#19 A look back...a look forward

Things have really settled down now.  Starting to feel like the fun part of this journey is beginning.  I'm also starting to look back and put things in perspective.  I've read what I have written in the past.  I was pretty much going crazy during the process of moving lol.  But, I now know why.  Since this is a learning experience, let me elaborate:

Every time we have moved in the past, we just packed and went.  There was some purging, but for the most part everything went in a box and to the new place.  This time was different.  Everything had to go.  As a result there was the added stress of sorting through things..everything.  I had to choose wisely since we were only keeping limited items.  Some things were hard to part with; others not so much.  Adding to that aspect was the very short escrow and LJ not being around to help.  I had friends helping, but while appreciated, also added to the stress.  I felt the need to quickly sort, pack and eliminate.  In retrospect I kept things that should have gone and tossed things I wish I'd kept.  But some of that could just be donation remorse.  This was by far the hardest move we have ever done.  Now I have had time to reflect.  I almost wish we had saved nothing.  We are paying for a storage unit that holds things that really aren't that important in the big scheme of things.  I'd like to go through all that stuff when we get back to Reno in the spring.  Maybe now I can let it go.

Another thing adding to the high stress was Nevada Real Estate Law.  In California, when you sell a house, the buyer has 3 days to withdraw the contract, then it's binding.  In Nevada, the buyer can walk away up to the day of closing.  So here I was, emptying out the house of worldly belongings and furniture, all the time having that hanging over my head.  I realize now, that as the house emptied and it no longer looked like a home, I was worrying about the sale going through.  There was nothing the buyer had done to indicate she wouldn't follow through.  It was just knowing it was a possibility.

that was a nice $1500 win

Our friends have this beautiful home here.  We visit and I think about having a house.  But I'm
actually not ready yet.  I like the idea of being able to up and move when we want.  This first year it seems like we aren't really going many places.  Part of it is getting used to this lifestyle.  Part of it is winter is really not the time to travel.  I believe this summer we will move around a bit more.  In February we leave here for a couple weeks to go to Quartzite and Yuma....atv trip.  I know we will be in Reno from April -June to do taxes and allow me some gambling time. (I don't atv so it's my "me" time lol)  July we will be in Idaho to atv and just explore.  August is up in the air.
Middle of September we return to Utah...atv time....again.  
Middle of October we are back here in Arizona.  So at least we are moving around a little!


Since we didn't buy a toy hauler, our travel area is limited if we are pulling the atv.  In retrospect, as much as I love this home on wheels, maybe we should have considered that a bit more.  Larry has no problem pulling the extra trailer.  It tracks just fine and with the rear camera on the rv he can keep an eye on it.  He is perfectly legal in a few states, but unfortunately different state have different vehicle laws.  Legal here, not there.  It affects where we go.  So since we have the atv, we either leave it in Reno, travel and return to get it for the fall rides or we limit our travel area.

our home on wheels

I so love the storage and space this RV gives us.  It is so much nicer than a toy hauler.  But given LJ doesn't want to give up his atv that should have been thought out more.  We make it work, but it may not be the right thing in the long run.   It will be hard to give up the roominess of the living area, master bath.  The toy hauler when used to it's fullest potential allows for a separate family room and patio.  They do have half baths and decent kitchens, but a much smaller main living and master bath.  Nothing is perfect I guess.  Trade one thing for another.  Just have to decide, after some time of course, what the priorities are.  If it's live in comfort and limit the travel area when pulling the atv... stay with this one.  If it's being able to travel the entire US with the ATV, but not pulling the extra trailer, then we change to the toy hauler.  Priorities.

We have agreed to stay status quo for the two year commitment.  After all, we just bought it and we both enjoy living in it.  Should we decide to keep on with this lifestyle AND the atv, then we will probably need to sell and change types of trailers.  If the atv is no longer to be considered, then this trailer will be fine for years.

Another obstacle I have run in to is Medical. Of course, full timing in the RV really isn't the issue.  I discovered that any time I am out of Nevada, my health insurance only covers emergencies.  Nice.... That means if I need to see a doctor for a cold or flu, too bad.  Not covered.  When I went to get a policy for 2018 (Anthem blue shield left Nevada), I discovered that NO insurance had a policy that covers out of state thanks to the ACA.  And that included Anthem, even tho they are nationwide!  Crazy.  LJ on the other hand is fine because he is on medicare.  He is covered everywhere.  At least I have insurance should we get in an accident or I have a heart attack or something major.  Sometimes I think what's the point of paying that $900 a month... but then theres the mandate.  Thank you federal government.  At least our truck and RV are covered everywhere lol.  Not gonna let it be an issue.  I'll be 65 in 3 years.  I just need to stay healthy til then.

As far as living in the trailer, I rather like it.  The simplicity of it all is quite appealing.  We did have Satellite Tv put on the rig so we can have some semblance of normal life lol.  I like that now we can record shows for those days you just wanna sit in the chair and do nothing.  Plus we get all the news and movie channels so we can keep up what's going on in the world.  It's what we do at night when it starts to get a little cool.  Plus, to be perfectly honest, there's bugs at night.  yuck.. So I'd rather be inside.  We sprayed around the trailer and site so we don't have many, but those of you who know me know my dread of being around crickets.....and there are a lot of crickets here.  At night.  Ewwww.

As for our life so far.....Love it here in Arizona this time of year.  It's not too hot, but rather spring, early summer like.  Still shorts and t-shirt weather.  Pretty blue skies, slight breezes.  Makes being outside during the day relaxing and inviting.  Nights are nice, but again..crickets.  Ewwww.

It really isn't much different living in the trailer as opposed to a house.  Not as big, of course, but easy to take care of.  It is a stress free life style.  I have to admit LJ and I are together 24-7, 365.  It's not a lifestyle you should choose if you can't stand that much together time, lol.  We pretty much do everything we did when we had a house...except yard work, house work.  We go out, visit friends, shop, watch tv, walk the park, play cards and sometimes just sit and watch the world go by.  We have our "me" time when LJ goes to breakfast with Bruce or one of us simply goes outside while the other one stays inside.  Usually it's to watch tv.  I hate racing, he hates constantly watching the ID channel lol.  There is a tv outside so no one has to do without.

LJs lifestyle is the same as before.  He's replaced mowing lawns with the occasional dumping of holding tanks hahahaha.

Scooter seems to like it.  He no longer barks at everything that moves, except birds lol.  He has made a couple doggie friends.  He likes to be outside so he can keep an eye on everything.  I think he's outside more here that when we lived in the house...as are we.

I do miss my sewing room and being able to go to the casino when I want.  So I read and crochet.  I don't go shopping any more because there's nothing to buy and no place to put it.  We did have to replace our dining room chairs.  That was exciting, lol.  LJ was sitting in one and said "this seems a little wobbly, not real sturdy".  So let's wiggle our butt around in it a bit, I don't know, just to see what happens.  Crack.... oh that's what happens.  Oh and let's turn the other chair upside down without holding on to the open seat to see what happens.  Oh... it falls off and the screws come out.  Never a dull moment.  On the upside, we replaced the rickety crappy RV chairs with lovely new ones that should last for years.  And we found them at some little hole in the wall store and only paid $50 a piece for them!   I actually like them much better, so it was a good thing in the end.

So, all in all, I'm still glad we made this lifestyle choice.  It's nice continuing to watch the bank account grow.  It's nice to be debt free.  It's not perfect, but it's a good life.  I think the choice we made to stay put in one place was smart for the first year.  I also have changed my mind and think maybe we should travel a bit more in the future.  Places to go, things to see.  I originally liked just exchanging a house for an RV, but staying pretty much status quo.  I think I was wrong.  I find I get a little bored sometimes, but not enough to want to change the lifestyle...just maybe the scenery.

After reflecting on it....still the smartest decision we ever made.

old chairs on the left......                                                new chairs... much better

#18 Arizona Bound

10/15/17:  Off we go.  Left Richfield and headed for Arizona.  Our plans are to spend a few months in Goodyear (outside Phoenix), but to make the trip easy for LJ, we decided to make it a two day trip and spend the first night in Kingman.  My last trip to Kingman wasn't good, so I wasn't overly excited.  Might I suggest avoiding Jack in the Box, but I digress.  The drive was nice.  Pretty country.  It's funny how red the dirt is in Utah and how yellow it is in Arizona.  But the scenery is spectacular.  Varying landscapes made for a pleasant drive...well most of the way.

We took 15 South through Utah to Nevada.  I realllllly don't like Las Vegas.  Traffic is a nightmare even in the middle of the day.  Was happy when we were past it.  GPS took us around construction, but through a sketchy neighborhood.  Glad we were armed, but again happy to get the heck out of that area.  It's like driving through LA, but with a big ol trailer.  No fun.

Finally got to 93 and headed toward Kingman.  After leaving Las Vegas, the scenery got pretty again.

Got to the Kingman KOA, which is in the middle of a neighborhood.

Actually not too bad, but the sites are all dirt, no grass/gravel.  Not sure how it would be if it rained.







There are bushes separating the sites for "privacy".  The park has a western theme, with a playground, dog run (small and pea gravel) and mini golf course.  There are some cute cabins as well.  Cracker Barrel was just down the road, so I managed to survive lol.  We didn't use the laundry so no comment on that.  We just used water and electric since it was for only one night.  I don't know that I would recommend this place for long term, mainly because of all the dirt, but certainly fine for a few nights.

 It was fun, though, watching the golf cart guy try to put a big ol motorhome in the wrong slot.  And the motorhome guy apparently hasn't been driving long or doesn't understand the swing wide theory.  The only thing more fun than watching people park RVs is watching a boat launch.   He finally had to unhook the jeep to make the corner.

Next morning off to Goodyear.  Again, pleasant drive and pretty scenery most of the way.  Took 93 to the Loop 303, then south to Interstate 10.  Goodyear is west of Phoenix, pretty much where the 303 and 10 meet.







The RV park is not too far from the interstate, but far enough not to really hear it.  It's kind of plopped down in the middle of farm land.  I like it here. After a couple of weeks, I feel like it's easy to get anywhere.  Within a 10 mile radius is everything you need, including restaurants, malls, familiar stores.  As for the Destiny RV Park in Goodyear, AZ?  Yep...highly recommend it if ya wanna be a snowbird like us!  It's a really nice area.

The park itself is well kept with trees, dog run, pool and fitness center.  The one thing it doesn't have, oddly enough, is cable tv.  No idea why.  The sites are fairly large so you don't feel like the guy next to you is parked in your lap.  The site we have has a lime tree...can you say margaritas?  There are other fruit trees throughout.  The park says, eat the fruit, but only take what you need so others may have some.  That's kinda cool.   There was plenty of room for us to put the atv trailer so we didn't have to store it.

You see the maintenance people rolling around in their golf carts.  They are quite accommodating,
but strict with the rules.  They insist your sewer hose be off the ground.  No problem for us, but one guy got a notice and had to go buy the support.  They have lots of activities for the guests, should you want to participate.  I have no problem at all calling this place home for the next three months.  Might just do it every year.

It also helps that we have friends, Bruce and Katherine, just 3 miles away.  They had recommended this park since they stayed here while looking at houses.  A few weeks ago they purchased an absolutely gorgeous home with a stunning back yard (pool, spa, covered bbq/tv area) and huge RV parking in a gated community....for less than $500K!!.  Couldn't touch this place for less that $800-900k anywhere else.  We've gone to dinner and visited each other.  LJ and I enjoy spending time together, but it's also nice having someone you know nearby.  Plus, Bruce and Kath are a lot of fun to be around!  The four of us also had the chance to meet up with another friend who happened to be visiting family in Phoenix.  Small world!

Recently talked to friends back home (Reno) and it's getting cold there.  I just sit around in my tank top and shorts lol.  Scooter seems to like it.  He sits out in his pen and watches the world go by...and barks as it does lol.  He seems to have adjusted well.  All I see LJ do is relax...and relax...and relax.  I don't think in 38 years I've ever seen him so laid back.




I realllllllly like it down here, but realistically it gets hot hot hot.  Summers can get up to 115-120.  Just too dang hot.  It is the ideal winter place, though.  I still prefer the Reno area, but wouldn't have a problem living there in the spring and fall, coming here in the winter and traveling in the summer.  What an ideal life that would be!  As each day goes by, I see the advantages to living in the RV.  It allows you to do just that.  Live here, there and everywhere.  No strings.

It's been over three months already and I still enjoy living in the RV.  I have to admit, when I saw Bruce and Kath's house I wanted it, hahaha.  They have my dream back yard and a beautiful home I would love to decorate.  I wistfully dreamed about it.  Then I decided to clean the RV.   Took 10 minutes to get it done and suddenly I was over owning a house for now.  I've always loved having a pool and have missed it while living in Reno. There's a pool here, though,  that I don't have to maintain or clean lol.  But no tan lines is out of the question in a public pool, hahaha.  I will admit I did look to see what houses are for sale around here, but only for research purposes.  There are some real bargains.  But, LJ and I committed to two years.  I've learned that living this lifestyle...Well, it's all in your mindset.  I will enjoy our friends' homes.  They can pay the upkeep hahahaha.

I have figured out how to cook in the RV effectively without getting grease everywhere... do it outside lol.  LJ has set up his BBQ and outdoor kitchen, so we are having more meals at home.  With just the two of us though, and relatively few expenses, eating out is always an option.😂

It's nice having money in the bank and it growing every month.  Every time I start thinking about living in a house, all the costs and responsibilities that go with it pop into my head.  Plus, talking to our friend Patty in Reno, bless her, she's having plumbing problems in their house.  The cement foundation has been dug up and their house is just a mess.  I really feel for her but appreciate our lack of home ownership even more.  I'm sure after a couple years I'll be ready, but not now.  Too much to gain by being vagabonds.

I have all the comforts of home.  Our RV is perfectly fine.  We are getting satellite tv installed in a couple weeks to broaden our tv viewing.  We have managed to not concern ourselves with it though.  It's just nice to have options and the ability to record something while we are out and about.  I have mastered the combo washer/dryer.  It doesn't take nearly as long to do a load like the reviews said.  I just do one or two every few days.  I love the convenience of not having to drag the laundry someplace.   The key is follow the manufacturer's advice!  Powdered soap (very little), liquid fab softener (very little) and don't over stuff or over dry!  I add a little oxy-clean to keep the white's white and take the hanging stuff out while still a teeny bit damp.  Have had no issues and it's funny, but I don't mind doing laundry at all!  I hated it when we had a house lol.

Neither of us really gets bored it seems.  We talk to people in the park, read, watch a little tv, play on the iPad, visit friends and explore.  It's really not any different than when we lived in the house...just less responsibilities.  So, so far, so good. No intention of giving up the life any time soon!

Cool License Plate ...thank you AZ

In a local restaurant...The Haymaker in Goodyear

#17 Richfield Utah

To be honest I kind of dreaded this atv camp trip. I have been on this atv ride a few times in the past.  The scenery is simply spectacular.  But on previous trips we always stayed in motel rooms.  Richfield is not a very big place so I wasn't expecting much with the RV park.  I could not have been more wrong.

What a nice place.  Shady, large RV spots.  While there are a lot of atv riders here, it's relatively quiet.  The park provides you with a nice free fire pit if you buy some wood.  So we did.  Pleasant evenings around the camp fire after the boys go ride all day.  At times I wish I was going too, but I don't ride any more.  My neck and back just won't take it.  So I have been spending the days reading, playing iPad games and just relaxing.  I have become an expert on how to use my new washer/dryer lol.

pavilion

The KOA in Richfield is within driving distance from Bryce NP, Capital Reefs NP and other scenic sites.  It does have a Walmart, so it isn't all bad lol.  The KOA has tent sites with electric and water, along with little KOA cabins.  There'a a pavilion for large gatherings, a pool (only open in summer), large laundry facilities.  There are also some large RV sites with huge cement patios and a fire pit.  Some of them have extra tables and chairs for guests.  Thinking about maybe getting one of those next time.  While large, they aren't as long as some of the others, but perfect for just hanging out with a group.  This is obviously an atv oriented park.  Those particular sites have designated atv parking.  One of the advantages to staying here is you can ride all over town and directly to the trails right from the park.  The only rule is stay off the main highway.  There's a kids playground with climbing stuff and lots of grass.  A small dog park with pea gravel is available.  Benches and shade trees while you wait for snoopy to do his business.

enjoying some fresh air

There are a few restaurants in town.  LJ's favorite breakfast spot is the Little Wonder Cafe.  I wonder why he likes it so much, but he and Rich go there every morning.  There's a little ice cream shop/restaurant in town just down the street.  I didn't think the ice cream was very good.  Probably won't go there again for that.  Haven't eaten lunch there, but the boys have on a previous trip.  They said it was okay for some place different.  Of course, as with any small town, there is Arbys, Burger King and Mickey D's.

For the most part, between Kandi and I, we have cooked dinner, but we did find the most awesome Mexican restaurant ever.  It's called La Gringa Taqueria:  545 Main St., again just down the street from the KOA.  The owners emigrated from Mexico three years ago (legally) and make all the food from scratch..including the tortillas, chorizo, beans.  I have been there twice now and have ordered the bean and cheese burrito and two street tacos.  I can't order anything else because I love it so much lol.  The boys discovered the place a couple years ago.  I could literally eat there every day.  We did go one day about 3 and they were closed.  Talking to the owner, we found out they close between 3 and 5pm every day to go eat and take their siesta (just like they do in Mexico).  Keep that in mind if you go there...and I do recommend you do.

Several ok hotels for folks without an RV, but after having done both, RV is the way to go.

I look forward to coming back and staying here in Sept/Oct for the next few years.  I do recommend, if you plan on coming, you don't come during the atv rally they have every September.  This whole area is packed with people and atvs.  LJ did it once... said he prefers after the rally is over.  This time of year, the leaves are changing and the country side is beautiful.  Paiute Trail maps are available.  There is riding for all skill levels, just be sure you stay on the marked trails and refer to the trail designation to determine if it's for you or not.  The black trails are seriously only for experienced riders.

Maybe we will see you here!

cigar time after the ride

#16 Finally out of Reno

I know it's been awhile, but there really wasn't much to say.  After we left Twin Falls, we headed back to Reno.  Even though we are living full time in the RV, we still have to take care of doctor/dentist visits, mail, etc.  So we spent the first night after we left in the same Winnemucca park we stayed in on the way to Idaho (Frontier RV Park) .  Nothing new there, but it is a nice park.  AAAAAnd since we were back in Nevada, I did gamble a little... noooooo.  Say it isn't so.... Yep. lol

8/21/17 and we are back in Reno.  Once again we decided to stay at the Marina.  Felt like being home.  All LJ could say is "Can't we get away from here? Geesh", but he knew exactly why we were there.  I took care of my dentist stuff.  He took care of his doctor stuff.  And we made a bunch of Amazon orders since we could pick the stuff up from Patty.  While there I ran into a lady that was now full time in her RV although they really weren't leaving Reno.  They had just sold their house in the same neighborhood we lived in!  Small world.  She was crafty like me and we lamented about all the stuff we got rid of to accommodate our new lifestyle.  We also  happened to meet a nice couple parked next to us from Washington.  They started full time RVing three months ago and love it.  They were headed back "home" to do the same thing we were doing lol.  The guys talked rigs and rv parks.  We exchanged info, so hopefully we cross paths again.

We had to leave the marina on the 31st since they were full up for the upcoming Rib Cookoff.  So off we went up the freeway to Bordertown RV Park.  Very nice little place.  Small casino restaurant next door.  It was a little tight getting in there with our big ol trailer, but we did it.  Parked next door to a couple from Southern California who also just started full timing.  OMG we fulltimers are everywhere lol.  I liked our time at Bordertown.  Nice little park if you don't want to be in the middle of Reno.


9/3/17 From there, again kicked out because they were full, we headed down the hill a little bit to Boomtown RV Park.  LJ wasn't real keen on this place because it's old.  But to be honest, I looooved it there.  We had an end spot so we had a large grass area, mature trees and a short walk to the dog park.  As with all the RV parks so far, the dog park was a small fenced in area with DG, but they all seem to be that way.  There's a shuttle to the casino/restaurants, and it's close to town.  For a guy Cabelas is right next door!   I didn't mind the place at all.  We did deal with a horrendous storm.  Lots of rain and wind, but no problems.  The park sits down a little in comparison to where the hotel/casino is so it's not like you are right next door.   I'm working on putting together a Sheriff's Dept. reunion for RVers.  And with the hotel so close, anyone can come!

I wasn't horribly impressed with their laundry facilities and they are only available during certain hours.  Lots of washers and dryers, but wasn't the cleanest of floors and counters.  Gave me the perfect excuse to call and order the washer dryer lol.  I struggled over which one to buy...the vented combo or the stackable separate units.  Finally, because I just didn't want to give up the cabinet space, I chose the combo unit.  But in the meantime I'll just do all the laundry so we can start fresh lol.  I tried to bribe LJ with $100 to do it, but that didn't work lol.

Also, Burning Man had just ended and allllllll those white dust covered people were doing their laundry.  Ewwwwwwwwwww...it was horrible.  The park workers told me they hate when they come in.  They leave a cloud of white playa dust everywhere they go.  Yea, not following those folks.  Glad I got mine done ahead of them.

Splendide 2100 XC

So off we went to Camping World in Rocklin to have my new Splendid 2100XC installed.  We got there early and the guy looks at the cabinet.  "I don't think it's going to fit."  Yes it is, because I measured and remeasured just to be sure.  Momentary stomach ache... but then he went and double checked.  Said it might be tight but they would get it done.  Fortunately Keystone put a removable panel behind where the washer goes that provided excellent access for the vent and water lines.  They were able to do it in a few hours.  I have to say, they did an excellent job.  I'm a happy girl.  And there is plenty of room around it.  Not a tight fit at all.  Can't wait to use it!

But did I use it?  Why no.   I had to get the rest of my gambling time in lol.  After all we are going to be gone from this area for at least 8 months!  Plenty of time to do laundry when we leave Reno.

But in the meantime, we had dinner with friends, caught up all our business.  We took a trip to the big storage unit to get a couple things.  I'm beginning to think I kept too much stuff.  Maybe next spring when we come back we can go through it, pare it down.  Funny how less important things seem the longer I spend in the RV...and it's only been two months!

So now it's time to FINALLY truly get on the road.  I say this adventure officially begins NOW.

oh my that's big

9/21/17 We are off and running.  Or are we.  0700 and LJ says he's going to go have breakfast, go get the ATV and then we will leave.  Get up and get everything done on the inside so all he has to do is empty the tanks.  He wants to be on the road by 10.  So I do.  I am completely ready to go by 0830.  so I wait.   and wait.....and wait..... Finally at 1030 I call him.  Uh, hello... where the F are you??????  He's just filling up with gas, be here in a minute.  Finally at 1045 here he is.  And of course, now it's raining.  Doesn't bother me.  My part is done.  I'll just sit here till he's done.  He finally gets the ate trailer hooked to the fifth wheel.  He finally gets done with the outside stuff and we are finally off....at 1145!!!!  So much for 10 lol.   So what took you so long?

He went to eat and got the waitress from hell (her name is KT and that is allllll he had to say since I'm familiar with her inability to waitress from encountering her at three different restaurants);  He forgot he needed a weighted base for his GPS so he went... ahem, shopping at Scheels;  Then he had to go all the way out to Spanish Springs to get the atv, gas up etc.  Doesn't matter...we are on the road.

Weather is crappy.  Rain...wind...ugh.  Sent out besties, The Kropps, a message.  Did you guys leave Granite Bay yet?  They are like 40 miles behind us.  Oh good grief.  Well that's hilarious since they usually don't get on the road till noon lol.  Maybe we will see you on the road.  They are headed to Winnemucca.  We are headed several miles further to Wendover.  We should have been gone awhile ago.

we followed the Kropp's alllll day

Get to Fernley and breakfast boy says his breakfast sucked.  Oh and he's sure I'm hungry so maybe we should stop at The Bear and eat.  No kidding, we are 30 miles from Reno.  OMG.  Fiiiiiiiiiine.  But no dilly-dallying.  We have a long ways to go and the weather doesn't look good.  So I text Kandi and tell her what we are doing.  She simply laughs....which is exactly what I would have done lol.  We stop...we eat... we get on the road.  (Scooter stayed in the RV on the bed while we ate, so he was fine).

I text Kandi and they are one mile ahead of us lol.  So needless to say we stopped at the next rest stop to meet up.  I had checked the weather and the forecast between Wells and Wendover called for snow.  So we cancelled those Wendover reservations and made reservations at the Winnemucca KOA with the Kropps.  Was actually a nice little place, too.  We made it there around 4 after driving through allllll kinds of weather.  Was interesting at times.  She met me with a drink, bless her.  It was much needed, lol.

We went to dinner at the Winnemucca Inn and Kandi and I had the boys drop us off at Winners casino  for a last hurrah while they went for their evening cigars.  I found a machine that would not stop paying.  I came out of there several hundred ahead...Kandi, not so much.

Next morning boys went to The Griddle for breakfast (highly recommended) and then we were off for Salt Lake City.  That's one of those drives you want to sleep through.  I remember dreading it when we had to ride our Harleys that way.  The salt flats are boooooooring.  But then we were there.

Our home and truck

the Kropp's big ol Motorhome

The SLC KOA is beautiful.  It's right off a busy street, just off the freeway.
 It's like a little oasis, lol.  Beautiful trees and campsites.  I would definitely stay there again.  The dog park was the nicest I have ever seen.  Very large, fenced with artificial turf and toys.  I don't let scooter play with other dog toys, but he did enjoy chasing his ball!  He wasn't sure about peeing and pooping tho.  I think he thought the true was carpet, lol.  So he never did poop, but did pee right outside the gate hahaha.

I finally used my washer dryer.  I LOVE IT!  It's quiet and does a great job.  I didn't find it took terribly long to do a load.  That's one of the complaints.  I am perfectly content with it.  You just do smaller loads more often.  I figure if I do one or two every couple days, not a big deal.

9/23/17 we are off to Richfield Utah.  The boys have an annual ATV trip here so that's why we have the atv with us.  It's cold and rainy when we get here.  They don't put us in the slots we originally reserved because we changed our plans, but no worries.  Beautiful trees, grassy spot.  It's fine.  Of course, with the rain, it would have been nice to have the original spot with the cement patio, but it's allllll good.

Had some difficulty with the tv hookup.  For some reason their digital box that you have to use won't hook up from the inside of the trailer.  But it works fine when hooked up directly to their box.  We haven't had an issue before, but to get TV we have to use the box and had to run it through the window.  Since we both grew up in Rio Linda (like Sun Valley to those friends in Nevada), the more Clampett like it looks, the more at home we are hahahahaha.  Oh well..it's fine.  Stuff a few towels around it and it's all good.  Tacky......but good.  When we have satellite installed, we'll be sure they check all the wiring inside, just in case. Gotta have tv.  We will be spending the next ten days here before we are off to the next place, so no bitching about it lol.  LJ loves this trip and I want him to have the best time possible.  I have been here on ATV trips twice before, riding the Paiute Trail.  I had my own at the time.  Beautiful country.  But, I don't ATV ride anymore since my back, neck and knees will no longer take the pounding.  So I will just relax.

Had a nice breakfast at LJ and Rich's favorite Richfield restaurant, Little Wonder on Main Street.  Quaint little place.  I don't see where it's so spectacular, but it was good.  And you can't beat the senior special...egg, two pancakes and two sausage for $4.95.

Then it was off to Walmart.  Time to stock up on stuff.

As I sit here, updating the blog, I am once again doing laundry.  It really is just like living in a house, only this one has wheels and we can change the view.

We will be off to Arizona next.  We will still have the atv since he has an Arizona trip planned.  So far, so good.  Still no regrets.  Until next time...

SLC KOA

SLC KOA dog park

SLC KOA dog park

love the reds in the mountains of Utah

#15 Just Keep Rollin'

Well it's been an interesting couple of weeks.

I already mentioned the wonderful little place, Nat-Soo-Pah RV and water park where we were staying.  Highly recommended if you want to be away from everything and enjoy the quiet.  It's not quiet on the weekends, though.  It's a very popular place with the locals for camping and swimming.  We will definitely go back there some day.

We had made arrangements to be at Bish's Twin Falls store for some warranty work on the trailer.  Our appointment was for the 16th, so on the 13th we moved, deciding to stay at the HWY93 RV park (recommended by friends, Keith and Linda) because it's closer to the dealership.  At the moment it is a really small, older park.  I liked it though.

The Laundry room is quite nice, although it only has two washers and
dryers.

They are doing a massive expansion next door to accommodate huge motorhomes and trailers.  Each site will be twice the size of the older section, with more room between RVs, large grass areas, table and BBQ.  Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like!  It's close to town and definitely a place we will come back to.

They have a big open grassy area  near the expansion and also a shaded
area for the dog.  It's all grass, has poop bags, a manmade pond and is really quite nice.  Scooter liked it.  I had read negative reviews regarding this park.  I have no idea where they stayed, but it wasn't here.  If you want to be in the middle of no where, but still only minutes from town, this is the place to go.  Farms, open land everywhere.  Walmart 5 minutes away, lol.



We took a drive into town and Shoshone Falls.  Very pretty.  They call it the Niagra of the West.

Shoshone isn't that big, but I guess it could just be my opinion based on the perspective from the viewing grounds.  Plus the sign where you pay your $3 said the water was at medium level.  Still beautiful, though. Very narrow windy road getting to the viewing area, albeit not long.  Don't think I'd take a big motorhome down there, but people have.  They probably should have spotters like Zion does to keep two RVs from going up or down the road at the same time.  I don't think could pass each other safely. But I'm a girl... what do I know.  I guess Evil Kneivel jumped the snake river a couple miles from here.  You can hike to the spot...we didn't lol.  If you haven't visited here, though, you should.  One of natures wonders.  It does make me wonder how big Niagra Falls are though...

We had already visited the big bridge (see update #14) which is quite interesting and something we recommend.  Twin Falls is a very pretty area.

Had to leave the trailer at the dealership for the day, so what to do for 8 hours.  Decided to drive to Meridian Idaho where the closest camping world store is.  Long and lonely drive up 84.  Farms go on forever.  Like driving through Kansas only with mountains off in the distance.  Stopped at McD in Mountain Home for breakfast since they had outdoor seating.....and they bring the food toooo you.  Weird.. anyway, Scooter loved it.  Shared my eggs and a teeny bit of sausage.  His new favorite, though, is pancakes...but only with syrup.  Nope... no spoiled dog here!  It was a two hour drive, but he loves to go.
Lots of cows to bark at along the way too, so he was happy.

Spent a couple hours at camping world.  Left with a new shower head and a bucket.  A collapsable bucket no less.  Big spenders we are.  LJ got some info on satellite systems and left it at that.  We are starting to go back and forth on whether we want one or not.  I'm sure we will get it soon, because you can only site see so much before you have to watch tv lol.

We'll have to plan on a Boise area trip some time since we have a lot of friends in that area!

Made it back just in time to get the trailer...

LJ wasn't happy with how they fixed one thing, so they said no problem.  We had to bring it back the next day (yesterday) and leave it....again.  It was going to go to Freightliner to the paint shop and that would take all day.  But ok.  It is what it is.  So now what to do for a second full day.

Decided to take the chairs and iPads and go sit in the park...Rock Creek Park.  Verrrrrry nice little park by Rock Creek.  A little slice of heaven.  There's the RV park side of the creek and the park side of the creek.  We spent a little time at the RV side.  They have electric and water there for hookups.  Place was pretty much full!  You have to know it exists to even find it.

The park side of the creek is very well maintained.  Walking trails, tables, bathrooms, big shade trees.  We literally sat there for 4 hours.  Probably the most relaxing part of our day!  We both kind of laughed and said, I guess that's what homeless people do...sans the iPad, lol.  We didn't really spend that much time on it anyway.  It was quiet, cool and both of us just took it all in.  Sitting in a park for 4 hours, watching the birds, little kids on their nature hike and listening to the creek is not something
we normally would do.  We both agree the hustle and bustle of life that we have left behind has opened up new doors to the world that we never fully appreciated before.  Scooter loved it, too, except when he about lost it over seeing a cat.  I'm not sure he had ever seen one before!  Good thing he was on a short leash.  He quit barking and laid down...but was very watchful and that cat walked around the park.  Another relaxing day.  LJ said later he didn't know if he was going to be able to handle all the stress lol.

Had lunch at Culver's again since they have outside seating.  Nice hamburger place.  Another place that brings the food to you.  Scooter likes their cheese lol.  Came back to the RV park and literally sat in our shady spot, sans trailer lol.  Played on the iPad, facetimed with our daughter, walked Scooter, then off to get the trailer.  We actually managed to find stuff to do all day!




Trailer is fixed to LJ's satisfaction and we are back, set up and ready for dinner.  We went back to Golden Corral because it has such a variety and for a buffet, really is quite good.

LJs ridiculous Chicken fried steak

One of our favorite places in the area, though, is a little hole in the wall about 2 minutes from the RV park called Curry Junction.  It's on HWY 30,  just off HWY 93 and directly across from the dealership.  LJ had been told about it by a fellow camper when we were staying at Nat-Soo-Pah.  Their food is more like your gramma cooked in her kitchen than restaurant food.  We have had both breakfast and dinner there.  If you like places like The Cheesecake Factory or other chain places, this isn't for you.  But if you like a friendly atmosphere  and want to eat like you made it yourself, with simple ingredients, then try it.  It felt more like eating at home than eating out.  I loved it.  It's definitely a place to return to.

Tomorrow we head back to Winnemucca.  No place in Idaho to stay with all the Eclipse Gazers.  The parks we stayed at are full, but maintained their normal pricing.  There are some parks charging $200 A NIGHT to stay because idiots will pay it.  The local news reported the Fairfield Inn in Twin Falls, which is not in the "premium viewing zone", was charging $900 a night... and getting it.  Holy cow.  But we have business to take care of, so working our way back to Reno area.  By the end of September we should be all done with what I call "clean-up", i.e banking, DMV and doctor appointments.

But in the meantime we just keep on rollin' and we are loving every minute of it.

These Idaho farmers are pretty darn funny