#12 Jan 2014 Quartzite - a town that re-invented itself!

January 12th we headed for Arizona, a state we had never visited. As we drove we noticed many mountains looked as if someone had taken a knife and cut off the tops. We knew the flat tops were called mesas but wondered how they were created. Again, we’re used to the sharp, rugged Rocky Mountains which were created by upheavals from continental plates. In California and more noticeably in Arizona the land was once a sandy ocean bed. As the waters receded they wore down the softer rocks leaving the harder, flat ocean bed on top of the mountains they created.

As we headed for Quartzite AZ, just before we crossed the state line, there was a highway sign “State Prison – Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers”. OK, we’ll keep our eyes open and the door shut.

We had heard that ten months of the year Quartzite is a small desert town of 4,000 people. January and February it explodes with thousands of RVs dry camping in the desert. No kidding – thousands of RVs!

In early January there is a Rock and Gem Show with hundreds of booths and an incredible variety of unpolished and polished rocks and gems. In late January there is an RV Show with dozens of RVs for sale and all the accessories you could ever want, whether you knew it not. Between shows there are still a few hundred booths with everything from rocks, jewelry, Avon, RV parts and accessories, kitchen items and, of course, food.

During these 2 months over a million people visit the shows. We didn’t want to be in the middle of hundreds of thousands of people at the big shows. We arrived between major shows and still spent a day checking out the booths and sampling the food and beer. Those were enough crowds for us.

We spent 2 nights at Desert Gold RV Resort in the open desert. There were only a few saguaro cactus to break up the skyline. They are the cactus we associate with the desert and they are as impressive and spikey as everyone expects.

That night the moon was almost full and cast incredible shadows from the cacti and a few palm trees. What a big, beautiful sky and moon.

We saw in the resort newsletter that there would be a breakfast the next morning from 7:00 to 9:00. We went to bed looking forward to someone else preparing breakfast. At 8:00 we arrived at the clubhouse with our appetites in high gear only to see the tables cleared and everyone leaving. Oops! There is a time zone change between California and Arizona and we missed the sign. Back to the RV for cereal and toast.

We have crossed time zones many times. This trip we only drove about three hours and had to adjust our clocks an hour but the sunrise and sunset did not change appreciably. Usually we travel far enough that the length of daylight changes as well. It was disconcerting that only the clock changed.

On our second morning we walked down the highway for breakfast. As we were eating I could hear bits of conversation from a table behind me. I heard the word Vermillion which is a town 40 miles from Wainwright AB where I grew up. When we left, the other group was standing outside near their vehicles with Alberta license plates. I had to ask if I had heard correctly. Yes, one couple was from Wainwright. They had known my mother, father and stepfather and I recognized them from Mum’s conversations and the United Church where we attended. It is indeed a small world when we look and listen.

#11 Jan 2014 Windmills - No, they are Wind Turbines!

We had seen hundreds of them before Palm Springs and now there were thousands in the valley. We had so many questions we had to take a tour. Our guide was a wind turbine expert extraordinaire having worked in the field for over 25 years. He described the wind pattern between the mountain ranges and how the towers are placed to maximize the wind but not impede the flow to the next tower. There are over 2,700 towers of varying heights which is particularly noticeable between the north and south side of the highway. In the 1970s when the first towers were built the mayor of Palm Springs – Sonny Bono – didn’t want the towers to obstruct the view so limited the total height. In the Palm Springs town limits they are exactly one foot less than the maximum. Across the highway on private land they are up to 240 feet but new ones will not be higher due to logistics. The parts arrive by truck and must fit on the highway.

There were solar panels in one field and everyone on the tour wondered why not more solar installations. Our guide explained the dramatic difference in power generated. Solar power is more suited to small installations such as homes, commercial buildings and, of course, recreational vehicles.

This type of information is why we take tours.

Palm Springs Ariel Tramway drew our attention like a magnet but we waited for a clear day with minimal haze. The road to the Valley Station twists and turns up the mountain to 2,600 feet. Tram cars revolve slowly from within, an eerie feeling, but it gives everyone a 360’ view during the 10 minute ride to the Mountain Station at 8,500 feet.

We took the tram mid afternoon so we could enjoy the view in the day and at night as the lights of Palm Springs came on.

We have seen many spectacular sunsets. We could see this one coming as the shadow of the mountain crept across the valley, up the mountain and into the clouds.

In the winter there can be several feet of snow at the top. In the day it was about 10’ C and in the evening colder with the wind but no snow. We really hope to escape snow completely this trip.

Another day we drove around some back roads looking for a particular date farm. When we stopped to get our bearings a road runner ran across the road directly in front of the car.

Ralph immediately looked for the coyote! No sign of him.

We finally found the Oasis Date Garden and learned the history of date farming in California starting in 1912. Dates are known to be the oldest fruit cultivated by man. We sampled several types including the Medjool which is the most widely produced. Nearby roads are named after the varieties, most of which were imported from the Middle East. We each ordered a date shake which came with a spoon instead of a straw. They were huge. We could have shared one and not been as frozen as the ice cream when we finished.

It’s easy to find happy hour and get to know new people and share where they have traveled and what has been interesting to them. There has been a majority of BC and Alberta license plates in the parks we have visited. We have usually stayed to ourselves and continued to unwind and rejuvenate. However, our last afternoon in Desert Hot Springs we enjoyed a glass of wine with park neighbours from Salmon Arm. We have continued to email and will stay in touch.

#10 Jan 2014 What's in Palm Springs?

January 4th we headed for Palm Springs, having no idea what was there except our images from Hollywood.

The drive is only about an hour but the scenery changes quickly and I wanted to see it all. That day I learned to plan more carefully. I was so busy looking at the map and GPS to find a RV park that we were there before we decided on which park, in which city. There are several cities that run together like many other municipalities. We had a map with city names but no idea of how connected they are.

We settled in Sands RV and Golf Resort in Desert Hot Springs. They offer 1 week plus 2 days for $295.00 which includes Wi-Fi and cable TV.

We have chosen parks based on the info from the GPS which takes into account the length of our RV and roads where we will fit. The parks have been good but we realize we have no expectation at this time of utilizing many of the park amenities such as bocce ball, pickle ball, golf, etc. We are more interested in exploring the countryside and it’s people.

We have not even owned bathing suits for decades. Times must change. In Desert Hot Springs we were referred to the store “Glossy” that stocks over 7,000 women’s bathing suits including well-known brand names - all priced at $29.95. For that price we can’t go wrong. Some day we will even use them.

Sunday we explored College of the Desert weekend street market. It is held in the college parking lot with a huge variety of vendors including food, clothing, shoes, decorations, etc. I bought a silver ring with polished seashells. There were so many unique items but we have no house to decorate so we’ll decorate ourselves.

Monday we headed for Indian Canyons. Andreas Canyon is the first natural oasis we have ever seen. From the parking lot there is a vista of Palm Springs and unending desert with the mountains over 20 miles in the distance.

Behind us the canyon is lush with magnificent fan palms sheltering meandering Andrea Creek. The half mile walk up the canyon takes us through the palms.

The return walk goes along the other side of the canyon where we viewed the streak of green surrounded by barren, weathered cliffs.

We returned in time for a ranger’s talk. He described the history of the area and how the people thrived in the canyon oasis. There are still bedrock mortars and metates used to grind food, medicines, dyes, etc.

In a hostile environment the oasis attracted nomadic people and allowed them to settle and prosper. It was a very labour intensive life led by independent, peaceful people.

Hearing about the people and touching the rocks and plants they used brings them to life and helps us remember what we have learned. There are other canyons but it was late afternoon after we had spent several hours in Andreas Canyon.

Tuesday was our first overcast day in 2 weeks so we settled into the nasty “paperwork” which still follows us. We had very general ideas about the costs of this lifestyle and now we need to record all our spending in order to plan our retirement funds. We are reminding ourselves that “retirememt $” are much less than “paycheque $”. We try to look for discount coupons and senior’s discounts. The senior’s discounts often start at age 62 so that helps both of us.

Every Thursday night a highlight of Palm Springs is Villagefest (street fair). Palm Canyon Drive is the main street and for 6 blocks it is setup with booths of all descriptions. There is an unending variety of food, jewelry, ornaments, soaps, etc. A great people watching opportunity when you can move through the crowds.

As well, every Thursday evening the Palm Springs Art Museum is free. We admired the art for about an hour until a tour started with an extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic docent. I’m sure he could tell a story about every piece in the museum and it’s creator. We can read the descriptions and admire the work but a good guide brings the art alive and puts it into context within the era when it was created. The tour lasted over 2 hours because people kept asking questions and new people joined. A great evening!

#9 2014 A New Year and New Adventures

Wow! Our parents always said the older you get the faster time flies. I know it’s a cliché but time is proving them right. Once we started planning our retirement there seemed to be so many steps to get there that it was overwhelming and the future seemed far, far away. Now that future is here and we’re starting a new year and moving into our adventure.

January 1st, 2014

For the first time in 30 years we watched the Rose Bowl Parade on TV from start to finish. 30 years ago we watched it live in Pasadena with Auntie Gwen and Uncle Bob then viewed the floats at the end of the parade. What a marvelous show of flowers, etc. and commitment (many of them volunteers) to put together the floats. Since then, the TV version has been a pale substitute.

This year on January 2nd we drove to Pasadena to view the floats after the parade and get a close look at all of them. Ralph wondered about the wisdom of that excursion when I took 20 minutes to view the first 4 floats out of nearly 50.

The Honda float was the longest one in the parade history at about 175 feet. They planned the street corners very carefully.

Many floats had people explaining and pointing out the eggplants, limes, artichokes, sesame seeds, grasses, brussel sprouts, blueberries and of course roses and rose petals.

The accurate, detailed faces on this float are those of real people who have received life saving organ transplants.

This float was an amazing feat of engineering and imagination. The 3 "Martians" drove off the main float in the middle of the parade and visited the audience.

Since April 2013 Ralph and I have been eating wheat free. It has been a challenge but Ralph has lost most of his “wheat belly” and my stomach is less likely to be upset by many foods. The biggest difficulty is a quick lunch that does not include wheat in some form.

Between floats we looked for lunch items that would fit our requirements. A big sausage without the bun and GARLIC fries. Thank goodness we both like garlic as these were fried in garlic oil then fresh grated garlic poured over them. Even we couldn’t stand ourselves but we were in it together.

January 3rd was a day to remember my father who passed away 43 years ago and Ralph’s mother who passed away 21 years ago. Both times I was living in Calgary and vowed not to be living there January 3rd after the next 22 years. That is not so far away now but I expect to keep that promise to myself as we plan to continue traveling for years to come.

Once again we re-re-organized the contents of our living space. That will continue for some time yet until we can find things quickly and realize many items are of no use in this lifestyle. We also started planning the next drive and destination.

#8 2013/2014 Finishing a Year of Transitions

After Christmas we explored more of the Hemet area. Diamond Valley Lake has a viewpoint high above the lake that gives us an idea of how much construction went into creating this reservoir for Southern California. A natural valley was dammed and excavated with minimal interruption to the environment. Archeologists and paleontologists were given first access to significant finds and given assistance to remove artifacts. An impressive collaboration between history and the future.

In Temecula we explored some – not all – of the nearly 30 wineries in the area. The countryside and buildings have a Mediterranean feel and range from commercial wineries to cozy farm gate family run venues.

Heading home we took a back road that wound up, over and around hills and valleys with farms and wide open spaces. A spectacular sunset highlighted the horizon and set the buildings glowing.

I had a short, breath stealing shower one morning when we discovered the hot water tank was not working when set to shore power (110 household power). Ralph could not find the problem so we now use propane to heat the water. At least we have hot water. That was the first issue to be addressed when we return to Surrey. I’m sure there will be more.

December 30th Ralph’s Aunt Ione and Uncle Adolph from Christopher Lake SK brought Auntie Gwen and Uncle Bob to our RV for lunch and a great visit. Once again the laughter and coffee flowed freely. We treasure our visits with family as we travel away from our immediate family.

We continued trying to set up this blog. It was a test of our patience to be frustrated with our lack of internet savvy, not with each other. We have very different levels of tolerance when it comes to computers and we tend to snap at each other instead of the inanimate computer that doesn’t really care what we call it. As you can tell we finally setup the blog but there were some tense moments from which we tried to learn how to think twice before speaking once.

New Year’s Eve we toasted each other with French champagne and reflected on our life together. We have weathered the storms and celebrated our families. We have seen parts of the wide world around us and grown to understand that we can affect that world one step at a time. Our new adventure is another step in learning about this continent where we live and the people who have affected it for better and worse. We look forward to new people and experiences that will continue to expand our personal boundaries.

#7 Dec 2013 Christmas in California

December 21st – the first day of winter. We will take warm, sunny California winter forever!

We re-set the parameters on the GPS to reflect driving the Suzuki. Once again it performed very well and effortlessly directed us to Riverside to visit Ralph’s Auntie Gwen and Uncle Bob. We had a great visit with much laughter, which is a trademark when Uncle Bobbie is around. Exactly 30 years ago we spent Christmas with them. Dave and Kari’s highlight from that day was picking mandarin oranges in their back yard. Unfortunately, that tree does not produce much fruit now so we were not able to re-live that particular experience.

That evening we explored a “Hometown Christmas” in the old, restored part of downtown Hemet. The weather was cool but of course no rain since California has been in a drought for most of the last 3 years. There were booths with food, handmade gift items and music from the men’s choir at the local college. One antique store had a display of about 20 wedding dresses and ball gowns from the 19th century. The dresses were so small that modern women could not even begin to imagine wearing them. Thank goodness we don’t have to hold our breath and be laced into corsets!

When we returned home I watched “The Sound of Music”. I have seen it a few times before but this time I was able to relax and enjoy every moment without thinking about what else I could/should be doing. I’m learning.

The next few days were spent relaxing and putting up personal touches in our new home. We put up our Christmas tree with the special ornaments which bring back memories of family and friends and places we have visited. We only brought a few items to make this home feel like Christmas.

Sunday, December 22nd we attended Trinity Lutheran Church only a few minutes away. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel very much at home. We enjoyed the pastor and the contemporary music in a congregation that will celebrate 100 years in 2014. We returned for the Christmas Eve service and were impressed that the pastor remembered our names when the church was full with many Christmas/Easter people.

We Skyped with Kari and Lindsay and wished them a Merry Christmas as they celebrated with friends. A different Christmas but times and traditions change. Christmas Day we Skyped with Dave and Danica and saw her gifts and excitement about everything she was doing. We Skyped with other family and friends and felt like we shared their Christmas as well.

Christmas Day we drove into the San Jacinto Mountains to Idyllwild. The road has many twists, turns and switchbacks and goes up over 5000’. We enjoyed a spectacular view on the way and could not even guess how many miles we could see across the valley.

Ralph and I savoured a stress free Christmas together and shared our fun and excitement with family and friends. God has blessed us. What more could we ask?

#6 Dec 2013 Setting up and staying still

December 18th was a short driving day from Mojave to Hemet California. Hemet is fairly central to points of interest in Southern California but away from the bustle of the large cities on the coast. We needed time to settle down and really feel a part of our new lifestyle so we registered for two weeks.

We went to a Verizon store in investigate cell phones and hot spots. We purchased a pay as you go phone which will give us accessibility in an emergency and the connection to make reservations, etc.

While we were driving there were many places where we wondered what we were seeing or not understanding. While on the road we wanted to have Internet access for our I Pad to ask Google what we were passing. We were also aware that many RV parks have free Wi-Fi but the signal is often weak because so many people are sharing the same spot. At Verizon we purchased a hot spot that gives us a great connection and easy access while on the road or parked.

We needed groceries and checked out Von’s which is part of the Safeway chain. Our Canadian Club Card works there so we got that discount but noticed that grocery prices are much the same as at home. Stater Bros grocery chain offers 30% off when you purchase 4 bottles of wine, etc. There are lots to choose from and we explored many. The exchange rate, however, makes everything more expensive than appears at face value.

In early November Kari had asked me if I still had dressy, Christmas clothes. I was mystified but said yes. She had won two seats to be in the audience during the taping of Michael Buble’s Christmas Special. November 10th we dressed up for Christmas and went to the Red Robinson Theatre in Coquitlam. What a fun, fantastic event. Michael interacted with the audience between taping segments while the stage, etc. was being changed. He was very casual and talked about himself, his family and bits of his life. He was very proud to be a new father and said he knew what to do – unlike his namesake (Michael Jackson). The show aired December 18th and we anxiously watched the views of the audience trying to spot Kari and myself. My white hair stood out like a beacon so we knew we were on TV but only we knew where to look.

December 19th was Kari’s birthday and we Skyped with her and Dave and shared our excitement about being on TV. The video did not come through but audio was fine. It was great to connect with family, particularly on a special occasion. We email brief updates and pictures to our family but Skype will be our lifeline to family and friends while we travel.

When Ralph and I travel to new areas we want to understand the topography of the land and the history of the people. December 20th we explored the Diamond Valley Lake visitor center. We have heard for years about the shortage of water in California. We know there is a lot of desert in Southern California and millions of people to consume an extremely limited water supply. Many visitor centers are staffed with volunteers and we hit a gold mine when we started talking to Rick who is in his eighties and has lived in California all his life. Now we have an understanding of the miles and miles of dams and canals that have been built over the last century and crisscross California. We also gained insight into the geological evolution of California through the shifting of continental plates and oceans into the desert of today.

That evening we watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart for the first time. I have always felt there was too much to do before Christmas and I never made time to watch many of the classic Christmas shows. Now I have the time and certainly the inclination to savour many of the small details of life.

These first few days of our adventure were "let's get there". We realize I did not take photos as usual but that changed as we took a deep breath and started to settle into a new life.