Golf Cart Parade

Showing of new shirt

On Dec 7th, we had our annual golf cart parade in the resort.   We had 14 entries, which was down from last year but it's do to individuals already return home for the holidays.   It start out with a tour of the resort in daylight hours, followed by the nighttime parade.   The weather was great (we got to wear shorts and tee shirts) so we had many watch along the route.   Afterwards we converged on the activity center to announce the winners.   Bobby & I took 2nd in daytime and 1st for night.  We worked extremely hard to win.   Cocoa and schnapps does wonders......LOL.

If you are ever in Havasu during the holidays, recommend you come see our parade.

Leading the parade

Heading Home to Havasu from Angel Fire

Left cabin around 7:30.   First stop was the Rio Grande Bridge in Taos.   Wanted to get daylight pics.   It was soooooo cold but worth the drive.    Headed for Santa Fe.....Bobby wanted to buy my birthday gift.....necklace.   We had meant to purchase on Wed when we were in Santa Fe.

Left Santa Fe and headed to Acoma to take the Sky City Tour.   Got there around 12:30, watched the movie, looked thru and museum and wasted time wating for our tour at 1:15.   Tour takes about 2 hrs, that's if you walk down from the mesa, which we did.   This is a place that everyone should see.  It costs $20 a person (seniors $17).   They did not charge us for our camera, usually it $10 extra but so worth the price.   You have to ask permission to take pics of individuals, pottery and you can't take pics of the cemetary or inside the church.

Once we left Acoma, we head to exit 81 on freeway where we turned to take hwy 53 back to Gallup.   We did not see as much as we'd like due to darkness setting in.   Another reason for us to return to this area.   Along this stretch you see El Malpais &, El Morro National Monuments, Ice/Volcano Park and Zuni Pueblo.   We did however see a beautiful sunset.   We arrived in Gallup around 6:00, headed to the local movie theater, as we decided to see the new Harry Porter movie.  Got tickets for the 6:40 showing.  Went to Lotaburger, grabbed a burger and head back to movies.   We'll head out on our last leg towards home tomorrow

Traveling to Angel Fire, NM

Left home on Friday the 12th around 2:30.   I (Jo) played in a golf tournament in the morning and as soon as I finished the round, we headed out.   Good news, my partner and I placed 1st place in our flight for net.   YEAH!
Susy & Dan are babysitting Max for the week.   Hopefully he behaves for them.  Susy is so nerveous he is going to run away.....I know he won't. 

We head out I-40 towards New Mexico.    Got dark between Flagstaff and Holbrook, so we decided to stop for the night in Gallup, NM.  I wanted to see the sites, not just pass them by.   When we got out of the car, I thought we'd traveled to far east.....it was extremely cold....29 degrees.   I told Bobby, not sure we brought enough clothes, might have to go shopping....LOL.   Went to dinner at local restaurant, manager told us their is nothing spectacular to see in Gallup.   We stayed at the Best Western at exit 20.   Cost us $59.....to much for less than 12 hours but better than sleeping in the car!!!!

We know we will be heading for Acoma tomorrow so won't spend much time here, as we are meeting my sister around 1:00 PM in Angel Fire.

Acoma

Chloride

The six of us (Steve, Kat, Susan, Dan, Bobby & myself) left Havasu around 7:30 to head for Kingman, where we were going to have breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then head to Chloride to see the murals.   These are famous murals painted by artist Roy Purcell. 

These murals are about 1 1/2 miles north of Chloride and you should have a 4X4 to reach them.  The road is extremely rough but the drive is well worth the hassle.   We had a great time climbing around the murals and surronding area.  http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/chloride.htm

On the way back to down, went by the old copper mine but it was extremely dangerous to climb around since the shafts are unmarked.  

 We then head to to Kingman to the Andy Devine museum.   Spent most of the time in the visitors center, looking at the old train.  We then headed to Mr. D's for milkshakes.   The guys departed company with us girls, as we were going shopping.   We made it back about 2 1/2 hours later.

Hike to Crack in the Wall

Left at 7:30 to head for Sara Park where the hike begins.   Only Bobby & I had been there before, the other three it was there first time.   Boy, were they in for a treat.   Took the yellow trail which takes you thru the heart of the canyon......some day I would love to be in the canyon when water starts to flow....what a rush that would be....granted I would be up on a very high rock.

The hike down to the lake/river is about 2.2 miles and is a gradual incline down.  The colors inside the canyon are amazing....going from browns, greens, pinks, purple, etc.   Knew we had to go down the slide area (drop on smooth rock of about 10'.....way to cool to slide down.  Makes you feel like a little kid again).  We thought we would not encounter any water, as it had been so hot.....wrong!   When we got to the pool area, we had about 2' of water.   Yes, that is almost to my waist!   Four of us waded thru....it was extremely warm and knew we'd dry out quickly.   Susan however wanted to turn around and go back the way we came.   With a vote of 4 to 1, Bobby put her on his shoulder and carried her the 4' to drive land.   Doubtful she'll ever go again on a hike with me!!!!!  

Steve coming down slide

Susan being carried thru water

Made it to the river after about 1 1/2 hrs.   Did not spend much time at the water, it was getting hot and knew we had to climb the 2.2 miles back up.   Went on the blue trail vs. going back thru the water and up the slide.  It is a steep climb up and out.  Everyone was tired and hot by the time we reached the car.   For celebration, we went to Panda Express for lunch.   Worth the hike!  Yes, we will return again as Danny (Susan's husband) wants to go.   He stayed home to watch the Nascar race.   See what he missed!

Crack in the wall hike

Sunset in Havasu

Last night we sat out and had dinner with Porters, Flemings and Richerts.

Kat and Susan cooked Mexican food, it was so good.


Once the sun started to set we got these incredible photos.

 This is why we love coming to Arizona!

Poker

 

Today we played our first game of Texas Holdem…..let the season begin.   We had two tables with 14 players.   I was sure I was going to come home a loser as with only about 10 minutes to go, I was down to $1.75.   But low and behold, I came home with $5 to the good.   Bobby was glad, as I had borrowed the $10 buying from him.   Now I don’t  owe him!   YEAH!!!!

Oatman

 

 

Took a day trip with Kat, Steve, Dan, Susan and myself to Oatman.  Kat & Steve had never been, so it was fun showing them the sites, etc. to and from Oatman.   Saw lots of Cholla cactus along the way…..they had never seen one of these.   Showed them what a  skeleton looks like once a Cholla dies…..they are beautiful.

First full day in Havasu

Bobby left at 6:00 to go play golf....think he was going thru withdrawals.  I stayed home to do more cleaning and make salads for dinner.   Rob & Jan Hassell are coming thru Havasu, along with Matt, Dennis & Janna, on their way to Mesa, so we are feeding them dinner and watching football.   Think football more important than dinner.  LOL.   Oklahoma was planning Missouri, Missouri won so we believe the Oregon Ducks will be number 1 in the national.....very, very impressive for Oregon.   They are currently number one in the Pack 10.....a first of us.

Earlier in the afternoon, took my first dip in the pool......it was so nice.   Temp is around 80...both in the pool and outside.   This is why we come to AZ!!!!!!!

Company left around 9:00 PM.....it was still very nice outside....sat around in tee-shirt and shorts.   Perfect weather.

Pahrump to home

Left Pahrump on Friday around 8:30, wanted to get thru Las Vegas early as President Obama was giving a speech and did not want to get caught up in traffic.  We stopped at Costco for provisions and then headed to Boulder as we wanted to see/cross the new by-pass.   Traffic was extremely slow but once we got to the cut off for the dam, it moved quickly.   You can't see the dam at all from the east bound lanes....to bad.   They did provide a walking path so you're able to take pics from the bridge.  Only down fall, you MUST take the dam cutoff......not parking area within 2 miles of the by-pass.    Next time we'll stop and take pics.

Arrived in Havasu around 2:30, spent the rest of the afternoon/evening unloading the car, cleaning out the shed, etc.   Thank goodness for our neighbors Dan & Susan, they made dinner for us....hamburgers and all the fixings.   It was delicious.   Thanks Susan for doing this, it's greatly appreciated!

Pahrump

Temperature gauge in Baker, CA

Arrived around 2:30....very long trip from Bakersfield.   It was raining when we left this morning and rained most of the way there.....in fact on hwy 127 the trucks were out plowing the hwy to remove rocks and dirt from the flooding.   It was very interesting to see the flood areas......never seen standing water in the desert like we did today.   Thank goodness the flood waters did not hamper our travels.

Flooded desert off hwy 127

After setting up the coach, Bobby & I head to town to establish a mailing address and obtain drivers licenses.  We are becoming Nevada residents.   We have to return to DMV to get our drivers licenses, did not have all the proper paper work with us.   Should be finalized by noon tomorrow.

Desert cactus....bright pink from the rain

Hopefully we'll have time tomorrow to take a side trip or two.....although after today's long ride, we might just swim in the pool or relax in the hot tub.   We are staying at Terribles....great place.  Has it's own lake where you can fish, paddle the boats, swim, etc.   To bad it's raining, as we wanted to go to the hot tub but it's lighting outside and I said NO WAY!!!!

Traveling to Pahrump

Sunset from RV Park

We traveled from San Luis Obispo to Bakersfield today.   An uneventful trip and not much to see along the way.  Bobby and I have traveled this section a number of times so it was rather boring for me.   Just played on my Droid phone.   Tomorrow we travel to Pahrump, NV.   That will be new country for us....so excited.   We will take Kat & Steve to Death Valley if we have time.

Orange Grove RV Park, Bakersfield

We stayed at the Orange Grove RV park....to bad but the oranges are not ready.   When parked here, you have oranges trees right out side your window.   Kat and I did go to the gift store (located about 1/2 mile away) and bought dates, apple butter and got some oranges....not sure where they came from but boy are they good.

Later in the day we went to Costco, Walmart and Napa Auto Parts.  Very uneventful day

San Luis Obispo & Hearst Castle

 

Zebra's on the grounds

Elephant Seals

We arrived in San Luis Obispo on Sunday afternoon.   It was thundering and lighting so we decided we'd stay at the coaches vs. driving to the castle to find out they closed due to the weather.   Kat and I went into the Elks lodge where they were having a holiday sale.   Bought a couple of gifts, plus we won a door prize....candle holder.  The guys went to the bar and watched football and ate hotdogs.

Hearst Castle

Got up early on Monday and headed for the castle.   Need to be there by 11:00 AM as tour 3 (one we wanted to take, Kat and Steve took tour 1) started then.  We had already taken tours 1 & 2.   Prior to go to the castle we went to Elephant Beach....some of the sub-adults and juveniles were there but apparently the males and females don't show up for another month or two.   Still they were very impressive.  Massive animal to say the least.

We then headed for the castle.   If you have never see Hearst Castle.....you need to go.   It's amazing and every time we visit we learn new things.  Here is a link to the website.http://www.hearstcastle.org/


After the tour we went to San Simon Park (across the road from the castle) and had lunch.   Then we head to Cambria, Morro Bay and home.  Tomorrow we head for Bakersfield.

Later in the evening we went to the Madonna Hotel.....on of the top 5 most unique hotels in the world...according to lady at the gift shop.    It has 110 rooms/suites, all of which have a different theme.   In fact one suite has 7 bedrooms (it's two stories)   I must say, it was beautiful but not cheap.   If you'd like to learn more, please see their website.  http://www.madonnainn.com/index.php

One of the 7 bedroom suites you can rent

Madonna Hotel sign

Front of the Madonna Hotel in San Luis Obispo, CA

Monterey

We spent three days in Monterey.   We have a niece and her family that recently moved there from Virgina.   We had perfect weather.....on the last day it got cool but did not rain until we were leaving on Sunday morning.  

First day we met the family for dinner down at Cannery Row....first time for us to visit this area and wanted to see everything.  Very difficult.   Michele showed us some of the highlights as we waited for Donnie to get out of school.   He joined us later in the evening and then we all went to dinner at a restaurant near the water.

Point Los Lobos

Fisherman's Wharf

Second day we toured the Fisherman's Wharf area.   First we started at a small pier where the sea lions hang out.....seemed liked there were hundreds.   Their bark is so loud.....no wonder you can hear them over 3 miles away....yes, we could hear them at the Elks lodge.  Saw lots of sea life.....girls were excited.   The pointed out ever starfish, jelly fish, sea lion & bird that they saw.  They are sooooooo cute!   Donnie caught up with us around 3:00 PM and then we went on a drive to Point Los Lobos.....great place to explore the rocks....also we had hoped to see the Monarch Butterfly's but could not find them.   On the way home, we drove thru Carmel.....truly as rich as we've heard.   Did not see Clint Eastwood, who lives here.

Pebble Beach

Standing on 18th green at Pebble Beach

Third day we went to an car/airplane show.  There we many cars and about 20 old planes.  You could get a ride in a B-51 for $750 for 15 min.  What a bargain!  No, we did not go for a ride.  We then went to see Pebble Beach.....must see for us!   Would love to have played but it cost $495 each and that does not include the cart or caddie.   To rich for my blood!   It was an amazing place to see......even though no famous people were playing, it was exciting to watch those that were....at least for us it was.

Yosemite

Merced River

El Capitan

Left at 8:30 as we knew it would take us 10-12 hrs to make the loop thru Yosemite....yes, we were correct.   We traveled 126 miles today.....only saw about a 1/3 of Yosemite....good reason to return and see the remainder.    However, most of the water falls had water coming over them do to the rain they rec. the prior week....thank goodness, as it would have been very difficult to see the falls without water flowing.   El Capitan & Half Dome were amazing.   Yosemite, Brideviel Falls & Sentinel Falls.  We also saw others but they were not flowing or as impressive, including Ribbon Falls. 

We saw deer but no black bears.   Learned an interesting fact, only human to be killed in Yosemite was by a deer, not a bear.   When you see the horns on a male deer, you'd understand why.   

If you ever get the opportunity to see Yosemite, I would highly recommend it.   You need 1 full day but 2-3 would be much better.

Buck was so close we could have touched him

View from the tunnel....El Capitan, Half Dome & Bridelviel Falls

After leaving the main area of Yosemite, we headed towards Oakhourst, where we'll hit hwy 49 to go back to Mariposa.   We arrived in Wawona to find the Wawona hotel and historical center.   Very interesting.  

Mariposa Grove

Wawona Hotel

We then headed for the Mariposa grove....large Sequoia grove.   We arrived around 5:00 PM to learn the tram closed at 4:00 PM so we took a short hike around the area to see the mighty giants.   Next time, we'll arrive early enough to take the tram or walk the entire trail.   However, by this time we were exhausted and just wanted milkshakes, which we got in Oakhurst.

Tomorrow we head for Monterey, were our niece lives.

Woodland to Yosemite

We left Woodland around 9:00 AM and head for our next stop....Mariposa, CA.   We will spend two days so that we can spend one full day in Yosemite.....hoping to see the major waterfalls with water.

Mariposa Fairgrounds

Old machinery at the fairgrounds

Trip was uneventful, but we did stop in Merced for lunch at the local "in-n-out" burger establishment.   Bobby loves their hamburgers and this was Kat & Steve's first time to this fast food resturant.  They loved it....however the police officers that sat next to us had the animal fries, Kat will try those next time.   The officers were extremely friendly and told us to stay in Marioposa at the fairgrounds vs. going to Oakhurst (we had planned to stay at the elks lodge).   Fairgrounds was very nice.....we parked on the  lawn in lot 1 (they have 5 lots) but the others are gravel.   They had a lot of rain the prior week so the lawn was soft.....left plenty of marks from the wood and tires.   However the weather was beautiful when we arrived....in the 80'.

Mariposa means Butterfly

Stamp Mill

We went into town later in the afternoon...stopped at the visitor center, found out Mariposa mean Butterfly, we then head to toured the local museum....very interesting to see the stamp mill, etc.   Afterwards went to the local Riteaid and had ice cream....Kat, Bobby & I had single scoops, but Steve had 3 scoops.   It was excellent.

In love!

Tomorrow we will leave at 8:30 as we will have a very long day in Yosemite.

Woodland, CA

Headed to Woodland, however we made several stops along the way.   Stopped at Whiskeytown Dam....Whiskey Lake is basically unknown by most .....it a large lake used mostly by sailboats.  

We then head into Redding towards Corning.   Kat and Steve had never been to the Olive Pit.....I spent way to much money on olives, oils, etc.   But they are soooooo good!   I even bought a jar of muffelata.....I had my first taste of this in New Orleans.....wonderful.

Train in Old Town

We then head to Woodland, where we visited with our friends Paul & Jill.   Jill is doing much better with her MS.  They are still working on restoring their historical home, it's an old Victorian home...very classy and Jill has it decorated so beautifully.

We then we and got Kat & Steve and head for Old Sacramento.   Walked the streets, looked in many of the shops, did not buy anything....amazing....then had dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  

Tomorrow we head for Yosemite.

Second day in Lewiston, CA

Looking for rocks

Weaverville was not open so we headed for Trinity Lake....went to the west side of the lake.   Spent most of the day exploring the different campgrounds, marina's, etc. along the lake.   In Trinity Center, town of 200, we went to the local museum/library.   Very interesting....only saw the outside as it was closed.   The lake is getting ready to close next week so most stores, marina's, etc. have already closed for the season.   Lake is extremely low....learned it is dumped in anticipation of the winter snow run off. Here is a link to the Trinity Lake...you can rent houseboats, etc.    http://trinitylakeresort.com/.

Trinity Center Museum

During our exploration, we stumbled across this old barn "The Bowerman Barn".  It was built in 1878.   Very interesting

Once we finished exploring we returned to camp.   I decided I wanted one of the large pine cones we had around the area so I went exploring.   Found quite a few and realized they still have nuts....so, we (Kat & I) collected 6-8 and shook out the nuts....lots of work.   No wonder they charge $15 a pound.  

Bowerman Barn

Collecting Pine Nuts

Later in the evening we had the deer visit.  They are not used to human's so very difficult to get close to.   Kat cat Bundy however liked the deer and got nose to nose with a doe.   No, we did not have a camera to catch this Kodak moment.

 We will head for Woodland tomorrow....we have friends there we want to visit.