#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

#14 The Good Life

I'm finding it rather strange, having nothing to do.  We have been retired since 2004 and I think this is truly the first time I have felt truly retired.  It's always been something or someone dictating what we should do and when we should do it.  Not that we cared.  It was life, right?  Trips to plan, places to be, houses to take care of.  How refreshing, for the most part, to really have none of that.   True, we do have to be in Twin Falls on 8/16 for trailer stuff.  And true we do have to be in Reno the week of the 21st for some appointments.  But other than that we are free as a bird.

We both have found it incredibly relaxing to sleep as late as we want.  When we do get up, we enjoy a quiet breakfast, sit outside enjoying the day, then read or play games on the ol iPad.  We will always have some responsibilities.  Had a minor issue with a breaker LJ had to take care of.  Had to go to Walmart and stock up on food.  But in the big scheme of things, that's nothing.

We don't have to worry about what's going on at home. Don't care if the weeds are growing or the sprinklers quit working.  Not our problem any more.  No longer have to worry if that bill got paid or if we took care of this or that.  I asked LJ today if he thought he could do this for two years.  He just smiled and said, "gee, I dunno. It's just so darn stressful". lol

We have been together for over 38 years.  I truly believe this is the first time we have both been relaxed and at ease with our lives.  We talk more, laugh more.  Sure we get irritated with each other still, but then one of us usually makes a face at the other and we laugh it off.  I think this is going to be a wonderful thing for our relationship.  Are we going to get bored?  Probably.  But then it's up to us to find something to do.

Yesterday we went into town (Twin Falls) to have a dinner out.  Afterwards we walked over to the bridge and watched base jumpers for awhile and took in the view.  No where to be...no timeline.  This is exactly what we were hoping for when we started this journey.  I think it's finally sinking in.

Basejumpers are nuts....

It is beautiful here, though

#13. Finally!

Well, we did it.  We finally hit the road.  After the move from hell, we spent a couple weeks at the Sparks Marina RV park.  Gave us a chance to get some things done before hitting the road.  It never really felt different than living at home...seemed pretty routine actually.  I spent my usual days gambling because that's what I do when I'm bored.  I won 90% of the time, which pays for the other 10% lol.

We talked about getting a new truck, but really don't need one.  LJ decided to drag me along on a test drive of a 1 ton dually.  He had never driven one and was curious.  He knew he wanted a GMC after talking to some guys who had Fords..no way he'd buy a Dodge, so GM it was.  Besides..he's had Fords and his last few trucks were GMCs and he loved them.  So off we went..test drive.  Nice truck.  Wrong color.  Denali which we wanted but had a lot of stuff we didn't want.  He didn't seem too interested.  We talked about it later and decided to wait and order a 2018 exactly like we want it.  Sounds like a plan.

I happened to be gambling a couple days later when we decided to hook up with Patty and Alan for dinner.  LJ was supposed to pick up Alan at 5:30, since Patty was held up at work, and meet us at Western Village at Poncho and Willies.  Fearing he fell asleep or lost track of time, I gave him a call.  Kinda went like this:
Hey, don't forget to pick up Alan.
I can't.  
Why not.
I'm at car max.  
Why?  I have my car so you're not getting that appraised.
Getting a price on my truck.  
I'm confused.
I'm just curious what they will give me for it.  
Ok, but you need to pick up Alan.
I can't.  
And you can't becausssssse...
I'm going to the GMC dealer after this and buying that truck.  
Silence...um, I'm sorry? you're what?
I searched the entire US and talked to different dealers getting bottom line prices.  Only other dealer had what I am looking for is in Utah and Idaho.  The only color available on those trucks are Black and White, neither of which I like.  I like the one here in town and they beat every one else.  
Thought you were waiting til the 2018s come out.  
I thought about it and I like this one.  It'll be cheaper than the 18s and I made a deal over the phone.  After I get an appraisal from carmax I'm going to the dealer see what they'll do.  I've already blue booked it. 
Well.... alrighty then.  Let me know how it goes.

So I go get Alan and the three of us have dinner...no LJ.  I give him a call after.  Yep, he bought it.  Bringing it home.  First time he's ever done that!  The dealer gave him a bit more than he thought he was going to get so he was happy.  Got a great price on the truck, too.  The internet and research is a wonderful thing.  So it looks like LJ got a new truck for MY birthday.  Can't wait to see what I get for his lol.  Paid cash, too.  His other truck was paid for so that helped.  It is our goal to maintain a high balance in the bank, and have no bills.  Felt good to simply write a check for the difference.

August 3rd...Now it's my actual birthday.  What do I get to do?  Pick up LJ who went to get his new hitch put in his truck.  And, whoopee!!  I get to take my car to Carmax to sell it.  We don't have the time to sell it outright and we have done our research.  I was kind of surprised LJ didn't trade it in too, but he didn't think about it.  So they make us an offer and it's close to what we would have sold it for anyway so we take it.  I have to say.  It's weird not having my own car to do what I want when I want.  But it's just crazy to follow each other around the country.  Some people do it, but that's not for us.  So..for my 62nd birthday I am officially carless and homeless...a true transient, lol.

August 5th, new trailer, new truck, new journey...we are ready to go.


Finally starting our adventure.  Hot though.  Hope we are going somewhere cooler.  OH LOOK!  cooled seats!  ahhhhhh...I like this truck lol.

Headed toward Idaho since we have to get the trailer stuff done.  Little stuff, but the dealer needs to fix it.  That appointment isn't until the 16th.  No reservations.  Friends have suggested we might have difficulty finding a park...If we do we will just keep going till we don't.  That's what Walmart parking lots are for lol.  First night we decided to drive allllll the way to Winnemucca.  Why push it lol.  We stayed at a newer place, Frontier RV Park.  Very nice.  All gravel and pavement, but it did have some grassy areas down by the dog run.  I was able to take Scooter down there to play ball.  He was a happy dog.  There was hardly anyone there.  It's too bad they don't have artificial grass at the sites, but at least it's not dusty.  All the sites are large.  They had no pull throughs available so we had to take a back in slot.  PLENTY big enough and LJ got to play with the trailer back-up camera.  We'll be back for a few days on our return trip to Reno at the end of August.  (Dr appointments and such)

Went to dinner at a local Winnemucca hotel restaurant...I want to say the Red Lion Inn, but I am most probably wrong lol.  I am so observant.  Actually a very nice dinner.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Had a great night's sleep.  Talked about staying a day or two but decided to go on into Idaho.  Besides, it looks like rain is coming.  Don't want to get the truck dirty, lol.  Weather app says no rain in Idaho or east of Winnemucca.  So lets go.
They lied.   Aw shucks .. his truck is getting dirty and he juuuust washed it.  You know if we hadn't stopped to eat Taco Bell in Elko, we probably would have missed it.

Did someone say Taco Bell?  Yes.. and you can't have any.  OK.. you can have a bite of the bean burrito..you spoiled little guy.  But we must eat in the trailer, because no food in the truck...this week.





Drove through Jackpot NV and thought about staying there for the night, but decided to check out an RV park near the dealership, do on we went.  Drove another 40 miles to the Highway 93 RV park in Filer, ID just outside Twin Falls.  The further north we got, the smokier it was.  Learned later that the Boise and Pocatello areas are even worse.  Of the four sister dealerships in Idaho, we luckily picked the one in the least smoky area.  Pure luck.

Got to the RV park around 3 Idaho time...uh oh.  They are full.  Guy even called around and no one had spots.  We were warned by FB friends, but we're good.  No worries.  Guess we'll go back to Jackpot.  We were able to reserve a spot for the week we need, so we are good.  But where to go in the meantime.  Worse case scenario we drive back to Wells.  No biggie.  We have nothing but time.

You know, we passed a sign coming into town for a Mineral Pool and Spa and RV park...Nat-Soo-Pah, whatever that means.  Lets try there.  I call while we are enroute and yippee!  They have room for us! It's midway between this place and Jackpot.  Well off the beaten path, about 3 miles off the highway, but all paved road.  It's at the dead end.  Kind of a cool place.  But they call it a resort on line so heaven knows how much they are going to charge.  Turns out they only have a few full hookups, the rest being none or electric-water only.  But they have one we can take...$25.  Park on the grass.

view from the RV window

Mature trees, grassy spots.  I like it.  It has no facilities, like a restaurant or laundry, but I don't care.  I just did laundry so we are good for 10 days and the other place we are going does.  Which reminds me...I still want to get that Washer Dryer...this is a prime example of a place I would stay a long time if I had that.  We have food and Twin Falls is close by.  Walmart is only 20 miles away.  But LJ says we will only stay one night then go back to civilization.

Next morning we both decide...nope.  Staying here until we need to move on the 13th.  It's pretty.  It's quiet.  It's shady.  We like it.  LJ admits he misjudged it at first glance.  And Scooter and I got to play ball with him off the leash because the park was pretty much empty.  I try to do that with him whenever I can.  It is just so peaceful here.  I think I'd like to put it on the list of places to come back to.

Of course we are parked next to Chatty Cathy and her husband.  They just bought the motorhome from Hell and love to tell you all about it.  Poor people didn't have a 50-30 amp reducer so had to run their generator all night.  LJ told them to ck out Walmart or the dealership and managed to get them on the right track.  This evening they are all hooked up.  I think LJ is their new best friend lol.  He goes outside and they come talk..and talk..and talk..and talk.  Deep down he enjoys it.  They have two little yorkies so Scooter made friends.

Made a Walmart run for a few little things.  Had gourmet TV dinners since neither of us was very hungry.  Now just relaxing.  It's the perfect spot, so far, for us to begin our travels.  LJ seems more relaxed than ever.  I think our freedom is finally sinking in.

Someone else seems relaxed too 💕