preempt with a click and treat. Same with trucks, motorcycles, joggers, bikes, deer... some seems to be fear based, the deer represents a prey drive. It is a lot of work but he seems to be slowly responding. We are using the crate in the car as he does not do well in that environment, I suspect partly because he was not accustomed to it. He has been crate trained and his house manners are quite good now that he has learned the kitchen counters are not for him.
He is earning his keep. Living in the country includes living with lots of bugs and critters that invade the house and damage the yard. It seems that we have many more dirt cones from moles than ever before. Max found and killed a Coast Mole.
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| Good Boy Max |
This valley was a big mining center in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The campground is three full service sites right in town. Terrific to walk to the famous BBQ place and the recently opened and already award winning Brewery. I walked the shops while the boys hung our in Bella and escaped with only 4 postcards. I like the spirit of Montana so far, independent and common sense based, maybe something you can do in a state with less that 1 million people. You may go to the brewery and get a beer and walk down the street carrying it to the BBQ joint-or visa versa. The brewmaster, a young man with a 4 year degree from Oregon in beer making, walks to work with his dog following him through town and the cat following the dog. Both critters hang out in the brewery. So civilized.
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| The copper strip is ice cold so that your beer stays nice |
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| The Brewery with Bruce the Brewmaster's dog. He is an Idaho Shag-a new breed from Border Collie, Aussie and Airedale |
The old buildings are painted to reflect the original Victorian trim.
We took a nice side trip up to the Granite Ghost town, site of the most productive silver mines in the world in the 1890's. During that time over 3,000 people lived in Granite, which is 8,000' high and perched on granite hills. Water had to be brought in. I found a wonderful Granite photo essay on the internet
http://onmyfeetorinmymind.com/a-silver-mining-ghost-town-granite-montana-a-photo-essay/
Well, a circuit is blown so my coffee making is interrupted. Off to another scenic drive this morning.
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