We Did It ! – 6 Days of Boondocking

March 24, 2017

The 57th Escapee’s (another RV club like FMCA and Good Sam) Escapade Rally in Tucson is over and we survived our 6 days of boondocking which we have not done before.  For those not RVer’s, this means we have no electricity, no water and no sewer hookups and rely upon being self contained with our holding tank of fresh water, holding tank for gray water, generator for electricity and black holding tank for our other need.   Being without electricity means that we have to run the generator for electricity for our air conditioning.  Since the temperature for most of the week was in the 90’s, air conditioning was a real necessity.  The only bad part about running the generator is that you have to run it for at least an hour in the morning and the evening to keep the house batteries charged.  These batteries give us power to run the residential refrigerator, microwave, TV, lights and other appliances.  All the windows must be closed when the generator is running or if a neighbor is also running theirs since the fumes are nasty and not healthy for you. 

Boondocking is okay when necessary as far as we are concerned and we now know that we can do it without too much hassle or problem.  It’s not something we like to do, but there are times when staying in a Corps of Engineers or State Park without hookups would be nice to do.

As for the Escapade, we decided that we have had enough of Rally’s for a while.  Since vendors at rallys tend to follow a circuit of rallys and events, most of the vendors here were also at the FMCA Rally in Calfiornia in January.  Also seminars were similar if not the same since vendors do some of the seminars. 

In previous blogs I mentioned that we have seen several RV friends while in Yum and Casa Grande.  Well, we found out on the last day of the Escapade that a couple we had shared a seat with on the Glacier bus trip last summer were here for Escapade.  While Dennis had to return to Washington for a family situation, Vivien was still here and we had a short visit catching up.  Hopefully, we will be able to spend time with her one day this next week.  It really is a small world and being RVers does not mean you don’t see friends and acquaintances along the road.

We are off now to spend the next week at Sentinel Peak RV Park here in Tucson and will take in some of the sites we have not seen before.   Our friends Tricia and G are also here in town and we will get together with them a couple of times before saying goodbye for who knows when our paths will cross again.  This winter we have been in four places at the same time so have had a chance to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.  

Picacho Peak State Park

March 17, 2017

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.  Our resort observed the day with a parade in the Park and a special Irish Stew dinner.  It consisted of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage made into a well with Irish Stew ladled in the middle along with rolls and a choice of deserts.  Yum!

Last week we took a drive a short distance south of Casa Grande to see if the wild flowers and cactus were blooming.

Taking the long way around to catch I-10, we passed through the town of Eloy where we observed some people sky diving.  There is a sky diving school located in Eloy called Adventures in Skydiving where you can do a tandem jump with an instructor.  They say you can see a lot from 13,000 feet up while looking straight down with no airplane beneath you.  I bet you can, but I think I will pass on finding out.   The building below with the three air funnels are where prospective sky divers can experience the feel of  handling their parachute before actually diving.  A friend of mine in Albuquerque once did a tandem jump on a trip she and her husband were on.  She said she always wanted to do it, but would never do it again. 

Picacho Peak (“picacho” means peak in Spanish so the name is redundant) is a huge 1,500 feet high rock leftover from volcanic flow and has served as a landmark for travelers in the area for hundreds of years.  The Spanish explored it in the 1700’s, the Mormon Battalion passed it in 1848 as did miners on their way to California.    A Civil War battle was fought here and can best be described as a “skirmish” when it is compared to other large scale Civil War battles.  However, it does hold the distinction of being the western most battle in the war. Each year in late March (it is actually being held this weekend) they do a reenactment of this battle at the Park. 

After a brief stop at the Visitor Center, we took the short drive through the small Park taking a number of loops but not observing much in the way of wild flowers except a few patches of yellow flowers here and there.  We did take a number of pictures of the cactus and the mountain itself before returning to our resort.

The bones of a saguaro cactus

A bloom on an Ocotillo Cactus

Ron found a prickly pear cactus blooming just up the street from our campsite and we have been watching daily as more buds open up.  Observe the many, many buds on this cactus.  What a beautiful sight.

 

An early in the week photo

Photo taken on Friday afternoon, May 17

We have thoroughly enjoyed our two month stays at Sundance 1 RV Resort meeting new people, enjoying the camaraderie at meals and activities we have participated in and of course the warmer winter weather here in Arizona.  Our current site has been reserved for us starting the first of January of next year for three months.  We look forward to seeing our new friends here again and doing a bit more sightseeing in the vicinity. 

Signing off until after the Escapee Escapade in Tucson next week.

 

A Busy and Fun Week at Sundance

March 5, 2015

It was a busy week here at Sundance with lots of different activities in addition to the regular ones.  Last Sunday afternoon we attended a John Denver Tribute which was excellent.  The musician looked a bit like John Denver and sang and told us a bit about the songs the John wrote as well as about his life.  I did not remember and may not ever have known that he died (1997) in an experimental airplane that he was piloting.  He would have been our age if he had lived. 

Since we had the quilt show here last week, everyone has been recovering from all the work that went into getting quilts ready and getting the show framing up and down as well as being on hand to help during the show. 

Ron and I attended the dance class on Tuesday and found ourselves picking up the steps and turns for the country waltz quite easily.    Guess we have not lost as much as we thought.  Now we just need to do some practicing.

Early afternoon on Wednesday was our Artisan show with residednets at the resort showing off their skills.  There was pottery, jewelry, wood carving, crochet, quilts, oil paintings, photography, stain glass and numerous other crafts.  Some beautiful items and amazing skills.   .

Golfing was on Ron’s list for Wednesday afternoon and his team again came in second.  Of the four times he has played, he has been on a winning team three times.  He has been getting in some practice at the driving range in between and recently bought himself a golf GPS which measures the distance to the greens and seems to have helped his golf game. 

Wednesday night we attended another show.  This time it was “Bernie and Red” (a song and comedy husband and wife team from Canada) whom we had seen before.  They sing, of course, songs from our era.  Red is the comedian and Bernie the straight man.  She does a lot of interrupting of him while he is trying to explain things and some dancing around and making some noises and imitations.  Really funny.  Don't miss them if they are entertaining anywhere you are.

Before leaving for Mesa on Friday we attended our Country Store which was vendors selling everything from jewelry to house hold items (some commercial and some hand done), golf items, photographs, paintings, salsas and jellies, placemats, clothing, etc., etc., etc.  Again this event is open to the public as well as to the resort residents.

We had been hearing a lot about the Mesa Marketplace which we understood was far larger than the Yuma one we attended.  So we drove the 50 miles to Mesa to see what all the talk was about.  It is quite the place.  Four long rows of open air covered tents, each row about two football fields in length.  Lots of walking and lots of vendors selling everything from RV supplies to indoor and outdoor décor items, jewelry, clothing, shoes, hats, golf and kitchen  items, electronic item covers, hearing aids, health items, etc., etc., etc.   In addition there is a food court area where there was standing room only.  We walked most of the area and found a few items to purchase then made a stop at the In N Out Burger near by for some lunch and to rest our feet before returning home.

A fun filled week.  Only two more weeks here before we leave for Tucson for the Escapees Rally.  

Sundance 1 RV Resort Activities

Saturday, February 25, 2017

We arrived back at Sundance 1 RV Resort on Sunday of this past week and are happy to be back at this resort and all it has to offer.  Our new site is on the south side of the resort and there are more park models and RV’s in the sites here than there were where we were previously.  We have already met several of the neighbors.  This is the busiest time for the resort.  Interestingly, residents begin to leave the early part of March which I find strange since winter weather further north is still in full swing in March.  I understand that many who do leave then are usually looking to do some other sightseeing down in this area before actually going home.

This week I spent a couple of days in the quilting room trying to finish up  my bed runner and getting the grandchildren’s quilts ready to take to a quilter here in Casa Grande.  I had thought I would quilt them myself but decided since I had three to do I did not want to tackle them all so parceled them out.  I should have them back before we leave here on March 18.  The remainder of the time here I will finish binding the bed runner and begin a couple of small table top quilts as gifts for birthdays and next Christmas.

I am so happy to be back in the quilt room as I learn so many things talking with other quilters.  This quilt group is very organized with a council, classes, making charity and friendship quilts together and a quilt show each winter season.  All are welcome to use the room no matter your level of skill.  Monthly and an end of the season luncheons as well as a shop hop to some of the quilts shops in and around the Phoenix area are all part of what they do.  What fun!

Ron has already begun his weekly golfing with the group and has been watching the Radio Controlled cars at the track here in the Resort.  His photography group will be meeting again soon so he will join that as well. 

We are joining the couples dance class weekly to get back in shape and relearn some of what we have forgotten since we have not danced much in all the years since Ron was ill in 2002.  Boy have we every forgotten the steps we used to take for granted.  Last Monday we attended the Jammers Session which included a large number of residents playing and/or signing.  Most were very good and we really enjoyed listening to them.  I also plan to check out the needles group (crocheting and knitting) and the chair yoga.  I still find myself procrastinating regarding my daily walking even though they have a daily group.  It’s just too early for me. 

Today is the Quilt Show here which is just one of many held at all the different resorts during the season.  In addition to quilts that are for show, there is also a raffle and other quilted items for sale as well as a display of quilts and other items done for charity (foster children program, nursing home, pregnancy center, etc.).    I am helping with the set up and during the show.  Below are a couple of the quilts on display.  Lots of good ideas for me to use for the future.  Hope you enjoy the pictures below.  There were so many that it was hard to decide which ones to photograph.

Raffled Quilt and Pillows

Wall Hangings

Goodbyes and Castle Dome

February 13 -18, 2017

This is our last week in Yuma.  We have enjoyed our stay but are anxious to return to Casa Grande on Sunday. 

Monday we said a last goodbye to our RVillage friends Trisha and Bob by having dinner together at the Prison Hill Brewery where we enjoyed our meal at a table on the sidewalk outside in the warm early evening air.  It has been fun catching up and I know I certainly enjoyed learning how to make cinnamon rolls.  Haven’t tried them on my own yet.  Don’t know when we will see each other again, but I’m sure we’ll cross paths again as we did this year.  Safe Travels, friends.

Wednesday afternoon Ron and I  ventured 30+ miles north on a major highway then 10 miles out into the desert (last 7 miles on a dusty dirt road) to the old mining town of Castle Dome.  This old mining town has been restored using 45 old buildings (changed little from the 1800’s) and artifacts found in the mines (over 300 in the district and found just like they had left yesterday).  In 1878 this town was larger than Yuma.  Instead of the roar of the mills, ringing of church bells and uproar from the five saloons, today the town is silent with only the footsteps and voices of visiting tourists and ghosts of yesterday.

In 1998 when the government (who owned the property) decided to take out everything that was left of the Castle Dome era, a local couple asked permission to salvage everything and was given permission to do so.  Since that time they have spent time recreating the old town with old buildings from the site as well as hauling in others from outlying mines.  There was no shortage of artifacts and information from old newspapers gave insight into who owned mines, how much silver was mined and even folks to talk to who had lived and worked there.  Thus history was preserved.  

Castle Dome sat on the second patented mine in 1871 and was the longest worked mining district in the state.  There were three patented mining claims, the Floral Temple, Floral Temple extension and the Castle Dome.  Mining began in 1864 and ended when silver prices dropped in 1979.  The silver here is mixed with lead and the process to separate the two was very costly.  When the cost of separating the two cost more than the silver was worth, it was time for the mine to close. 

Walking along the wooden sidewalks of the town and into the many buildings full of artifacts give us a view of what life was like in this once thriving community.  Having so many artifacts in each place really gives you a sense of the rough, tough life lived here.  Everyday things like cooking, washing, and keeping house were so much more primitive than we are used to today.    Buildings include the usual places such as barber shop, ladies dress shop, bank, grand two story hotel, machine shop, post office, several bars, sheriff office as well as several cabins and a bunkhouse with bunkhouse shower room.  We learned that there will soon be underground mine tours available to the more adventurous. 

 

Miner Cabin

Miner Cabin

Barber Shop

Ladies Dress Shop

Mercantile Shop

Bar

Bunkhouse

Bunkhouse Shower Room

After a couple of hours of viewing and walking the old wood sidewalks and up and down the dirt paths, our legs said it was time to return to the car and town.   A interesting and informative afternoon learning more of our American history.

Signing off until we return to Casa Grande.

Historic Sites in Yuma

Sunday, February 12, 2017

President Lincoln’s Birthday  

It has been a busy week for us here in Yuma.  On Monday, Ron and friend, Bob played golf at the Cocopah RV and Golf Resort located on the opposite side of Yuma from us while Bob's wife Trisha came to our RV to teach me how to make cinnamon rolls.  What a fun afternoon both Ron and I had.  

I have baked very little with yeast all these years making a recipe from my grandmother for Portuguese Sweet Bread twice a year at most ever since I left home just a few years ago.  Yeah, right, a few years ago.  More like 50 years ago this past August.  While my family has always eaten the bread no matter how it turned out - over cooked, under cooked and with not the greatest texture, I have always wanted to learn how better to make baked items with yeast.  One of the other things I have tried over the years has been cinnamon rolls, but they just never were any good.  So this was my opportunity to learn since Trisha makes all her own bread items every week.  She had several little hints for me which I plan to try on my own.

Needless to say, when the guys arrived at our RV later in the afternoon, we all had to sample what Trisha and I had made.  The rolls were yummy and I have told Trisha I will make another batch on my own this next week before we leave here.  Should have taken a picture, but will do it when I bake them on my own.

The remainder of the week was spent with me continuing the quilting of the bed runner for our bed, awaiting the arrival of two new lighter weight outdoor chaise lounges, trying out a local restaurant down the road, getting our fix of In N Out Burger and doing some more sightseeing. 

Yesterday Ron and I drove downtown to the Sanguinetti House, Museum and Gardens located just off the historic main street of Yuma.  

The house was the home of pioneer merchant E. F. Sanguinetti who came from California in 1883 and going to work for a local merchant (John Gandolfo) as a clerk.  He quickly rose to a full partner and later bought out Mr. Gandolfo.  E. F. established 12 stores, numerous commercial buildings, a contract firm for site development, a dairy and a wide variety of other businesses becoming the largest employer in Yuma at the time.  During the Great Depression he did suffer financial losses.  In 1915 at the age of 48 he married Lilah Balsz the daughter of a pioneer Yuma family and had three children with her.  She died in 1937 from a heart attack.  In his later years, E.F. moved back to California where he died in 1945 at age 78.

The original Sanguinetti house (right next to the street) contained the two front rooms only and was later added on to one room at a time.  Our tour of the house began with a docent who explained a bit about the family and the different businesses represented in the entry hall before we were left on our own to read information provided and take pictures.  She told us several stories and pointed out something in the room where we found an old photography copier on display.  The photographer was called a “post mortem photographer” which we had never heard before.  It seems that when people died, the family often wanted a picture taken of the loved one with other family members since unlike today family photos were not common and they wanted something to remember their loved one.  Thus, the name.  On the wall here is a picture with one such deceased person with a living person.  Can you figure out which is which?  You’ll have to read to the end for the answer.

The front entry included furnishings from an old hotel front desk, a bar room display, a lady of the evening’s room, a wall showing a faro display, a pharmacy and a general store display as well as the photography display mentioned above.  

Lady of the Evening Room

Pharmacy

General Store

Just off the entry was the front parlor with an old square grand piano.  The docent particularly pointed out these two wall hangings which tell us how the Victorians flirted with each other.  Interesting.  

Living Room in old part of home

Dining Room

Kitchen

The gardens were not of much interest as it is a bit early for much color there, but it is a lovely place for a wedding which are done here quite frequently. 

Leaving the Museum we continue down the road to the Quartermaster Depot which is also the location of the Visitor Center for Yuma.  This Quartermaster Depot was established by the Army in 1864 to store and distribute supplies to the Army forts and posts throughout Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Texas, Nevada and Utah.  With the arrival of the railroad in 1877 the need for the Depot ended.  

 Only five of the original buildings (the Store House, Quartermaster’s office, home and kitchen, the water reservoir and the Corral House) remain today and include historic displays.  The house is the oldest home in Yuma built in 1859.  Some interesting displays and a bit of history here.

The Store House

Quartermaster Office Building

Quartermaster Home built in 1859

Bedroom in Quartermaster House

More next week after we venture further afield to see what else there is to see here.

Answer – The lady on the left is the deceased family member.  It would have been too difficult to pose a deceased person standing up.