Thursday, February 22 (continued)
(I don’t have travel photos today because we were on a mission to cover a lot of miles.)
From Ajo the crew and I travel north to Gila Bend where we take Interstate-8 westward. I soon find myself fighting the push of a strong crosswind from the south. The Best Little Trailer hangs on tight and doesn’t sway, while I hang on tight to the steering wheel. The wind tries to shove us to the right and off the highway.
It takes constant focus, but we’re doing fine until . . .
About half-way to Dateland . . .
A humongous Class A with a toad hitched to its behind overtakes us in the left lane. I’m keeping our speed at 58-60 mph. I estimate the Class A is going around 70-75 mph, the latter being the speed limit.
About three-quarters past us, the Class A begins to drift with the wind. Into our lane. In a milli-second their toad — a Jeep — is inches from my door.
“HEY!”
I swerve to the right and we ride on the rumble strip until the RV/Jeep clears us.
I’m not a horn blower. I don’t think I’ve used the horn on a vehicle more than ten times in over fifty years of driving and in all sorts of conditions.
In this case, I hit the horn.
Maybe he forgot he has a Jeep attached. Maybe he’s not paying attention. Whatever, he needs to do better!
Shortly thereafter a semi-truck closes in on us, too. I notice its tires on the center line as it passes in front of us.
We need to get off this damn interstate! We’ll exit at Dateland and spend the afternoon and night with the trucks in that big, dirt parking area in back of the travel center.
I let out the crew for a brief walk-around in the parking lot, our heads bowed to the wind. Inside the travel center store I overhear the cashier tell a woman that RVers have to pay to park for the night.
What a racket.
This place is a wind tunnel. They know people don’t want to drive the interstate in wind. No. I’m not paying to stay here.
I buy a sandwich at Quizno’s next door and return to Reggie and Roger in the PTV. We have lunch and return to the interstate.
About halfway between Dateland and Yuma . . . .
About a mile ahead of us and about a mile to the north of us, off to the right, I spot a large dust devil. The thing is heading south toward the interstate, a-twirling as it goes, and it’s a big one. I estimate its diameter at 80-100 feet.
Now what are the odds of that giant dust devil and the PTV reaching a certain point on the highway at the exact same time? Long before we meet, I can see we’re on a collision course.
“HWOMP!”
It hits us broadside with a heckuva wallop, the windshield turns tan — zero visibility– and, just like that, it’s over. We’re out the other side in the all-clear, rolling along, easy as can be.
Sort of a metaphor for life.
Before reaching the Gila Mountains, we exit and pass cultivated fields on the zigzag shortcut across Dome Valley.
I don’t know what is in this field (next photo). It looks like a kind of brassica that has gone to seed.
Pretty!
At Route 95 north (the road that goes to Quartzsite) I assure the crew, “We’ll be home soon. It won’t be much longer.”
Understandably, the boys are restless.
At Imperial Dam Road, I pull over and let them out again. They’re excited and happy at a chance to explore. They also know that this isn’t our camp. We have to keep going.
About 18 miles south of Quartzsite, we make camp at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
Actually our camp is on Palm Canyon Road before the entrance to the refuge. It’s BLM land. We’ve camped here a couple times in previous years.
The sun is low.
It has been a long, windy, cold day. We hurry on a short walk. Shadows darken the mountains and spread across the desert.
I manage these few photos in the rapidly fading light.
In the morning we’ll make the short drive to Midland LTVA at Blythe.
You don’t know it, guys, but tomorrow you’ll play with your friends again!
rvsue
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I just looked and there was no new post but then it was in my inbox. I love your adventures.
I’m glad that you do, Helen. CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST!
Welcome back to the neighborhood.
Thank you, Vicki & Kitty!
Wow. Not close. I’ll be back. Hi Sue.
Oh my goodness Sue! You are a master pilot! Your descriptions had me on the edge of my seat. Glad to hear you and the crew are ok. I can remember just a couple of times in our travels when it was so windy we had to pull over.
I really wanted to get off the highway at Dateland. It’s not my practice to tow in wind. Fortunately the traffic thinned after Dateland. I guess a lot of folks did stay there. The wind isn’t the biggest problem — It’s the other drivers.
Top ten again – have to go back and read now:)
🙂
We’ve camped on Palm Canyon Road a few times. A Favorite stop for us.
And amazingly enough we experienced a large dust devil on a collision course for us last Friday on Highway 5 south of Mexicali Mexico. I plan on pulling over rather than be buffeted around by those strong little devils again. But we had the option being on a low traffic 2 lane road.
Glad you made it safely to your destination. Should be warming up in a few days.
Hi, Carol,
I’m amazed at the exact timing that brought us and that dust devil together. A second earlier or a second later and we would’ve missed it. If I’d left Ajo a second earlier or took another second to eat lunch at Dateland . . . . a multitude of actions led to that moment.
Gee, maybe you encountered the same dust devil. It was headed for Mexico on Thursday. Ha! 🙂
Yes, warmer weather is on its way!
When I was down there two years ago, I camped off of KOFA road. And traveled from there over to Blythe. I was glad to see your blog today. I was wondering how you and your boys were doing.
Kofa is a convenient place to overnight and a pleasant location for a longer stay. I’m pleased to see you here again, Mike.
Wow – you had me on the edge of my seat. I was just sure you were going to end up buttukas over teakettle on the side of the road!!! Glad you made it through that wind ok. Even when it isn’t windy out that way, it’s windy!!!
Update on Sammy: I literally cried tears of relief in the vet’s office yesterday. Based on the echocardiogram, he technically does have cardiomyopathy, which is an enlarged heart. However, the enlargment is not bad for his age and the cardiologist says he doesn’t need another echo for 9 – 12 months, which seems pretty good to me. The fluid in his lungs is not related to his heart; it’s more likely similar to human bronchitis. So he’s starting on a steroid for about 15 days. I’m going to look into acupuncture for his arthritis, because apparently that’s what is causing his lethargy more than any heart condition. He could not understand why I was covering him in hugs and kisses all night last night!!
That’s wonderful news, Cynthia! I’m happy for you and Sammy! Thanks for sharing the report with us.
Wonderful news! Manageable.
Y’all about put yourself in a tizzy a couple of days back!
Good news, Cynthia. **hugs** and pats for Sammy.
Did that sandblast do any damage?
Hi, Pat,
No, surprisingly, I don’t see any damage. I think it was a whole lot of wind with fine dust, rather than heavy sand. It was more of an optical scare than anything else. Plus that slam against the side of us.
Hi Sue and Crew, Haven’t commented in a while but would like to send a fresh thank you note for your blog! I love the desert in winter and planned to be there at this time, but as my circumstances turned out it won’t be in the cards for me (may never be). So again, I am living vicariously through you as many of us are. I have such gratitude for all your updates and look so forward to seeing every one! Take Care… (PS, lived through those winds on the highway this time of year. They can be severe. Glad you and your crew are safe!).
How nice…. a thank you note. You’re welcome, Lee Ann. Nice to hear from you again.
I’m sorry your plans have taken a detour. May the road you’re on bring you to happiness and contentment.
Thanks for the kind words about my posts. I wish I were better at posting regularly.
I’m so glad the boys will be with their friends! Can’t wait to see the pictures of that homecoming! What beautiful pictures from Palm Canyon Road. Makes me want to be there. Maybe soon. When it gets a little warmer I’ll be taking my maiden voyage. Don’t know for sure where yet. I have been busy getting all my bills switched to “auto pay” and going paperless where possible. A lot to think about. Hi to all.
I hope you tell us about your “maiden voyage.” I love to relive my own newbie experience through the tales from others.
From your starting point there are many great camps you could make, hopscotching to a destination.
My Mom always told the story of the Volkswagon Beetle on the road from LA to the desert and Lancaster Ca. They cut through a lot of mountainous areas for the road and when the VW left the protection of the high walls and the cross wind caught it, the poor guy suddenly found himself 70 feet off the road into the desert. High wind is not fun to drive in, especially when you have careless drivers on the road too. Glad you are ok. Ps: I AM a horn honker when they deserve it!
Oh, my, Pat! The Flying Beetle!
Those crosswinds can be powerful when you emerge from between rock walls. I’ve developed a habit of bracing and holding the wheel very firmly whenever we come to that situation.
Published 22 minutes ago and there are 21 responses! 🙂
Hi, Rob! Love it when that happens! 🙂
Loved reading about your driving adventures. So glad you made it thru safe and sound. I dislike driving next to big rigs or anything being towed. Shoot, let’s be honest. I’m not a fan of freeways much anymore. Too many crazies in a hurry. I appreciated the photos. Beautiful. Happy reunion and enjoy your r&r.
Thanks, Stephanie.
Here’s something that has bothered me for a while…. I notice this phenomenom occurs when on the interstate. Usually it’s a small car. I see the car approach in my side mirror. It passes the BLT on the left and then swerves toward our lane, quickly corrects before hitting the PTV, and goes on its way. I watch closely where their tires are when they pass us by and they clearly are crowding us before returning to the center of their lane.
I don’t know if I explained that clearly. The only thing I can figure is people driving cars, in certain circumstances, do not see the PTV ahead of the BLT and they think the BLT is an RV, a short RV.
You know how young people in cars whip around when they pass. Well, they whip around the BLT and are surprised to see the PTV. It’s very annoying, not to mention dangerous!
Now that does sound annoying. I’m surprised they can’t see the PTV. Does it stick up above the BLT? Went back and looked at photo and see BLT is taller than PTV so that explains it. But nonetheless, slow down people! Geez.
It has to be that they don’t expect the PTV. I notice it doesn’t happen with taller vehicles like diesel pickups where the driver sits high up. It happens so frequently that I can predict with a fair amount of accuracy who is going to do it, based on the type of vehicle. I feel like I need a sign on the back. You know how trucks warn drivers behind them about This Truck Makes Wide Turns.
“This Trailer Is Being Towed.”
I like that idea. I was thinking similar. Oh, so many possibilities to go further though.
Oh my, had to laugh out loud for that one. Funny what people tune out, like the fact that a trailer going down a freeway just might have something ahead TOWING it, hahaha!
Wow- that sounds like a tough day! Glad you got off that windy highway safely…
Thank you, Becky. We seem to be having alternating days of wind and calm. Hope all is well with you in Jersey…
Holy smokes woman! Your description made me feel like I was riding in the PTV with you!
I never understand why people take chances and pass …especially in the wind! What is so important that one gets two seconds ahead? Sorry but the idiot driving the A was just that.
Driving the “C” thru Nevada was gusting the entire way…we drove toward the rumble strips cuz we knew the semis were going to suck us in. The truckers at least wait until there wasn’t a gust to pass.
And a dust devil? Glad you made it safely to point B. Uh oh…the boys may just have to go to bed early cuz tomorrow is…………………..Skeeter? Oops and of course Del!
Wicked windy here right now..and a bit of rain. Sleep well!
Hi, Cinandjules,
We are passed a lot on the interstate because I keep our speed at 60 mph and the limit is 75 mph. As you know, some drivers think they HAVE to drive the speed limit, like it’s a rule, regardless of conditions. That Class A was scary. The driver should’ve had better control over that monster rig with toad.
We had a lot of wind over here, too. Even a little rain. It’s calm now. You sleep well, too…
Totally agree……how soon they forget, your speed is ALWAYS determined by the conditions.
That driver is gonna have a rude awakening one day. Hopefully he doesn’t take out someone who is being attentive and HAS control of their rig!
We drove no more than 60mph in our “box”….usually in the slow lane. If someone wanted to pass….go ahead…we weren’t in any rush to die.
OH my gawd…can you tell it’s a pet peeve? Comes from death notifications…mainly due to someone else’s stupidity…totally avoidable…and very unfortunate.
After NV we didn’t drive in wind,rain or snow….too many idiots..took us 17 days. Why you say? Windy Wyoming!!! Hahhhhhhhh. Jules was like we’re never gonna get there! Tornado in Nebraska….floods in IL…. Swore we were never gonna drive across the US again….wrongo dongo!
I’m laughing at your trip description from Windy Wyoming to Floods in Illinois…. I shouldn’t laugh. Reminds me of Chevy Chase’s Vacation movie. “wrongo dongo?” 🙂
A “C” is a very high profile non aerodynamic BOX! Unlike the PTV and BLT that moves as one.
Never again…driving across or a “C”. Mark my words! Hahhhhhh
Important point about a Class C that I hadn’t thought about. You reminded me of something I saw that day on the interstate. A guy with a truck camper and an older model truck. We were behind him for quite a few miles. Every wind gust that truck camper would tip to the side and then swing back the other way, tires flattening along with it. I can’t imagine what it was like to be inside the cab of that truck with the camper tipping like that.
I just have to say, I’m very excited that Reggie and Roger are getting to visit with their friends in Blythe again this season!!! Warms my heart! I’m guessing Skeeter and Roger were extra excited! Can’t wait to hear about the reunion and of course your reunion with Del.
Lots of happy critters! 🙂
You managed to get a nice picture of the saguaro, and one of the clouds.
I look forward to the reunion among Roger, Reggie, and their friends.
The last ending of any desire I once had for a large RV came on I-70 in Indiana and Illinois. I’d been there before, but this was my first trip to Arizona. We drove the minivan safely through light rain and a little wind but watching the 5ers and big Class A’s wander over the lines on both sides of their lanes broke me of ever wanting one.
I never drove into a dust devil, but mud once rained on my windshield as I drove from a dust storm into a rainstorm.
Hi, Calvin,
Raining mud! Gosh, what’s next? Frogs? Ha!
The thing about the big rigs… Some of them present an awful lot of square footage for the wind to push against. I’m pleased that the BLT with its anti-sway bar did not pull us sideways at all. She kept on tracking beautifully.
Good Evening Sue and Boys,
We know what you mean about the wind! We’ve been North of Parker for the past week. We are now in Ajo at the Belly Acres RV Park that you mentioned a couple posts ago. We wanted to experience that old fashioned service you talked about. Wow! Manager Dennis hooked up our electric and water for us after leading us to a site and directing us in. Never had that happen! It’s not the newest or fanciest park in town but at $22.50 a night it will do just fine while we explore our options for camping in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Happy Trails, Sue. Let’s hope it warms up a tad.
Good evening, Marilu,
I’m so pleased to read that you received the helpful service like I experienced at Belly Acres. Dennis is great! I hope you enjoy your stay at the RV park, as well as at Organ Pipe. Thanks for the report!
Wow! I know those close calls can be very nerve-racking if not out-and-out terrifying!!! It reminds me of a time I was driving my Armada SUV long distance with my two little ones (human) in the car.
It was terrible weather with heavy wind & rains. I have no recollection as to WHY I had to do the drive at that time but there I was!
We were on the two-lane California interstate where there were many bridges crossing water-ways. Every time we’d cross a bridge we’d be temporarily protected from the wind. As we’d exit the bridge there’d be a huge gust of wind hitting us and pushing us sideways!
There was this one isolated moment in hell when we happen to be crossing a bridge at the same time as a big-rig…..as he passed me the water from his wheels blew up on my windshield temporarily blinding me. Simultaneously we were exiting the bridge – I knew I was going to be blown so I had to “guesstimate” as to how much to correct the steering wheel with all these factors!!
It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life & I will NEVER forget it!! The one thing I can be grateful for in this situation is that i now have the wisdom and I will NEVER make that error again!
That does sound terrifying, Lauri. How your life and those of your little ones could’ve changed in an instant. Thank God you came through fine.
Your last sentence is very wise. I shouldn’t have chosen that day to travel across Arizona. Somewhere around Gila Bend I remembered that I had read a forecast for wind on that day. Getting sloppy habits after all these years!
What an ordeal! Glad you and the pups made it through without incident! Wind and crazy drivers; bad combination!
Hi, Shawna. Thank you.
Geez, glad you didn’t get creamed by that RV or truck! We often find drivers of big RVs go way too fast for the conditions and semi-trucks, well, don’t get me started. My mother-in-law once said “stay away from the trucks!” and we will often slow down or tuck in behind a truck to avoid the hubbub of trucks trying to pass each other.
Those of you in Oregon most likely know this but others may not, and that is the speed limit for trucks or anything towing is 55-60, with the regular speed limit 65-70. So on a windy day when we were driving on I-5 in Oregon, the guy towing a 35′ fifth wheel passed us going at least 70. And imagine our delight when about 5 miles later we saw him stopped on the shoulder with a state police car behind him. So keep that in mind if you tow an RV in Oregon. 🙂
We picked up our “new” 2011 Heartland Edge and continued to be delighted with our purchase. We have to keep it in storage until we leave Green Valley but couldn’t resist visiting it the other day under the guise of lining the shelves with contact paper so we can easily load it when ready to leave. And dang, we ran out of paper so need to visit it again soon.
Stay safe!
Ha! The nesting instinct is strong! One cannot put stuff on shelves without contact paper! That would be crazy! 🙂
I’m glad you’re loving your new rig. Enjoyed your comment.
I think the speed limit for trucks and towed vehicles is 55 in California. I appreciate that limit because, as you say, too many drivers of big RVs go way too fast. I’ve never driven a Class A but I suspect the ride is so smooth that it’s easy to let one’s speed increase without realizing it. I have driven vehicles like that.
Correct with the speed limit AND you have to stay in the far right lane.
Yes. I OWN the right lane! 🙂
Rock on……desert woman!
That’s so scary. On our drive south this time a semi drifted into our lane and pushed me onto the shoulder. I couldn’t wait to get off the interstate too. I’m glad you’re safe.
Thanks, Dawn. I feel the same way about you.
We camped at Organ Pipe National Monument several weeks ago. Nice campground and reasonable rates, especially for Senior Pass holders. Several nice trails also. No hookups. Enjoy your stay. Be careful of your cell signal. You tend to pick up the Mexican cell towers there and that can increase your cost if you don’t have international roaming included in your plan. If you DON’T use your phone in Mexico, be sure to check your bill to be sure you aren’t billed for international roaming or data. I had to call ATT to get them to remove the charge, which they did because “you’re a long time customer”.
We must have drove by your camp on Friday morning. We drove up the Palm road and then off at the kofa sign on to the Queens Canyon. It was a windy cold day up there in kofa, but the photos were dramatic with the clouds.
Hope you have found warmer climes by now.
Driving in cross winds in our former Class C I felt like I was driving a billboard. That’s when I started checking the wind forecast as well as the rain forecast before departure.
Perfect analogy!
Funny thing Missy! When I have a close call like that for some strange reason my middle finger accompanies my horn. Not really but it should..This brought back memories of your close encounter a few years ago when that guy lost control and blasted by right in front of you. The details are now hazy but I bet you remember that scare…Can’t wait to hear about the reunion!
I remember that, too. The driver walked away from that wreck.
Hi, Sue,
I am thankful that you and the Crew are safe. I am sure you were wiped out by the time you found a place to stop. I have to wonder if the moon or stars are lined up to cause all sorts of idiotic driving. Last night, I was driving in the right lane of a main thoroughfare : 3 lanes each direction with a median in the middle, 45 mph speed limit. Ahead of the car in front of me, a Tacoma truck makes a turn from the East side of the road, into the right lane of Westbound traffic, almost hitting the car. I slammed on the brakes as I said a quick prayer that the cars behind me were paying attention. His truck was too long to clear the turn, so he starts backing up. I watched in horror as a car was approaching, full speed in the left lane. Thankfully, the car was able to swerve out of the way, but he he did clip the median. Needless to say, I was relieved when I got home. In general, I try to avoid the main roads and interstate if possible. Lately, the number of lousy drivers has increased; probably due to distracted driving. No turn signals are used, people ride their brakes for no reason, or cannot drive because the sun is out, make u-turns in the middle of traffic… My “favorite” is what I call “doing a Richmond.” This is when a car is in the far LEFT lane of traffic, weaving in and out, cutting people off, only to cut more folks off while crossing over a minimum of two lanes to make a RIGHT turn.
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger extra love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. I am relieved that you are all still in one piece! xo N’nite! 🙂
Wow. I’m glad you managed to make it through all that wind. I hate driving the RV on a windy day. It just makes me tense up so much and watch out even more for other traffic. I tend to go pretty slow in the RV in the wind. 65 mph is the speed limit in Arizona when you were towing anything. So that class A should not have been going so fast! Glad he didn’t hit you! Glad you made it to your destination or very close to your destination without any problems other than the wind.
What a blustery day! Make sure to keep the two piglets tethered lest they blow away, hehe! I hope you find relief from the wind in California, and the boys be rewarded with a rip-roarin’ romping reunion 🙂
To be honest, I got a little thrill out of driving through (small!!) dust devils. It made me feel so alive, so daring! Though I was never towing, nor going over 50mph, so I can only imagine how exhausting the day must have been! Kudos for pushing through to the end and not settling for less than what you want, not that it’s anything new for you!
Wishing you many laughs with fur friends and great memories with the two-legged ones 🙂
Whew! You had me worried 😧 White knuckle driving, not a good thing! I’m glad you made it!
I think I forgot to say hi in your last post,but I was there. 😃 Looking forward to your next; see the boys with their friends.
Hi Sue & Crew! Just saying Hi. Great post – was holding my breath and thinking OMG, OMG as I read. I’m thinking those pups are playing as I write. If they could talk they’d holler SKEEEEETER as they run to meet. I’m excited to see him too. Say hi to Del & thank him for the Jack & Jill story, have shared it a couple times. Happy day everybody! Love & hugs to ya.
A big thank you to all of you! So tomorrow morning we head to Death Valley for a month in our new to us Casita- 1st trip! I started reading Sue’s blog about five months ago around the time we purchased the Casita and had been hoping to catch up to present time before the trip. Didn’t happen as I am a pretty faithful comment reader, but I did make it to the December 2016 refrigerator post this morning. I had not thought about all the ruckus that happens inside the fridge and planned to leave eggs in there with a jar of Hellman’s Weapon of Mass Destruction! Things do have a way of presenting themselves just when needed so I want to express my appreciation to everyone who posts here. The mix of practical and emotional support is perfect and Sue is wonderful at keeping this an optimistic space.
Enjoy your maiden voyage, Surly Sal! I hope you will check in and let us know how your trip was. Death Valley…..ooooohhh I am so jealous! Have fun! 🙂
What a harrowing drive! It’s an awful feeling to be doing our best to deal with wind when behind the wheel and be vulnerable because other drivers aren’t safely controlling their vehicles . Any good driving instructor will mention that speed limits are set with the caveat that means one can drive that fast only in ideal conditions. People are supposed to slow down if there is strong wind, rain, snow, ice, fog etc. There’s no good excuse for someone putting their self, passengers and other people in danger because of their own time limit to get somewhere. Everyone on that stretch of road should have slowed down and stayed in their own lane without passing anyone unless there was a long and wide space cushion between vehicles. Even if a person wasn’t taught how to drive well and safely they should use common sense, sheesh!
What a great photo beneath “…Shadows darken the mountain and spread across the desert.” That place is gorgeous. How nice for y’all to have a reunion at Midland, LTVA. I can just imagine how happy all involved were to see each other again 🙂
What a trip! Glad you didn’t get blown away by the dust devil!
My sister and brother in law bought a 35 ft class A not too long ago after years of having travel travel trailers, fivers, and toy haulers. My BIL is having trouble adjusting to the wind factor. My sister loves it, but she isn’t driving it. She can’t even try as she is only 4 ft. 10 inches tall and can’t reach the pedals! We still have our 22 Airstream, but are thinking about a small Winnebago. Anyone here drive a small class c and is it difficult in the wind? Love your writing, as always, Rv Sue. I am going to read this post to my sis and BIL. Maybe it will make them feel better.
Take care!
I hate driving in wind or wet. Memphis is full of crazy, distracted drivers these days. That is one of the reasons I am retiring. I have to drive 20 miles one way thru city streets to get to work and home. Cannot wait until I do not have to take my life in my hands on a daily basis. We are once again being rained on. The Mississippi River is starting to flood again. Spring has arrived in the Mid-South a little early this year. I am glad the ice and snow are over. So glad you are back with Skeeter and the gang.
HI, EVERYONE!
Thank you for your words of relief that we arrived safely at our camp. The comments you added to this post are good reminders of the importance of safe driving habits.
I could reply to those comments that appeared last night or this morning. Or I could go outside with the crew on this sunny morning (no wind!). I’m sure you agree that Reggie and Roger take priority.
I already put them outside on their tether. I can hear Reggie grumbling out there. Ha!
You have a wonderful day!
Love,
Sue
xo 🙂
Hey Sue,
What an adventure, huh! I felt like I was there. Your a great story teller. Why did you decide to return to the LTVA?
I know how you feel when it comes to driving to another home base. My wife complains that I never drive the speed limit. I drive like you, usually around 65mph. Did you know, and I just found this out recently, that most RV tires are only rated to go 65mph and thats pushing it. I bought some Carlisle tires and they are rated for 80mph, I think. However, I will never go that fast pulling a trailer with a single axle. I drive a Toyota Tundra 4×4 so I could drive fast but I just think its too dangerous for myself and others on the road to do that. Well, enjoy your new home and thanks for keeping us entertained. Oh, I forgot to let you know that I will be hitting the road tomorrow, Thursday. I’m not sure where I’m going yet, somewhere in New Mexico for sure, and at lower elevation. See Ya!
After so many tense hours of driving and concentrating, I would say you are in remarkable shape, Sue. Pat on the back!
Glad you and your crew are back among good friends.
We crossed paths… The 22nd I left Yuma NB on 95… I saw both palm and crystal canyon road and talked to Corky… Should we try those and I even pulled off just to check cell service… Walked the boy and then decided no I’m continuing to Hi Jolly BLM north of Q… That’s where we have been since.
I’ve been fighting with AT&T about my data usage… 22 gigs in 2.5 days… When I dont even use it normally in a month. Not happy and the fight will continue until I. Can talk to someone in the US.
That wind was tough, safe travels have fun with the crew…
Hope you and the crew had a great day out playing! I can just about hear the grumbling because they want to go play with their friends :)!
WOOHOO – my senior pass arrived yesterday, exactly 2 months from the day I ordered – (just mentioning that in case anyone is procrastinating ordering and thinking you will want to use it). I think the website said 6 weeks but it was a full 8 *=(course there were the holidays to account for). I don’t live near a location to pick one up so ordered online. I wasn’t really in a rush for it…just wanted to order it as soon as I turned 62 :)…kind of a rite of passage.
I doubt I will have an opportunity to use the pass this year with the new role at work and a trip to Italy for two weeks this summer…always wanted to go, some friends invited me with them so figured it is now or never especially since I will be living frugally when I do finally retire :)! We will be staying at a villa (actually 3 villa’s on the property) in Tuscany so lodging for about 20 of us is quite reasonable. It is a good group and with no formal tours or plans, will be able to do a few things with groups and also go off on my own….can’t wait!
Was just at KOFA a few weeks before you when it was in the 80’s. Been cold ever since we left there.Loved that place!
Have you ever hiked to the palms in Palm Canyon ? Very interesting . They grow hundreds of feet up in the clefts of the canyon walls and only on the North side where they are shaded from the summer sun . A micro climate without which they could not exist .
Hi, Stan,
Good to see you! I’ve missed you!
Yes, I hiked Palm Canyon with the original crew a few years ago.
New post coming up!
Hi Sue,
After reading some of your posts about coyotes and the dogs, I just saw a “vest” that is kevlar and has spikes. It’s suppose to protect small dogs. Don’t know how you feel about folks sending photos. When I saw it you and to boys were my first thought.
Pam