As forecasted, today was, and still is, a rainy day. The worst weather was to be early today and then clear out later in the day. But it was quite a mix most of today - clouds, rain, sun, rain, wind, sun, hot, cold - Borrego weather!
Right now it's pouring rain at 6:00pm and obviously we are motor home bound. A new (to us anyway) French restaurant is open in town. We intended to go for dinner tonight but were so hungry for something good we couldn't wait and went for lunch. Very nice!
Tomorrow is to be sunny and warm. We'll see. Still won't know if we can extend our stay until 8:00am. in the morning.
Some pictures to share of the area, but will wait until tomorrow to see if we can include the "Palm Canyon" hike before posting.
Saturday
Friday
Day 26
We made our short trek to Borrego Springs today. If I didn't say it yesterday - we are in Southern California!
We hope to spend more than two days here, if not in the state park then in an RV Resort just down the road. Next stop if we can extend our stay here, will be Las Vegas to pick up Patty and Laurie on our way to Zion National Park. If we have to leave here earlier than desired we might spend a day or two in Lake Havasu, AZ or Laughlin, NV before getting into Vegas. Won't know what our options are until Sunday morning.
Didn't get much of anything interesting done today. Just shop for groceries and firewood.
Two good canyon hikes to do here if we can. Tomorrow's weather forecast is for a lot of rain and possible thunderstorms in the area. We may or may not get it in Borrego Springs but won't get to do much if it "hits" here. Sunday checkout is Noon. If we can't extend our stay, I'm not sure if we'll get any good pictures of the canyon. Hope so, it's beautiful.
We hope to spend more than two days here, if not in the state park then in an RV Resort just down the road. Next stop if we can extend our stay here, will be Las Vegas to pick up Patty and Laurie on our way to Zion National Park. If we have to leave here earlier than desired we might spend a day or two in Lake Havasu, AZ or Laughlin, NV before getting into Vegas. Won't know what our options are until Sunday morning.
Didn't get much of anything interesting done today. Just shop for groceries and firewood.
Two good canyon hikes to do here if we can. Tomorrow's weather forecast is for a lot of rain and possible thunderstorms in the area. We may or may not get it in Borrego Springs but won't get to do much if it "hits" here. Sunday checkout is Noon. If we can't extend our stay, I'm not sure if we'll get any good pictures of the canyon. Hope so, it's beautiful.
Going back a few days - view of RV park in Brenda with Blue Boy in the picture
View of Brenda RV park from higher up - a sea of RV
And this was just one side of the road! The other side was just as "jammed"
But, we did have a clean site here, a good laundry, a good fitness center, and good weather!
Desert "Dogs" in Joshua Tree NP
Campsite view in Joshua NP
Entering Joshua NP
Dogs staying "cool"
Ellen thinking she is "cool"
Gracie taking it all in during a Joshua NP drive
Entering Indio, CA
Out of place, but entering Joshua Tree
Getting close to Indio, CA
Blooming Ocotillo on drive to Borrego Springs
Out of place picture again, but this is the road into Joshua Tree NP off of I-10
This girl does not like the sun
Day 25
Trying to stay in this good weather corner of the country we decided to go into Southern California and revisit Borrego Springs. It's an oasis in the Mojave Desert once popular with the Los Angeles "Rich & Famous" but now just a great place for RV'ers so spend some time in the sun. We were there two years ago and loved it. Didn't really intend to get back this trip, but "what the hell"! It's warm and we got in. Not easy to do as this California State Park has full hook-up's. Not just water and electric, but a sewer connection as well (you have to be an RV'er to appreciate that). Almost all California State Parks (the few that are still open due to budget problems) have no hook-up's what so ever. So to have all three (water, electricity, and sewer) all in one park is unheard of.
Anyway, we called the Anza-Borrego State Park (there is a state park in Borrego Springs) and got in for a two day stay only - Friday and Saturday. Can't get in today and have to leave Sunday. So today we drove to Joshua Tree Nationa Park to spend the (Thursday) night - about half way between Quartzsite, AZ and Borrego. No electricity here at Joshua Tree, and no cell or internet either, so we "boondocked" for the night. It was nice for a change to be without any "conviences" but I don't like to be "unconnected" in any way.
This post was added Friday when we got back to internet territory. All pictures will be on Friday's post (Day 26), after our arrival in Borrego Springs.
Anyway, we called the Anza-Borrego State Park (there is a state park in Borrego Springs) and got in for a two day stay only - Friday and Saturday. Can't get in today and have to leave Sunday. So today we drove to Joshua Tree Nationa Park to spend the (Thursday) night - about half way between Quartzsite, AZ and Borrego. No electricity here at Joshua Tree, and no cell or internet either, so we "boondocked" for the night. It was nice for a change to be without any "conviences" but I don't like to be "unconnected" in any way.
This post was added Friday when we got back to internet territory. All pictures will be on Friday's post (Day 26), after our arrival in Borrego Springs.
Wednesday
Day 24
It's Wednesday morning in Brenda, AZ and 54 degrees at 8:30am. Got down to 42 but is warming up fast. I made the time to post some pictures from the last three days so if there is any interest go back a few days and take a look.
Today we are going to visit the exercise room, the car wash, and take a scenic drive. I'll add pictures to this post tonight if anything of interest is found.
Today we are going to visit the exercise room, the car wash, and take a scenic drive. I'll add pictures to this post tonight if anything of interest is found.
Tuesday
Day 23
Very windy through out the night (Monday) and cold, but this morning began with blue skies, diminishing winds, warming temperatures, and even with the improved weather we packed up and left. It was still too chilly to sit outside comfortably so the decision was made to keep going South and West.
The weather in Quartzsite, AZ was forecast to be about 8-10 degrees warmer than Pleasant Lake so we went for it! Ended up in an RV park 4 miles short of Quartzsite. Not too bad of a place for a night or two, nothing to hang around for. We will sign up for tomorrow night to allow time to drive around the area. Quartzsite is quite a popular winter RV destination for reasons we don't understand. Yes, the weather is some of the best in the country for snowbirds, but unless one has a 4-wheeler or jeep or something to get out into the BLM areas we are not sure what goes on here. We'll give it a day tomorrow to see if we can discover if there are other attractions.
The weather in Quartzsite, AZ was forecast to be about 8-10 degrees warmer than Pleasant Lake so we went for it! Ended up in an RV park 4 miles short of Quartzsite. Not too bad of a place for a night or two, nothing to hang around for. We will sign up for tomorrow night to allow time to drive around the area. Quartzsite is quite a popular winter RV destination for reasons we don't understand. Yes, the weather is some of the best in the country for snowbirds, but unless one has a 4-wheeler or jeep or something to get out into the BLM areas we are not sure what goes on here. We'll give it a day tomorrow to see if we can discover if there are other attractions.
Lake Pleasant Tuesday morning - it was a lot colder than it looks so we did pack up and leave. But by the time we were pulling away it was getting quite nice.
Monday
Day 22
OK! Now we are back on track. It's Monday and we are still at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Arrived here Saturday in rain. It rained all day yesterday (Sunday) and rained most of today. A cold front came through this afternoon and produced a lot of wind and rain, but now that it has past, the sky has cleared at sunset and tomorrow the sun returns. We had become pretty "cocky" about the weather in Arizona, but are experiencing one of those "winter problems" right now. It's clear, but going down to 34-38 tonight. The rest of the week looks great.
But, we did not stay in the park all day. We did a 7 hour drive which will take too long to get into detail about. Basically, we drove to Mesa to see an "I House' manufactured by Clayton Homes ( a Berkshire Hathaway owned company - Warren Buffet) but took a very long-about route which was also very beautiful.. There are only a few "open houses" in the country and Mesa is one of them. The house is great! Here is a link to check it out - i-house
We would buy one of these in a minute if the house in Elkhart sold. Where would we put it - ?????.
I'm too lazy to post pictures tonight - I drove 7 hours today! Not much anyway, but I'll add them tomorrow.
But, we did not stay in the park all day. We did a 7 hour drive which will take too long to get into detail about. Basically, we drove to Mesa to see an "I House' manufactured by Clayton Homes ( a Berkshire Hathaway owned company - Warren Buffet) but took a very long-about route which was also very beautiful.. There are only a few "open houses" in the country and Mesa is one of them. The house is great! Here is a link to check it out - i-house
We would buy one of these in a minute if the house in Elkhart sold. Where would we put it - ?????.
I'm too lazy to post pictures tonight - I drove 7 hours today! Not much anyway, but I'll add them tomorrow.
Rain in lower elevations and even snow higher up - Lake Pleasant
It was just nasty
Driving into Cave Creek - that is rain falling up ahead - it followed us most of the day today as we drove the back roads from Lake Pleasant to Mesa to see the ihouse
Downtown Cave Creek
Pictures along the way to Mesa near Saguaro Lake on the far Eastern edge of Phoenix
Back at camp the rain began to clear out
But it wasn't any warmer
Our Lake Pleasant campsite
Day 21
I missed a post for our 21st day, yesterday, Sunday. It rained all day and we did nothing. So today is Monday and I'll post today next on "Day 22".
Saturday
Day 20
No exploring today at Cave Creek. Woke up to rain. It kept raining. And we did not get into the regular campground. We really did not want to spend a whole day in the "parking lot" without electricity with an all day rain in the forecast. Actually, it's supposed to rain through Monday - with highs only in the 50's.
So I called the other three Regional Parks and two were full with long lines waiting - no chance to get in today. The third and largest, Pleasant Lake, had a few spaces available and it was only 30 miles away. We packed up quickly and headed West to get there before it filled up. We got in without a wait, but after driving around the entire campground only two spaces were empty. We got a decent one (given only a choice of two) and quickly set up for the day in the rain. It's now 9:30pm and still raining so we did nothing today to share with you. Maybe the rain will clear out tomorrow - it's only a 30% chance - and we'll be able to get out a little. Forecast is for rain again on Monday before clearing up again. We were feeling pretty "cocky" about our weather lately, but not so much now. It sucks!
But you know, it's not snowing! We'll take it!
There is a chain of "hamburger restaurants" out West, mostly in California and Arizona, called IN-N-OUT. They used to be hard to find because all are family owned and not franchised. But now they seem to be opening in every new mall in the Tucson and Phoenix area. Last Thursday, our last day in Catalina, we had to pay a visit to one nearby. I'm not sure what the attraction is, maybe just the simplicity of the whole operation or the fact we have to drive 2000 miles to find one. As the menu belows shows, there are only three choices - hamburger, hamburger with cheese, or double hamburger with double cheese. That's it! Oh, add fries if you want and a drink, but nothing else. They are always busy, very clean, extremely fast, and great tasting. The dogs love going because they will sell a single, plain patty just for them.
So I called the other three Regional Parks and two were full with long lines waiting - no chance to get in today. The third and largest, Pleasant Lake, had a few spaces available and it was only 30 miles away. We packed up quickly and headed West to get there before it filled up. We got in without a wait, but after driving around the entire campground only two spaces were empty. We got a decent one (given only a choice of two) and quickly set up for the day in the rain. It's now 9:30pm and still raining so we did nothing today to share with you. Maybe the rain will clear out tomorrow - it's only a 30% chance - and we'll be able to get out a little. Forecast is for rain again on Monday before clearing up again. We were feeling pretty "cocky" about our weather lately, but not so much now. It sucks!
But you know, it's not snowing! We'll take it!
There is a chain of "hamburger restaurants" out West, mostly in California and Arizona, called IN-N-OUT. They used to be hard to find because all are family owned and not franchised. But now they seem to be opening in every new mall in the Tucson and Phoenix area. Last Thursday, our last day in Catalina, we had to pay a visit to one nearby. I'm not sure what the attraction is, maybe just the simplicity of the whole operation or the fact we have to drive 2000 miles to find one. As the menu belows shows, there are only three choices - hamburger, hamburger with cheese, or double hamburger with double cheese. That's it! Oh, add fries if you want and a drink, but nothing else. They are always busy, very clean, extremely fast, and great tasting. The dogs love going because they will sell a single, plain patty just for them.
The menu
Ellen had a double double, I had a double double with an extra "dog" patty (for me)
Spotless operation
Cave Creek Regional Park
Our "overflow" parking lot campsite
Testing to see if the wine is the proper temperature
Home is where we park it
We were treated to a beautiful sunset
This is our new site at Lake Pleasant on Saturday
And here is a panoramic video of the Lake Pleasant area. Not exceptional, just wanted to provide you with a "feel" for the area
Friday
Day 19
We really hated to leave Catalina State Park, but it was time to move on. Originally signed on for 5 days, added 3 more, and then added one more - and almost decided to stay our full 14 day limit. It's really comfortable to be in that area.
But, we left this morning. Only drove 130 miles north to the Phoenix area. Phoenix has four Regional Parks that have RV sites with water and electricity. We have been to three of them and today "bagged" our fourth.
It is Cave Creek Recreation Area in Cave Creek, AZ. North and slightly East - near Scottsdale.
For tonight we are in an overflow lot without electricity. We expected it to be full and were right. The regular campground is small (only 38 sites) and you almost have to be here at 9:00am to have a chance to get a spot. We are 3rd in line to get in. Might get in tomorrow, but Sunday for sure. We are self sufficient so it really isn't a problem. We can run our onboard generator as late as 10:00pm here (way past my bedtime) so the only issue is the noise it creates when running.
More tomorrow after we do a little exploring.
But, we left this morning. Only drove 130 miles north to the Phoenix area. Phoenix has four Regional Parks that have RV sites with water and electricity. We have been to three of them and today "bagged" our fourth.
It is Cave Creek Recreation Area in Cave Creek, AZ. North and slightly East - near Scottsdale.
For tonight we are in an overflow lot without electricity. We expected it to be full and were right. The regular campground is small (only 38 sites) and you almost have to be here at 9:00am to have a chance to get a spot. We are 3rd in line to get in. Might get in tomorrow, but Sunday for sure. We are self sufficient so it really isn't a problem. We can run our onboard generator as late as 10:00pm here (way past my bedtime) so the only issue is the noise it creates when running.
More tomorrow after we do a little exploring.
Thursday
Day 18
Today's post is in memory of Riley, Mike & Cindy Marshall's Golden Retriever who had to be put down yesterday due to cancer.
We got to camp with Riley last fall when the Lauer/Marshall RV caravan traveled out to The Badlands National Park. He sure enjoyed being with his Mom & Dad on that two week trip. Here he is taking it all in.
He is now at the Rainbow Bridge (click here) waiting with his brother Jackson
to be reunited with Mike and Cindy
Wednesday
Day 17
We seem to be getting more energentic. Another hike today. But this time the puppies got to go. We've done this hike every time we have stayed here and it is well worth the effort. Not too long, not too hard, and water fun for the dogs. About 3 hours total time. I'm posting most pictures from today's hike without a lot of "verbage". Kind of speaks for itself. It was kind of a "dog day" so lot's of dog pictures.
In addition to the pictures, I have included one movie of our hike. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of this post. Oh what the hell, Here is the link to click on The Girls in the Gulch You will see in the pictures that Isabelle likes to roll in the sand after getting wet and Gracie likes to dive for rocks. In the video, Ellen is trying to wash the sand off of Issy and Gracie just keeps diving for rocks.
We flipped a coin today and the result was to stay one more day. We want to move on, but it is hard to even think about leaving this perfect setting. We could not make up our minds, so the coin flip told us what to do.
Weather is to die for here. Enjoy the pictures and thanks for following along with us.
Ellen, Jim, Isabelle,and Gracie
In addition to the pictures, I have included one movie of our hike. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of this post. Oh what the hell, Here is the link to click on The Girls in the Gulch You will see in the pictures that Isabelle likes to roll in the sand after getting wet and Gracie likes to dive for rocks. In the video, Ellen is trying to wash the sand off of Issy and Gracie just keeps diving for rocks.
We flipped a coin today and the result was to stay one more day. We want to move on, but it is hard to even think about leaving this perfect setting. We could not make up our minds, so the coin flip told us what to do.
The big picture of the trail area
Start of the trail - wide & easy
The girls finally find water
Isabelle "drying off" - we call it rah-rah-roo
Gracie "diving" for rocks
Ellen cooling her "tooties"
Gracie "caught" a big one
Gracie's rock "sized" next to her leash for comparison
She won't quit!
Back at trail head - we had many stream crossings along the trail - including this to start and finish with
Weather is to die for here. Enjoy the pictures and thanks for following along with us.
Ellen, Jim, Isabelle,and Gracie
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