HOME AGAIN . . .

Snow in Great Falls.  That is never fun when you are sitting 4 hours from home in an RV.  You wonder if / when you might get there!

Anyway, we emptied tanks, blew out the lines, added antifreeze and headed out at 10:45 uttering a little prayer for a safe trip home.  And we are HERE!!  It is always good to be safely tucked away with most of the unloading behind us now.

 

In some ways our two plus months on the road seemed much longer.  We did so much. The wedding in Vernon, BC's Rolley Lake, Moab, the Arches and Canyonlands in Utah, Lake Havasu, AZ, Blythe and Indio in CA plus all the places in between.  It's been awesome! 

 

And that's it for our travels... You will probably hear more from us when we dig out from under all the laundry. And the mail.

Great Falls, MT

Dick's RV, Internet, Temp 2C

No snow when we woke up this morning but it's frickin' cold here! Now all I can think about is getting home to the fireplace.

After taking a look at all the weather conditions between Helena and home, we just drove the 1 1/4 hrs. to Great Falls. We were already re-located and set up by 10 am. Wind was the biggest issue but it also looks like a snowy day back in Medicine Hat. Here's hoping tomorrow will be a good travel day. We will be able to winterize before leaving as the water is still turned on here. Helena's water was off for the season.

Other RV have been pulling in. I'm fairly certain they are the smart ones that are heading south. Oh, California and Arizona, how I miss you . . . There are also a few hunters camped here. The dummies like us. Camping isn't much fun in 2C weather!



The snowbirds and the dummies

So we are sitting in the RV with our two electric heaters going. One at each end of the trailer. Watching the snowflakes fall.

Helena, MT

Lincoln Rd RV
Site #? - $27, p/w off, Internet, Temp 11C

We didn't un-hitch at Brigham, but we did get to see a bit of the city as we had to pick up a replacement break-away brake cable at an RV shop before leaving town this morning. This place dates back to 1851 and there are some really nice old buildings including a historic Mormon temple.

It was smooth driving through Idaho and the Monida Pass into Montana. Phew... I could finally breathe again. There were reminants of the recent snowfall through the pass and reports indicate more is coming tonight or tomorrow. But today? Sunny and clear. It was such a relief. I had stressed for nothing. On a good day like today, that pass looks pretty innocent. Not so much the last time we met!

Just beyond Monida Pass

 

Beaver Head Rock - Lewis & Clark Trail, Shoshone Meeting Place

Blue Anchor Bar & Cafe, Twin Bridges, MT on Hwy 41

We were lucky for a change and had wind on our backs until we got closer to Helena. Ugly side wind. That, plus 7 hours of driving prompted our stopping here for the night. The water is off for the season. More signs of winter. We just got set up and downpour. I wonder if it will be white come morning? eek.

Brigham City, Utah

Golden Spike RV Park
Site #4 - $32, p/w/s, Internet, Cable, Temp 14C

Mesquite was a surprise to us. There is so much more to the city than we realized from our previous 'drive throughs'. All the new growth that has taken place was mind boggling. Beautiful housing developments and landscapes winding through red rocked cliffs and around new golf courses. There are plenty of water features and green spaces along with all the recreational facilities. (Jim/Jan - One of the largest, most impressive was a Del Webb development.)



View from the Mesas overlooking Mesquite

The shopping has expanded to include some large new malls. And yet, the town population for 2012 was only 18,000?? We were wondering if this might also be a snowbird destination with a larger population during the winter months.

Packing up and moving on isn't so much fun knowing what is ahead for us. However, it was on to Brigham City, Utah just out of Ogden. After driving through Provost and Salt Lake City, we certainly needed the relax time. That fast moving 10 lane traffic with an RV is beyond stressful. (We are also not used to 6 hour driving stretches!)

We had hoped to stay at the State Park north of Ogden, but most of the campground is closed off and the 20 or so remaining sites were already taken / reserved for the weekend. Someone said if we found the Camp Host, he would likely open a place for us, but we didn't want to waste time trying to find him! Anyway, this is a great over-nighter. And it comes with internet!

Mesquite, Nevada

Sun Resort RV & Golf
Site #55 - $29, p/w/s, Internet, Cable, Temp 17C

Last night at Needles we got the heater out. It got down to 10C. Weather reports tell us that it is much cooler than normal for this time of year. We are "getting acclimatized" for our arrival home.



Driving the Lake Mead Parkway

Today we drove from Needles to Henderson, just south of Vegas and we opted to drive the Lake Mead Parkway as opposed to driving though a much too busy Las Vegas. (A couple we met at Blythe had suggested this route.) This adds 1/2 hr to the trip but it is well worth it. It was a scenic drive with beautiful views of the lake, canyons and red rock formations. Also, hardly any traffic. (A cost of $10. for the National Park entrance fee.)



Lunch pull-off at Lake Mead

 



Low waters at the Boat Launch, Lake Mead

Side story: We had this Seniors Pass that enabled us to go in to the National Parks free. We used it at Joshua Tree and a couple other places. It is for US residents, but Ron asked about getting one at a couple of different Parks we visited and finally some young lady issued him one not realizing (or even asking if) he was a US citizen. (and she had looked at his driver's licence for age and picture verification.) We have since 'saved' a few $10 and $15 entrance fees. Ron has always had to show picture ID but all had 'missed' the AB address. That is until today. The old bag... I mean... the nice lady in the booth destroyed the card and made us pay. Oh well.. it was sweet while it lasted...

 

Tonight we are at Mesquite. A nice new little RV Park just off the Interstate. It is $7. cheaper than yesterday's spot plus it included Internet AND cable. After an email from Jim and Jan, plus a chat with other Albertans staying in the park who came through Montana yesterday and today, we have decided to spend an extra night here and hopefully the nasty Montana snow will be gone before we head north?

Needles, CA

Needles Marina Park
Site #92 - $35 (Good Sam), p/w/s, Internet cost, Temp 23C

Yesterday was slightly cooler than we've seen all week. And windy. Temps are to remain cooler for a few days. (Only 24C!) It made leaving this morning a wee bit easier. We were still able to enjoy a post dinner hot tub last night, although we had to SHARE 'our' tub. Actually we had an interesting conversation with a N. Caroline couple who worked for the Resort owner.



Indio to Needles

On to Needles. We made the right decision on our route choice. Smooth driving and very little traffic Well at least until we hit US-95. Lots of RV's on the road then. Everyone else was heading south. Go figure!? (ha!)



Looking over the Colorado at Needles Marina RV

Our spot at Needles was decent. Right on the Colorado River. It would be nicer if we weren't 'squeezed in' and if the Internet was free. It is the only place that charged extra on this trip. We went for a short drive around the city. There are a lot of closed businesses but I love how they are all brightly painted with "Route 66" artwork.

saying Good-bye to Indio

Well, our touring and our time here is coming to an end.

Yesterday we drove to the Palm Desert Street Market at the College campus. I wasn't sure I would be able to do the walking, but there are shuttles that take you from the parking lot to the market and I made use of my cane, so we did get to see some of it. It is just like we remembered from our visit 20 or so years ago - T Shirts, hats, purses, jewellry, clothing, paintings, pottery. Nice stuff, but it would seem that I am more of a looker than a buyer. I did get a couple of sun dresses.

Today we fueled up and checked out the stores at the fairly new Indio Towne Centre Shopping Mall. We bought a few groceries for the road at WinCo Foods. Some great prices at that 24 hr. superstore! I wish we would have found this place sooner.

Art? At the College campus by the Street Fair

Our stay has been great, but more than anything, we will miss the weather. Plus 'our' pool and hot tub! This is 'city camping' and the traffic noise can be a bit annoying at times. We run our fan constantly for the 'white noise'. There are a lot of barking dogs, sirens and a stupid ice cream truck that seems to go round and round just outside the Resort playing "Turkey in the Straw". Over and over. All day long. Gah... I hope I never have to listen to that song again!! We have toured and enjoyed a lot of this area though. And yes... Again. The weather is fabulous! I am not excited about returning home to snow.

Joshua Tree National Park

Another tour day. In the morning it was the campground by bike. There are only about twenty units in this 250 unit Resort. We noted there are some fellow Canadians from BC. Also there are a few Florida motorhomes which we thought interesting.

Lots of Creosote bushes at South Johua Tree Pk

After lunch, our drive through the Joshua Tree National Park was quite the change from the pines of the day before. Very cool! This park is where the Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert. We much preferred the later.

We began our drive from the South end of the park and we were a bit disappointed. It wasn't so different from what we had already seen in CA and AZ. And then you reach the Cholla Cactus Garden, the Yuccas and finally the Joshua Trees. WOW!! Go there - North and west side!! The massive boulders, the rock piles and the plant growth is pretty spectacular to see!

Cholla Cactus Garden

There is plenty of hiking and people were rock climbing. It would be interesting to stay in one of the National campgrounds which are nestled in the rock formations. They were all showing "Full". We drove to the Keys View which 'could' be a great view of the Coachella Valley. Unfortunately the haze / smog wasn't conducive to a clear view. We were able to see Salton Sea.

Salton Sea from Keys View

The Joshua Trees

We came home along the Twentynine Palms highway. It is rather a steep and a winding downgrade and it helped with the decision to not to go home that route!

The swimming pool calls . . .

Pines to Palms

More touring today. We headed up US10 through the Windmill Farms to Banning, CA.  

Banning, CA

We had lunch and drove home along SR243 through the San Bernardino National Forest and the San Jacinto Mountains. There was a huge wildfire through the area in August and there were many blackened areas. It was sad to see, but it would seem they were able to save the residences along the way. Today they were busy spraying that green grass seed along the ditches and roadside. Despite the burned out areas, it was a pretty drive with switchbacks both up and down the mountain. Very scenic and such a change from the Coachella Valley.

It was like driving through the BC mountains with all the pines, cedars and the deciduous trees which are now turning color. Very beautiful. There are Mountain Lodges and Forestry Campgrounds up there. Who knew?? In the winter months you would likely see snow. (Elevation 6000 feet.) We are talking only an hour from the desert!

We drove through the town of Idyllwild which I would certainly put at the top of my list of 'places to see' when in the area. It is like a little Alpine Village, similar to Leavenworth. It is known for it's wild strawberries and it's knotty pine furniture. Again many neat little shops and eateries. Apparently a number of actors (including Dolly Parton, Sean Connery and Michael J. Fox) have owned or still own property in or around Idyllwild. A very cool place indeed! (Note: It was 21C at Idyllwild, 31C when we arrived back in Palm Desert.)

Idyllwild carving

view of Idyllwild

From Idyllwild you turn on to US74 which is appropriately called the "Pines to Palms Highway". There is a lot of horse ranching in that area. It reminded me of the AB foothills. As you wind down the mountain there is a lookout with a great view of the Valley.

US 74 and the Coachella Valley

We missed our daily swim today but it is on the agenda for tomorrow. Maybe we will take some time for a bit of a bike tour!

Another Cali day

The sightseeing continues.  The Farmer's Market at La Quinta wasn't open today even though our brochure said Sundays and Wednesdays [hahaha... Getting ready to post this and we just realized that today is actually THURSDAY, so I guess we missed this market].  It was a great drive though.  Old Town La Quinta is very cool. Some quaint little shops. There is definitely a Mexico feel to that area. Ron particularly loved the architecture and the buildings. We drove through the shopping and the residential areas to the outskirts of town and to the Cove Oasis Hiking trails.  Very pretty.  

Old Town La Quinta

We also drove along the PGA West Boulevard. Wow.  Six courses, 3 clubhouses and gated living around each of these courses.  Not to mention health and raquet clubs plus tennis courts. The Greg Norman club house and a few other venues including one of the courses is open to us non-members, but we decided to pass. There is no doubt that our little RV spot in Indio is much less affluent than some of these other desert cities ammenities.

Driving along PGA West Boulevard

Re the golf courses?  There are about 125 of them in the Coachella Valley.  Many of the gated communities have their own courses within the gated community.  We marvel at all of these golf courses, and the grass, the plants, and the trees and the shrubs in this valley.  SO MUCH GREEN SPACE HERE!  I can't even imagine the water this area must go through on a daily basis.  The watering system in our RV park alone cycles continually through day and night, non stop.

 

anyway.. enough said.  I realize this is my second posting for the day!  Nothing further to report.  We opted for a lazy afternoon. Pool side and a 34C temperature makes for a great combo!

Exploring Indio area

We are enjoying our time here.  It has been many many years since we were in this area and it has really grown and spread.  The first day we drove down Highway 111 to Rancho Mirage and back. All the 'Desert cities are joined and you don't know when you leave one and enter another.  Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and on and on...  It is so pretty with all the Palms and the beautiful flowers along the boulevards.  We stopped for a few groceries and then it was home for a swim.  Our two private pools and a hot tub. Nice!

Yesterday we drove through the mainly Mexican inhabited Coachella and along the highway to the Salton Sea State Park.  It was interesting to see all the Date Palms and the date groves.  All the date fronds are now bagged and awaiting harvest.  The protective bags protect the dates from 'occasional rain' and deter the birds and insects. Some are completely enclosed in mesh bags and some just use a paper cone wrap type of cover.  Very cool to see all these.  

Salton Sea is also a very interesting place.  it is hard to describe.  It rather looks like a nuclear waste site.  The 'white' looks like sand from the distance, but it is actually layer upon layer of barnacles and bones from the millions of fish and birds that have died there.  It is difficult to understand why it is such huge bird sanctuary. 

There is lots of algae and dead fish floating along the shorelines and yet fisherman are still casting their lines. The birds numbers are unbelievable.  Pelicans, herons, egrets and many other shore birds.  There are a lot of abandoned buildings - former tourist resorts, hotels and residences.  We were rather interested in the State camping area.  It looked quite decent until a train passed by laying on the old horn.  A deal breaker!@  Anyway.. enough said. You can always find more info online if you so desire!

oh look.. a train!

barnacles and bones

 

On the way home we stopped at the little market where mom and Jerry used to buy their raisins, dates and olives.  It is very small but it was certainly a busy place.  People were buying propane, beer, a few fruits and vegetables plus other small grocery items.  We are enjoying our raisins, dates and craisins from there.  Back at home it was swim time again. Just the two of us once more!

The raisin market!

The evenings have been much warmer.  (It was 17C when I got up at 7 am this morning.)  We have been sitting at our propane fire pit until bedtime.

 

Well, I must get moving here.  I think we are going to check out a market at La Quinta today.