Two weeks in the desert has been quite enough. Although we did just fine boondocking, we’ll be glad to get back to some of the amenities we’ve taken slightly for granted these past two weeks. Having electricity 24/7 and not being dependent of propane will be nice. Also having access to shower every day rather than every 3rd day is also a plus. We will miss the solitude though and the dark skies filled with stars each evening. We are back in Yuma at an Encore park called Capri RV. It is on the west side of Yuma. Arrived around 1 in the afternoon and only some minor hiccups upon arrival. Only 30 amps at the pedestal but after 2 weeks on the generator that is such a first world problem.
Sadly a bit disappointed by the RV Show in Quartzite. We did get to share the experience with our friends from Wisconsin, Joe and Annette W. We spent several wonderful happy hours together and shared our common experiences of full time RVing. Also we met at Silly Al’s Pizza and shared a great evening of Pizza, drinks, and Quartzite atmosphere. Sadly, Quartzite was not the same as we had built up to be in our minds from our previous visit. It was not the carnival atmosphere we had expected. Not as many people, not as many off road vehicles, and not the excitement as before.
December History Lesson
Prior to our Trip to the desert, we stayed at an Encore park in Casa Grande Arizona. In terms of a destination park with lots to do, not so much. However, it was near one of Vicki’s bucket list sites, the Biosphere. What a worthwhile visit and although the tour is a little over a mile walk, it is full of nerdy science related stuff that makes your head spin and our imaginations run wild. It’s been taken over by the University of Arizona and to this day continues experiments related to our climate and how best we can make use of our resources in a meaningful and positive way.
Although originally deemed a failure at the time, it is now a working lab taken over by the University of Arizona. They are doing some ground breaking research and it is totally nerdy for science freaks like Vicki and I. It was amazing how these folks had to live and what they survived on. The information that they gleaned through their failures was amazing. It is now a major research facility and the world is able to do some major earth science research. Highly recommend taking the tour.
December saw us split time between Menifee California and Palm Springs. We spent two weeks at the respective Thousand Trails. As the year ended, we also drove across the border and landed in Mesa AZ. We stayed at one of our favorite Encore parks, Monte Vista. When we were there last time, there were maybe 10 rigs total in the RV spaces with over 200 vacant spots. Not anymore! Just guessing, there were only about 10 empty spots available for RVs and there were some serious high dollar coaches and 5th Wheels now occupying spaces. While in Desert Palms we were able to park right next to our Canadian connection, Ron and Charlene, soon to be Mr & Mrs Monk. Had many an interesting conversation and some of the best happy hours ever! Also while we were down in California, got our booster Covid Shots. No real adverse reactions just felt a bit punky the next day. We also took in the movie Dune while in Menifee and for my money, it was a waste of 3 hours. At least the seats were comfortable.
We were also hit up by the vampires and donated blood. They really loved me as they took not only blood, but blood products through a series of take out and put back processes. Didn’t hurt, just felt weird.
So hopefully this has satisfied your curiosity as to how we are doing for the time being. Until next week, did we mention we are still loving retirement!
