Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

March 21, 2020

Temperature 66 Degrees

Our New Neighborhood

Reorganizing and Doing Laundry For The First Time

A Different World We Now Live In

We are definitely in the high country.  The day time temperatures are only in the mid 60’s and nights are in the mid to low 40’s.  What will it be like by May and June?  We’ll let you know.  As of now it is quite comfortable.

These are the mountains that surround us.  Impressive and rugged.  Can you imagine what early pioneers felt when they first saw mountain ranges like this.  Unfortunately, they didn’t have a diesel engine to push them up and over

This is the view down our block looking toward the laundry building.

This the view down our block toward the mountains.  I took a walk around this morning and it is amazing how many spots are open.  There has to be at least a dozen or more sites that are open just in our loop.

Here we are.  We are in a nice spot with, of course, a train back behind us in the distance.  It doesn’t run that frequently and you can’t really hear it.  I happened to spot it this morning when I was out. We are,  as of now,  an island onto ourselves.  Our neighbors on either side are gone.  The ones on our passenger side have left for their home in New Hampshire.  The other on our driver’s side have left for their home in Surprise, Arizona.

We started reorganizing cabinets today.

Contrary to what we first thought we have a ton of storage.  We have cabinets in the hall and in the bathroom we haven’t even used yet.  It is just a matter of thinking creatively and deciding what really needs to go where.

Barbara also started doing laundry today.  She is indeed happy that she doesn’t have to load up the little blue wagon and go to the laundromat anymore.  Life is good.

Sitting and thinking about life in general I’ve come to the conclusion that the world today is definitely a different place than just a month ago.  I don’t believe I’ve ever lived in such a challenging time.  I want to believe that in a month, maybe two everything will be back to normal.  But I don’t think that we’re going to get back to normal for at least a year.  And it is going to be a normal like nothing we’ve ever known.

As I’ve said before now is the time to decide what is really important and to put that first in your heart.  For us it is each other, our family and our friends.  We can still continue to travel, maybe not this year but there are still years to come.  I’ll say it again and again we are two of the most fortunate and blessed people on the face of the earth.

So let’s pull together, put aside our differences and do our part to defeat an enemy that doesn’t wear a uniform and that we can’t even see.  Let’s pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their jobs, those who are struggling to survive and make ends meet.  Let us now and always walk not by sight but by faith.

On the lighter side I came across this recently in another blog post:  In Sterling, Colorado, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office issued a plea for help from its traditional nemeses, local criminals: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its contagious nature, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office is asking all criminal activities/nefarious conduct to cease until further notice. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime and thank criminals in advance. We will update you when you can return to your normal criminal behavior.”

Then there was this bumper sticker:  I’m retired. I was tired yesterday, and I’m tired again today.

Another day has ended on The Road of Retirement.  We did a little bit of this and that.  We enjoyed the day.  We enjoyed just being together and being healthy.  God is good all the time.

Thanks again for joining us again today.  We always appreciate your company and your comments.  Catch you tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

Places We Have Called Home in 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

March 20, 2020

Temperature 65 Degrees

New Washer/Dryer Install – Day Two

Travel Day

Summer Travel Plans Have Completely Evaporated

8 am this morning Henry was knocking on the door.  He was anxious to finish the washer/dryer install so that we could get on our way.

That’s him in the back, behind the slide

replacing the dryer vent.  He noticed a huge amount of lint in the dryer duct so decided to investigate.  He found the flapper in the old vent was stuck shut causing the problem.  A new vent and the problem was solved.

He then moved inside.  He hooked up the water lines, then the dryer duct, and finally slid the unit back into its home.  He turned the water pump on to ensure that there were no leaks.  Project complete.

Almost done.

They came over to make sure there were no propane leaks and to bleed air from the system.  While doing this they noticed that the flame at the stove was a bit off.  So they took a few minutes to adjust the propane pressure at the regulator.

We were not ready to leave just yet.  There was the bill to pay – ouch!  That’s all I’m going to say.

Then they took Elvira over to the wash bay and gave her a good cleaning inside and out.  All spiffy we were now ready to leave.

Before we left I took some pictures of this really wonderful motorhome.  This is a prime example of what they can and often do here.  This is a rare GMC Motorhome.  A little internet research reveals that:  The GMC motorhome was produced by the GMC Truck & Coach Division of General Motors for the 1973 through 1978 model years in Pontiac, Michigan, USA. It was the only complete motorhome built by a major auto/truck manufacturer producing what GMC hoped would be their halo vehicle. Part of the reason this vehicle is so different from other motor homes of the era is that it was not conceived as just a “camper,” but as a vehicle for comfortable travel as well. The design was radical for the day with front-wheel drive and a low profile, fully integrated body. 

This particular motorhome came in as a junker.  It was totally rebuild both outside as seen above and

they totally rebuilt the interior.  The interior is both stunning and beautiful.  They definitely do first class work here.

Time to get on the road.  I believe it is a sign of the times that even the major highways are all but empty.  Usually, getting through Phoenix at any hour is a real pain.  Not today we breezed right through.

A quick two plus hours plus one fuel stop and

we were at our new home for the foreseeable future.  This is the Escapees North Ranch in Congress, Arizona.

We stopped to register.  The new rule in effect is only person allowed in at a time.

Barbara coming back with our site assignment and a map.   She was now ready to lead us home.

The road leading in.

Our new home.  Our site is hard packed gravel, reasonably level (really don’t need to worry too much about this anymore), all utilities are easy to access and site separation is acceptable.   There are no trees to speak of so our Dish antenna locked on to the three necessary satellites without an issue.

One quick note, we solved the problem of our tow bar constantly dragging on the slightest uneven surface.  I swapped out our twelve inch drop receive for a six inch one.  Our tow bar is now perfectly level and we have no more issues with it dragging.

As for our summer travel plans.  Suffice to say they have all evaporated.  All the national parks we were going to visit are only open for day time use.  The visitor centers are closed, and the shuttle and tour buses have suspended service.  So what will we do?  Good question.

We will remain here for the foreseeable future in self imposed isolation away from people and crowds.  We have enough supplies to hunker in place for up to four weeks before we have to go foraging for food and supplies again. We’ll stay here at least till the end of May, maybe even the end of June.  What we do then will be determined by what, if anything, opens back up again.  We can’t go toward Florida since the state parks there are closed.  State as well as private RV parks are closed in Texas.  As well as the attractions we wanted to visit.  Maybe we’ll head back to Yuma.  Time will tell.  Life has gotten interesting.

Are we upset?  Come on now.  With what others are going through.  This a minor disruption in a life of travel.  We’ll adapt and go on with our lives.  We’ll continue to pray for those whose lives have really been turned upside down.   All in all we are two of the most blessed and fortunate people alive.  We still have each other and our health.  We have our family.  God is Good All The Time.

Our day on The Road of Retirement has now come to a close.  As always Home Is Where We Park It and so this is home for the time being.  We have our little heater on since the temperature in this part of the state is a good bit cooler than what we were used to in Yuma.  Barbara has a glass of wine and I have my bowl of ice cream.  A perfect end to a perfect day.

Thanks for traveling with us today.  We always appreciate your company and your comments and suggestions.  Catch you tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

 

 

 

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – RV Renovators, Mesa, Arizona

March 19, 2020

Temperature 71 Degrees

Foraging for Food

Summer Travel Plans Are Slowly Evaporating

New Refrigerator Install – Day Three Finishing Touches

New Washer/Dryer Install – Day One

Today was our day to go foraging for food.

 

A call to our local supermarket the night before and we were told get here as early as you can and you’ll find most of what you need.  Bright and early we were up, and out and on our way.  First sign of the times, a security guard at the front door as we walked in.  Next, never did I thought I ever get so excited as when I turned into the bread aisle and actually found a loaf of bread and English Muffins!  There was also eggs and milk.  And enough of an assortment of meat that we were able to get enough for two to three weeks.  Barbara also snagged the last package of napkins.  Nope, no toilet paper but we have a copy of the local paper for emergencies!

Just a fraction of the supplies we were able to get.  Most is put away already.  We’re still trying to figure out where to put this stuff.  Really, though a few things may be missing from supermarket shelves yet for the most part you can get what you need.

Just some of the meat we purchased.  More is in the refrigerator waiting to be broken down into separate packs for two.  I even was able to get a half gallon of ice cream.  We also purchased enough frozen vegetables for at least two to three weeks.  We’re ready to hunker down now at the Escapees Park in Congress.

The first, unfortunately, of the many things we were going to do this summer that has been cancelled.  This is the Grand Canyon Railroad that runs between Williams, Arizona and the Grand Canyon.  We were scheduled to ride the train the first part of May.  Today we learned that all service has been cancelled until the end of May.  They stated that at that time they will decide if they will resume service or suspend it for the remainder of the year.  Time to adapt and rethink our summer travels.  Life is getting interesting.

Day three, finishing touches on the new refrigerator install.  Today they installed the molding and stained it to match our existing woodwork.

They completed the custom grate for the bottom that allows air to the furnace.

The simple but effective lock that keeps all the doors closed while we’re traveling.  It’s a simple piece of plywood covered with felt so it doesn’t scratch the finish.

What do we think of our new refrigerator?  Fantastic!  We don’t have to worry about being level anymore.  Nor do we have to worry about it catching on fire (the one tech told me that just a short time ago one caught fire in a rig here in the yard).  We can reach in and the beer and wine is always cold.  The ice cream is rock hard.  We have much more space for everything.  The bonus, it works on the inverter.  So when we get ready to leave, we turn the inverter on, disconnect the electric, the alternator charges the batteries while we drive so everything stays cold.  In addition this refrigerator draws only about two to three amps per hour.  We’re both super glad we made this upgrade.

Final major project for this year, we’re replacing the washer/dryer.  We discovered it was older than we thought.  It was also really dirty so we called the maker and they gave us some tips on how to clean it up but no matter what we did it was hopeless.  Time to replace it.  We had planned to wait until August to do this but we both believe that especially during these times replacing it now is a no-brainer.  Barbara will now be able to do laundry here at home and thus avoid all laundromats.  That’s critically important for both of us right now.

The secret door in our wardroom closet that allows access to the water valves and the power plug.

Of course it wasn’t going to come out without a fight.  This light and the door stops had to be removed first.  Then they had to lift it and remove the feet from the bottom.

Out it comes.  It took the combined effort of three guys to lift it out of its home of the last fifteen years.

Out through the living room, down and out the front door, and off to the dumpster.

The new new Splendide 21XC coming off the truck.

Alongside Elvira waiting to be taken to its new home.

Coming in the front door.

This is where it will go.  The dryer vent has to be replaced.  As well as the water valves.  This will be done first thing tomorrow morning.

Setting it in place temporarily.

That’s Henry in our closet.  He is the lead on this project.  Tomorrow he will install the new valves, the new dryer duct, and replace the light and door stops removed earlier.

One more day, just one more day and we are running for the hills.  We’re going to self-isolate and keep away from all types of crowds, from people in general.  We’ll hunker down in the Escapees Park and decide there what to do next.  We’re healthy as of now and definitely want to stay that way.  Our hearts go out to those who are sick, those who have lost their jobs, those who are struggling just to survive.  The disruption in our travel plans is nothing compared to what so many are going through.  We will as always continue to walk not by sight but by faith reminding ourselves that God is still in control.  

Our day on The Road of Retirement is now drawing to a close.  We continue to count our many blessings and pray for those who are fighting in some cases to stay alive, and so many others who are struggling to just exist.  Remember especially in these days and times to let those you love know that you do.  Take time to reach out to your neighbor to see how they are doing.  Maybe you can go shopping for them.  If you have parents that are still alive, treasure them and love them as never before.  Now is the time to decide what is really important to you and put that first in your heart.  For us it is each other and family.

Thanks again for riding along with us, so to speak, today.  We always appreciate your company and comments.  Till tomorrow.  God bless.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

 

Places We Have Called Home in 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – RV Renovators, Mesa, Arizona

March 18, 2020

Temperature 69 Degrees

New Refrigerator Install – Day Two

The nights have been cool.  The days mild with sunny skies.  Except today, we’ve got thunder and lightening, and rain and hail.

Well we’re still here.  Here being RV Renovators as we wait for the completion of our residential refrigerator.

This is our new refrigerator with its many parts and pieces waiting to be installed.

The water line for the ice maker.  We decided not to install it so we had the water line capped off.  The propane line was pulled back to the manifold, disconnected and capped.

This is the new floor waiting to be installed.  It has been stained in the front to match our cabinets and then edge molding installed.  As I mentioned once before the devil is in the details and the techs here really do pay attention to each and every detail of the install.

The supports for the new floor.  According to Suburban the furnace only needs a space of one inch between it and the floor.  That’s exactly what it will be.

The new floor ready and waiting for its new occupant.

The new 120 volt outlet.  It is now wired into the onboard inverter.  We’ll test the refrigerator on the inverter tomorrow.  It’s a modified sine wave but wisdom says the refrigerator will work just fine with it.

Time to put the Samsung in its new home.

In it goes without any issues.

A perfect fit.  Its not all the way back yet.  A few things left to do before that happens.

This is Billy putting it back together one piece at a time.

It’s alive!  Lights are on and its working like a champ.  That’s Curtis the lead tech on our project checking things out.  When I asked him how many of this type of install he has down he told me he has lost count of the number of such projects he has successfully completed.  He knows his stuff.

So what do you think?  It looks like it was meant to be there.  As of now everything is back on and cooling down.  How well does it work?  The freezer was at 60 degrees at 4;30 pm and by 5:00 pm it was down in the twenties.  The same kind of drop happened in the refrigerator section.  It doesn’t take long at all for it too cool down to optimal operating temperatures.

What’s left?  Tomorrow they will anchor it in place.  They will install trim on each side to cover the small gap that exists between the refrigerator and the wall.  They also will modify the furnace grill to fit in the new space.  Again, we’ll also test and make sure it works on the inverter.

Oh, and we decided what the hey we might as well go ahead and install the new washer/dryer.  We were going to wait until August but this way with it in now Barbara will no longer have to go to the laundromat.  I don’t want her in crowds or in places like a laundromat during the next several months in particular.  So now is the time.  Her continued health is worth whatever it might cost.

That was our day on The Road of Retiement.  We’re sitting her kicking back and enjoying the evening.  We’ll be the first to admit we are definitely blessed beyond measure.  In the midst of this upside down world we have reason to count our many blessings.  We have each other and we’re both healthy at this point in time.  We have a wonderful home that allows us to go where we want.  We have funds set aside for a rainy day.  God has definitely been good to us.  Our prayers are with one and all during these difficult and trying times.  Let’s make it a point to walk not by sight but by faith.

Thanks for coming along with us today.  We always appreciate your company and your comments.  Catch you tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!