Back to Phoenix

February 20, 2010

We really enjoyed Desert Hot Springs; sunny weather, palm trees in foreground, snowy mountains in background! What could be nicer? We took the rotating tram trip, 8000ft up in 10 min., to see the snow and ponderosas up close. We also saw the rocky mountain up close, courtesy of the tram. You feel like you can touch the rock passing by.

We have often talked about the necessity of me learning to driving the coach. There has always been a very good excuse/reason in the past...weather, traffic, wind, horoscope, whatever! Friday, February 19, looked like my luck was going to hold with a heavy wind and visiblity limited from the blowing sand. However, we out ran both and got to a straight stretch of I-10 where Russell asked, "Ya wan'a drive?" With no appearent excuses available, we pulled over and made the Big Switch!

Driving a 40ft coach with a tow car for the first time is very frightening! For Everyone; Driver and Passenger! Russell says it is way easier than the 5th wheel - OMG I'm glad I didn't get that experience! Actually, I did quite well and any version you hear to the contrary is just viscious rumor. I thought I had held my own and was ready to relinquish the wheel when Russell said, "We don't need to pull over, just let me slip in there." I was officially too scared to move. He grabbed the wheel and told me to slip out of the chair for him to take over at 50mph. WHAT? But it did work, and we are both here to talk about it, but don't believe everything Russell tells you!

Palm Springs, CA

VALENTINE'S DAY, 2010

We made a long drive, seeing more of Interstate 10 from Phoenix to LA. Mission: to get a customized "mask" for the RV. The 6 year-old clear coat is pitted and pealing, very ugly! Covering the problem is way cheaper than curing it in this case. Mitchell describes his location as "Just east of Palm Springs" becauses he refuses to say the "LA word", clearly a man in denial! His Rancho Cucamonga location is about 70 miles "east of Palm Springs" near the intersection of I-10 and I-15, which any map will locate you in Los Angeles. However, we spent roughly 24 hours, got the cover we planned on and a windshield cover as well. We also indulged in a nice meal and saw the first movie we've been to in many months, "Up In the Air."

The movie hit home in some respects because it deals with a man who chooses to live on the road. Of course, he is alone, working, and in the air for his travel, but it is still a life style choice. Our choice is to live on the road, and that does cause "distances" with family and friends. As we rack up the miles, I do wonder if Sam Elliot will appear to give us an exclusive travel card at some point.

The Palm Springs area includes at least 6 separate communities nestled in the valley between snow-capped mountains. We are staying at the Sands in Desert Hot Springs, a geiser haven if there ever was one, so we fit right in! We continue to work on the rig, wash, wax, and plan Z on organizing. In between we have watched Olympics, lounged in the hot tub and pool, and shopped at the local trade fair, where we got an education in Dates and Raisins. Very tasty stuff, not to be compared with grocery store fare. We leave on Thursday, but I could esilyspent the winter here.

Phoenix

February, 2010
My friend Laurie commented, "Ya'll must really like Phoenix!"

Yeah, we do! In the NE corner of the city, you are looking up at mountains all the time. We are sitting between Four Peaks and Red Mountain. The cloud cover has produced spectacular sunrises and sunsets! The distant mountains are shrouded in a haze of blues and greys. On the many cloudless days, these same landscapes are painted in golden reds. One evening we were treated to the sun, in all its blazing glory, settling between a pair of peaks, washing the valley in golds and reds. it really did defy description, my meger attempt is pale in comparison to the all-too-brief event.

We made a very brave attempt to bicycle a popular 8-mile stretch of highway that was reported to be "all down hill". Not True! I slowed everyone down in my out-of-shape ability to handle the uphill sections. The ride was glorious, however, and I hope to do it again with more success, but not today!

An event I was totally in shape for was a day at the Phoenix Art Museum. We spent the morning at the huge Ansel Adams exhibit, even more exciting because we have seen the locales. We enjoyed 2 different tours with docents and a relaxing lunch in the garden. It was the kind of day that inspires and awes.

There has also been time to shop, repair, relax, eat, and on occassion, work. Russell has really whittled down the to-do list associated with the new Monaco. I think he knows a few folks at the Monaco factory by name. He has mentioned a tour of the factory in Eugene, Oregon. Good Idea.

Moral of the story: Phoenix is a GREAT place to winter!