Day 22 - Jan 30 - Quatzite

First thing this AM, down to the Registration office to sort out my proposed eviction from the park. Explained the misunderstanding and worked a little on their forgiveness. Thet were receptive and gave me a 3 day extension, based on John and Brenda's Medical situation. That resolved went and picked up the good wife and went to the Art and Craft Fair at the "Big Tent". Very disappointing, as there was little there. Mostly old re-done cars for the Car show. Some very neat ones, and well done. Will load some photos at a later date. Denice did buy some "T-Shirts" to put some Iron-on decals on. Hmmmmm, I wonder if that Iron really works!!!! Had it a couple of years, "Just in Case"!!!! I bought a new faucet for the shower. Supposed to use 1/2 the water, and increase to pressure to double! That would be good for the motor home as we have said it almost just sort of "Peees" on you. Went home and installed it, to make sure it worked. ( The guy said guaranteed or return it), and by gum, you now, it really did work. How about that. Then went to the library to send this and pay some bills on internet banking. That OK, but much easier if I still would have had my own aircard. But that was tooo expensive. Need to sort that out sometime in the future. I know there will be cheaper options in the future. We'll wait and see.Johnand Brenda return at about 5:00PM, and get settled in again. Brenda looks beat and tired so we invite them over for soup, as Denice had made a very large pot of "Frig Soup". They accepted and then everybody turned in early.

Day 21 - Jan 29 - Quartzite

Got up this morning and Denice made another picnic lunch as we had decided to go to Blythe and then south on highway 78 to the Imperial Sand Dunes. Left about 9:00AM, stopped at Love's and picked up some Chesters Chicken and headed out. Down on highway 78 we stopped along side to Colorado River at the Cibola Wildlife Refuge. Took some photo's of birds there - Denice could tell you what they were. To me just "BIg Bird". Cranes, eggrets etc. I think. Continued on down the Imperial Valley where lots of veggy's are grown, then the landscape changed to a desolite desert type, but finally we came to the Sand Dunes. "Man what a Big Sand Box". Stopped at the heigth of land at a view point and took a bunch more photos. Now Lunch time Arizona time but only 11:30 California time. Had lunch anyway. Quite windy so some of our chicken was spiced with sand instead of pepper. Oh Well, it was still very good.Then headed on westward to Brawley, then turned north on #111, well not quite, Denice had seen a sign for Calipatria so we turned around and went back a few miles and then north on #115, but after a while it turned back west to join onto #111. We had been told to stop at Niland, and be sure to take your camera along. Well when we got there we couldn't see anything very spectacular to take a picture of other than a small Ferris wheel and a flee market. We drove down a street and noticed at guy taking groceries out of his vehicle, so we stopped and asked "What there was to see in Niland?" With broken english he asked if we had seen "Salvation Mountain" We answered we had not, so he said "You must see. Lots of colors, guided tour". and gave us directions. Turned around and drove about 3 miles into the desert and came apon "Slab City". Looks like a cross between Hippy Town and a garbage Dump. Her is a photo of same. John Brown had already filled us in on "Slab City", but we had no idea that this was where it was at.Continued on up along the Salton Sea, all the way to Indio. Too late to stop and see my Brother and Sister-in-law Leroy and Gayleen today, but plan on travelling that way in the next few days with the motorhome, so will see them then. Returned the one hundred and some odd miles back to Quartzite and back to ELTORO. Nice little present on our window. We have exceeded the 14 day limit in the BLM desert. No ther is some question here as when we originally registered we only asked for 1 week, and then again yesterday we asked for a week, but both time they gave us 2 weeks. Also we did not know that the permit is for 14 out of any 28 days within a 25 mile radius. No body explained that to us. Anyway we cannot leave until John and Brenda return tomorrow. I guess I'll just get down and beg for forgiveness. We'll see if he comes around tomorrow!

Day 20 - Jan 28 - Quartzite

Pretty well Vegged out today. Did some cleaning and some repairs on ELTORO. New valve in the water system - sounds simple doesn't it? Well as you all know nothing is that simple. Lots of problems, valve in behind stuff, can't get to it. etc, etc. But finally was able to get it completed with only one more trip to town. Then trying it, then more tightening of fittings, then trying it again, more tightening. Finally success.Got out the BIG LUNAR TELESCOPE and lined it up to get ready for dark. 6:30PM got a great view of the moon and Venus before they went down behind the horizon.

Day 18 - Jan 26 - Quartzite

Today we took a picnic lunch and went down the road toward Yuma to Mile 85, and then turned left and went to Palm Canyon. About 8 miles of washboard gravel, through "Healthy" Desert country. Came to a parking area after climbing to 700 or 800 feet elevation. From there walked another 1/2 mile up a rather steep valley to view some Palm trees growing up an almost vertical canyon crack in the rock. Pretty spectacular! Here is Denice in the canyon. She did good walking that distance on some fairly unstable rocky ground.

After we got home we went for another drive for a sunset photo. Took a jeep trail out into the desert, that turned into just a quad trail. Followed it a couple of miles until it got a little rough for the jeep. Decided to turn around, but while doing that Denice spied msome deer on the skyline directly in line with the sun. Just a great photo opportunity. Here is the result:

Day 19 - Jan 27 - Quartzite

We are sending this from the library on their WIFI so will give a more thorough update when I have more time and include some photo's. Just to let you know -All is OK here.
If anyone wnts to answer or comment and aren't familiar with the Blog system, you can just double click on the title page and scroll down to a comment section.
OK, here is the update.

Day 17 - Jan 25 - Quartzite

Pretty Relaxing !!!! The big activity of the day was to take ELTORO down to the "PIT STOP" and fill with water and dump. Good for another week now. Then took the garbage to the Refuse Transfer station - From there I went down and went to an area of the flea market that I hadn't been to before - Denice wasn't interested so stayed home and looked after the home front. -- I was looking at tools and seeing if it might make sense to buy a small Honda Generator. I looked at both Honda and Yamaha - they are about the same price for a 1000 watt one - around $669 US. Not sure if it would make sense to buy one or not - a 1000 watt one will run most of the RV other than the microwave and the air conditioners - for another $200 Honda has a 2000 watt that should operate everything. Does that make sense when I already have a 5500 watt one built in ????? The Honda ones are a lot quieter, but $1000 buys a lot of gas for the one in the RV. How often would I use the small one ??? All questions I will have to dwell on. Once back home started the Bar-B-Que and cooked chicken for supper -Pretty Good!!

Day 16 - Jan 23 - Quartzite

Layed around most of the day - some photos of Hummers. After Lunch went west 20 miles to Blythe, California for some groceries. It sure would be cheap to live here if we did not have to eat!! Made a little tour around Blythe -- appears to us that it must be quite depressed there - a lot of businesses locked up. Bought our supplies at Albertsons - a nice big store with good produce etc, etc. Stopped at Flying J just back across the Colorado River in Arizona, and had a burger at Wendys. Returned to ELTORO and put all are stuff away. I guess it's my turn to cook tonight and the boss says we are having Sweet and Sour Pork chops and Rice. She guides me through the process, and it does turn out well. But just before it's ready we look outside and it appears to be a good sunset coming! STOP EVERYTHING !! Shut the stove off, jump in the jeep and roar up the road away from the mass of Rec Vehicles, get off the main highway and find a likely Saguaro Cactus for picture taking-False Alarm - no sunset - at least not verygood. Return home and warm up supper -Pig Out.

Day 15 - Jan 22- Quartzite

Up early this AM and had some toast and bacon, then had a knock on the door -- Rather early for visitors, but there was Big John Brown bearing bad news. His brother, only 50 years old had a heart attack last night and passed away in Calgary. So John spent the day planning for a funeral and getting things organized so he could fly home. He needed a place to store his motorhome for a week while he was gone, so we offered to stay here for the week and he could just leave it set up as it is. He agreed that to be a good solution if we didn't mind. It's a non issue for us, as we were planning to stay about that length of time anyway.

About 10:00AM Denice and I drove over to see Tom and Linda off. They were packed and left shortly there after - Off to Yuma.

There rest of the day was just another of resting. Did some small domestic tasks with ELTORO that had been on the "To do" list.

Raised the Maple Leaf flag - but with the American one a little higher.

What else can I say ---------!!

A couple of our friends

Day 14- Jan 21 - Quartzite

No a whole lot to report for the day today - relax, relax and more relax. Went to Town to McDonalds for seniors coffee ( everybody has the seniors coffee @ $.69 I think) with Tom and Linda and his sister and brother-in-law. They are leaving tomorrow for Yuma.

I think we will stay another week or so. We are just enjoying the desert and easy life style. We'll move on when we find it starting to drag, but that's certainly not happening yet.

After coffee we ent and did a little shopping again - I did buy an American flag - just small - 12" x 16" , but didn't get it up yet - Just sooo busy!

Went and took some more pictures - mostly Denice - She's the expert - she likes little things - like miniture flowers, collages, etc.

Here is one she did today:

Just stuff she picks off the desert - pretty neat!!

Thats all for today - Folks !!

Day 13 - Jan 20 - Quartzite

Up early this AM. Made Pancakes, eggs and Ham for breakfast. Pretty fancy for camping!


After breakfast John invited us over to watch the Obama Inauguration on his big screen TV. Indeed a very impressive day in the USA. We all wish Barack Good Luck. We had been flying the Canadian Maple Leaf over our motorhome, but have kind of read-between-the-lines that it is proper protocol to fly an American flag above the Canadian one while down here if you plan on flying one at all.





Do we have the same protocol in Canada ???





I was going to buy an American one, and will, before raising the Maple Leaf again. It may be smaller, but I will have it above Ours! Don't want to upset the Arizona people at least not until we buy this state and make it a Canadian Province. We need a warm one, don't we?





After the Inauguration, Denice and I decided to go for a little drive to the east from Quartzite. We went 23 miles over the mountains to Bouse, a little town there. Lots of BLM ( Bureau of Land Management) sites along the road that you can just pull of and camp for up to 14 days with no charge. We saw some really interesting locations along there, where you could park under a Saguaro Cactus or by a Palo Verde Tree. Few people to contend with there. Just may go over there for a few more days.


From Bouse went back to Parker and bought some groceries, then back home. Put a nice little roast of beef on the BAR-BE-Q, and had a great supper. OH YES this is Tuesday Night, and this is the night we always go out for dinner. I guess I'll owe you Denice, and I know you won't forget. Just a "Rain Check"

Day 12 - Jan 19 - Quartzite

Well today we decided was moving day - Not away from Quartzite, but just to a different location. Our friends, Tom and Linda are expecting Tom's sister, and brother-in-law from Ontario, so we decided we would move to a new area 3 miles further away from the town. We have a friend camped there with his new motorhome. John Brown worked and retired from Shell Canada as well, and then returned to consult for them for a couple of years, so I have known him for some time. Anyway we camped next to him and he has an aircard that I can log onto as well to do my "Blog". So today was all about moving and getting set up again. Bar-be-qued some steak for supper. Had John over to join us as his wife Brenda has flown back to Canada to Calgary to visit with her brother who just had a leg amputated from diabetes. Good luck to him!! Brenda will not be back until Jan 30th I believe. (John Corrected me from the original that I stated Feb 13th - sorry John)

Anyway I was able to update my blog for the last week, to keep you all in the loop.

Day 11 - Jan 18 - Quartzite

Decided to just sit and relax today. Laid back and enjoyed the sun and did nothing other than some reading. Took a few shots ( about 100 I think) of the sunset. Here is a sample:

Day 11 - Jan 18 - Quartzite

I, alone went back to the RV Show today in the afternoon. It was a whole lot quieter than yesterday. I did a leasure walk through and looked at all the stuff for sale. Did buy some things that I needed, Wax for ELTORO, LED lights for the interior of the motorhome, (they are a good idea as they save a lot of power, but expensive at this time) - I imagine they will come down in price as they get to be a more common item. I did the calculation to change all of them in the motorhome, and came up with a $750 figure. I DON'T THINK SO!!! So I bought one of each kind to try them.

Day 10 - Jan 17 - Quartzite

RV show starts today in the big Tent. Doors open at 9:00AM, so we are there by 8:30AM. Once inside it is wall-to-wall people, We make our ways up and down each isle, Seee lots of things of interest but buy little - Denice buys a couple of things, but by noon we are all shopped out, so return to ELTORO and relax the rest of the day. No more detail for today. I do need to get on the internet and get some more photos and stuff of our activities. As we have no WIFI where we are it is rather difficult. I could go to the library and do it, but just never get around to it.

Day 9 - Jan 16 - Quartzite

Up fairly early this morning for Breakfast and then off to town to the Flee Market by 9:00AM. Walked and walked and looked at all kinds of stuff - I guess whatever you might want or imagine - it is probably here. Blocks apon blocks of merchants. Rocks, Jewelry, hardware, RV stuff, and on and on. Denice made a few purchases for friends and family - I only bought some rock chips that I may be able to use in my bowl turning endeavors. Also bought a flag pole to raise the Canadian Flag I bought yesterday, over "Little Canada" at the RV parking area we are in. All walked out and shopped out by Noon - Stopped and had a LARGE Cinnamon bun for lunch and then came home. Relaxed all afternoon - we were going to go out for supper but Denice got a little too much sun, that we re not used to, and had a headache all afternoon, so I went and found some "Chesters" chicken for supper at "Love's Truck Stop" It was good - we always enjoy chicken.

Day 8 - Jan 15 - Quartzite

In Quartzite today - RV area even fuller than yesterday - Looks like an RV Refugee site. Went down shopping at the myriad of flee market sites. We bought a custom designed sign for our house in High River with Double "D Lang" on it and one for the Motorhome with "ELTORO1". Found some more stuff for finishing my bowls like beads and leather thongs. Denice bought a "T shirt" and other crafty stuff. Couldn't find parking in another area so returned home. Had left over stew for supper then went over to Tom & Lindas for desert that we supplied - Mango's and Cinnamon bread. They had more friends show up - Marty & Margo from Warner and Doug and Germain.

Day 7 - Jan 14 - Quartzite

In Quartzite today- Just lay back and rest. Actually, the truth be known, I didn't fill in the details opf happening that day, and for the life of me, cannot remember what we did. OH Well, we are senior you know. THATS ALLOWED!! So no report today.

Day 6 - Jan 13 - Quartzite

Washing crew arrive promtly at 8:00AM and complete at 9:30AM - do a good job but a little pricey ( $105)After they leave we pack up and get ready for the road. I drive ELTORO up the hill to the park entrance and Denice brings the jeep - First time she has driven it. I dump tanks and then hook up. Complete our check list and away we go. After a couple of blocks and when back on hiway 95, I feel ELTORO pulling to the left. At about that time a passing motorist signals me to pull over - I do at next light and get off highway. Check unit out and find that I pulled the keys out of the jeep, and when we made a corner the steering wheel locked with the tires at a slight angle - Good thing it was noticed or new front tires would have been on the order list Arrived in Quartzite at about noon - Had called Tom and he was on the desert at mile 112 turn off. Pulled in there and found him, and parked next to him. Good afternoon getting set up and chatty with them.

Day 5 - Lake Havasu

Left Mesquite this AM, but not too early. Did a little backtracking and "Screwing Around" to get into a propane filling station - fairly expensive Gas - about $3.45/Gal, I think. Then needed to fill with Gas at a Chevron station. Don't want to go there again. They always want you to give a 5 digit Zip Code at the pumps, and a Canadian one won't work, so you have to go through the clerk there and have to give a $$$ amount that you need - If you don't need what you anticipate you credit card is credited with what you did not use . I guess not too big a deal, but just aggravating. Any way we were on the road by about 10:00AM, and into Vegas at near noon. As neither of use were interesting in gambling and really just wanted to get to the desert where we could really relax and just sit for a few days, we decided to just roll right through Vegas. Denice snapped a few shots out the window as we passed the major casinos, but we were through in less than an hour, thanks to directions from "Streets & Trips". From there we went down across the Dam, as I wanted to see the progress on the new Bridge. Again unable to stop, until we were up to a view-point on the south side, so will ahve to settle with Denices shots-on-the-move. But I was able to see how the progess s going. They are anticipating on being done by September 2009, but it looks like an awful lot of work to do yet. They are just working on the arch structure yet, and still will need several more months to complete that and then start to build the supprts that will hold the highway running surfaces. After the dam we just continued down Highway 93, to Kingman, then down I-40 for 40 miles, then onto 95 down to Lake Havasu. We went directly to Crazy Horse RV park, that is just across to London Bridge. Checked into a spot rght on the water. We had been there before and enjoyed it, although a little windy today. A little pricey ($40), but ythat was OK. Still enjoyed it. I asked at the gate where I could get a wash job on ELTORO. He told me he would send a crew down to do it for me and let me know when the would be available. They came by at about 5:00PM and said the would be able to fit me in in the morning at 8:00AM. Cost would be $3.00/ft. Thats $105, but I said to go ahead. It needed it.Oh, a little trivia. I have to tell this one on Denice. Once we got settled in we decide we shoulf]d go and get some groceries as we had not bought any since leaving home and were in short supply of many things. So new to Havasu, weren't sure where the groceries stores were. Denice says she say one were we came in to the city. Well that is quite q ways back, but that OK, so we unhook the jeep and drive away back. She says the store is "Lowes" and it is suppoesed to be a good grocery store. We have never been to one, but we will give it a try. On the way out we talked about it and we both thought that Lowes was a Lumber store. Oh well we will give it a try. Well, guess what? It is a hardware store - no groceries, so we had a good laugh at ourselves, and drove back into Havasu until we came to Food City, Bought what we need and went home.

Day 4 - Mesquite

Jan 12

Well Finally warm weather - We are now in Mesquite Nevada - I think I am now able to leave off the "Long Johns" starting tomorrow!!Away from Draper in good time this AM - about 8:45 I thinkVery little to report for today as it was another good Day - a little smog over the Salt Lake area, but as sson as we were down the valley it cleared off and the sun started to shine.Rolled along smoothly and rrived at Mesquite at 2:30PM. Another early day, but thats OK. I had time to some things that were overdue on ELTORO.I did look into the problem with filling the internal water tank, and found a valve malfunction - must have broken during winter freezing. I was able to fill the tank by a rather unorthadox way by attaching a hose to the overflow pipe and pressuring water in by that route. I will have to find a new valve down the line and figure how to install it. Have a RV Repair shop fix it?? I doubt it - Thats not a mans way, at least not until all other options are ruled out.Anyway tonite we are checked into the RV Park associated with the Oasis Casino here in Mesquite ($21)Went over to the casino, but did no gambling, but did go for supper. We each had a Shrimp Cocktail, and a 10 Oz Prime Rib. Very good for a total of $43. Talked to a security Guard at the casino, and he was indicating that a lot of businesses are slowing or even shutting down from the Poor US economy. He says that Vegas is suffering as well, with same businesses filing for Chapter 11 ( I gather that is "Bankruptcy").After supper came back to ELTORO, then I took the Jeep and found a car wash close by and gave it a good bath. It needed it after dragging it all the way from Canada.

Day 6 - Jan 13

Left Mesquite this AM, but not too early. Did a little backtracking and "Screwing Around" to get into a propane filling station - fairly expensive Gas - about $3.45/Gal, I think. Then needed to fill with Gas at a Chevron station. Don't want to go there again. They always want you to give a 5 digit Zip Code at the pumps, and a Canadian one won't work, so you have to go through the clerk there and have to give a $$$ amount that you need - If you don't need what you anticipate you credit card is credited with what you did not use . I guess not too big a deal, but just aggravating. Any way we were on the road by about 10:00AM, and into Vegas at near noon. As neither of use were interesting in gambling and really just wanted to get to the desert where we could really relax and just sit for a few days, we decided to just roll right through Vegas. Denice snapped a few shots out the window as we passed the major casinos, but we were through in less than an hour, thanks to directions from "Streets & Trips". From there we went down across the Dam, as I wanted to see the progress on the new Bridge. Again unable to stop, until we were up to a view-point on the south side, so will ahve to settle with Denices shots-on-the-move. But I was able to see how the progess s going. They are anticipating on being done by September 2009, but it looks like an awful lot of work to do yet. They are just working on the arch structure yet, and still will need several more months to complete that and then start to build the supprts that will hold the highway running surfaces. After the dam we just continued down Highway 93, to Kingman, then down I-40 for 40 miles, then onto 95 down to Lake Havasu. We went directly to Crazy Horse RV park, that is just across to London Bridge. Checked into a spot rght on the water. We had been there before and enjoyed it, although a little windy today. A little pricey ($40), but ythat was OK. Still enjoyed it. I asked at the gate where I could get a wash job on ELTORO. He told me he would send a crew down to do it for me and let me know when the would be available. They came by at about 5:00PM and said the would be able to fit me in in the morning at 8:00AM. Cost would be $3.00/ft. Thats $105, but I said to go ahead. It needed it.Oh, a little trivia. I have to tell this one on Denice. Once we got settled in we decide we shoulf]d go and get some groceries as we had not bought any since leaving home and were in short supply of many things. So new to Havasu, weren't sure where the groceries stores were. Denice says she say one were we came in to the city. Well that is quite q ways back, but that OK, so we unhook the jeep and drive away back. She says the store is "Lowes" and it is suppoesed to be a good grocery store. We have never been to one, but we will give it a try. On the way out we talked about it and we both thought that Lowes was a Lumber store. Oh well we will give it a try. Well, guess what? It is a hardware store - no groceries, so we had a good laugh at ourselves, and drove back into Havasu until we came to Food City, Bought what we need and went home.

Day 7 - Jan 14

Washing crew arrive promtly at 8:00AM and complete at 9:30AM - do a good job but a little pricey ( $105)After they leave we pack up and get ready for the roadI drive ELTORO up the hill to the park entrance and Denice brings the jeep - First time she has driven it. I dump tanks and then hook up. Complete our check list and away we gofter a couple of blocks and when back on hiway 95 I feel ELTORO pulling to the left. At about that time a passing motorist signals me to pull over - I do at next light and get off highway. Check unit out and find that I pulled the keys out of the jeep and when we made a corner the steering wheel locked with the tires at a slight angle - Good thing it was noticed or new front tires would have been on the list. Arrived in Quartzite at about noon - Had called Tom and he was on the desert at mile 112 turn off. Pulled in there and found him and parked next to him. Good afternoon getting set up and chatty with them.

Day 9 - Jan 16

In Quartzite today - RV area even fuller than yesterday - Looks like an RV Refugee site. Went down shopping at the myriad of flee market sites. We bought a custom designed sign for our house in High River with Double "D Lang" on it and one for the Motorhome with "ELTORO1". Found some more stuff for finishing my bowls like beads and leather thongs. Denice bought a T shirt and other crafty stuff. Couldn't find parking in another area so returned home. Had left over stew for supper then went over to Tom & Lindas for desert that we supplied - Mango's and Cinnamon bread. They had more friends show up Marty & Margo from Warner, and Doug and Germain.

Day 10 - Jan 17

Up fairly early this morning for Breakfast and then off to town to the Flee Market by 9:00AM. Walked and walked and looked at all kinds of stuff - I guess whatever you might want or imagine - it is probably here. Blocks apon blocks of merchants. Rocks, Jewelry, hardware, RV stuff, and on and on. Denice made a few purchases for friends and family - I only bought some rock chips that I may be able to use in my bowl turning endeavors. Also bought a flag pole to raise the Canadian Flag I bought yesterday, over "Little Canada" at the RV parking area we are in. All walked out and shopped out by Noon - Stopped and had a LARGE Cinnamon bun for lunch and then came home. Relaxed all afternoon - we were going to go out for supper but Denice got a little too much sun, that we re not used to, and had a headache all afternoon, so I went and found some "Chesters" chicken for supper at "Love's Truck Stop" It was good - we always enjoy chicken.

Day 11 - Jan 18

First day of the RV show under the Big Tent. Opening at 9:00AM, so we were there by 8:30AM. Once doors opened it was just wall-to-wall people. Everyone looking for a GOOD DEAL!! We walked to entire area and I did see some interesting things, but bought little. Denice a couple of small items. By noon we just wanted to get out of there, so back to ELTORO and relaxed for the afternoon.

Day 12 - Jan 19

Day 3 - Salt Lake City

Early morning for us to be on the road - mobile by 7:50AM - just starting to see some daylight. Not a whole lot to report today, only a very good day. Highways were exceptional. Even the summit of Monida was good, just a sprinkling of light snow on the Idaho side and then some fog for the next 30 miles, so we sailed right along. Only stop was for gas at the Cosino in Fort Hall. Thought we would get cheaper gas there as on an Indian Reserve, but not so. Still not bad at $1.65/US Gallon. We see that Deisel is quite a bit higher down here running at about $2.50 - 2.75/ gal.
I haven't mentioned it before, but our new TOADTWO (our Jeep) seems to tow very well. We do a detailed mileage check every time we fill with gas, and find that we are getting approx 9 MPG. This is virtually the same as when we pulled the much lighter Suzuki, TOADONE. Another thing of interest with the jeep is that mileage does not register when it is being towed.

So anyway we were able to get right through Salt Lake early in the day and stopped at 2:30 at Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper ( a small suburb on the south side of Salt Lake).As the day was early and the weather fairly warm decided to de-winterize ELTORO. Everything seemed good except for some reason can't fill the water tank. May be a small ice blockage there, but I think it might be a problem with a solinoid that opens a valve to allow water in. Need to check that out tomorrow!
While Denice was cooking supper, I wandered over to "Campers World" that was only a block or so away. Amazing that there is so much RV Stuff. A guy could spend a fortune there, but where would he put all the suff? Bigger motorhome? I don't think so!
After supper called back to Canada, to Edmonton, to wish our sister-in-law, Enid a very special "Happy Birthday". We won't tell ages here Enid, but hope you have at least a hundred more!!Enid and Larry tell us they are watching our "Blog" daily, and getting quite a kick out of it. Maybe I give too much detail, but I guess it does give me something to do in the evenings, rather than read. For a person that never had time to read over the last 40 years. I have read at least 20 books in the last one year. Got to slow down there and smell the roses!!
Tomorrow night Mesquite ????

Day 2 - Dillon, MT

Woke up this morning in Helena to an inch of snow. There were strong winds through the night, but I guess when they subsided that the snow came in. I checked with the RV Office and got onto the Web through WIFI. Highway conditions were not optimum by any means on I-15 to Butte. Ice and snow reported on higher elevations, so we decided to to wait and see in conditions improved. The weather was nice at the RV Park, and it appeared that highway 287 south to I-90 was in fair contition other than a few miles just to the east of Helena. 10:30AM we decided it was time to go. It was as was predicted - only a few miles and then "Dry" sailing. All the way to I-90, then west on I-90 to Whitehall, and then down 55 and 41 to Dillon. Arrived at 2:30PM. Maybe could have negotiated Monida to Idaho Falls, but that would have made it late in the day, so decided to lay up here at a "Good Sam" park called "South Side". $15 for spot + Power+ TV Cable. Not Bad! The lady that ran the place, originally from California, was a real talker and a very nice lady. Nothing doing, but she give us a loaf of freshly baked bread. She had whole grain and cinnamon chip. I was leaning toward the cinnamon chip, but not sure if Denice would enjoy as much as me, so I was at an indecision point. The lady says, "So why don't you just take one of each?" Shannon ( my english teacher daughter), is this the right place to put the ? mark ?Anyway I came away with two loaves of bread. As soon as we were set up we had a slice of the cinnamon Chip --- Ummmm Good.
Supper was some of Denice's home made chicken soup. Also very good. A few more RV's and Fifth Wheels pulled in to join us. We may have "Convoy" over the Monida in the morning.

"On the Move" -- Official Day 1

No "Hell or High Water Today" Langs are on the move.Halleluiah !!! We finally made to commitment and left at 9:00AM this morning - reviewed webcams and weather reports and it seemed to be the best time to move. Made another change in plans only to highlight that our decisions are "based in Jello rather than Stone". (By the way that is a quote by Big John Brown, another retired Shell Canada Guy, who already is relaxing in the Arizona sun). We decided to go by Monida rather than Wyoming. Threw the remaining stuff to be loaded into ELTORO and hooked the jeep up and exited.

When we turned onto Highway #2A, just around the corner from our house, Denice said, "Remember it's only 50kph here! Let the backseat driving commence. The back seat speakers are on".Highway #2 good with a North east tail wind, some drifting snowbut not really a concern to Ft Macleod. Then turned toward Lethbridge where the wind would be hitting us broadside, but still not enough to be of a concern. Then from Lethbridge to the US border, conditions improved even more. Still wind from the north, but clearing skies.Hit the border at 12:50PM. No line up, but there rarely is when entering the US. Coming back to Canada is usually the problem. What does that tell you about Homeland Security?? Who asks more questions -- US or Canada??Coutts to Great falls was a breeze. Winds switched to the west, Temperature rose to about +40F. Filled with Gas at Flying J at Great Falls. Gas was $1.41 US/gal for mid-range gas. only $55 to fill to capacity. Asked about road conditions to Helena. Told OK, but watch wet shaded areas through the canyon. Left immediately and headed west. Fighting fairly strong westerly head winds. Denice is fidgeting, wringing her hands, but very quiet!!! No problems through the Wolf Creek Canyon, or over the Seiben Summit. Arrive at Lincoln Road RV Park at 4:30PM. Pull in and find stall. Office not open but self register - $29.86 US. Do not put out slides or put down stabilizers. Concerned they could freeze down. Wind blowing quite strongly through envening. Should Rock us to sleep.

No photos for today.

Another day same as the last several days

IT'S A BROKEN NEEDLE !!!

Everythings for a GO this morning. Countdown started at about 4:00AM.

100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90..............

Up at 5:30AM. OH SHIT --- heavy fog outside, can't even see the school a block away.

89, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, Daylight at 8:00AM - still foggy and light snow. Decision to wait a little longer.

79, 78, 77, 76 ,75, 74, 73, 72, 71, 70--- Watch webcams and forecasts. Fog all the way to the US border. Lets wait until noon.

69, 68, 67, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 61, 60, --- Go down town for lunch. NO food in the house.

59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, ---- Take the Jeep for a short drive out onto Highway #2 south of High River. Fog, Ice, and Snow. Scrub Launch for another day !!! Damn !!!


Back home and sit and fret about not being able to get away. BUT, better to be home here than in a snow bank somewhere along the highway.

Tonites weather man on TV says that a chinook was to roll in here today, and it did, but at 2000 ft above us. He says tomorrow to be the same. Friday looks better. Now the only issue is that the town of High River has a by-law that a motorhome can only sit in front of your residence for 24 hours while you load. We have already been 48 hours, Maybe in the morning I'll go to the town office, and beg for forgiveness. We could unload all our stuff that would freeze again, but sooner not do that. I have the furnace on in the RV and an electric heater to maintain a 50 degree F temperature. I need to keep the RV plugged into power so really cannot take back to the RV storage. Oh well - just a lot of detail that I am boring you with. Maybe to Lethbridge tomorrow, maybe not. Think positive -- Friday for sure!!

Day 5 - Planned Vacation - Still here!!

Missed doing the blog yesterday, but nothing to report anyway, other than still watching weather and road reports. However, we did make a decision that we would bring ELTORO in from storage today and get all our gear loaded. Thinking possibly we might even leave and get as far as Lethbridge by night fall. Well, by the "Best laid plans of mice and men" of course that didn't play out as planned.

We had lots of "Stuff" to load, planning to be away for 3-4 months. Appears like we shouldn't have to buy groceries for a month - I know thats not right though. First large grocert store across the line we will have to check out the "Deals"'

Oh Yah, we called the "US Homeland Security" yesterday and asked what foodstuffs are not allowed into the USA from Canada at this time. We were told that all that was not allowed was Lamb and Goat (now that's bad because everybody has a deep freeze full of that !!!), citrus fruit, home grown potatoes, and GREEN ONIONS !! Potatoes grown in Canada or the States are OK as long as in the purchasing bag. For anybody that is interested the Border nmber to call is 406-335-9610-ext 5. You actually talk to a REAL person. Try to find that info on their Web Site?

Anyway we did bring ELTORO in this AM ..... Topped him up with Gas .... what a pleasant surprise - 90 litres for $60 ---- $.659/litre !!!! How Long is that going to Last?????

Parked across ours and our neighbors driveway - too much snow to park along the lawn as we normally do, and started loading "Our Stuff". Enough clothes I'm sure that if Denice went on strike and decided that she wasn't going to do any washing that we would still be OK for 3 months ( just kidding!), then food, and more food, and canned goods, and electronic stuff - cables for computers, printers, chargers for telephones, and on and on and on. Oh and I did load some equipment for my hobby as well. I have a small Lathe that will fit into one of the compartments so I loaded that, and all the stuff that goes along with it - Chisels, sandpaper, finishing wax, etc. Hope I find time to use it, and its not just an added burden. Also loaded Denice's Lunar telescope. When parked in the desert away from all city lights, we get some great views of the stars, planets, and moon!

So by about 3:00PM we are all loaded - well still some minor odds and ends -----

Looked at the time, and decided that we were too tired to head out this late in the afternoon, as it will be dark before we get to Lethbridge. Better to make sure all was done here, and leave at first light tomorrow morning. Now there is nothing left in the house for supper, so out to Joey's Only for all you can eat Fish and Chips! Denice elected for Cajun Salmon. Now we are filled and content. Will keep the heat on in ELTORO for the night, have coffee and Toast in the AM and be on the road by 8:00AM

Next installment should be from somewhere in Wyoming (Casper I think), and we will start the real day count from tomorrow. Enough for now ---------------

Day Three - of our "Planned" vacation

Well, what can I say?? Still in High River. Much warmer here today. Up to about -6C, but strong winds to the south. Shannon, our favourite Daughter, reports that there are strong winds and blowing snow in the Pincher Creek area. Also looking at Great Falls weather map, there is a strong wind warning for that area as well. So here we sit again for another day. Tenative plans would be to try for a Tue/Wed exit. We were just discussing this, and you know what? In the olden days (say a few years back) when we were not so computer literate we used to decide to go and WE WENT!!! Maybe we were naive, but we went until the weather maybe stopped up, and we would "Lay Over" until it cleared. But now with all the internet support, we spend days reviewing webcam sites, US and Canada Weather reports, Road Sensor Sites and a myriad of other info. At the end of the day we are so confused that we just say to each other that " I guess we will wait another day". How long to we go on that way?? Will there ever be perfect weather over a 1500 mile route to the south?

Anyway enough of that about the "Planned Holiday" for todays Blog. If you looked at my profile you would likely have seen that one on my hobbies is "wood turning" on a lathe. Now with the vacation preparation, I have not been doing any for the last week or so, but Ross, our Son, likes doing it as well. Today he came out from Calgary to visit and decided to turn a small bowl. He has bought a lot of exotic wood on E-bay on the internet (here we go with the internet again). Today he chose a piece about 8" square x 2" thick of a dark wood he thinks is "Rosewood". He turned a real nice bowl ( it's really more of a plate than a bowl), but it turned out great!! It's always interesting to see the finished product after you shape, sand, and finish. We usually just leave the natural finish and just use a wax to enhance the grain and coloring.

So here are a couple of photos of his finished product.

Not to be outdone by my son, in future editions of my blog I will include some REAL GOOD STUFF that yours truly has done. Enough for tonite!

Day 2 - Still in High River !!

Well, we bought this nice little Villa in this exotic place to rest in the sun..............

With a nice Fir Tree out the front ............

Yah, right !!!!

The truth be known, it is -28C this morning. The sun IS shining, but very cold. So we sit and just imaging what some of our friend are enjoying in the southern sun. Still watching weather reports and webcams. Anticipating an improvement during the week ahead.

Day One - at least according to our plan

Well today was supposed to be the day we were going to load ELTORO (He is our 2003 Newmar Kountry Star) and be prepared to depart the cold Canadian North for warmer climes to the south, but as you can see both the weatherman and Highways are not co-operating. Today in High River, Alberta the temperature never got above -24C, so we are delaying exit until we see a break in the weather. By all indications, may be up to a week delay.