“This is the end Beautiful friend This is the end My only friend, the end Of our elaborate plans, the end Of everything that stands, the end No safety or surprise, the end I’ll never look into your eyes again
Can you picture what will be So limitless and free Desperately in need of some stranger’s hand In a desperate land
This is the end Beautiful friend This is the end My only friend, the end
It hurts to set you free But you’ll never follow me The end of laughter and soft lies The end of nights we tried to die
This is the end This is the end.” Jim Morrison, The Doors (1967)
Despite being a big fan of Jim Morrison and The Doors – having seen them perform live at Cobo Hall in Detroit – I can’t fully explain why I would choose this morose, nihilistic song for this final post. If music had been added to this blog, maybe a trumpet playing “The Last Post” would have been more appropriate. But The Doors song has been sliding around my brain for the past couple of weeks, while Betty & I have made our way north – back into Manitoba.
The sticker map on our motorhome door is as full as it’s going to be on this trip. West Virginia, NWT and Newfoundland & Labrador are still missing, but those would need to come on future journeys. There are no roads to Hawaii or Nunavut, so they are excluded. lol.
Our overlandish odyssey over the past seven years has been a joyous blessing (with one year off to deal with health issues and a couple of years of limited travel – surviving the coronavirus)! It would be far more fitting to finish this blog with the Beatles version of “The End”. Maybe you’ll need to read further to see how it concludes. Lol.
The Mojave Desert surrounded us for most of our time in Nevada.
After leaving Las Vegas, each of our nine northbound stops was for one night, with the exception of Provo, Utah, where we stayed a second night to dump our tanks and fill up with fresh water. Until we reached Nebraska, most days were spent in mountainous terrain.
The scenic Northshore Road took us past many interesting rock formations on our way to I15. For a short, spectacular stretch, I15 cuts across a section of northwest Arizona between Nevada and Utah. On the most amazing portion, from Littlefield, Arizona to the Virgin River Gorge in Utah, Betty took a series of videos from the passenger seat. Just a 7 second video of this amazing route. Veterans Memorial Highway is a breathtaking stretch of road that we seemed to descent for at least 10 minutes, although I lost all sense of time as we marvelled at the landscape. all around us.I15 northbound provided many changes of scenery.Northbound into another new state, with tailwinds pushing us forward..
We had been apprehensive about how our motorhome would perform, given many previous issues traversing the Rocky Mountains. But our old boy has never ran so well as it did on this trip back to Canada!. The Banks Power system, coupled with a new fuel pump added last summer, provided power to spare going up and down the many steep grades.
We began to see stormy weather forming in Utah.Our plan had been to drive eastbound on I70 to Hittle Bottom campground, a free boondocking site near Moab, Utah, just past Arches National Park. But blowing snow reduced visibility. As we were unsure whether the storm would continue, we decided to change our plans away from a very scenic area which may have been hidden in clouds and snow.We drove as far east on I70 as Salina, Utah, spending a free night at a Shell service station parking lot.The next day we headed northwest toward Salt Lake City, with snow capped mountain tops all along the way.Passing one of a number of Mormon temples in Utah..Approaching Provo, Utah, storm clouds surrounded us, with a clear roadway still ahead.We decided to take a break for a couple of days, making a rare stop at the Provo KOA. The sites are extremely tight, with only partial picnic tables available on some sites. But we were able to dump our tanks, fill up with fresh water, and pay a brief visit to the local Costco.Leaving Provo on April 8, we decided to stop for lunch at a roadside pull-off, in order to catch the solar eclipse.It also gave us a chance to add state #47 – Utah – to our sticker map.We had mainly clear skies for the solar eclipse, staying in our motorhome and holding our cameras out the door for pictures. Being a fair distance from the moon’s orbit, we experienced a slight shift in colour, but nothing too spectacular. It was a fun break from driving, though.Passing over higher elevations, there was often snow on the roadside. But the highways north and eastbound were clear.We finally reached I80, which carried us eastbound all the way to Omaha, Nebraska.Strange rock formations continued to greet us on our eastbound journey.With the highway near Green River, Wyoming going straight through the rocks!When we stopped for the night at the Rock Springs, Wyoming Walmart parking lot, Betty was able to add our state #48 sticker. Yeah!As became her practice, Betty added a pic of the Nebraska sign when we passed it. While the interstate was in good condition, gusty cross winds across the mid-west led to some white-knuckle driving.At Sidney, Nebraska, we spent a free night in the parking lot of Cabalas World Headquarters.Using Freecampsites.net, which has been a regular habit, we found free overnight parking in the Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Area, just west of Lincoln, Nebraska.On a final portion of our trip north on I29, we entered Iowa again for a short stretch.Then South Dakota, where head winds reduced our gas mileage and increased the noise level.Choosing a South Dakota State Park (Union Grove) over the Sioux Falls Flying J, we enjoyed our last campfire as the sun set over the prairies. While we were the lone overnighters in the park, we still had 30 amp service and water at site #19E, the only pull-through that we would fit in.Fargo’s Walmart parking lot provided a quiet night, as it often has done in the past. Note that a full service wash in Fargo returned the shine to the old boy, prior to crossing back into Canada.As it’s still too early in the season for our spot at Town & Country to be open (snow on the ground again this morning…) our motorhome is parked for a week at Arrowhead RV park in Ile Des Chenes, Manitoba, just south of Winnipeg. Note there are no leaves on the trees yet, but we hope spring is not far away!
Every aspect of this journey was a marvelous blessing! Betty & I have been tremendously fortunate to experience so many great people and places. In well over 200 posts, this blog has chronicled our travels across most of North America. While there is never an end to the possibilities for adventure, we have more or less reached the goal set out at the beginning of this blog in November and December, 2017.
Hopefully you and we will have more joyful, memorable journeys to come. But for now – this is the end…
“Oh yeah, all right Are you going to be in my dreams Tonight?
…Love you, love you,
Love you, love you…
And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love you make.” John Lennon, Paul McCartney (1969)
Thanks for reading and joining us vicariously on this overlandish odyssey. For each of us, may the end of one journey lead to the beginning of another.
“Viva Las Vegas with you neon flashing And your one armed bandits crashing All those hopes down the drain Viva Las Vegas, turning day into nighttime Turning night into daytime If you see it once You’ll never be the same again
I’m gonna keep on the run, I’m gonna have me some fun If it costs me my very last dime If I wind up broke, oh well, I’ll always remember That I had a swinging time
I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got Lady luck please let the dice stay hot Let me shoot a seven with every shot Viva Las Vegas Viva Las Vegas Viva Las Vegas Viva, Viva Las Vegas”. Elvis Presley, 1964
You’re just as likely to see Elvis Presley live in Las Vegas as you are to see Michael Jackson live. In all cases when visiting this city established by the mob, it’s important to read the fine print. Lol.
After leaving Quartzsite, Betty & I are finally heading north, back to Canada. As usual, we are not driving too fast, starting with a brief visit to Emerald Canyon Golf Club, just north of Parker, Az.
I have driven here before, but with golf balls on the driving range again, not the Smart or motorhome.Unlike the Quartzsite course, this one is lush and green. Even the tee boxes are immaculate.The putting greens are real grass, so I used my real putter on this one.After our time in the desert, it is always an adjustment to experience this oasis on the banks of the Colorado River.Our first night’s stop after leaving Quartzsite was at mile marker 195, a free BLM spot just north of Lake Havasu City.Our home on wheels hadn’t had a wash since SPI, so I was happy to pull into a full-service wash in Kingman, Az. It’s sparkling again. Yeah!The Interstate north had lots of ups and downs. While it was overcast, fortunately there was no rain until after we had stopped for the night.The last pic showed one of the many downs. This one shows one of the many ups.As we crossed from Arizona to Nevada, over the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam was just the other side of this guardrail. We didn’t stop to get a better pic… BTW, due to recent droughts ,one can see how much lower the river is from normal levels.Entering a state Betty & I have never visited before – Nevada.Betty was finally able to add state #46 to our sticker map. It has been over 5 months since we added a new state. Two more to go on this trip – fingers crossed.Maybe appropriately, our first night in Nevada was spent in the parking lot of the Railroad Pass Casino. (for free.)We are now in the Boulder Beach campground, a short drive from Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. (site 9, loop A, $20./night.)Our site overlooks Lake Mead, and a rainbow appeared (far right) soon after we arrived. A good sign for a pot of gold at the casinos? Betty says “No”.As we took the Smart on the Interstate into Las Vegas, the famous Strip came into view in the background.The Luxor Hotel & Casino is the pyramid in the centre of this pic, taken from the highway. The two of us dined in their food court for $90. Ouch!Las Vegas is one of the most popular entertainment destinations in North America. But as mentioned, Betty & I have never been here before. So much to see with a deja vu effect – given the number of movies and television shows filmed here.Who knew that you didn’t need to go to New York to see the Statue of Liberty?Or to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower?Or to Egypt to see the pyramids?All this and more can be seen just by driving down the Las Vegas Strip. BTW, we didn’t get out of the Smart on the Strip, so the pics might not be as cropped as well as they could be.We drove past block after block of impressive hotels, including the Bellagio, with its fountains appropriately choreographed to Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas“. The huge Caesar’s Palace is on the right.Betty & I wondered if this driverless vehicle would have been able to keep up with our Smart in Boise, Idaho. lolNo trip down the Las Vegas Strip is complete without noting the dozens of wedding chapels. Apparently, Elvis was singing at this one.Betty & I didn’t feel a trip to Las Vegas was complete without taking in one of the many shows. Cirque Du Soleil was too expensive for us, so we chose the Blue Man Group in the Luxor Hotel & Casino, as advertised on this sign outside the Mandalay Bay Hotel. BTW, the promotional screens up and down the Strip rival Times Square, with an increasing level of depth and clarity.The Blue Man group was a high energy, unique, interactive performance. The percussion, using a wide range of instruments – including drain pipes – was amazing!Bright screens and strobe lights added to the sensory overload. But it was all fun…As we left Las Vegas we hoped to follow the warning to drive carefully. Whether we come back soon is another matter…
“I’m gonna keep on the run, I’m gonna have me some fun If it costs me my very last dime If I wind up broke, oh well, I’ll always remember That I had a swinging time…
Viva, Viva Las Vegas”
While Betty & I didn’t gamble while here, we hope you can take a chance to have a swinging time somewhere, without losing your last dime. lol.
“I like the way your sparkling earrings lay Against your skin so brown And I want to sleep with you in the desert night With a billion stars all around
‘Cause I got a peaceful easy feelin’ And I know you won’t let me down ‘Cause I’m already standin’ On the ground…” Eagles (1972)
For over six years now, Betty & I have been travelling the North American continent on our overlandish odyssey. As we consider – for health reasons – whether this will be our last hurrah, we recognize how blessed we have been to have experienced so much – so many great people, places, sights, smells and sounds. We will forever cherish these memories of peaceful, easy feelings!
Betty & I shared a charcuterie board and shrimp ring, al fresco, as the setting sun cast a pink glow on the mountains to the east of our desert campsite.
As mentioned in a recent post, Betty & I have been returning to some favourite spots, possibly for the last time. We are now finishing our stay in Quartzsite, Arizona, and we can well relate to the Eagles’ peaceful, easy feeling, with skin so brown from the sun, and desert nights so bright with a billion stars all around!
For evenings we had a campfire and watched the setting sun.This pic is from the same night, catching the desert view in another direction. Yes, that’s a pizza box from Silly Al’s in Quartzsite.. Great pizza from an always busy spot!Here the sun is a little lower over the barren mountains. Always an impressive sight!
Despite Betty needing to fight a painful bout of sciatica, we have still been able to stand on this special ground and enjoy a return to desert activities experienced during earlier visits.
It is always a joy to golf in the desert – partly because it is free, and mainly because there is no pressure to keep score. Just try not to lose your ball down a rattlesnake hole…The course we played had markers to indicate yardage and suggested par.Each hole is marked by a flag on the “green” (although there is no grass) so you know where to aim. The flag is circled by a rut in the dirt, so if you get the ball inside that rut – you scored! lol Here Betty takes a break on a bench at the next tee box.Betty teed off. I told her if she hits the mountain, she went too far…Here she gets into the swing of things, with a big cactus in the background. Don’t judge the stance. She hasn’t taken lessons like I have – but she’s likely just as good. lolBetty turned the camera on me as we were reaching the end of our tournament. The Smart can just be seen in the background. BTW, there were no other cars in the parking lot. We were the only ones on the course after noon.Neither of us are great golfers. But it was a peaceful, easy feeling spending time together in the warm desert sun.Today is our last day in Quartzsite, and we moved to a full-service site (Park Place RV Park site 23- $40./night) in order to get some laundry done, and our tanks flushed. When boon docking in the desert, we tend to use very little water to wash and flush, so things can build up…. Four years ago we intended to get our tanks cleaned before leaving Quartzsite, but had to head back to Canada in a hurry when COVID 19 hit. So today we arranged for Korey from KleenTank to stop by our site and do a thorough cleaning of both black & grey tanks. Now we’re good to go!In some ways it’s hard to leave this special spot, knowing that we may never return. But we go with peaceful, easy feelings of standing on the ground with a million stars all around.
Wherever your journey through life takes you, Betty & I hope that you also will be blessed from time to time with peaceful, easy feelings that won’t let you down.
“‘Cause I get a peaceful easy feelin’ And I know you won’t let me down ‘Cause I’m already standin’ I’m already standin’ Yes, I’m already standin’ On the ground.”
When one thinks of a desert, we often visualize a barren land, devoid of development. Yes, Quartzsite, Arizona is bordering the Mojavi Desert, with no snow and little rainfall each year. It gets extremely hot in summers, with average temperatures over 100f (over 40c). But Betty & I are back here in March 2024, having made a hasty retreat from this same spot exactly four years ago today, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The forecast is for low seventies Fahrenheit (low twenties Celsius) for the next few days, then the low eighties Fahrenheit (low thirties Celsius) later this week. Nights cool off to comfortable sleeping temperatures.
We are parked again in the desert, with barren mountains in the background. The vegetation is a little more lush this year, due to recent rains.
Betty & I find this desert setting calming for a number of reasons. The fact that it is devoid of development means that we are not faced with the hustle and bustle of urban life. There are no traffic jams, and even relatively few traffic lights. It has generally a very quiet, laid-back vibe. That might not be desirable for the long term, but for a short time it is reminiscent of some of the calming retreats we experienced in our youth.
But before I go further in describing our current experience, maybe I should provide an update from our last post:
Here is one last sunset view through the cacti at our site in Tucson’s Gilbert Ray campground.From our campground, we returned to I10 via spectacular Saguaro National Park.Spring flowers in yellow and purple appeared as we drove west on the interstate.Our next stop was a one night return to a Painted Rock Petroglyph campsite (#44)Betty was able to find shade from our motorhome, as she enjoyed the views during our short stay at Petroglyph campground.Continuing westward, the spring-time desert is greening up from recent rains.Our next overnight stop involved a much different change of pace. Staying at the decidedly upscale Fontana De Oro RV Resort in Yuma., we had a full-service site adjacent to a golf course and resort with pickle ball, pools, and too many amenities to list here.The reason for our visit was to connect with Linda & Jeff, friends from our summer location in Winnipeg. They treated us to dinner and we had a great time catching up & looking forward to our summer at Town & Country RV Park.Our pull-through site (#722) in this huge park was $75./night, and well worth it to visit our friends. While in Yuma I was also able to get an oil change and new wiper blades for our motorhome.Our current campsite, in comparison, has no services, but lots of space in the desert sun.
Everyone we have encountered here has been extremely friendly. As mentioned in earlier posts about Quartzsite, RVers can park as close, or as far away from neighbours as they wish. There are hundreds of square miles of Bureau of Land Management land to choose from, so location is personal preference. And you don’t have to stay on BLM land. There are a number of full-service RV parks in town, with a variety of services and amenities, at very reasonable prices – if you don’t come in January. Ok, maybe I should add that January is when the Big Tent is set up, and hundreds of thousands of people descend on Quartzsite for RV rallies & shows – so maybe not so calming then. Lol.
Betty was able to get a stunning sunrise pic from our current site. I didn’t see it myself, but the pic looks great…
We have chosen to return to the same little loop in La Posa West Long-Term Visitor Area. While other areas are free, we have paid $40. for a two-week permit that allows us to access water, dump our tanks, and empty our garbage as needed. Previously we had paid $170. for a stay up to 7 months in the same location. Given the cost of living elsewhere, cheap or free here has a significant calming effect. Lol.
Those who read posts from 2019-2020 will recognize our site from that period. It is only about 50 yards away from our current location.Lots of sunshine and comfortable temperatures are forecast for this week.Betty is enjoying the calming environment with a glass of margarita, under the shade of a mesquite tree.
When we were here before, there were generally 5 RVs parked in this loop, with the number temporarily increasing to 8 or 9 in January. Currently there are only 2 other RVs in our loop. One is an old “schoolie”, and the other is a type A diesel-pusher.
Betty can often be found in her quilting centre, with her sewing machine again plugged into our abundant sunshine.The surrounding desert may not reflect it, but the quiet calm provides a welcome break from otherwise noisy life experiences.
Quartzsite is definitely not for everyone. But for Betty & me, at this time of our lives, and at this point in our journey, it is nice to stay for a few weeks in a location with no pressure and no responsibilities, beyond occasionally picking up a few groceries and moderating the amount we spend in the sun.
Restful, majestic sunsets are common at our current location. Here’s one from the night before last.
Hoping you can also find a calming space to escape an otherwise hectic world from time to time.
“This is the story of how we begin to remember This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein After the dream of falling and calling your name out These are the roots of rhythm And the roots of rhythm remain
In early memory Mission music Was ringing ’round my nursery door I said take this child, Lord From Tucson Arizona Give her the wings to fly through harmony And she won’t bother you no more…” from Paul Simon’s song Under African Skies.
Our memories over the years have taken Betty & me back to some magical places, including Tucson, Arizona. Blog posts from March 2018 reflect our first visit here, and we are glad for the rhythmic pictures that help us remember well.
There is a beautiful rhythm to the flora and fauna that encompass our motorhome.
We are excited to be back in Gilbert Ray campground, just up the narrow, curvy road from Old Tucson, where so many spaghetti westerns were filmed. In fact, we are currently in the same campsite – A56 – we occupied at this exact same time six years ago! (currently $35. night with 50 amp electricity and picnic table.) And we were in this same site again on Dec. 13, 2019, as reflected in the post “Return To The Big Frickin Cactus.” It obviously left us something to remember!
Speaking of remembering, last night I dutifully set the clocks forward one hour in recognition of daylight savings time. However, when I got up this morning, the time on my phone had not changed. Betty checked and found that Arizona is the only state in the contiguous U.S. that doesn’t adopt daylight savings time, except the part of Arizona that is within the Navajo Nation . So for our family back in Manitoba, we now have a two hour time difference. Who knew?
Described in more detail in our March 2018 post, there are many forms of majestic cacti surrounding us again.As we remembered, many are flowering this time of year.Betty reminded me not to touch the prickly parts.It becomes difficult not to overwhelm this post with amazing views from our site, including the ocotillo, or coach whip in the right foreground.Whether day or evening, we are thankful for the rhythmic beauty that surrounds us.Betty & I are so blessed to be able to add memories from this place, just as Betty adds new socks to her current collection. lolOf course, we couldn’t end this post without paying homage to the “Big Fricken Cactus” that starred in posts from our earlier visits. An enlarged, framed picture of this 20′ plus monster is featured just inside our front door in Winnipeg.Here’s another view of this gigantic specimen (cereus giganteus, to be exact). It’s hard to fathom unless you see it in person – Look but don’t touch! lolWe remember well this harmonic setting, and hope you can visualize it also.
Our hope is that you can also remember well people and places that have led to the powerful pulsing of love in your veins. May your memories give you wings to fly through harmony whatever life brings your way!
“This is the story of how we begin to remember This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein After the dream of falling and calling your name out These are the roots of rhythm And the roots of rhythm remain…”
“Hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll? Rock on Ooh, my soul Hey, did you boogie too, did ya?
Hey, shout, summertime blues Jump up (up, down) and down in my blue suede shoes Hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll? Rock on…” David Essex
Yes, David Essex, I am boogying and jumping up and down in my blue suede shoes!
We just found a place with some other-worldly rock formations!
As mentioned in our last post, Betty & I planned to travel to City Of Rocks State Park, about 29 miles northwest of Deming, New Mexico. It wasn’t directly on our Interstate 10 route to Tucson, Arizona. But a fellow traveller had recommended it, so we thought we’d check it out. If you are at all interested in some very weird rock formations, this is the place to go. Rock on!
City Of Rocks isn’t actually near anything else on this planet, but worth a look if you’re into interstellar travel.Our site (#8 – Centaurus) cost $10. + $4. reservation fee.The site included a picnic table, bench & fire pit, but would have been a tight squeeze for our motorhome, so we parked in a large, adjacent turnaround.Here is a view of our spot from the other side. We left the Smart car attached and only put one small slide out, as it was impossible to find level ground.All the campsites are named after constellations. There could have been a sign on this one – “watch for falling rock.” lolThe large, irregular shaped campsites are all nestled next to very unusual rock formations.Betty & I hiked around many of the rocks. Here she uses her herculean strength to hold back this boulder.It turned out to be a very pleasant day for a little hike.We stopped at Canis Minor, wherever that is. Were we lost in space?We also found Taurus, but the constellation wasn’t occupied just now…We experienced some narrow escapes on our travels.But eventually Betty was able to see some wide open space through the rocks.We were glad to not be lost in space, and made it through without anything falling on us.Strange shapes all around!Not sure what Betty was pointing to here…But I think it’s time for a drink!
“And where do we go from here? Which is a way that’s clear? Still looking for that blue-jean baby-queen Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen See her shake on the movie screen Jimmy Dean (James Dean)
hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll? Rock on (Rock on) hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll? Rock on (Rock on) hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll? Rock on.”
Where do we go from here? Which is the way that’s clear?
Stay tuned for the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Rock on!
As I went walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway; I saw below me that golden valley This land was made for you and me.
I roamed and I rambled and I followed my footsteps, To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; While all around me a voice was sounding, Saying this land was made for you and me.
The sun came shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling; As the fog was lifting, a voice was chanting, This land was made for you and me.”
Original by Woody Guthrie. This version by The Travellers, 1955.
In over six years of full-time RVing, Betty & I have been excited to tour places we have never visited before. Of course, the North American continent is so vast that there will always be new spots we haven’t seen. But we have been doing our best. Lol.
Betty captured another sunrise, before we left Mission, Texas.
This portion of our overlandish odyssey took us, for our first time, down the banks of the Mississippi River. And we hope it will take us through Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – three of the four contiguous states we haven’t yet toured on this trip.
But there’s something satisfying and calming to return to locations we have enjoyed in the past. Because we don’t yet know whether this will be our last hurrah, so to speak, Betty & I decided to forgo an adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Great Smokey Mountains. Instead, we are re-visiting some of our favourite spots from previous trips.
Since we left Winnipeg, we have made return visits to Buccaneer State Park in Mississippi, New Orleans, Galveston Island, and of course South Padre Island, which comes in at the top of our favourites. No doubt the icing on the cake was a fabulous visit there from our family in February!
A bottom bracket on our awning broke shortly after the new awning was installed in Mission. Even though we thought it was secured, the awning started to come out in heavy winds through the Rio Grande Valley. We made an emergency stop on the side of the highway, at the end of Heriberto Castillo’s driveway. He came to see what we were up to, and was so excited to meet us that he gave us his contact information and asked for a picture with him. What a wonderful encounter during an otherwise unintended stop!Betty & I spent our first night after Mission in the parking lot of the most attractive Texas Welcome Center, just north of Loredo, a location we had visited on a previous trip.For a long stretch westbound on Interstate 10 Betty took the wheel. Despite the look on her face in this pic, she drove very well.The road had its ups and downs, but the rock cuts levelled things out quite a bit.Despite being an Interstate, there were still lots of interesting sights along the way.Our next stop was Monahans Sandhill State Park, still in Texas. We stayed in the same site we occupied on our visit six years ago. It included water and electricity for $15. We didn’t have to pay an $8. entrance fee, as we have a Texas State Park pass.The campsites at Monahans are all nestled in the sand dunes, providing a nice quiet setting.Betty hiked to the top of one of the dunes for some peaceful meditation.The mountains in the El Paso area were a little steeper, but the old boy still made it!Oliver Lee State Park, just outside Alamogordo, New Mexico, is definitely one of our favourites. The sites are nestled into the side of a mountain; are well spaced apart; and all have fabulous views.Our first night was in site 11, loop A. It includes a shelter with picnic table, and a fire ring. This unserviced site was $10. plus a $4. entrance fee – a great price for a large spot with 360 degree views.Betty couldn’t resist a selfie showing her happiness in returning to such a beautiful location.Yesterday we returned to site 31 in loop B, where we stayed six years ago this week. This sunset pic isn’t quite the one posted in March, 2018. Maybe I’ll duplicate it tonight!Today we returned to the White Sands National Monument, a few miles west of Alamogordo. This national park includes 245 sq. miles, with a road through the dunes, parking areas, and hiking trails. Flying saucers can be purchased for slides down the talcum powder-like dunes. This pic is similar to the one posted in March 2018, capturing the spectacular fine-grained gypsum sand.As on the dunes at South Padre Island and Monahans Sandhill SP, Betty stopped to ponder life in the gorgeous location.She can be seen on the top of one of the White Sands dunes. Btw, that white stuff is snow on the mountain in the back left of this pic.
A new campground this week will be City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico, before hopeful visits to Gilbert Ray campground in Tucson, and BLM land in Quartzsite, other favourites.
As is always the case, our journey through life is a combination of new and exciting experiences, and ideally some satisfying and calming return favourite times, people and places. Here’s hoping you get a suitable balance of both new and familiar adventures!
“This land is your land, and this land is my land From California to the New York island From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me….” Written by Woody Guthrie, 1940.
Cheers!
If you want to return to “the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts”, this could be a favourite spot!UPDATE: Last night I tried to replicate the pic from March 2018, which I had enlarged and added to our living room wall in Winnipeg. The sky in this pic isn’t exactly the same, and the bird is facing the other way. But those were two aspects of the shot out of my control. lol. Otherwise, it is an evocative image from a favourite spot.
After a very wonderful, active week with our kids and grandkids on South Padre Island, Betty & I have moved – temporarily – to a much quieter 55 + community of mainly “winter Texans”: Canadians and folks from northern states who escape the chillier winter weather for a few months of warmth in the Rio Grande Valley.
The temperature is starting to climb into the 90s, so almost time to move on…
The Rio Grande Valley includes the cities of Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco, Pharr, McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, San Juan, and Rio Grande City, which are all located close to the Rio Grande River that forms the border between Texas and Mexico.
Our site – 2415 Double Eagle Dr. – in Hidden Valley Ranch (yes, that’s really the name!) contains a large, flat cement parking area with water, sewer, and 50 amp power. We didn’t have access to the casita, on the same property. But the porch was nice for our bbq, and to keep our bikes out of the sun and rain. The L-shaped structure provided a shady spot to sit and chat; for Betty to sew socks; and for us to listen to audio books.
Good friends from our summer home at Town & Country – Pat and Gordie – have a winter spot in Mission, Texas, and arranged for us to stay at their park for a few weeks. We have been fortunate to also connect with a number of other folks from Town and Country to catch up on their news and compare the many RV parks in the valley.
While here we have been able to cross into Mexico a number of times, stocking up on medications for me, and accessing cheaper, good quality dental care for Betty.
A “before” pic of one of our slide toppers which has been battered by the winds in the past few years. We already had them replaced twice, but the vinyl fabric just wasn’t up to the task.
A shop at a local flea market supplied and installed a new awning for our motorhome, replacing the one damaged by high winds as we left Magnolia Beach. They were able to re-use the acrylic fabric from our old awning to make three good quality toppers for our slide-outs.
Our new replacement toppers were made from our old acrylic awning, and are expected to last much longer. They are a colour match to our new awning.New awning and toppers were expertly installed at our current site. It couldn’t have been more convenient!
A custom mattress manufacturer in North Carolina made a new mattress for our motorhome – to our exact specifications – and had it delivered to us in Mission within a week.
FedEx delivered the custom made mattress to our site in the park, within a week of ordering. It was shrink-wrapped to fit in this box, but expanded to full size when we opened it.Betty checked out the new mattress as soon as it was installed. Looking forward to some restful sleeps!
We have shopped at the local Costco while here (sorry you couldn’t join us Valerie), and picked up ingredients for some great meals, pillows for our new bed, and a slow-cooker to replace the one we left at the house on South Padre Island…
We couldn’t resist the bottle of “Steak and potatoes” Cabernet Sauvignon, to go with our steak and potatoes. Btw, we are big fans of the local Texas russet potatoes, I’m sure our daughter Lisa would approve. lol
Pat and Gordie have been helpful in a number of ways, including acclimatizing us to the local night life and introducing us to their friends.
We visited Buchanans Music Hall for some local country flavour. The performers sang a song for us, requested by Pat.Pat and Betty were joined by Pat’s friend Shirley for a fun night out.I left my stetson at home, but Gordie came well prepared.Gordie & Pat tore up the dance floor with some fancy two-steppin”.
Our three weeks here are almost over. As we prepare to head further west to Arizona, it has been a great time for Betty and me to get a flavour of what the Rio Grande Valley has to offer. If you have an opportunity, we highly recommend a visit to this fascinating part of the continent.
“And you can tell everybody that this is your song It may be quite simple but Now that it’s done I hope you don’t mind I hope you don’t mind That I put down in words How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.
I hope you don’t mind I hope you don’t mind That I put down in words How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” Writer(s): Bernie Taupin, Elton John
One last group pic before everyone leaves South Padre Island.
Sometimes relationships with relatives and friends can get really messy. Misunderstandings and arguments can lead to anger, bitterness, separation and loneliness. Despite technological advances intended to improve communication and assist people in connecting more easily, many seem to be experiencing a disconnect from others these days. While pandemic isolation is hopefully in the rear-view mirror for now, maybe we could all benefit from opportunities to strengthen healthy friends and family relationships.
Nana & James enjoy a snuggle in one of Andrew’s hammocks.
Betty & I had just such an opportunity this past week.
Betty & Lisa share a hug.
My last post spoke of the happiness that emanated from our week-long celebrations with our family. This can be considered “Part Two” – covering the final fun family frolicking before everyone but us headed back to Manitoba. BTW, I can now happily report that everyone made it home safely. Yeah!
James tries to beat his dad in a game of pool.
When I consider the pictures taken this week, they speak to me of joyful relationships. Here are but a few examples:
Valerie leads a stretching family yoga session.
The home we rented had at least eleven large, flat-screen televisions. But for the week we were together, I didn’t see one turned on – ever! In addition to all the inside and outside activities, our kids and grandkids brought games and puzzles, and days were filled laughing and chatting over “go” or “boggle” or “zombie kittens” or any number of other challenges.
Sharing meal times is always an important part of joyful relationships.But just sitting for a cuddle with Nana is also good too…Andrew practices putting while his dad looks on.Of course shared walks on the beach are also a great time to connect.And share a meeting of the minds.Or just pose by the calming Gulf waters.But everything wasn’t always just calming. There were some hair-raising rides as well!Including scary ones where it was best to hold hands.Or go with your Dad.And it’s usually good to have a Dad or uncle with you when the world goes merrily around.Amusement parks are always a fun shared experience.But so is sharing a big sandcastle chair.Or showing a pirate where to go to find the hidden treasure.Then there’s this fearsome pirate who also seems to have found the ice cream. lolOverall, our short time together helped strengthen some joyful relationships.
Betty & I hope that your relationships also include some wonderful, joyful, life-giving hugs with those in your world!
“I hope you don’t mind I hope you don’t mind That I put down in words How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
“It might seem crazy what I am ’bout to say Sunshine, she’s here, you can take a break I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space With the air, like I don’t care, baby by the way
Huh (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you know what happiness is to you (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do… Pharrell Williams 2014
Everyone’s lives have ups and downs, good times and bad. There are times when we feel like we are moving forward, and other moments like we are stuck in reverse. Anyone reading our travel blog will recognize that Betty & I have experienced all of the above.
But this week Pharrell Williams’ song best captures our mood: Happiness is the truth!
Over a year ago we pitched our kids and grandkids on the idea of coming to South Padre Island for a week to celebrate a late Christmas, our daughter and her husband’s tenth wedding anniversary, our other daughter and her husband’s twentieth wedding anniversary, our fiftieth wedding anniversary, numerous birthdays, and whatever anyone felt like celebrating. It has been a most happy time!
The following are just a few of the pictures that attempt to capture our shared experience. But they don’t do justice to the exhilarating feelings of elation that have surrounded us on South Padre Island this week!
Aurora, Isabella, James & Pat join me as birthday celebrants on South Padre Island .Adam & Lisa congratulate Graham on making it through another year.Georgia keeps an eye on her Nana’s meatball during our festive feast. James, Betty, Georgia, Kevin, Lisa, Adam, Valerie, Andrew, Isabella, Annie, Aurora, and I met at the South Padre Island sign for a group photo to celebrate our time together.The 9 bedroom home we rented is a short block from the beach. It came with second and third floor decks, a basketball court, soccer pitch, and swing set, among other features.The Gulf Of Mexico is clearly visible from our decks.Our yard includes a putting green,And swimming pool,But one of the most popular features is the hot tub, with an adjustable thermostat and water fall to the pool.The home includes a couple of parking areas, with one large enough for our motorhome and Smart car.Andrew is rarely seen without his guitar. Here he serenades his mom and our friend Pat, as they chat over someone’s famous margaritas.There is no shortage of shared activities at the home, including Legs Up The Wall Yoga with our very own yoga instructor.Very talented Annie & daughter Aurora are completing some craft work on the patio.But our time together hasn’t been limited to just the home. We also visited the plaque honouring our own Queen Isabella. lolAnd stopped at the South Padre Island Sea Turtle Rescue with Kevin & Valerie.Where James had a chance to talk turtle.Sunday morning saw us filling a pew at our local Chapel By The Sea.With lots of time spent finding shells on the beach,And visiting our old puppy Charlie’s final resting place.Hugs are regularly shared by all. Here Annie & Andrew enjoy a sunny beach day together.Most evenings see gatherings in the hot tub, with glorious sunsets in the background.
Our week together isn’t over yet, but my camera is full, and my heart is overflowing with happiness that we can share this special time together!
Here’s one more pic at the South Padre Island sign, taken by our good friend Gordie from Town & Country, with potentially more happiness to share in another post.
Betty & I know from experience that life on this earth isn’t always easy. But we hope and pray that you can join Pharrell Williams and us in recognizing times when we are filled with joy!
“Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you know what happiness is to you (Because I’m happy) Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do.”
