Saturday 9 th
We were advised by Time Warner ( TW ) to stay home all day Sat as they may have a cancellation and would try to "Squeeze " me in for an Internet connection. As it turns out this was a wasted day as a Installer Tech later told me this never happens because there are so many Snowbirds arriving that a cancellation just means that they go to the next guy on the list. Besides they only give you a window such as " before noon " or late afternoon as was in our case.
However, I did sneak away for ten minutes to grab a couple of Power Ball tickets but as it turns out it was a waste of 4.00 USD because some "dam " American won the pot.
Oh Ya; I also hit the gym as I thought I could "tone " my body if I had to stay in the park. I also found out that if go to the Gym it is much quicker to do your workout and leave. I made the fatal mistake of asking a "older " gentleman how he was doing and I now know all about having a heart valve replaced and all the lead up causes and a step by step of the operation and the recovery process.
As it turns out that is my second "Heart Operation" story that I sat thru in two days. Why does everyone think I want to know about their health problem? I guess they are just happy to be on the "Green " side of the grass. Cheers
Sunday 10 Jan
Since we can't get the Internet connected we decide to get out Cell phone activated. To do this we thought we could get it done at the Verizon Store in the Yuma Mall as they have a big store there and we have Verizon for our cell at home. Being Sunday we assumed it would not open until 10 AM so we got there around 10:30 only to find out that it opens at 11:00. To waste 1/2 an hour we cruised around the Mall area to check our other stores that "Carroll " might like to visit. I kept reminding her to add 40 % to all prices.
However, we did spot Best Buy and we were having a problem ( mostly operator error ) with the iPad so after we get the Cell phone operational we would return to Best Buy.
We return to the Verizon store at 11:00 and ask to have our cell phone activated will a Sim card. The Tech says , "we can't do that" and I said "what " why not; his reply was that, Verizon doesn't handle cell phone. But, he says if you go to the AT&T store across the parking lot they will do it for you. This seemed odd to us but we went to AT&T and they sold us a Sim card with unlimited calls in the USA for 25.00 and for and extra 5.00 we could get 250 minutes for Canada, which of course we purchased.
Then we moved to the Best Buy and got a female tech who was "Badged" as the Team Leader. After spending about 20 minutes showing us a few things that we did not know and playing with the iPad she suggested that we might want to get a new one because ours was out of date. What!! it is only 3 1/2 years old. Anyway, we then ask about a new computer so she handed us over to " Martin " a young guy who seem extremely knowledge and did not seem to mind dealing with two " Computer Illiterate" seniors. He also explained that I could get a reduced price ( from 10 to 50 percent ) if I would take a "returned " computer or better still if I took an "Open Box " computer.
Returned , mean someone took it home and actually used it but returned it. The "Greeks " cleaned the computer and it was back to new. Open Box means the buyer took the computer home but never used it.
The salesman continued to tell us about this man (a Senior ) who bought a computer and his wife "Marched" him right back and stood over him until he got his money back. He says it was quite humorous.
The bottom line is that it is just too expensive for me to buy a computer in the USA.
In the evening we visited with friends from Medicine Hat who, it seems that we see more often in Yuma then we do at home. Cheers
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Friday, 15 January 2016
Things to do on our first full day at Benito Mesa
8 th Jan Friday
First thing this morning, was my attempt to convince Time Warner (TW ) that I needed my internet ASP. I later found out that "ASP" is not in their vocabulary. Since I did not have our cell phone activated yet, I visited a neighbor/friend to use their phone and called TW hoping to lay on my charm to get the Internet connect on Friday or Saturday. Dennis ( the TW scheduler ) was adamant ; no sooner that the 18 Jan BUT if they had a cancellation they would try to squeeze me in. I felt somewhat convinced that Dennis would really try to get me hooked up sooner because I just can't wait until the 18 th. So later in the afternoon I called back to TW to ask if they got any cancellation for Saturday. ( It doesn't hurt to ask ). This time I got "Anthony " and he said there was no cancellation but he had an opening on the 15 th at 4 PM so I took it. He also said that I should stay home on Saturday as their Techs were in Benito Mesa on Saturday and MAY squeeze me in. At least this was encouraging even if it was a long shot.
Our next move was to go grocery shopping and this would be a big one as our MH was empty of any perishables since it was parked in Mesquite since Oct. The grocery bill was 158.00 USD. The up side is the for every 100.00 you spend at Fry's you get 10 cents off a gallon of gas or diesel.
Our MH, like all MH's has power operated sun screens , one on the driver's side and one for the co-pilot ( Carroll's ) side. The windshields are quite huge so a Sun vision, like one in your car is really not practical hence the need for a Sun Screen. The plastic support brackets broke off on the way down in Oct and no Cdn RV dealer could supply the brackets so I went to the local Discount RV shop to see if the could order me the brackets. They did not have a bracket in stock , nor did I think they would have. However, the guy at the order desk suggest I order it on line myself because if he ordered it, he would have to add his markup. I thanked him for the advise and I will order once I get my internet.
We thought about getting our Cell activated but had done enough running around for today so we opted to take the afternoon to rest and to set the chairs, Bar-B-Q etc. Besides, Happy Hour was creeping up. cheers
First thing this morning, was my attempt to convince Time Warner (TW ) that I needed my internet ASP. I later found out that "ASP" is not in their vocabulary. Since I did not have our cell phone activated yet, I visited a neighbor/friend to use their phone and called TW hoping to lay on my charm to get the Internet connect on Friday or Saturday. Dennis ( the TW scheduler ) was adamant ; no sooner that the 18 Jan BUT if they had a cancellation they would try to squeeze me in. I felt somewhat convinced that Dennis would really try to get me hooked up sooner because I just can't wait until the 18 th. So later in the afternoon I called back to TW to ask if they got any cancellation for Saturday. ( It doesn't hurt to ask ). This time I got "Anthony " and he said there was no cancellation but he had an opening on the 15 th at 4 PM so I took it. He also said that I should stay home on Saturday as their Techs were in Benito Mesa on Saturday and MAY squeeze me in. At least this was encouraging even if it was a long shot.
Our next move was to go grocery shopping and this would be a big one as our MH was empty of any perishables since it was parked in Mesquite since Oct. The grocery bill was 158.00 USD. The up side is the for every 100.00 you spend at Fry's you get 10 cents off a gallon of gas or diesel.
Our MH, like all MH's has power operated sun screens , one on the driver's side and one for the co-pilot ( Carroll's ) side. The windshields are quite huge so a Sun vision, like one in your car is really not practical hence the need for a Sun Screen. The plastic support brackets broke off on the way down in Oct and no Cdn RV dealer could supply the brackets so I went to the local Discount RV shop to see if the could order me the brackets. They did not have a bracket in stock , nor did I think they would have. However, the guy at the order desk suggest I order it on line myself because if he ordered it, he would have to add his markup. I thanked him for the advise and I will order once I get my internet.
We thought about getting our Cell activated but had done enough running around for today so we opted to take the afternoon to rest and to set the chairs, Bar-B-Q etc. Besides, Happy Hour was creeping up. cheers
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
AVI to Yuma
Today is the 7 th Jan. I forgot to mention that yesterday was Carroll's Birthday. I bought supper at the casino and she won 8.00 which is better than dropping her usual 20.00.
We left AVI around 9 AM and we stayed on the CA side which is HWY 95 as this hwy is much more of a casual drive than the AZ side. The trip from AVI to Yuma is a casual 6 hour drive assuming we did not stop in Quartzsite and we did not stop as the "Big Tent " was not open yet. Then we took hwy 62 to Parker AZ where we would stop for fuel as the price is at least half of the CA price. Since we are sometimes a " creature of habit" so we stop at a favorite Haunt for breakfast.
After leaving Parker we sailed right thru Quartzsite heading for Yuma which is 85 miles from there. About 1/2 way I need a "Pit " stop and there are few pull-offs so I spotted a somewhat level dirt area and pulled off. On my entry back on to the hwy I then realized that it had been raining here recently and as my wheels hit the soft sand my next though was "Holy Shit " what have I done. So I gave the throttle a slight touch and we spun the wheels a little but made it back on the road. Another disaster averted.
We arrived at the RV park around three PM and then had a long discussion about where we wanted to park and where they would let us park. Our first choice was taken and since we have a 40 foot MH with 4 slides we are limited. The park attendant wanted to put us in a spot that we had before but we refused as the neighbor has 2 "Yappy " dogs and the tree at the back of the MH "houses" many birds at night an they use our MH for a bathroom. After several conversation the gentleman who " parks " us said; let's jump into my cart and go find a suitable site. We found a spot with nobody on either side and a very friendly " Binder Pilot " from Sask , who we had met last year , just spots away. Problem solved.
After getting set up we went grocery shopping and pickup a Chinese supper at the grocery store. the day is done and I need a beer. Cheers
We left AVI around 9 AM and we stayed on the CA side which is HWY 95 as this hwy is much more of a casual drive than the AZ side. The trip from AVI to Yuma is a casual 6 hour drive assuming we did not stop in Quartzsite and we did not stop as the "Big Tent " was not open yet. Then we took hwy 62 to Parker AZ where we would stop for fuel as the price is at least half of the CA price. Since we are sometimes a " creature of habit" so we stop at a favorite Haunt for breakfast.
After leaving Parker we sailed right thru Quartzsite heading for Yuma which is 85 miles from there. About 1/2 way I need a "Pit " stop and there are few pull-offs so I spotted a somewhat level dirt area and pulled off. On my entry back on to the hwy I then realized that it had been raining here recently and as my wheels hit the soft sand my next though was "Holy Shit " what have I done. So I gave the throttle a slight touch and we spun the wheels a little but made it back on the road. Another disaster averted.
We arrived at the RV park around three PM and then had a long discussion about where we wanted to park and where they would let us park. Our first choice was taken and since we have a 40 foot MH with 4 slides we are limited. The park attendant wanted to put us in a spot that we had before but we refused as the neighbor has 2 "Yappy " dogs and the tree at the back of the MH "houses" many birds at night an they use our MH for a bathroom. After several conversation the gentleman who " parks " us said; let's jump into my cart and go find a suitable site. We found a spot with nobody on either side and a very friendly " Binder Pilot " from Sask , who we had met last year , just spots away. Problem solved.
After getting set up we went grocery shopping and pickup a Chinese supper at the grocery store. the day is done and I need a beer. Cheers
Mesquite to AVI Casino
Our plan was to have breakfast, then go to the storage and pick up the Motor Home (MH ), go to the Casablanca RV park, ( there is no security ) fill up with water to last until we get to Yuma and head for AVI Casino where we would overnight for free.
That was the plan but it did not work out that way. When we got to the storage area the batteries in the MH were dead with not enough power to honk the horn.
About 5 years ago on Christmas eve "Day " we were parked in a parking lot in Mesquite and the alternator in the Ford truck failed or to coin a phase, "it shit itself ". Since I did not know where I could get help I ask trucker who was parked near us, and he told me to go to John's Diesel as he was the best mechanic in NV. So I again solicited John's help to see if he could Jumper the MH. John is a talker and he was holding court with guys so I did not want to interfere so I stood near by and kind of stare at him to get his attention. Finally he ask me if he could help and I said I needed a boost for my MH. He called one of the mechanic who did not seem busy and told him my problem. The mechanic apparently runs the Mobile Service Truck and he knew the location of the storage and said he would be there in 10 Minutes.
The Service Truck arrived and had to let his vehicle run for 10 minutes to charge up the batteries before the MH would start. A 120.00 later the MH was running and we headed to the Casablanca RV Park where I quickly top up the water tank and of course nobody seemed to notice nor did the Security show up. We hooked up the tow car and headed for AVI Casino which is a 4 hour drive and is 15 miles out of Needles, CA but located in NV.
We have stayed at AVI Casino several times over the years as they have a 5 acre gravel lot where many RVers park overnight or for a few days. If you stay longer than one night you are suppose to gamble but they are fairly lenient. Any how we pulled into the lot along with 100 or so other Freeloaders and parked. Carroll went to unlock the door and the deadbolt lock was stuck. I tried to turn the lock but no luck. " What the hell can we do? ".... We are locked in with no way to get out. Carroll opened a window and hollered at two men who where sitting nearby and I'm sure they could believe what this lady was hollering about. The two guys took our keys but could not turn the lock so we are now trapped inside our MH. The lock is secured by two bolts from the inside the MH but when the lock is in the "Locked " position the Thumb Knob covers the two screws. I ask the two helpers to get me a screw driver and I turned the Thumb Knob just far enough to remove one bolt which slightly loosened the lock. Then I sprung the Thumb Knob far enough to remove the second bolt. Finally the lock fell apart and we where now "Freed ". Needless to say the deadbolt will never be reinstalled as long as we own the MH. If we had a fire and the lock jam the isn't hope in Hell of getting out alive.
That was the plan but it did not work out that way. When we got to the storage area the batteries in the MH were dead with not enough power to honk the horn.
About 5 years ago on Christmas eve "Day " we were parked in a parking lot in Mesquite and the alternator in the Ford truck failed or to coin a phase, "it shit itself ". Since I did not know where I could get help I ask trucker who was parked near us, and he told me to go to John's Diesel as he was the best mechanic in NV. So I again solicited John's help to see if he could Jumper the MH. John is a talker and he was holding court with guys so I did not want to interfere so I stood near by and kind of stare at him to get his attention. Finally he ask me if he could help and I said I needed a boost for my MH. He called one of the mechanic who did not seem busy and told him my problem. The mechanic apparently runs the Mobile Service Truck and he knew the location of the storage and said he would be there in 10 Minutes.
The Service Truck arrived and had to let his vehicle run for 10 minutes to charge up the batteries before the MH would start. A 120.00 later the MH was running and we headed to the Casablanca RV Park where I quickly top up the water tank and of course nobody seemed to notice nor did the Security show up. We hooked up the tow car and headed for AVI Casino which is a 4 hour drive and is 15 miles out of Needles, CA but located in NV.
We have stayed at AVI Casino several times over the years as they have a 5 acre gravel lot where many RVers park overnight or for a few days. If you stay longer than one night you are suppose to gamble but they are fairly lenient. Any how we pulled into the lot along with 100 or so other Freeloaders and parked. Carroll went to unlock the door and the deadbolt lock was stuck. I tried to turn the lock but no luck. " What the hell can we do? ".... We are locked in with no way to get out. Carroll opened a window and hollered at two men who where sitting nearby and I'm sure they could believe what this lady was hollering about. The two guys took our keys but could not turn the lock so we are now trapped inside our MH. The lock is secured by two bolts from the inside the MH but when the lock is in the "Locked " position the Thumb Knob covers the two screws. I ask the two helpers to get me a screw driver and I turned the Thumb Knob just far enough to remove one bolt which slightly loosened the lock. Then I sprung the Thumb Knob far enough to remove the second bolt. Finally the lock fell apart and we where now "Freed ". Needless to say the deadbolt will never be reinstalled as long as we own the MH. If we had a fire and the lock jam the isn't hope in Hell of getting out alive.
Monday, 11 January 2016
Idaho to Mesquite Nevada.
When we got up on Tuesday at Idaho Falls a light snow had fallen during the night and it looked nasty. However, we did not want to pass up the free "Hot Breakfast " promised by the Comfort INN. During breakfast we drummed up a conversation with a couple from Sask who were heading to Surprise, AZ and a couple from AB who going to Mesa.
Even thought the roads were snowy, followed by a light misty rain for all of the way to SLC we played "Leap Frog" with the above two couples as we all seemed to think the 120 KMH was the preferred speed.
However, we usually stop south of SLC at a place called San Quintan which is apple country to purchase a bag of Pears and Apples. We also stopped there for fuel since it was 2.22 a gal. Since this stop took about 1/2 an hour our Leap Frog friends were long gone so we never seen them again.
From San Quintan to St. Geo was clear sailing again as they weather became sunny and clear. We stopped in at St. Geo as Carroll purchased an overprice set of " Bamboo" sheets when we where there to play ball in Oct. The sheets frayed on the first wash so we wanted to exchanged them which the company did without any question.
We planned to stay in Mesquite , at the Virgin River casino hotel tonight and to get the MH out of storage tomorrow. We arrived in Mesquite, NV around 4 PM and the weather started to cloud over and within 1/2 an hour it started to pour rain and it continued throughout the night. We had hoped that the rain would stop in the morning so we could unload the car into the MH without getting drenched.
We went to the casino to have supper ( Prime rib special for 6.99) and for Carroll to donated another 20.00 to the casino to ensure that it stays afloat for another year. I believe she dropped the 20.00 in record time. After supper we went to Lee's Discount Liquor store to pick up a supply of Beer, wine and Rye as the price are always reasonable. We met either the owner or one of the salesman and he and I discussed Canadian Whisky, mainly Crown Royal and he knew all about the Crown Royal being brewed in Gimli, Manitoba and the fact that Crown Royal is no longer aged for 12 years because of the demand for the product. Also, any Crown Royal consumer probably is aware that they have new product such "Black " and " Maple" which are flying off the shelf. Cheers
Even thought the roads were snowy, followed by a light misty rain for all of the way to SLC we played "Leap Frog" with the above two couples as we all seemed to think the 120 KMH was the preferred speed.
However, we usually stop south of SLC at a place called San Quintan which is apple country to purchase a bag of Pears and Apples. We also stopped there for fuel since it was 2.22 a gal. Since this stop took about 1/2 an hour our Leap Frog friends were long gone so we never seen them again.
From San Quintan to St. Geo was clear sailing again as they weather became sunny and clear. We stopped in at St. Geo as Carroll purchased an overprice set of " Bamboo" sheets when we where there to play ball in Oct. The sheets frayed on the first wash so we wanted to exchanged them which the company did without any question.
We planned to stay in Mesquite , at the Virgin River casino hotel tonight and to get the MH out of storage tomorrow. We arrived in Mesquite, NV around 4 PM and the weather started to cloud over and within 1/2 an hour it started to pour rain and it continued throughout the night. We had hoped that the rain would stop in the morning so we could unload the car into the MH without getting drenched.
We went to the casino to have supper ( Prime rib special for 6.99) and for Carroll to donated another 20.00 to the casino to ensure that it stays afloat for another year. I believe she dropped the 20.00 in record time. After supper we went to Lee's Discount Liquor store to pick up a supply of Beer, wine and Rye as the price are always reasonable. We met either the owner or one of the salesman and he and I discussed Canadian Whisky, mainly Crown Royal and he knew all about the Crown Royal being brewed in Gimli, Manitoba and the fact that Crown Royal is no longer aged for 12 years because of the demand for the product. Also, any Crown Royal consumer probably is aware that they have new product such "Black " and " Maple" which are flying off the shelf. Cheers
Okotoks to Idaho Falls.
We left Todd's place at 8:08 AM , just as the G/Kids left for school and we headed for Idaho Falls. The weather was -8 C when we left AB and the roads were great all the way to Idaho Falls. Except for the preverbal stop at the Duty free to pick up two bottles of Crown Royal and the "Where are from and Where are you going questions " at the border the rest was clear sailing except for gas. Gas in MT was 2.35 and diesel was a little cheaper, and it got cheaper as we went south except for UT so I avoided it. The weather was a little rainy in Idaho Falls and since the temp was dropping we expected snow in the morning.
I used my charm at the Comfort INN to get a good room for a reasonable price. The price started at 80.00 for a Queen bed on the second floor so I ask for a discount for a Senior which did not move the needle at all. Then I used the " I am a Veteran " card and that got me a 10.00 discount once I showed proof. The I used " my wife has two new knees and can't climb stairs " card so the clerk gave us a suite on the 1 st floor with a King bed at no extra cost. I told you I used my charm.
We had supper at the Olive Garden before we got a room so after getting the room we hit the pool and the hot tub. By now we were tired and wanted to get an early start tomorrow so we hit the bed shortly thereafter. cheers
I used my charm at the Comfort INN to get a good room for a reasonable price. The price started at 80.00 for a Queen bed on the second floor so I ask for a discount for a Senior which did not move the needle at all. Then I used the " I am a Veteran " card and that got me a 10.00 discount once I showed proof. The I used " my wife has two new knees and can't climb stairs " card so the clerk gave us a suite on the 1 st floor with a King bed at no extra cost. I told you I used my charm.
We had supper at the Olive Garden before we got a room so after getting the room we hit the pool and the hot tub. By now we were tired and wanted to get an early start tomorrow so we hit the bed shortly thereafter. cheers
Todd's place
2 Jan 2015
Todd and family have been at the cabin in BC since Christmas, polishing their skiing skills and will be returning home today. Since they have been away since the before Christmas the fridge was empty so we decided to do some grocery shopping so there would be the necessary food supplies when Todd, Yvonne and the 4 "Human Garborators " arrived home around supper time.
In the morning we sent Todd a message and ask if we were to make supper for them . Todd's answer was no , they would eat on the way home. We bought a 5 lb roast along with other groceries just in case they didn't stop on the way home. Around 3 PM we rec an email from Todd saying , you can make supper as we have changed our plans and will now be home around 6 PM. Luckily I checked my email at 4 PM and seen Todd's message and then panic set in. We cranked the oven up to 400 F and put the roast in hoping it would be done by 6 or 6:30. Todd is notorious for being late and this is one time I had hoped he would miscalculate his arrival time.
As it turns out , Todd and family arrived home around 6 PM and Carroll had every thing ready by 6:30 so we had supper and then the G/kids shows us there Christmas presents.
3 Jan 2015.
Since we are leaving for Yuma tomorrow ( the 4 th Jan ) around 8 AM and /or after the G/Kids leave for school, we had to sort out the clothes we are taking and those that are staying behind. We would normal leave our summer clothes in the MH when we left it in Mesquite, NV but we had to bring some home to take to Puerto Plata. We also need "winter" clothes for the first two days of travel, for going south. It always seems that our vehicles are too small for the items we have to take with us. I'm sure I can get by with a lot fewer things than Carroll but who am I to argue that point!!!!!
Todd and I build a hockey rink in Nov and he has been trying to get it flooded every since. The dam weather has been fluctuating above and below Zero during Dec so it was hard to get a smooth surface. Since it was minus 13 today, we got 350 gallon of water from Todd's work and dumped it on and sealed the edges and to smooth out some ruts.. He will get a water truck to flood it later in the week.
The we decided to string the necessary lighting to make this " Coliseum " as close as possible to look like then" Saddle Dome ". After working outside at -13C for about 3 hours I almost forgot how cold that is so we call a " Timeout " I think Todd allows two timeouts per day , so I could warm up.
Later I finished packing the car so we could get an early start as we had hope for good weather so we could get to Idhao Falls tomorrow. cheers
Todd and family have been at the cabin in BC since Christmas, polishing their skiing skills and will be returning home today. Since they have been away since the before Christmas the fridge was empty so we decided to do some grocery shopping so there would be the necessary food supplies when Todd, Yvonne and the 4 "Human Garborators " arrived home around supper time.
In the morning we sent Todd a message and ask if we were to make supper for them . Todd's answer was no , they would eat on the way home. We bought a 5 lb roast along with other groceries just in case they didn't stop on the way home. Around 3 PM we rec an email from Todd saying , you can make supper as we have changed our plans and will now be home around 6 PM. Luckily I checked my email at 4 PM and seen Todd's message and then panic set in. We cranked the oven up to 400 F and put the roast in hoping it would be done by 6 or 6:30. Todd is notorious for being late and this is one time I had hoped he would miscalculate his arrival time.
As it turns out , Todd and family arrived home around 6 PM and Carroll had every thing ready by 6:30 so we had supper and then the G/kids shows us there Christmas presents.
3 Jan 2015.
Since we are leaving for Yuma tomorrow ( the 4 th Jan ) around 8 AM and /or after the G/Kids leave for school, we had to sort out the clothes we are taking and those that are staying behind. We would normal leave our summer clothes in the MH when we left it in Mesquite, NV but we had to bring some home to take to Puerto Plata. We also need "winter" clothes for the first two days of travel, for going south. It always seems that our vehicles are too small for the items we have to take with us. I'm sure I can get by with a lot fewer things than Carroll but who am I to argue that point!!!!!
Todd and I build a hockey rink in Nov and he has been trying to get it flooded every since. The dam weather has been fluctuating above and below Zero during Dec so it was hard to get a smooth surface. Since it was minus 13 today, we got 350 gallon of water from Todd's work and dumped it on and sealed the edges and to smooth out some ruts.. He will get a water truck to flood it later in the week.
The we decided to string the necessary lighting to make this " Coliseum " as close as possible to look like then" Saddle Dome ". After working outside at -13C for about 3 hours I almost forgot how cold that is so we call a " Timeout " I think Todd allows two timeouts per day , so I could warm up.
Later I finished packing the car so we could get an early start as we had hope for good weather so we could get to Idhao Falls tomorrow. cheers
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