Las Vegas, NV

Random Thoughts in May

We arrived in gale force winds and chilly temps, April 29. "Hope it warms up soon!"

Since then, we've had very hot afternoons with little or no breeze; rain (yes!); more wind; cool mornings and evenings, a lovely sunshine most days. I'm quite certain that ol' sol will get quite hellish before long, but for now it is nice to have such bright skies, most of the time. One morning this week, I was actually treated to a full rainbow! It made the chilly, dampness all worthwhile.

We have driven back out to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Very strange experience. Coming in, we could see the dam and Lake Mead behind it, breath-taking. Going back in the Saturn, nothing, just concrete sides. We couldn't tell if we had crossed the bridge or not! We had to turn around and go back after traveling a few miles into Arizona. We really do sit higher in the RV! Never realized just how much.

We did enjoy the walk across the bridge. Pedestrians are allowed on the dam side only. I would like to see the river and south view as well, but there is no access on that side. We were all alone to walk the bridge going east. It was so peaceful and lovely. The colors were deeper at that early hour than when we saw it at noon. As we made our way back west, a small crowd had arrived. The last of the group was a man with his bugle. His mournful sound carried over the bridge and into the canyon. Just amazing!

I was very unhappy however, that I couldn't capture all of this on our new camera. I figured it was a dead battery, but it was really broken and getting repaired. I miss having it.

On Mother's Day we took a drive to the ski area an hour to the west. We found a nice campground, lots of snow, a few hikers, and 3 girls wearing jackets, shorts and sandals flying kites. The road ends on top of a cliff that caught the winds perfectly. We walked a short bit on a beautiful trail at 7000 ft through the pines and 40 degrees before descending back to sparse cacti and 80 degrees at 3000 ft.

We followed that with a walk through the historic Sahara Casino which closes its doors on May 16 for the final time. It was opened in 1952 for the glamorous and rich to play. On May 9, 2011 it was skeletal at best. Today's big draw - $1 hot dogs. I wish we could have seen it at its peek instead of just imagining its former glory.

Otherwise, our days are rather mundane. We see the sites of Albertson's, Lowes, and a few buffets. I did win $2 on the penny slots last night, not bad on a $5 investment! The pool calls our names, but so does the laundry room. All things returning to normal.

Catching Up After a Long Absence

You may know that we lost Russell's Mom on April 17th, exactly 2 months shy of her 88th birthday. She has been in failing health for several years and too weak to hold her own weight for the last few months. We elected to not add to her confusion by moving her to a nursing home and instead moved in to be with her. It was a period of confusion, frustration, and many funny stories. We also had time to enjoy being together and reflect on what's ahead. Betty was able to leave her failed body and rejoin all of the people she was missing here on earth. As our friend Linda said, "She is living again!"

However, we were ready to hit the road again and resume our own lives. We did that, leaving Texas for the first time since October. We drove a new route through west Texas in hopes of missing the many fires, but you can't miss the evidence of fire much anywhere in west Texas. We know the consequences of fire and felt terrible for the people involved.

We saw majestic sunrises and sunsets driving through New Mexico and Arizona and talked about the place we have been. We speculated about others that we will have to stop and see; next time.

One dramatic difference from our last trip west was the stretch north of Kingman, AZ approaching the Nevada border. Last year the road and bridge bypass over Hoover Dam were under construction and an absolute nightmare. All of that is finished! The new highway is beautiful and a dream to drive. We were especially excited to see Hoover Dam from the bridge and the view did not disappoint. We will go back soon to park and walk the bridge for the full effect.

Over the last years of travel, we have used the opportunity to investigate real estate and the prospects of living outside of Texas. We've checked out high-rises in cities and raw property in the countryside, cabins in the mountains and bungalows on the shore. We've considered cost of property, taxes, ease of living, winter climate, availability of health care and nearby activities. We want to continue RVing, just have a home-base for winter.

When Russell saw an article about Las Vegas, it seemed a natural choice to both of us. The city was attractive for all of the above reasons and made even more feasible by the very anemic housing market here. Luxury cars are more expensive than some of the condos we've seen. We have narrowed the field and hope to have a winter home soon. We will put out the "OPEN" sign and expect company! However, there is much to be done...like actually making a purchase!

We are enjoying Vegas for the month, affirming that this really is a place of diverse activities, but we are talking about the next destination. As Russell's cousin Gary said, "You just wonder what's over the next hill!"

"Why didn't you tell me you were my son?"

Waco, Texas This is just one of the fabulous quotes we can laugh about while staying with Russell's mom, Betty. Another gem came after Russell took her photo and immediately shared it with her; "What am I doing in bed?" (she hasn't been out of bed for more than a few minutes in more than a month!) Other Moments With Betty are not so humorous so I won't even get started, at least not here. Our travels are somewhat limited since one of us is with her around the clock. We do have relief for a few hours once a week. We have a roll-away bed in her efficiency apartment and we take turns spending the night. The folks at Lakeshore Estates have been fabulous and made the experience as comfortable as possible. Also desevring of praise are the wonderful people at Providence Hospice. They provide care for all 3 of us. We must be pretty fair nurses because Betty has really improved over the last month. We came back from the hospital 5 weeks ago with an estimate from the doctor of 1 month for Betty's remaining life span. Doctors are often wrong. We are glad that Betty has responded to care and we plan to continue to care for her ourselves. However, the situation is confining and may need to be altered somewhat in the future. So although our RV travel is limited to the Core of Engineer parks around Lake Waco - we move every 2 weeks - our trips into the absurd are frequent. I would like to tell you that we handle them all with grace and humor, and if you believe that, thanks! However, the truth is that we are often left perplexed and frustrated.

North Texas Weather

8am in Burleson, south of Ft. Worth on I-35W, and I just opened the door. After my grousing about north Texas weather, a little praise seemed appropriate.

Today is gorgeous! 64 now, 72 for a high, sunshine; Minnesota eat your heart out!

Our first experience with the Jellystone Campground chain is a favorable one. Rustic Ranch is a new addition to the group and folks are scurrying around expanding and improving the older RV park that they bought. My cousin and her husband are staying in a really nice cabin on the property, the reason for our visit. The cabin is very luxurious, Jacuzzi, fireplace, 2 queens, a set of bunk beds, mini-kitchen, nice furnishings. Their kids and grandkids are joining the mix tonight and through the weekend. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Must get going to enjoy the bragged-about-day. Hope all are having equally fine time!

Ice Hazards

February 11, 2011

North Texas weather has struck again! And despite all of our pledges to not be here, we are weathering the icy temps along with home dwellers who can't avoid it. Now I know that to our friends from the north this is pure whining on a topic about which we truly know very little. That is true and the adage "ignorance is bliss" works here.

We woke early on Tuesday, Feb 1 with our usual get-up-and-roll attitude. Going to Davy Crockett Natl. Forest! Sure it's cold, but we can do it! The slide covers were frozen: rolling up was not going to happen. Why fight with nature? So we just stayed put for a few days, let the weather pass.

The forecast for snow on Friday, our designated day of travel, prompted us to get moving on Thursday. Covers still frozen, but not too bad. Russell and a broom did the trick. We are off! But wait, Russell wanted to check the small wet spot under the engine. We're sure it's just water, but better to be safe. So he pulled forward and found diesel fuel instead. We better make a quick stop at the Cummins Diesel shop on the way.

So we spent Thursday night in the Cummins Diesel parking lot waiting for a part to replace the small fuel pump, not to be confused with the larger fuel pump that costs way more both in parts and labor. It seems the consistent freezing temps froze some gaskets. While there, we got a computer report on the engine, it passed with flying colors! "Barely broken in and lookin' good."

An exuberant Russell celebrated the great news by repairing the intake water hose and the front furnace. We had rolled up the water hose prior to the frost, but it seems there was water in the line that froze and broke the hose anyway. The furnace has had issues, no big deal, just tweak it a little. tighten wires, replace a switch. Easy! Especially for me from the inside.

Snow is just beautiful! We woke up Friday to powdery stuff, Russell and a broom back to the roof. The pump got fixed; temperatures rose enough to clear the roads (mostly); we're on our way to Davy Crockett Natl. forest by 2:00 - be there by 5! Perfect!

Clipping along, beautiful weather, life is good! What's that smell? Someone's burning brush. Why do we still smell it miles down the road? We stopped on the first available wide space on the 2-lane TX Hwy 7. Smoke coming off of the right front wheel is immediately the obvious source of the problem. The wheel cover is too hot to touch, the smell overpowering. One look from Russell, "the brakes froze up!"

Every full-timer has a story about being towed, now we will have ours; that's why we have road-side assistance insurance. A tow will be here to take us to Bryan within the hour, it's 4pm, GREAT! Around 5 the driver calls to tell us that he just can't make it. We are too big, too far out of town, it's getting late... any reason he can think of, he ain't coming! We re-call the insurance, making sure they have the name of the offending tow company. "How are you guys fixed for staying where you are tonight?" We have just topped-off the water and LP, the furnace works, we have food. All is well. And as my sister, Lynn, says, we have each other. We even had a few semi's roll by to rock us to sleep.

Russell called insurance again at 6am, all is well, we want to be in Bryan early so they can get us fixed up today, Saturday, Feb 5. We'll see Davy Crockett on another trip. There's a wrecker on its way. NO WAIT! the insurance didn't like their rate, and cancelled that one! A man in Arizona decided it was better to send a wrecker from Houston! The ETA went from 11am to 4pm - a mere 24h on the side of the road.

However, our new friend Charlie got to us about 2pm. He gave us a real education in towing a 40' RV. He also asked where we'd be staying for the weekend. The insurance company had assured us that we could stay at the repair shop. Charlie was stunned, "Only if you want to be locked in until Monday!" He knew the shop and assured us that we were not going to stay there, and in fact would be lucky if anyone was available to let us in when we arrived. I hurriedly packed a few things while our home was being hoisted.

We were repaired, new front brakes, by Tuesday noon. It seems ice was again the culprit. While driving, we got ice and slush into the wheel which caused the shoes to stick. More snow was predicted for north Texas that night. Hurry back to Waco so we can stay still for a few days.

THE GOOD NEWS:

We have a tow story!

The insurance company has apologized and is paying the hotel bill.

We were going to need new brakes soon, anyway.

We had all the things we needed to spend a night fairly comfortably on the side of the road.

We found a place to stop and didn't run off into a ditch somewhere.

We spent the weekend in Bryan/College Station, a nice place to visit.

We learned a lot!

A Sunny Day in Texas

January 23, 2011
We have been really enjoying the COE parks, Waco Airport and now Stillhouse Hollow. We have also looked at the state parks online and wanted a look at them in person. Therefore, we took to the road yesterday with a picnic and GPS to track down the best of the hill country.

We drove from here southwest to Burnett and then on to Inks Lake. This really is beautiful country. The campgrounds are way busier than where we are now, not surprising with so much to do in the area; hiking, Longhorn Caverns, boating. However, the lake level is way down, giving the whole place a "vacant" kind of look. I read that the LCRA lowered the lake for maintenance by 8ft and will bring it back to usual levels in mid February.

We then drove toward another state park we've heard a lot about, Colorado Bend. On the way to LLano, we spotted a nesting eagle and stopped for a photo. From LLano we headed toward San Saba, and then east to the park. Obscure does not begin to tell the story. Despite the remoteness of the place it was incredibly busy!

To get to the park, you take a FM out of San Saba, turn onto a county road, then another that turns to dirt, then another that gets more narrow; roughly 10m off the original FM. We passed cattle guards, cows, bikers, hikers, scouts (boy and girl) mesquite, and a creek with low water crossing. The road winds down, at long last, to the Colorado River and the primitive campground run by the state. It is beautiful! This is a place to forget the phones and computers and just hike, take pictures, and in warmer weather, swim. But NOT in a 40ft RV.

We could have easily found all of this online, but then we would have missed the adventure.

Our drive completed the loop by heading east to Lampasas. We could see smoke from the park road and found the source when we drove by an extensive grass fire. Someone's attempt to burn off the gathered brush got out of hand. They fired up about 50 ace rs in the process, but didn't appear to hurt anything else and the VFD had things under control by the time we drove by. This touched memories of farm life that we do not need to revisit.

It was a wonderful day that we enjoyed together. We covered at least 200m in Central Texas Hill Country. We saw wildlife, creeks, lakes, and a river that makes it all possible. We learned that we have been spoiled. The state parks are rustic and what camping is about But for now, we prefer the wide, paved sites of the Corps of Engineer parks that cost us old folks half the money of the more crowded, dirt version the state is offering. Things change, and I'm sure we will revisit these places at a later date to take full advantage of all they have to offer.

A New Year, 2011

We had heard great things about the Grapevine RV park, The Vineyard, but had not been able to get reservations on prior attempts, until now. The park is really lovely and our window view was the sun setting over the lake, no obstructions! The weather was perfect, crisp and clear for the most part. It was a great place to practice with the Nikon camera from Kyle - Paul Simon's song keeps cruising through my mind. Ducks are willing subjects. Also sunsets, campfire, the marina; Well, I'm just glad we don't have to pay for film and development anymore.

We celebrated a quiet New Year's Eve with campfire, a very nice home-cooked dinner, and football. We also watched "Wild Hogs." It wasn't any better than the first time we saw it - old, fat guys cussing on bikes; but we did enjoy seeing the town of Madrid, NM again. Our evening came to a close long before midnight, but nearby revelers alerted us to the year end. Bless each of them!

We spent a wonderful New Year's Day at Kyle's house. I got to share cooking duties with him and loved it. We had a mighty fine dinner complete with ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, sweet potatoes, winning football teams and friends in addition to our family. A down-south kinda' day.

We have now moved to another pretty lakeside spot in Waco. There are differences; Grapevine park is nestled under the jets of DFW, Waco is tucked away under Cessna's (for the most part) of Waco Airport and a shooting club that makes about as much noise. This section of Lake Waco doesn't get much activity in mid-week January, so it is quiet, spacious and lovely.

Even better....it's cheap! Russell gets the geezer discount with his newly acquired SENIOR PASS for National Parks. He got the $10 lifetime pass in November. This gets us $12/night as opposed to $24/night at all Core of Engineer parks. We have become fans of the COE!

HAPPY NEW DECADE TO EACH OF YOU!