Sunday, Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, Monday

Sunday morning was a windy 20 mile drive from San Benito to the Brownsville area and the River Bend Golf & RV Resort which has an 18 hole golf course.  So we will finally get to golf again!  We got gas for $3.09 great price as most of the gas is now $3.19-$3.26.  Forgot to mention that yesterday, we took a drive out to the Gulf to Boca Chica Beach just up from the mouth of the Rio Grand River and the Mexico border. This beach is completely undeveloped compared to South Padre Island which has many condos along the shore line.

Sunday set up at 9:30am in 30-40 miles per hour gusts of wind we were very happy to be off the road. We went to the pool and it was great as it is along side of the Rio Grande River/Mexico Border and banked so that we were not so affected by the winds.  Carol and Larry came here for Happy Hour and by 6:00 we were ready for supper. Later in the evening we went back to the pool and hot tub, which helped us have a good nights sleep.

Monday morning and it rained for a short time, we took a trip into Walmart and the bank.  Back in the park I have had to use the Club House for internet service, that’s one very poor thing about this park.  We are here for seven nights.

Hugs

R&B

Feb. 24, Thursday night to Sat. Feb. 26 last night in San Benito

The winds calmed down so after supper we 4 went to the pool and hot tub to unwind after a pretty busy day. This is very much a motorcycler’s park as they are flying in and out of here all day long.  The Fun N Sun RV Resort as 1440 spaces and is Passport America so the price is right, plus we like the location (2,350 miles from Ottawa) and weather. http://www.rvonthego.com/Fun-N-Sun-RV.html

Friday we went to South Padre Island on Hwy #77 to Hwy #100….in fog but by 1:00 the sun was out and we got to the Gulf of Mexico shore and walked in the water. We had a great lunch at Pier 19, interesting spot. 

The Friday night dance at 7:00, so off we go expecting to hear Mark and Dennis….but what do we hear ….Texas Country music that we 4 can’t dance to at all!!!  Big shock to us!  It was however the largest Dance Hall we have ever seen holding 600 people and there were probably 400 people already there!  Saturday morning overcast and windy!  Carol & Larry went for the park breakfast, while I decided to stay in bed till 9:30!  By noon after a Wal-Mart trip, we headed off to see a new RV Park with a golf course in Brownsville.  We liked it a lot and have booked for 7 days starting Sunday. So we leave here on Hwy #77 to Farm Road 802 to Hwy # 281 into River Bend RV Golf Resort….

So we are off again Sunday morning… don’t think we have internet, but not sure yet…!

Hugs, 

R&B

South Padre Island in the sun walk'n to the water

Home at Fun N Sun RV Resort

Boca Chica Beach, most southern point of TX on the Gulf of Mexico

Feb. 23 Wednesday, Pharr to Feb. 24th, Thursday San Benito, TX

Wednesday we departed San Antonio around 8:15 and travelled down Hwy #37 to Hwy # 281 right into Pharr, TX, 222 miles.  It was overcast with drizzle for the morning, but it cleared to a sunny/windy 83 degree afternoon.  We set up in the Holiday Village RV for one night as it is under the freeway!

We went off exploring, but found this area to be just another big city, so are leaving tomorrow.  Carol and Larry are coming for 9:00 coffee to decide where we will stay next. Thursday morning and more fog and wind….baked Pillsbury muffins for breakfast and then we all decided to go to the Fun N Sun RV Park in San Benito, only 38 miles away, following Hwy 83 to 77. This place looks better than anything we saw in Pharr.  We fought high winds, gusting to 35 mph to get here!  Carol & Larry’s awning came apart on the highway again.  We have car problems again and this will be our third replacement of the same part, so the HHR is in for servicing.  Thursday night the winds are supposed to slow down and we are hoping to travel to Port Isabel, South Padre Island and Brownsville on Friday.

Hugs

R&B



Feb 20 Sunday to Feb 22, 2011 Tuesday, San Antonio, TX

Now that we are in Texas we are only one hour time difference from Ottawa.

We left Lake Amistad, Del Rio in fog, once again, for San Antonio about 9:30 as it’s only a few hours away.  Most uninteresting drive through waste land and scruff land, except for some very high winds!   Lunch on road and we were here by 2:30, however, on hwy #410 the ring road around San Antonio to Hwy #37 Carol & Larry’s awning flew out with the high winds.  (Mark you have to do this) So we pulled over but we were ¼ mile in the difference, however the two of them salvaged their awning with a lot hard of work and we proceeded to the Braunig RV Resort. Nice Park and we’re staying for 3 nights.  The awning we don’t know yet!  Monday, we booked the Alamo Bus Tour, they picked us up in the park and took us downtown where we started our tour of the Japanese Sunken Gardens, beautiful place but the frost of two weeks ago killed a lot of the flowers however the gardens and the ponds were wonderful to see.  We continued on to the River Walk for a river boat ride along the River Walk, wonderful again but we unfortunately had overcast sky and some drizzle, but that did not dampen the pleasure of seeing this wonderful place. Then we were off to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, lots of interesting wild life to see in their exhibit form!  We had lunch at Pat O’Brien’s Pub then walked two blocks up to “The Alamo” established in 1718 as a Mission, where Davy Crocket plus 186 valiant men sacrificed their lives fighting for Texas Independence.  During the sunny/warm afternoon we visited the Mission San Jose which is being restored and then to El Mercado, interesting but full of junk we don’t want anymore! Finally back home at the Braunig Lake RV about 5:30 we sat outside and talked about our wonderful day!  Tuesday, and it’s a cloudy dreary day so good time for a relaxing morning and a Sunday morning breakfast!  Then we went shopping with a tour of Home Depot, Big Lots and Walmart, oh did I memtion a stop at Chase Bank!  Lunch out and home by 2:00; made a pot of spaghetti sauce; squeezed out the last of my fresh Yuma grapefruits into juice, then sat outside for a short Happy Hour before starting to once again pack up.  Tomorrow (Wednesday) we are leaving on Hwy #37 South to Hwy # 281 and will stop somewhere in the McAllen/Mission/Phar area.  Not sure yet. (Ruth, it was wonderful talking to you this evening)

Hugs

R&B

The Alamo entrance

The Japanese Sunken Gardens, can you see the serpent!

Our River Walk boat cruise, cloudy but warm! Sun would have been nice.

San Antonio River that runs through San Antonio, wish Ottawa would do this with the Canal!

The flame fountain at Pat O'Brien's Pub

Carol & Shirley this could be one of Mom's relatives?

The Buckhorn Salon with all the stuffed critters!

Mission San Jose, work is underway to restore the Mission.

Well, it took about an hour to get these pictures downloaded, we just have such poor internet in most parks.

Night Night!

February 18 to Saturday Feb. 19th, 2011 in Lake Amistad, TX

Friday, just after 9:00 we depart Las Cruces for Fort Stockton, Texas 283 miles away, arriving in 78 degrees and sunny/windy.  What a boring boring drive, nothing but waste land mile after mile.  We stayed in the Parkview RV Park which is Passport America $10 per night and can’t say that we would recommend it.

We have now come up with a new travel plan. 

Saturday from Fort Stockton we took Hwy #285 south to Hwy #90 and into Del Rio about 180 miles. Today was the first day we have had fog and rainy drizzle since between Christmas & New Years in the Rio Bend.  We stopped at the Pecos Canyon for lunch and pictures, then travelled on to the American Campground and we were set up by 2:00.  We have really dropped down in elevation 1200; normally they have good weather except for the last two days, however by 3:00 the sun was out once again!!  We set out to see Lake Amistad Reservoir, first to the marina where there was a fishing contest at Diablo East, then to the Amistad Dam and the Mexico/US border crossing.   Carol, Larry and I walked to the centre of the Bridge/Dam and took our pictures in Mexico!! (Without really going into Mexico)  See some pictures below!  Then it was off to the Walmart Super Store in Del Rio to stock up once more, back for Happy Hour and we have decided to move on to San Antonio Sunday….

Hugs,

R&B

Travel in south/west Texas, long flat and boring!

Rio Grande River on a foggy morning!

Our crossing to the Mexico Border Line..

That would be me in Mexico without a passport!

View to Mexico, glad we left the car in the USA!

This is the Lake Amistad Dam US side, but they jointly run the dam with Mexico

Feb 14th to February 17th (Las Cruces, NM)

Our final Yuma Happy Hour get together was great and gave us a chance to say goodbye to our landlords Blake and Karen.  Blake gave me a long stem red rose for Valentine’s Day.

Tuesday we were packed and on the road by 9:30, stopped in Gila Bend for lunch and arrived in Casa Grande at the Buena Tierra Park about 2:30.  Called Patsy and Gary and were able to get together with them for a good visit and supper at Chili’s.  See you guys in May!

Wednesday, we left Casa Grande for Deming, New Mexico (280 miles), stopping in Tucson at the Camping World; for lunch on route; got gas for $3.07 and arrived at Wal-Mart at about 2:30.  Stocked up on much needed groceries; bought a cooked chicken, coleslaw and potato salad and had supper at Carol and Larry’s because they have an inverter!!! No internet in the Walmart parking lot!!! Not good.

Thursday, we left Deming at 8:30 and drove only 60 miles to Las Cruces, New Mexico.  We were able to get set up at the Coachlight RV Park and then went to the White Sands National Monument, some 275 square miles of white gypsum sand.  We made sandwiches for lunch and enjoyed our picnic there, with a temperature of 69.  It was our second visit and Carol & Larry’s first. Got back around 3:00 and managed to get our long overdue laundry done.  (It’s a windy sunny 74 degrees this afternoon)

Friday, we are planning to get to Fort Stockton (Hwy #10), but might get farther, just don’t know yet!  We hope to be in San Antonio TX by Saturday!

Hugs,

R&B

Double click pictures

Casa Grande visit with Patsy & Garry

Overlooking Las Cruces New Mexico

It wasn't really windy where we were, but off in the distance you can see the sand being blown around!

Hard to believe this is NOT snow!

Our new best friend!

Feb. 10 Thursday to February 14th Valentine’s Day in Yuma

Thursday was another sunny day but coolish in Yuma and we did one last trip to both Yuma Flea Markets. It was nice to see Brian and Rosemary one last time. We had a KFC lunch which was surprisingly good.  Karen and Blake (our landlords) and Bob joined us for Happy Hour. Friday Carol & I went for pedicures, just a little pampering before the start our travels! Saturday we decided to do an off road trip to Graffiti Mountain, CA.  What an incredible place as hundreds of people have been there and left their names printed with stones on the desert floor.  So now R&B is there too! We continued on a trail that ran along the top edge of mountain/hill with a drop off on both sides of us! Spooky stuff! We ran across two young girls, lost and we have been wondering ever since if they found what they wanted, but did they find their way out?  We had lunch at the head of the wash trail then ventured along to the “Squeeze” and out the other end.  The wash trail runs for 5 miles of incredible scenery.   We found our way back to the main road and we where home by 2:30.  We were all pretty worn out!  We had happy hour and supper together and recounted the adventures of the days ride.

Desert Trail ridge road and the car behind are the Girls we were all worried about!

Remember to double click on pictures

Larry & Carol's 2009 graffiti!

                                                          Graffiti Mountain, California          

Sunday we all went to Denny’s for breakfast and then to the Yuma River Daze Festival. We ordered in pizza for supper, sat outside around the fire and made our plans for Monday night’s gathering to say farewell to a few of Carol & Larry’s friends. Monday, Valentine’s Day and B made a bacon and eggs breakfast, then we went for a long bike ride (Temp 81).  Now, however, it is time to get things packed up, as we leave Yuma for Casa Grande Tuesday morning.  We each have some friends there so may stay one or two nights, just not sure yet. However, tonight we are hosting our farewell Happy Hour and have invited several friends to spend our last Yuma night with us.

Hugs to All, and Happy Valentine's Day!

R&B

The Squeeze!

Bruce guiding the tracker through the Squeeze on the Wash Trail

Just had an inch to spare and no scratches!

This is B & Carol going to the front of the Squeeze to guide Larry through

Front view of the Squeeze

The Canyon Wash Trail, an exciting off road experience!

One of the small side canyons along the wash! Makes quite a walking trail.

Carol getting a pedicure and manicue at Ultimate Nails in the Yuma Foothills.

Saturday Feb. 5th to Wednesday, Feb 9th Our 3rd Anniversary!

Saturday was a relaxing morning; in the afternoon we went back to the Yuma Flea Market to get more energy efficient light bulbs and a Florida/ Southern California electric Palm tree… (Same one you got Marc & Heather) we have it set up and it’s just beautiful!  This afternoon/evening we played the Wii game with Carol & Larry on their outdoor TV, that’s a lot of fun!  I can see what our next purchase will be!  Supper was with us for a home made pizza and Dennis’s CD to make up for missing the Rio Bend dance. Super Bowl Sunday…started with a long bike ride and a little R&R.  Then we went to Blake and Karen’s for their Super Bowl Party and supper.  There were lots of people there and we had many interesting conversation.

Ruth we enjoyed talking to you and were pleased we caught you at home on a Sunday. Kelsey, it was great talking to you today; glad to hear all is well in Ottawa and that you’re off to BC and Saint Augustine, FL, enjoy!  Monday was another day of sunshine and warm temperatures, almost 80 degrees. We did a couple of bike rides, I took a tour of four model home up the street, nice but not great, $166,000 to $209,000 range, then we settled into the Wii Game with Carol and Larry.  We are working on improving our skills!

Tuesday, Quartzsite trip!  We 4 left Yuma at 8:30 on a sunny but windy day.  Quartzsite, 80 miles north on Hwy #95 was windy, really windy with dust/sand flying everywhere! There were lots of Flea Market (Swap) shops open but lots closed because of the wind.  The prices in Quartzsite are much higher than the Yuma Flea Markets.  So beware and compare!  We had a great lunch at Silly Al’s which meant we all left feeling very full.  We did a bit more shopping, then went to the Reader’s Oasis Bookstore but “Paul” was not there, guess he only works on hot days!  (See picture below) Carol & Larry have not seen Paul yet.  Got home about 3 and I raced off to get a hair cut…back home just after four and friends of Carol & Larry’s came by for Happy Hour.  We had a light supper and that was the day.

This is Paul! and he only works on warm days!

Wednesday, February 9^th - our 36^th month or 3^rd year Anniversary!  B and L went off shopping, so did C & R head out shopping.  Back home in time for a little happy hour drink before going to the Olive Garden for our  Anniversary supper.  We so enjoyed our meal, our company and the chauffeured ride!  Thank you guys! Time to say good night all…!

Hugs

R&B

Super Bowl Bonfire

Thanks to everyone for thinking of us today!

Wii game players!

Our Yuma home for 2 weeks

Sunday, Jan. 30 to Friday, Feb. 4th, 2011

High winds in Rio Bend all day Sunday!  However, we still manage to enjoy a group Happy Hour/farewell at Del and Walters.  Monday we got groceries, returned our modem, went to the driving range and batted out two buckets of balls and said farewell to the golf course.  We got side traced at Don & Ingrid’s on the way home! (How easy was that!!)  They along with Nola & Steve had several of us (20+) over to their place for BBQ ribs made from Don’s secret family receipt and it’s still a secret!  Ha #1 ant given out the recipe!  But ha, I’m #2 and I’ll be working on # 1. It was a wonderful evening, with US hospitality plus. (Ingrid, I hope you didn’t get a cold! And glad to hear the pictures arrived)  

We settled into the pack up mode, and are ready for our next great adventure.

As of January 31^st we have put 4,671 miles on the motorhome and 5,787 miles on the car, totally 10,458 miles. (16830 KMS)

We said our goodbyes to several people, (Warren & Carolyn, Brian, Ron & Gail, Heather & Rosemary in the pool,) just to name a few on Tuesday morning and by 9:45 we were on the road again! Brian & Cathy were at the front gate to wave goodbye.

Once in Arizona we picked up another hour, so now we’re only two hours between here and Ottawa.  We spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with Carol & Larry getting caught up on each other’s news. About 5:30 the winds came up and it was windy all night and into Wednesday.  We had lots of sun in Yuma but cool temperature at only 54 degrees.  Thursday we went to the old Mervin’s indoor Flea Market, neat place, picked up a few items for the golf bag, plus an Arizona sweat shirt. In the evening we went to “Spook Mountain” in the Yuma foothills, when and only when, it is a New Moon is there an all natural light show  --- and we say it!!  We packed up our hot dogs and the trimmings, along with our jug of wine and warm clothing!  We lit the bonfire and roasted the dogs and the marshmallows, when that was done, it was time to let the fire burn out and watch the light show. Well, we can say we saw the light show at Spook Mountain, along with about 40 other people. Check it out http://travelswithmycoach.com/2009/04/spooks-bees-and-powerless/  (Just the first part of this web site, but it is the best site I can find)

Friday, off to the outdoor Yuma Flea Market….coolish to start but the day did warm up. (Sorry we missed you Ron and Gail)  Bought new Happy Hour chairs and more yard art; then went off for a nice lunch at “Burgers & Beer” - place was packed, great food! We hit the Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart then came home and built our Arizona Room and enjoyed Happy Hour.  Now looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday!

Hugs

R&B

Carol & I bundled up at Spook Mountain, AZ

We drove through that tunnel with a train on top of us!!!