On the Road Again and an Upgrade Update

On June 22, 2017June 22, 2017 By LToddIn Nevada, Photography, RV Modifications, RV Travel, States, Travel10 Comments

On The Road Again

We retrieved our trailer from Happy Daze RV on June 6 and on June 8 we were back on the road pointing the GMC Denali toward the South Dakota Black Hills. We had a few stops to make before we arrived at our destination point.

With the fifth wheel and truck sporting washed and shiny exteriors, the weather and road conditions decided to pour rain and kick up muddy water as we drove across the Sierra Nevada’s on Interstate 80. Both the Truckee and the American Rivers filled their riverbanks at levels we have not seen for a number of years and we glimpsed a few waterfalls gushing from the hills. A great sight to see after more than five years of drought.

When we stopped a few miles outside of Truckee, I enjoyed breathing in the fresh clean evergreen fragrance. Besides water gushing in the rivers, we took note of the snow that capped the mountaintops and nestled under the trees like dirty white blankets. A fierce wind buffeted us when we arrived at Sparks Marina RV Park but by 11:00 p.m., it had subsided and a gentle rain pitter-pattered on the roof lulling us to sleep.

This was the view from our kitchen at the back of the fifth wheel.

Apartments will soon block the lovely view. A housing shortage, caused by the influx of workers to Google, Amazon, and Tesla, has spurred construction of apartments and new homes in the Sparks, Reno and surrounding areas.

The next morning we woke to no wind but a few drops of rain. As we headed to the Sparks Marina for a walk around the lake, Jon found a slice of mountain scenery in the city.

Sidestepping the duck and goose droppings, we stopped to watch the squirrels scurry across the sidewalk from their homes in the rock retaining walls to the grassy area next to the lake and the yellow-headed black birds flitting in and out of the shrubs and trees.

After our walk, we relaxed on the patio of Lighthouse Coffee with a cup and a scone while enjoying the view of the lake, mountains, and skyline.

View of Mountains From Lighthouse Coffee

Then it was time to plan our route to South Dakota and book our reservations for the next few days. We rarely make advance reservations, which sometimes doesn’t work out so well for us. Other times it works to our advantage.

The next morning we started out for Iron Horse RV Resort in Elko, Nevada, where we spent two weeks last year waiting on GMC to fix the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system under warranty (see our posts Elko, Nevada Parts 1 – 3). We had seen enough of Elko to last us for years if not decades, but we couldn’t miss out having an early dinner at the Coffee Mug Family Restaurant, our favorite café in town.

On our way to Elko, we stopped at the Cosgrove Rest Area and encountered a cluster of unidentified insects. I tried to find them on the internet, but couldn’t locate any images that resembled these guys that did not fly. Does anyone have a guess as to what they are?

Update on MORryde Heavy Duty Shackle Kit – By Jon

As soon as we picked up the trailer, after having the “Wet-Bolt kit” installed by Happy Daze RV in Livermore, I thought it felt more stable. However, the drive from Livermore to home is only about 15 miles so it wasn’t conclusive. Now that we loaded it for the road trip and are on our way, the trailer is indeed quite a bit more stable. The amount of chucking (sort of like bucking) has also decreased considerably. Once we got to our first destination, we realized an extra bonus after setting up in a camp space. The trailer now has much less movement when we are walking around inside. So overall, it was well worth the money to ensure our safety on the road. Especially when I saw how much wear had occurred on the O.E.M. bushings and shackles.

Worn Bushings and Shackles After 13,000 Miles

Time to move on to our next waypoint, Salt Lake City.

Safe Travels.

Pechanga, Yucaipa CA Then Home

On May 25, 2017May 22, 2017 By LToddIn California, Photography, RV Travel, States, Travel6 Comments

After nine weeks on the road, you would think our routine for leaving a campsite would be ingrained. Rarely do we forget anything. I wash dishes, breakdown the table, secure the contents of the refrigerator and cabinets, stow the laptop, latch the bathroom and shower doors, close any open vents or windows, and then double and triple check to make sure I didn’t miss something. JT dumps the holding tanks, cleans the toilet, stows the camp stove and table, folds up the outdoor mat, raises the stabilizer jacks, and coils up the electrical cord and water hoses.

Usually, Jon fills the black tank full of clean water and flushes three or four times to clean it out. He runs in and out of the trailer twenty times or more checking to see if the tank filled enough to flush out the yuck in the black tank. This was not the case when we prepared to leave San Diego. He hadn’t been around for what seemed like fifteen minutes. Then I heard water running, a whole lot of water, spilling over the toilet edge, in a waterfall, onto the floor, into the heater vent, under the sink cabinet, and seeping into the bedroom carpet. “Flood, flood. Where are you?”

JT rushed to turn off the water and open the dump valve while I flung towels on the floor. Instead of leaving by our noon checkout time, I sat in the laundromat watching towels go round and round in the dryer. It was bad enough cleaning up a flood because the trailer had a leak, but to cause a flood. Grrrr! Good thing our faux pas occurred on the fourth flush of the tank and not the first.

We hit the road about 1:30 p.m., just enough time to make it to Yucaipa before they closed. Barely thirty miles out of San Diego on Interstate 15, we heard a noise that sounded like we ran over something, except the trailer didn’t buck the truck like it does when hitting a pothole or going over speed bumps. Did the spare tire fall off the back of the trailer? Jon put on the flashers and pulled the rig over. The spare was in place. Everything seemed okay and then we noticed the treadless tire on the rear passenger-side of the trailer and the section behind the wheel to the bumper that had curled up on itself. Five tire failures in one year. What were the odds?

We limped into the nearest town, Escondido, and found a parking lot at a Mexican restaurant where Jon could change the tire. After lunch at the restaurant, we drove to the nearest Discount Tire Co. store to ensure the spare and the rest of the tires had sufficient air.

Too late to make it to Yucaipa, we stopped at Pechanga Casino and RV Resort for the night. I had heard casino RV spots were reasonably priced so I didn’t expect the $50 rate for a pull-through deluxe site. Then again, the sites were nice. They offered plenty of amenities such as a pool, clean bathrooms, and a shuttle to the casino, if one was inclined to flip their pockets inside out and donate their cash to the reservation.

Journey’s Inn was a perfect place for breakfast the next morning, a reward for our troubles of the day before. The rock covered walls, large windows overlooking the golf course, and the hills in the background, along with a tasty breakfast, soothed our worries away.

Pechanga is in the middle of a $285 million expansion which will include an additional 568 rooms, a 70,000 square foot spa, convention space, pool complex, and two new food and beverage outlets. The completion of the expansion is expected by the end of 2017.

We continued on to Yucaipa Regional Park, arriving by 11:00 a.m., which allowed us time to have our pick of spots. A friend Jon has known since grade school came for dinner and they enjoyed sitting at the picnic table and catching up on their lives.

Jon with Ed Simpson. The bearded ones look like they coordinated outfits.

The next day, my friend and her husband picked us up for lunch, and a drive to the Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden, a Wildlands Conservancy. We followed the trail around the garden grounds and rested at the Discovery Center. The following photos were taken during a previous visit to the preserve during the fall.

IMG_7111-2 — Entrance to The Wildlands Conservancy Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

IMG_7121-2 — Historic Farming Equipment is Displayed Along the Loop Trail

IMG_7137-2 — Aquatic Feature Includes This Creek and a Pond

Wouldn’t it be nice if every picture taken turned out perfect? This is definitely not the case for me. Where the heck did that water bottle come from and why do Jon and I look like we’re sitting on kindergarten chairs? One of these days, I’ll remember to check the foreground and background for distracting objects, and the placement of people.

On Friday, March 17, 2017, we headed for Sky River RV in Paso Robles so they could repair the damage from the tire failure. Loaded up with what trailer contents would fit in the truck, we drove home with memories of all we had seen swirling in our heads and sadness in our hearts that our Winter 2017 trip had ended.

The Statistics:

Number of Nights – 65
Total Miles Driven – 7,285
Miles Pulling Fifth Wheel – 4,596
Diesel Fuel – 583 Gallons
RV Parks/Campgrounds – 22
States – 4

Until next time, safe travels.

San Diego CA

On May 18, 2017May 17, 2017 By LToddIn California, Photography, RV Travel, States, Travel9 Comments

Tuesday, March 6, 2017, and time to head toward home. But first, San Diego beckoned us to stay a few days. We try to make it to San Diego a couple times a year to visit with our son Kevin, breath in the sea air, and soak up the rays. Campland by the Bay is our favorite place to park the rig.

I must have been exhausted because I was content to hang around the campsite for three days. Kayaks, bicycles, and paddleboards available to rent at the marina and even my camera could not entice me to stray too far.

We finally ventured beyond the confines of the resort to walk along the Mission Bay path on Friday. Sadness overcame me when we walked past the abandoned mobile home park across Rose Creek from the Campland RV park. The city kicked out the residents and is planning the future of the property and surrounding area.

Abandoned Mobile Homes

We’re glad to know the city has spared Campland by the Bay from the same fate for at least three years. The city extended the campground’s lease, due to expire during 2017, for at least three years and possibly up to five, while the city receives feedback on options and contemplates its final decision.

Known for its gastropubs and breweries, it made sense for San Diego to host the Best Coast Brew Fest, which benefits Cancer for College. Our son invited us to the event on Saturday, March 11. With our little plastic mug in hand, we lined up at Mission Brewery’s tap truck for a taste of the dark lager.

After samplings from a few more of the 50 breweries represented at the fest, we moseyed on over to the food trucks. Two for the Road served up tasty lobster rolls and salmon burgers. We considered ourselves lucky to find a park bench to serve as our dining table and chowed down while Saved by the 90s played in the background.

Kevin’s sunglasses reflects the festival scene.

Kevin’s girlfriend, Bailey Bishop, models the latest fashion trend in jewelry for the beer fest crowd. Munch on a pretzel while standing in line for the next taste.

As the day progressed, the lines grew longer. With blue skies and warm weather, no one really cared. They visited with their friends and sipped their tasties.

Embarcadero Park, Venue for Best Coast Beer Coast

A couple takes time out to enjoy the view and watch the low tide.

San Diego is a casual city, and on warm days residents and visitors alike don shorts and T-shirts, with sandals or tennis shoes. A red polka dot dress and pair of stilettos screaming, “Take my picture,” caught my eye and the lady in red agreed.

Uber and Lyft drivers picked up some extra coin by driving inebriated beer fest attendees to their next destination. I was so glad to exit our Uber driver’s car after a Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Beer Fest Attendees Catching an Uber or Lyft Ride

The Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park sounded like fun. We stood in line to pay our fee then crowded in with everyone else to view the pink blooms. Dodging running children, strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs on the narrow dirt paths became a challenge. The Festival was not the time to expect a serene stroll among the flowers and trees. Discouraged by the long lines at the food counters, we left to eat lunch in the courtyard of Panama 66, the restaurant next to the San Diego Museum of Art.

Later we walked along the street between the buildings toward the Fleet Science Center watching street buskers on the way. The performers are usually legit: musicians, jugglers, caricature artists, mimes, and magicians. This is the first time I found a group suspect.

Somehow I had never before managed to take a picture of this statue in front of the House of Charm.

A large crowd had already gathered when we arrived. Three of the young men collected money from the circle of people while another promised an exciting stunt involving the five people selected from the crowd and standing in the open circle. Ten minutes later, the action began. The five people bent their backs, and the announcer took a spot several yards away. He ran toward the five people and performed a flip over their backs, and that was it. End of the show.

Although the trick was cool, the man who dropped twenty bucks in the hat expressed his displeasure of seeing only one stunt after the leader of the gang goaded him for fifteen minutes. Many people walked away shaking their heads and possibly feeling duped. Fortunately, we were not among them.

The magician at the other end of the street who passed a hat at the end of his show, however, was worthy of our money.

We ended the day at The Headquarters at Seaport Village. While waiting for our table at Puesto (great place for tacos) we wandered in and out of the stores, took pictures with the balloon art, and visited the San Diego Police Headquarters museum.

Jon’s Long Lost Aunt? Alas, No Jackie Todds in the Family Tree.

The Fog Rolled in at Sundown Turning the Sky Gray.

It was now Monday, moving day again. We wanted to spend a few days in the Anza Borrego Desert. With no reservations, we were out of luck. It didn’t make sense to go for only one night, so we headed up Interstate 15 toward Yucaipa Regional Park to visit with a couple of friends.

Safe Travels!

Casa Grande, Colorado River and Lake Havasu City

On May 11, 2017May 10, 2017 By LToddIn Arizona, Photography, RV Travel, States, Travel2 Comments

Casa Grande

On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, we enjoyed a short 1-1/2 hour drive to Casa Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona. When we backed into our assigned site, I was glad to relinquish my backup guide duties to the two men who came out to help Jon situate our fifth wheel. After about a half hour of polite arguments on the best approach to take, I wanted to tell them, “I’ve got this. It’s not that difficult.” But I couldn’t offend the retired truck driver instructor. A few more, “Pull-ups over there, and turn your wheels that way,” and the trailer slid into place.

I think we must have worn ourselves out over the past seven weeks because we took the rest of the day off to wash our clothes, replenish the fridge and pantry, and enjoy a steak and salad dinner prepared by Chef Jon. It felt good to put our feet up and sip our Dark & Stormy’s while the steaks sizzled on the grill.

We had selected Casa Grande Ruins National Monument for our day trip on Wednesday.

The monument preserves an ancient Sonoran Desert People’s farming community and “Great House” that dates back to 1350 C.E. On the website, an artist’s drawing depicts what the compound might have looked like around 1350 C.E. It has the appearance of a mission or fort. The complex was surrounded by walls, adobe buildings lining the inside of walls, and other buildings surrounded the great house. Journal entries of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino who visited in 1694 is the first written account of Casa Grande. Col. Juan Batista de Anza’s expedition in 1775 and Brig. Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny’s military detachment in 1846 also mention the ruins.

Remains of Adobe Building Near Casa Grande

The arrival of the railroad, twenty miles away, and a stagecoach route that ran near Casa Grande brought many visitors to the area. As a result, the historic structure suffered damage from souvenir hunting, graffiti, and vandalism. In 1889, Massachusetts Senator George F. Hoar presented a petition before the U. S. Senate to repair and protect the ruins. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison established the first prehistoric and cultural reserve in the United States by setting aside one square mile surrounding the Casa Grande Ruins. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Casa Grande Ruins a National Monument on August 3, 1918. A steel shelter roof built in 1932 protects the Great House from the elements and visitors are not permitted inside the structure to protect it from further damage.

Walking the grounds, I could almost hear children laughing as they chased each other around the complex, see women weaving blankets or creating pottery jugs and bowls, smell smoke from the fires used to cook meat and vegetables, while men yelled and cheered at the ball court outside the compound’s walls.

Depression Below the Horizon is the Ball Court

No one knows why the people abandoned the complex, but archaeological records document their presence at Casa Grande for at least a thousand years.

Wire Mesh Protects Holes From Further Erosion. Note Graffiti on the Smooth Surface Above the Eyes

View Through the Building to the Other Side

The monument is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For an in-depth understanding of the history and people who occupied the compound, catch a guided tour, which is offered from late November to mid-April. Shaded picnic tables are also available for use across from the visitor’s center. As of the date of this post, the entrance fee is $5.00 for each adult (16 years or older) and children 15 and younger are free. All National Park passes are accepted.

IMG_1551-2 — Purple Cactus (*Opuntia Macrocentra*) Planted in Picnic Area

Colorado River and Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu City was our next destination to visit with family and friends before turning the truck toward home. Unable to secure a spot for March 2, we stopped at La Paz County Park for the night. We were glad the rain that had drenched the area a few days before had moved on to other locations because our spot looked like it would have been a lake during the downpour.

Jon and I both spent a lot of time along the river in our younger years so we took time out to reminisce and tour old haunts. Our first stop was Fox’s RV Park Resort for dinner. I didn’t remember dollar bills hanging from every available surface of the ceiling, but I did remember boating to the floating bar and restaurant with my friend, drinking our sodas, and playing “Hey Jude” on the jukebox. Jon remembered partying at the bar at night during spring break.

Next time we are driving along the river road to or from Lake Havasu, we’ll be sure to stop and grab a bite at Fox’s. The pulled pork sandwich was as good if not better than any I ever ate in North Carolina.

We drove up to Parker Dam, which reminded me of our float trips down the river for two miles to Tom’s Landing where we stayed. I’d jump out of my dad’s boat with an inner tube around my waist along with other kids who stayed at Tom’s. We’d kick back and enjoy the peaceful ride through the red rock canyon. River Lodge Resort took over Tom’s Landing property several years ago.

Parker Dam is Owned and Operated by the Bureau of Reclamation

The City of Lake Havasu offers residents and visitors alike plenty of activities to keep a family busy. Sara Park is an 1100-acre regional park that offers hiking and bike trails, BMX and Motocross, Rodeo grounds, baseball and softball fields, to name a few. The park is also home to Havasu 95 Speedway, which runs a race schedule from October through April. We had fun one night watching the races and cheering on our friend Chris Blackwell in his Orange 99 Car. Congratulations on your win, Chris.

Next up in our GPS? San Diego.

Safe Travels

The Traveling Todds

Category: States

On the Road Again and an Upgrade Update

Pechanga, Yucaipa CA Then Home

San Diego CA

Casa Grande, Colorado River and Lake Havasu City

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