Cattail Cove Jeep Trail-

These are the 4 other jeeps we did the return
trail with. We are the blue jeep, of course
(Please click on photos to see up close)

This is Mark's CJ7 ~ making a tough climb
over some pretty good rocks.

First of all, when we arrived in Lake Havasu two days ago, we did not anticipate tons of people everywhere. But there were, because the annual pyrotechnics show was going on this weekend. But, we were so lucky to have spotted a gorgeous drycamping spot (pictures to follow) on our way in to Lake Havasu, about 15 miles south. So, we hit Basha's for groceries, and hightailed back to BLM land. Absolutely beautiful view, level ground, lots of room. We are happy.

Next morning, after consulting our 4 wheel drive book, we decided we would check out one of the jeep trails. As we are loading up the jeep, a CJ7 drives up and asks if we're heading 'up'. "Sure", we say. He then asks if we 'want some company.' "You bet!"

What an awesome day! We've got LOTS of pictures that I will post, but our internet connection is slower than usual in this spot, so I will wait till tomorrow or the next day.

We did Cattail Cove trail with the Cj7 - Mark, Carrie and their daughter, Lexi. Nothing too technical, but the scenery was beautiful and it felt great to be out on a trail again!

As we came to the end of the trail, there was another group of three jeeps ready to head back. The guys talked, compared jeeps, looked under, over and in....next thing I know we are all five heading out, but not the same way we came in. These guys were experienced jeepers and knew an alternate route which did involve some ROCKS and good articulation. Henry knows what he's doing, knows how to maneuver the rocks, and climbed right along with them.

We had a great time, met some super nice people, and by the end of the day I felt like I 'played hard all day', and was now tired.

Side note: BlackJack was wiped out.

Obama, Our Next President? God Help Us!

I guess all this political talk on TV and the internet is beginning to worry me. I came across the following information about Barack Obama....now I'm just downright scared, as we all should be. If we had any 'balls' at all, we, as Americans, would be damn sure that we do not elect this non patriotic, muslim, racist (reverse racism, obviously) scumbag.

Please click on the following link and prepare to be angry.

http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/10720?tstart=0


Now, I know the man refuses to wear the U.S. Flag pin on his lapel. To be honest, I was immediately offended when I read that. He wants to be OUR president in the United States of America and represent Americans, but he won't display OUR flag?!

Now, I just saw the clip of Obama, Clinton, and two other folks standing on a platform in Iowa, with a huge American flag proudly on display as their backdrop. Obviously, the Pledge of Allegiance was being said, because three of the four on stage had their hand over their heart. What was Obama doing? Standing 'at ease', kind of dumpy looking with arms dangling. Now, I am just down right pissed off! What a worthless piece of human flesh.

That dirtbag doesn't have the decency, heart, or soul to respect our men and women who have proudly served and are serving our country...not to mention the thousands who have given their life for our FREEDOM. What a slap in the face!

We have Oprah and the Kennedys who have thrown their money and support behind this guy. I'm not surprised at that when you consider what they stand for...But, what is very despairing are the numbers of Americans who will actually vote for him! There is a strong likelihood that he will be our NEXT President!

Like I said, God help us. And I am talking about God, my Saviour, The Almighty, The Prince Of Peace.
I am NOT referring to 'allah, buddha, or a 'greater being.' The only comfort in any of today's world troubles in my mind, is that I know God is in control. There would be no hope, if not for that.

Blythe, California

After our expensive grocery trip in Quartzsite, today we decided on a drive and headed to Blythe, California. Stopped in at Albertson's and picked up the remaining items I needed for our last week here in Quartzsite.

Not a whole lot in Blythe, but it is clean (the main drag anyway) and has the typical McDonald's, movie theater, bowling alley and mexican restaurant.....plus a whole lot of 'kinda scabby lookin'' individuals. And, expensive gasoline prices...$3.39 for regular...ouch!

A side note about BlackJack: He actually ate last night!

Buying groceries in Quartzsite...What!

(click on image to enlarge)
So, because we are dry camping here in Quartzsite, I can't use my own washer and dryer for obvious reasons, so this morning we headed off to town to the laundromat. Not one of my favorite things to do, but necessary. $10.00 it cost to do our 3 loads of laundry.
Then, we planned to do some grocery shopping, but knowing the 3 stores in Quartzsite are small and not that desirable, we planned to drive 17 miles to Blythe, CA, or 38 miles to Parker to a decent sized store.
BUT, after having talked to another woman out here camping, she tells me that the General Store right here in Quartzsite has really good meat, and 'no', she says, 'their prices are not bad.' 'Okay', we decide, we'll not drive to Blythe or Parker and go to the General Store in town. We'll be saving time and money.

This is one of those times where we should have just done what we originally planned. We didn't pick up all the items I had on my list, and just stuck to a few necessities like bread, eggs.....wine, and desert for Mr. Sweet Tooth himself. Anyway...
The photo above is what we purchased, the price we paid was $71.29! At $9.00 in gasoline to have driven to a decent store, it would have been cheaper. Between the laundromat and eggs and bread, oh yes, and the gasoline for our generator, today was a $100.00 day.

BlackJack update

Jack's favorite spot for the morning sun


You can check out the link in the sidebar about PSS, aka liver shunt. This is what BlackJack was diagnosed with last May. The vet put him on Hill l/d canned food, and 3 medications. At that time, Jack would eat the food with no problem and we were able to give him his medicine.
But, it didn't take long before he figured out the medicine and stopped eating the food altogether.
They say 'he'll eat when he's hungry', right? Wrong.

We are now 9 months later and have been coaxing him to eat for several months, anything at all. For awhile, a scrambled egg would work...then he refused. French fries.....then he refused. Chicken in small quantities mixed with rice (restricted protein)....then he refused. Toast....not anymore. Eggo waffle....nope. We've done oatmeal, yogurt, cheese, green beans, red pepper....we have made omelets which almost looked appetizing to us....not happening.

He has pretty much stopped eating at this point. We are going in to Day 3, no food. It's sad. It's frustrating. I'm not sure what to do at this point for him.

Another's perspective on why we fulltime

The following is another fulltimer's point of view about why we do what we do. I was personally touched by what she writes, and can relate to and agree with every word. I emailed this woman (Mona) and asked her permission to post on my blog. Her reply was 'by all means!'...So, here it is.....

"I was thinking about this yesterday as Bill & I walked with Stone & Patches (our Aussies). Weather was 75 or so, beautiful sunny day, small breeze.

Turtles lazy on logs, water fowl everywhere, fish jumping in lake, kayaks in river, bikers out and about, campers relaxing in lounge chairs, shorts & tees, migrating buzzards circling high overhead, lazy gators shallow in lake/sun, Bill & I holding hands...praising our Creator and thankful for this country and freedom. Meeting travelers in $$$$$ rigs and others in $ rigs, all with smiles and friendliness.

Living in the moment! Hard to do that in the corporate world I came from.

Taking time to think. Ponder. Pray. Listen. Breathe.

Not worrying about Kohl's, Penny's, etc. 7am sales, etc.

Watching the sunset and being thankful you lived this day where you did and how you did.

Choosing to be alone...or in a group.

A simpler life. Cherishing a hot bowl of soup on a cool night.

Removing ourselves from the rush and hurry of past life. Seeking peace and solitude.

Embracing LIFE. Taking back the living of it so easily stolen by other influences. Not sweating the small stuff.

Living...not being an observer of life.

Can you do these things living in a house? I guess. We never did.

This is the pioneering spirit taht is within many of us. I choose to think it is of great value.

As we go deeper into life as Fulltimers...it becomes who we are and less what we do.

Mona

The worth of a day"

Bluebird Wanderlodges

Bedroom in a 1991 Bluebird
(click on image to enlarge)

Living, kitchen, and dining
Very nice!!
(click on image to enlarge)
In Quartzsite this weekend is the Bluebird Rally, so we went to check it out. There are about 50 Bluebirds there from the 80's to 2007. We actually arrived on the right day at the perfect time, as they had an open house from 2:00-4:00. We were able to check out several of them, on the inside. The one pictured above is a 1991 and is for sale.

The Bluebird Wanderlodges are pretty nice! Pros are: no slides to deal with, no hooking up or unhooking. Cons would be 5.2 mpg, and not nearly as much space, storage or living.

Lots to think about, fun to dream.

Internet Access On The Road

We got rid of our satellite dish and purchased an EVDO air card, so as I'm typing this, we are traveling down the highway at 60 mph. We brought the laptop to check out the air card, and sure enough, it works pretty slick! It is going to be so nice to not have to deal with setting up and taking down the satellite dish, not to mention the precious storage space it took.

On our way to Quartzsite again today. The Bluebirds are having their get together this weekend and we're hoping to see inside a couple more of them.

BTW, Jack in the Box is expensive for breakfast. 2 breakkfast sandwiches, one coffee, $6.05.
We can eat at Cracker Barrel for less than that.

I Admire Their Spirit!

CLICK ON POST TITLE....

These two young people are an inspiration for anyone considering fulltiming. All it takes is a love of traveling, desire to do it, and the guts to make it happen. Kelly and Josh obviously have what it takes.

Check out their blog for their story.....

Bin Laden's Son Urges 'Talking' For Peace?

CLICK ON THE POST TITLE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.

You have got to be kidding! George Bush and Bin Laden sitting down at a table over a cup of tea and talking peace? The sound is all too familiar. Many liberals believe that worldwide peace can be achieved if we just 'all love one another' and 'talk about it in a calm fashion.' Aint' never gonna happen, folks!

I find it interesting that out of nowhere comes Bin Laden's son, (who bears a scary resemblance to his crazed father) and he has the solution for peace?

He really should go back to the hole he crawled out of.

Off topic, I know, but....

Quartzsite

We saw 6 to 8 Wanderlodges...they are gathering
for their rally next weekend and are expecting
60-70 of them! We even got a tour inside one of
them. Pretty cool!


Took the Volvo for a day trip to Quartzsite. The show opened yesterday, and wow! Motorhomes of all sizes parked in the desert, people milling around everywhere, and nowhere to park.

Of course, we did find somewhere to park, then away we went, in to the Big Tent, where all the vendors are setup. We spent all day looking, eating, and even ran in to a few people we know. One couple we had worked with two summers ago in Sedona, another couple we were parked next to in Yuma.

BlackJack got lots of attention (as he always does) from most everyone. Must be because he is just so darned cute!

We really enjoy Quartzsite and the excitement, so it was a fun day. AND....on the way there, guess who drove the truck? ME! I definitely need to drive it more often, but what fun!

2008....Wow!

Already 6 days in to a new year! My mom always said that the older you get, the faster time goes by.....how true!

We are back in Yuma after a quick trip to Phoenix. An entire day spent waiting for the repair on our truck. We needed a new kingpin, which is about a 4 hour job. Also had the truck aligned and got an oil change. I loved being able to see our daughter again, so the traffic in Phoenix was worth it.

The truck is ready for another long trip (and so am I), so at the end of this month we will start down the road again. Vegas sounds like fun....a stop in Laughlin for a couple days, maybe Reno....then west in to California?

Life is Good!!

Not bad for grafitti

We are putting things away and preparing to hitch up. We have to be off this lot by the 1st, but still need to be in the area until at least mid-January, so we have rented a different lot which we will move to. The best part is, we'll be driving to Phoenix on the 1st so I'll get to see Amanda! I guess we're buying a couple new tires for the truck and having it aligned.

A road trip!! I love the traveling!

Some Parting Shots of Baja

another gorgeous sunset


A house in Tecate-viewed from the highway
at the border


Palm in lights-Guerrero Negro
from Maramino's


Sand Crane at Cocos Beach -Bahia Concepcion


Saul's in Mulege (the grocery store) -This is an
english speaking store that caters specifically
to americans and canadians


San Felipe-Bird sitting on statue's head





San Ignacio
view from the corner

A kitten in the window in Guerrero Negro

Day 15, Guerrero Negro

Excellent restaurant, Marramio's in

Guerrero Negro



Headed home. We've got over 700 miles to drive back to Arizona, and Christmas is close. So, we decided to head back.



It took us only 3 days to get to the border at Tecate and this is what we found.

The traffic was backed up for over 2 miles at the border. We could not believe it! We waited 3 hours in line, and wouldn't you know, we would be the vehicle they decide to search. 25 minutes later, we were AT LAST, back in the U.S.!

It's good to be home.

Day 13, Loreto

It's BlackJack! Resting his arm on the steering wheel.
Pelican...just bathing in the sun.

A day trip south 50 miles to Loreto was fun. Loreto, we found to be a much more americanized city. Condos are being built, property being developed all targeting american and canadian tourists. I guess we didn't take any pictures of the city itself, so thought I'd show you one of Jack.

What??!!

Mark & French

French's Quad

When Mark and French, and 'Mimi' (their puppy), pulled into Las Cocos on Dec. 9th, we thought 'what in the world!'. They were traveling with two Quads. One pulled a small trailer which housed their pop up tent. Her quad carried all their food, kitchen supplies and water.

They are from Quebec, but began their one year journey out of British Columbia, this past July. They traveled south through Montana, Idao, Utah, Arizona and then into Mexico. They plan to continue all the way to Cabo San Lucas, then return north along Mex 1 back in to the United States. Fascinating couple with a true sense of adventure. We enjoyed visiting with them and plan to follow their trip on their website at www.quadtrek.net

Baja, Days 7-14, Bahia Concepcion

Playa Los Cocos

Beach camping


When we arrived at Bahia Concepcion we felt like we had finally arrived! The bay in the Sea of Cortez is beautiful and the beach was nice. There were about 15 other rigs on the beach, so we decided to stay awhile. We paid for 7 days and were able to setup the trailer about 8 feet from the water. $6.00 a night, but no hookups.
We were invited to go for dinner at El Burro, Bertha's, a restaurant up the highway. A seafood platter of scallops, shrimp and yellowtail; add two marguritas and $17.00 later, we had dinner. (This was probably the best deal in all of Baja that we found).
Another plus about Los Cocos is that vendors come right to the beach with fresh shrimp, scallops, tamales, and even blankets.
Relaxing in the sun at the beach is what we primarily did for the next 7 days.

Baja, Day 6....San Ignacio

Baja, Day 5....Catavina

Mama's, a popular restaurant and stop for
the Baja 1000 participants, in El Rosario

We tried the burritos and they were excellent!


Catavina, an overnight drycamping spot in the
middle of nowhere for $6.00 a night.

Three couples we had met in San Quintin had told us about the overnight spot in Catavina, so
all three of us traveled the same day and spent the night here. A short 100 mile drive, some interesting rock fields along the way. I will have to post a couple pictures of them.

Days 3 & 4, Baja...San Quintin

Now....that's a beach!

And....a Sunset.

Lucky us!


El Pabellon Campground, the 'Whale'

Miles of sand dunes

Our beach chairs at sunset

A short drive today, only 100 miles. But what a stop! The El Pabellon (means 'butterfly') Campground. The ocean is at our doorstep, and the sand dunes are amazing! We let Jack loose, took our sandals off and walked along the beach. Hot sand between the toes! Is there anything better? It is incredible that there is so much beautiful beach with NO people!
SO NICE - we decided to stay a second day! We were able to sit in the sun at the beach for an entire day. It doesn't get any better than that. This would be a definite 'must return to' place in our book.

Baja, Day 2, Santo Tomas

Our breakfast consisted of some chicken tamales purchased from a street vendor. We had our coffee outside and let BlackJack off his leash to run the beach. What fun watching him! We left San Felipe around 11:00 a.m. and made our way through the mountains and Ensenada, a city of about half a million people and incredibly filthy. We passed right through the city and stopped for the night in a small town called Santo Tomas. We were the only campers at the campground, which is a big 'no-no', but there we were. We had no problems and nobody bothered us.
P.S. Another offer from someone to buy BlackJack.

Baja, Day 1...San Felipe

Fishermen boats and the lighthouse


On our way!


Our Beachside camping spot in San Felipe


We headed from Yuma to San Luis, Arizona to cross the border. As we approached, we got the green light, which meant two things. No need to stop, but the second we did, we had no clue where to go. We know we needed to locate the immigration office for our tourist cards, but didn't know where to find it. After three rounds, we finally found it! Henry was able to obtain both his and mine while I waited in the Jeep with Blackjack.
We arrived in San Felipe around 3:00 p.m. and found a campground with an oceanfront site.
Nice little town as we discovered the next morning.
P.S. The guy at the Pemex (gas station) offered to buy Blackjack.

Making Our List, Checking it Twice

We are finally off to Baja! The plan is to leave this afternoon, and head towards San Felipe. We will head north and west towards San Quintin from there, make our way south all the way to Cabo....stopping at San Ignacio, Bahia Concepcion and LaPaz along the way.

We are really hoping for some awesome weather. Lots of sun, and very warm temperatures. The weather here has cooled down to the low 70's, and just a bit cool for us.

Merry Christmas to our friends and families!!! AND...Welcome baby Madeline...our third grandchild to be born December 3rd!

A little Geocaching...A little Jeeping

On the wrong road, but the view was great!

On top of Tootsie Roll 'Mountain' - 1st find

Our Baja trip has been postponed until December, so we decided to check out the trails and caches in the area. Turns out, there are over 400 geocaches, so we better get on it!

The first find was Tootsie Roll "Mountain"....a big rock on the top of a hill that resembles a tootsie roll. Then, on to Brown Bear, which entailed lots of skinny trails...you know, the kind that as you approach the top, you cannot see IF the road continues on the other side, or if it is a dropoff. Of course, they all continued on, so we decided on a 3rd cache for the day, which was called 'way down there'. An appropriate name indeed! We parked at the 'way' top, and walked way down into the gulley. We found the cache, always making it worth it.

As the temperatures are cooling here, in the seventies, I am even more anxious to head even further south!

Jack O Lantern aka BlackJack

BlackJack is now 1 year old, and finally weighs over 7 pounds. He is all of 8 lbs. 4 ounces!!

We are thrilled that despite his medical problem; liver shunt (liver disease), he has actually gained over a pound since diagnosed. Finding creative ways to disguise his medication and coaxing him to eat is a daily challenge, but, he is doing fantastic!

In this photo, we had just returned from the vet and the groomer. He's ready for Baja!

Our Baja Accomodations

Inside

And Out.

It's painted white, the stripe is brown, 19 feet front to back, Second hand from a guy in Quartzsite. I rode up with Henry when he went there to get it. Put on a wash, added a shine, A fold up stove and a 3 way fridge. It's just an 'ol '84 Starcraft, 19' flyer, 13" tires.....

And, just our '92 Jeep, with 3 1/2" lift.....5 speed transmission, 167,000 miles.....

Turn it left, steer it SOUTH.......Look out BAJA, HERE WE COME!!!!

The Trip South

Amanda and Tyler

Dad and daughter on the boardwalk
to Liard Hot Springs


Almost a month since our last post, so here goes.

We pulled out of Alaska the 15th of September, with two 20 year olds, our daughter and her fiance. The Alaska Highway was good traveling, with no snow, some rain, and excellent roads. Even the diesel prices were not too bad. It took us only 7 days this trip, as we had to be in Tacoma to pick up Tyler's car.
Gig Harbor, WA.: 1 week in Gig Harbor, while the kids hung out with a couple friends of theirs, and did some shopping. Again, the weather was pretty nice, but a bit on the cool side.
Onward towards Phoenix: After our jeeps arrived almost a week later, we began our caravan southbound. Both kids driving their own vehicles following behind us.
As we got to the Hoover Dam outside Vegas; Amanda and Tyler drove their last 300 miles in to Arizona, and we felt a bit lost as to what we would do next, and very sad as we said our goodbyes to our daughter. Do we ever stop worrying about our kids?
But, nevertheless, we managed to continue on down the road, traveling a mere 160 miles the first day, and 113 the second.
Yuma is home for a couple days at least.....temperatures are in the mid 90's, and we've got some catching up to do on our tans. We feel pretty white in comparison to everyone else we've seen.

Isn't It About The Adventure?

The truck is cleaned up, the trailer is ready for its six new tires and both jeeps are ready to be shipped. No double towing down the highway this time.

I am ready to head for warmer weather, although I must say, the temperatures here have been above normal for this time of year. But, with only 14 hours of daylight now, and the northern lights making an occasional appearance, I know Old Man Winter is just around the corner.

Alaska is a beautiful state and to those adventuresome enough to travel here, I applaud. Yes, the highway has some rough spots, but no worse than lots of highways in the lower 48, (parts of Oklahoma for example). Yes, it is a long way to travel, so take your time, the scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife is not to be missed. Yes, the price of gas/diesel/food is a bit higher, but what's a few pennies more, when you're not paying sales tax.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting those this summer who have made the journey. They came from literally all over the world; by motorhome, by motorcycle, and by bicycle. I admire their spirit. They came for the adventure and took home with them an experience of a lifetime.