We arrived yesterday around 1:30 pm. Everything looks good and our deck was so nice and clean I couldn't believe it. Well, our very good friends here told us that the deck was so nasty that they couldn't let us walk into it like that knowing we would need to bring our furniture out from the house and where would we put all our stuff. So they had a cleaning company come and clean the whole deck and outside of the house. Aren't they the greatest! Joe's getting the stuff together outside, working on getting golf cart running, shopping, fixing the broken drawer in the kitchen. I am cleaning inside, bit by bit getting everything refreshed from the long hot summer. All in all our house is in great shape so we will spend the week getting everything back to normal and relaxing.
We went to Mercedes and Norm's after we cleaned up (ourselves that is) and had a nice visit with them and went out for dinner to the Olive Garden, one of our favorites. We saw Marcella and Wayne before dinner and then went back after we got home. It is so nice to be with our good friends down here again.
Now we have to get our costumes ready for the big Halloween event tomorrow. We will send pictures.
Bonnie and Joe on the Go, but settling down in Texas for the winter.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Del Rio, Texas
We are at the Holiday Inn Express in Del Rio, Texas, about 6 to 7 hours away from our home in Victoria Palms. Can't wait to get there and get settled in.
We had a good start at 1:30 AM this morning until we got about and hour along the Interstate 10. It is a divided highway and there was not much traffic, weather was good and then we saw it. Lots and lots of flashing lights across all the lanes of the highway. We stopped and an officer came over and said we would have to be there until they got the road cleaned up. We were the 1st car to arrive at the roadblock. There was one tractor trailer behind us. It must have been a horrendous accident. There were police cars, 3 fire engines, 2 ambulances, highway patrol and then behind them (and us) three more ambulances. An air ambulance helicopter came in and landed. From the little we could see it looked like they were trying to free someone with the jaws of life. Very scary. After about half an hour the cops had us turn around and go the wrong way on the On ramp and take a route around the accident and back on the I 10.
After that upsetting start, we carried on and had no problems the rest of the way. One of the best things along I 10 is the speed limit is 80. That helped make up for some lost time.
When we left Phoenix this morning we were on Mountain time and Arizona does not use daylight saving time so we lost 2 hours on the route to Texas.
Bonnie and Joe on the go to Donna Texas
We had a good start at 1:30 AM this morning until we got about and hour along the Interstate 10. It is a divided highway and there was not much traffic, weather was good and then we saw it. Lots and lots of flashing lights across all the lanes of the highway. We stopped and an officer came over and said we would have to be there until they got the road cleaned up. We were the 1st car to arrive at the roadblock. There was one tractor trailer behind us. It must have been a horrendous accident. There were police cars, 3 fire engines, 2 ambulances, highway patrol and then behind them (and us) three more ambulances. An air ambulance helicopter came in and landed. From the little we could see it looked like they were trying to free someone with the jaws of life. Very scary. After about half an hour the cops had us turn around and go the wrong way on the On ramp and take a route around the accident and back on the I 10.
After that upsetting start, we carried on and had no problems the rest of the way. One of the best things along I 10 is the speed limit is 80. That helped make up for some lost time.
When we left Phoenix this morning we were on Mountain time and Arizona does not use daylight saving time so we lost 2 hours on the route to Texas.
Bonnie and Joe on the go to Donna Texas
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Last Day in Phoenix, AZ
We left the condo early to go to see Chandler and the Sunbird Golf Resort that Sharon had told us about. It is beautiful with a golf course running right through it. However the homes are all Stucco and way above our price range. If you were both golfers it would be worth the money because the golf fee must be included.
This picture is looking across part of the golf course to the homes.
Some of the houses in the resort----->
The other mobile home parks that we looked at were not nice at all.
We went to Old Town Scottsdale for a while. Looked in the shops and it got so hot, it was hard to walk along the street in the sun. We came back around 1:30 and went to the pool for a while, had dinner there and will be early to bed to get a good start tomorrow for Texas.
Bonnie and Joe on the Go to Texas.
This picture is looking across part of the golf course to the homes.
Some of the houses in the resort----->We went to Old Town Scottsdale for a while. Looked in the shops and it got so hot, it was hard to walk along the street in the sun. We came back around 1:30 and went to the pool for a while, had dinner there and will be early to bed to get a good start tomorrow for Texas.
Bonnie and Joe on the Go to Texas.
Friday, October 26, 2012
All around Phoenix
Well Cave Creek was a big disappointment. We thought it would be an old western town, with swinging doors into the saloon, wooden sidewalks, a street you could walk along and visit the shops. Not So. It had old western buildings like Harold's, where we had breakfast, but the buildings were far apart and there were no sidewalks. You had to drive from place to place.
Meanwhile our brakes had been making a funny noise. Joe just got them fixed before we left home and was afraid there was a new problem with them and he also needed an oil change. So we didn't go to Carefree (the new western town) either but just went the the closest Honda Dealer. No serious problems thank goodness, had the oil change, they washed the car all for under $30. Not a bad deal.
On to Apache Junction to look around. It is outside of Phoenix and more in the country. A nice place. There are so many Mobile Home parks down here, it would be easy to find a nice place. Not that we are going to do that, but just nice to know.
Off for a walk around the complex, a drink at the bar by the pool, and now I'm going to have a soak in the jacuzzi tub while Joe watches TV.
Nighty night.
Bonnie and Joe on the go.
Meanwhile our brakes had been making a funny noise. Joe just got them fixed before we left home and was afraid there was a new problem with them and he also needed an oil change. So we didn't go to Carefree (the new western town) either but just went the the closest Honda Dealer. No serious problems thank goodness, had the oil change, they washed the car all for under $30. Not a bad deal.
On to Apache Junction to look around. It is outside of Phoenix and more in the country. A nice place. There are so many Mobile Home parks down here, it would be easy to find a nice place. Not that we are going to do that, but just nice to know.
Off for a walk around the complex, a drink at the bar by the pool, and now I'm going to have a soak in the jacuzzi tub while Joe watches TV.
Nighty night.
Bonnie and Joe on the go.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Tucson
Spent the day in Tucson looking around. Then we went for dinner in Phoenix at the Old Town Tortilla Factory. We ate outdoors where they had a fire pit, fountains and good food. A lovely evening.
That's about it for today.
Tomorrow Cave Creek and old western town, and Carefree a new western town.
Having fun in Arizona.
Bonnie and Joe on the go again.
That's about it for today.
Tomorrow Cave Creek and old western town, and Carefree a new western town.
Having fun in Arizona.
Bonnie and Joe on the go again.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
What a great day!
First thing I have to tell you is this. Almost all the hills and mountains around Palm Springs and all the way to Phoenix are pretty much just brown. Dirt, rock and boulders all different shades, with the odd little green bush.
As we got closer to Sedona this morning, the hills and mountains started having a beautiful red hue to them. As we got closer they were all different shades of what I would call Terracotta, with some greenery growing out of the rocks here and there. Absolutely gorgeous.
This street in in Sedona and the rock formations are all around. There are shops, restaurants, jeep and other types of tours. We were really impressed, and what a pleasure to see all this color.
The rock formation behind me is called "The Bell" and it does look like a bell.
We are up on a mountain and the building on the left is a church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. We followed a tour trolley up as far as we could go and then realized all the parking spots were for the handicapped. So I pulled out my Handicap sign, put it in the windshield and carried on. We still had to go up the walkway for quite a ways. Thank goodness for the sign, because I couldn't have made the hill from farther down where we were actually supposed to park. The view wonderful, hard to see in the picture.
After we had lunch at the Open Range and the back wall was all glass so you could look out at the view.
Our friend Sharon had told us about a place called Jerome which was an old copper mining town. At it's peak it had 15,000 residents, but of course not now. They haven't done anything to change the buildings except that all along the street, (all hilly) there are unique shops. We walked along, looked at the shops and decided to go to the famous Haunted Hamburger restaurant. Lucky we parked right by the sign. NOT. That was just to direct you up cement steps, and more steps, and more steps to the actual restaurant. Whew!! It was worth the climb though and I had a "haunted burger" and Joe had a "ghostly burger". Cute.
All along the road to this place there were some very inviting spots that we would have liked to go to, but didn't have time. For instance Horsethief recreation area seemed like a nice spot. Or maybe Cataract Lake would give you a good view. We thought Dead Horse Ranch and State Park might be a little depressing though and even though we were thirsty, we didn't think it would be a good idea to have a drink from Montezuma Wells.
Bonnie and Joe on the go again. Tomorrow - Tucson.
As we got closer to Sedona this morning, the hills and mountains started having a beautiful red hue to them. As we got closer they were all different shades of what I would call Terracotta, with some greenery growing out of the rocks here and there. Absolutely gorgeous.
After we had lunch at the Open Range and the back wall was all glass so you could look out at the view.
Our friend Sharon had told us about a place called Jerome which was an old copper mining town. At it's peak it had 15,000 residents, but of course not now. They haven't done anything to change the buildings except that all along the street, (all hilly) there are unique shops. We walked along, looked at the shops and decided to go to the famous Haunted Hamburger restaurant. Lucky we parked right by the sign. NOT. That was just to direct you up cement steps, and more steps, and more steps to the actual restaurant. Whew!! It was worth the climb though and I had a "haunted burger" and Joe had a "ghostly burger". Cute.
All along the road to this place there were some very inviting spots that we would have liked to go to, but didn't have time. For instance Horsethief recreation area seemed like a nice spot. Or maybe Cataract Lake would give you a good view. We thought Dead Horse Ranch and State Park might be a little depressing though and even though we were thirsty, we didn't think it would be a good idea to have a drink from Montezuma Wells.
Bonnie and Joe on the go again. Tomorrow - Tucson.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Who said 4 1/2 hours???
So we left for our city tour at 8:10 as scheduled. It was a great tour of Phoenix and our tour guide was well informed and told us everything we ever wanted to know. He did ramble on sometimes but his heart was in the right place. So I guess that may be why our 4 1/2 hour tour took .................8 HOURS. Around 3 PM he finally stopped in old town long enough for us to grab something to eat. We were back by 4 PM. Oh well, good day and now we know ALL about Phoenix.
We stopped up in the mountain, which is still part of Phoenix. Phoenix has amalgamated with 27 other towns to become the metropolitan area.
After our little trip we went to read by the fireplace by the pool. Then came back to our unit for dinner. Here are some pictures of the condo.
The front entrance to Camelback Resort
This is the front of our unit.
The beautiful pool and hot tub. The bar and restaurant are on the left.
Bonnie and Joe on the go until tomorrow.
 |
| The cactus in the middle is a saguaro . One of the many things we learned. lol. |
We stopped up in the mountain, which is still part of Phoenix. Phoenix has amalgamated with 27 other towns to become the metropolitan area.
After our little trip we went to read by the fireplace by the pool. Then came back to our unit for dinner. Here are some pictures of the condo.
The front entrance to Camelback Resort
This is the front of our unit.
The beautiful pool and hot tub. The bar and restaurant are on the left.
Bonnie and Joe on the go until tomorrow.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Lucky Us!
We went to the Welcome Breakfast this morning. They had coffee and buns, danish etc. and told us all about what's available in the resort and in the surrounding area. They had representatives who did bus tours, Jeep tours, ballooning, and many more. We each got a draw ticket on the way in for a free 4 1/2 hour city bus tour. Our ticket had 6 numbers and they drew the number 136. Our ticket was 196136. Right away we thought we lost and then realized they were reading only the last 3 numbers. YEAH! We are going tomorrow morning at 8:10. Ouch, that hurts. They will pick us up at the main office. We are looking forward to it very much.
After that, we drove around town and went to Old Town. We discovered a free trolley and hopped on it for a 40 minute round trip. You can get on and off it, but we just wanted to know what there is in the area so we stayed on until we got back where we started. The stores in that area are the oldest in Phoenix and there is a bar called the Rusty Spur. It is one of the very few legitimate country bars in Phoenix. We had lunch there and there was a country/western singer playing. Nice.
Here's Joe with some of his friends in Old Town.
This is me with Joe in his new cowboy outfit.
We spent the rest of the afternoon looking at Mobile Home Parks in the area then came back for a drink in the bar here at the resort. We sat outside by the fireplace. Can you believe that! They have a regular stone fireplace out by the pool. The fire was lit and we sat with our drinks on nice comfortable chairs and read our books. Cool.
Unfortunately the internet has been down but finally came up just as I was thinking about my bed.
Bonnie and Joe going for a city bus tour tomorrow.
After that, we drove around town and went to Old Town. We discovered a free trolley and hopped on it for a 40 minute round trip. You can get on and off it, but we just wanted to know what there is in the area so we stayed on until we got back where we started. The stores in that area are the oldest in Phoenix and there is a bar called the Rusty Spur. It is one of the very few legitimate country bars in Phoenix. We had lunch there and there was a country/western singer playing. Nice.
Here's Joe with some of his friends in Old Town.
This is me with Joe in his new cowboy outfit.
After that I needed a drink!
We spent the rest of the afternoon looking at Mobile Home Parks in the area then came back for a drink in the bar here at the resort. We sat outside by the fireplace. Can you believe that! They have a regular stone fireplace out by the pool. The fire was lit and we sat with our drinks on nice comfortable chairs and read our books. Cool.
Unfortunately the internet has been down but finally came up just as I was thinking about my bed.
Bonnie and Joe going for a city bus tour tomorrow.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Camelback Resort
The Camelback Resort here in Scottsdale, AZ is absolutely beautiful. Ours is one and a half stories. It is well decorated, has a dishwasher, washer & dryer, fireplace and two bedrooms. One king size bed on the main floor and a queen sized bed upstairs with a balcony off it. The bathroom is large with two sinks and an oval jacuzzi tub. The grounds are pretty, the pool fabulous and it has a wet bar, hot tub and is next to a nice restaurant. We had lunch there and will go back for dinner. We didn't feel like shopping. Tomorrow morning is the welcome breakfast and then we will tour the area.
Bonnie and Joe on the go.
Bonnie and Joe on the go.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Last day in Palm Springs
We got up early to go the the "swap sale" in Palm Desert which was a flea market but with all new things. Nothing special there. Then stopped at Barns and Nobles and bought a CD for travelling in the car and learning Italian. After we absorb what we can with our Rosetta Stone on the computer while we're in Texas, we can practice or Italian on the way home in the spring.
Palm Springs was having their American Motorcycle Heat and there were thousands of motorcycles everywhere in the town and the main street was closed off for them.
We went back to the Hyatt for lunch. They have the nicest outdoor patio and it was just at the end of the street. We sat and watched the people go by, had the same meal as the last time because it was so good, and then came back to the condo.
Went to the family pool because it has the nicest hot tub. The trouble with the "family" pool is that there are too many freaking little kids there! Had a nice jog in the pool, enjoyed the hot tub and now back at the condo. We will pack tonight and tomorrow morning for Scottsdale.
Bonnie and Joe still going strong.
Palm Springs was having their American Motorcycle Heat and there were thousands of motorcycles everywhere in the town and the main street was closed off for them.
We went back to the Hyatt for lunch. They have the nicest outdoor patio and it was just at the end of the street. We sat and watched the people go by, had the same meal as the last time because it was so good, and then came back to the condo.
Went to the family pool because it has the nicest hot tub. The trouble with the "family" pool is that there are too many freaking little kids there! Had a nice jog in the pool, enjoyed the hot tub and now back at the condo. We will pack tonight and tomorrow morning for Scottsdale.
Bonnie and Joe still going strong.
Friday, October 19, 2012
More mountains!!!
I forgot to mention that when we were at the outside patio at the Hyatt having dinner, we could count at any given time, 4 dogs. Big ones and small ones. A young woman came in with a couple of men and a really big purse. Yes you guessed it, she had a little while fluffy dog in it. Really, did she think she was a movie star or something. Ohhh, maybe she was and we didn't recognize her. haha
Lovely breakfast at Spencer's this morning. Then we looked at some RV parks, just out of curiosity. We saw an advertisement for Idyllwild that has restaurants, shops, etc and thought it looked lovely, so we decided to go there. About 40 miles away but we had all afternoon. We started out and then found ourselves going up the mountains, hairpin curves, no side rails to make you feel safer, except on the "hairpin" curves, and the road went on, and on to an elevation over 6,000 feet. I was white knuckled and there was no way to go back, so we just kept going until, finally we got to Idyllwild. What a disappointment after all that. It was what I consider a hick town. Run down buildings, some stores open, some closed. The restaurant choice was slim to none.
We finally found a Greek restaurant and fortunately the lady running it seemed clean and nice. We had to go up a bunch of old wooden steps with the key to the washroom. The food was okay, and I had looked at the map for another way to get back to Palm Springs so we wouldn't have to endure the same route. Joe says "Oh why do you want to go another way?" Hello! It was SCARY. He actually asked the waitress about another route, which we took, and it was much better.
Back at the Condo now to relax for the evening.
Going to a Swap meet early tomorrow morning in Palm Desert.
Bonnie and Joe on the go
Lovely breakfast at Spencer's this morning. Then we looked at some RV parks, just out of curiosity. We saw an advertisement for Idyllwild that has restaurants, shops, etc and thought it looked lovely, so we decided to go there. About 40 miles away but we had all afternoon. We started out and then found ourselves going up the mountains, hairpin curves, no side rails to make you feel safer, except on the "hairpin" curves, and the road went on, and on to an elevation over 6,000 feet. I was white knuckled and there was no way to go back, so we just kept going until, finally we got to Idyllwild. What a disappointment after all that. It was what I consider a hick town. Run down buildings, some stores open, some closed. The restaurant choice was slim to none.
We finally found a Greek restaurant and fortunately the lady running it seemed clean and nice. We had to go up a bunch of old wooden steps with the key to the washroom. The food was okay, and I had looked at the map for another way to get back to Palm Springs so we wouldn't have to endure the same route. Joe says "Oh why do you want to go another way?" Hello! It was SCARY. He actually asked the waitress about another route, which we took, and it was much better.
Back at the Condo now to relax for the evening.
Going to a Swap meet early tomorrow morning in Palm Desert.
Bonnie and Joe on the go
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Our trip to Arroyo Grande
Oct 17/2012
We left early this morning to go and see my Aunt Irene and Uncle Morris who just turned 90. The traffic was bad going through Los Angeles so the GPS took us on a most round about route, but still got us there in good time. It is 300 miles from where we are staying here in Palm Springs. My uncle is having some medical problems and they are getting packed to move on Oct 19th to a seniors apartment (2 bedroom) with a care center. It sounds like a fabulous place and I hope we can get to see them there later this year. We also got a chance to get to know Irene's daughter Cheryl better. She has been a God send for them, helping to do everything (and I mean lots and lots of things) organizing, taking care of both of them, packing, cooking etc. etc. What a great girl. We had a lovely time with them all.
Here we are: Cheryl, Aunt Irene, Uncle Morris, me and Joe. It was so nice seeing them all, we spent the night and headed out the next morning. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Uncle Morris' health improves.
Oct 18/2012
We had a much better drive back to Palm Springs. I guess travelling through a big city at rush hour yesterday was not such a good idea. Hello!
We got home in the mid afternoon, then headed out this evening for downtown Palm Springs. They closed the main street and had vendors all along selling crafts, food, etc. We had dinner at the outdoor patio at the Hyatt hotel. Then walked back and came home.
Not too exciting, but nice.j
Tomorrow, its breakfast at the famous restaurant - Spencers, which is right beside our condo.
Mmmmm I can hardly wait.
Bonnie and Joe on the go once again.
We left early this morning to go and see my Aunt Irene and Uncle Morris who just turned 90. The traffic was bad going through Los Angeles so the GPS took us on a most round about route, but still got us there in good time. It is 300 miles from where we are staying here in Palm Springs. My uncle is having some medical problems and they are getting packed to move on Oct 19th to a seniors apartment (2 bedroom) with a care center. It sounds like a fabulous place and I hope we can get to see them there later this year. We also got a chance to get to know Irene's daughter Cheryl better. She has been a God send for them, helping to do everything (and I mean lots and lots of things) organizing, taking care of both of them, packing, cooking etc. etc. What a great girl. We had a lovely time with them all.
Oct 18/2012
We had a much better drive back to Palm Springs. I guess travelling through a big city at rush hour yesterday was not such a good idea. Hello!
We got home in the mid afternoon, then headed out this evening for downtown Palm Springs. They closed the main street and had vendors all along selling crafts, food, etc. We had dinner at the outdoor patio at the Hyatt hotel. Then walked back and came home.
Not too exciting, but nice.j
Tomorrow, its breakfast at the famous restaurant - Spencers, which is right beside our condo.
Mmmmm I can hardly wait.
Bonnie and Joe on the go once again.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
HOT, HOT, HOT.
We drove down to Palm Desert today to check out where some things are down there. It was around 11 AM when we got there. We parked and walked along the shady side of the street, which has shops all along. Then we crossed the road to come back to find a place to eat on the sunny side. I have never felt so hot (no comments please) in my life! It was all I could do to walk back to the car. Joe said the heat didn't bother him but I think one sign we passed said 109 F. We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant with open windows and my favorite thing - misting coming down off the roof. One young fellow came along with two small dogs and lifted them up to cool them off.
Here we are in Palm Desert with the rams.
Then we went to do laundry. It's free, nice area with tables and chairs and a pool table, coffee available, very nice. We put the clothes in, sat at a table and another couple came in and we started talking. They moved to our table, and some more people and then some more people arrived. What the heck is this! Everyone's coming to sit in the laundry room! No, guess what ------ it was BINGO! By this time we had the clothes in the dryer and Joe went to check if we could get the light stuff out. No, still soaking wet. Someone, and I'm not mentioning any names here, didn't push the START button. So there we were stuck in a room with 20 or so Bingo players trying to read. And it was cold in there too!
So we came back, went to the pool, and now we have had dinner and will head out to see what's up with the night life in this berg.
To be continued later................................................
Okay, we're back again. We had a couple of drinks in a Mexican bar, but the music was good old 50's and 60's. Then we went to the Village pub and had a drink there. The music just started at 9:pm but we have to get up early tomorrow, so we came back early.
Here we are in Palm Desert with the rams.
Then we went to do laundry. It's free, nice area with tables and chairs and a pool table, coffee available, very nice. We put the clothes in, sat at a table and another couple came in and we started talking. They moved to our table, and some more people and then some more people arrived. What the heck is this! Everyone's coming to sit in the laundry room! No, guess what ------ it was BINGO! By this time we had the clothes in the dryer and Joe went to check if we could get the light stuff out. No, still soaking wet. Someone, and I'm not mentioning any names here, didn't push the START button. So there we were stuck in a room with 20 or so Bingo players trying to read. And it was cold in there too!
So we came back, went to the pool, and now we have had dinner and will head out to see what's up with the night life in this berg.
To be continued later................................................
Okay, we're back again. We had a couple of drinks in a Mexican bar, but the music was good old 50's and 60's. Then we went to the Village pub and had a drink there. The music just started at 9:pm but we have to get up early tomorrow, so we came back early.
Monday, October 15, 2012
First full day in Palm Springs
It is so HOT today and will continue to be in the 90's to 100 this week. I am NOT complaining mind you. Just saying. hah
Did I mention that yesterday we stopped at New York, New York on our way through Las Vegas? Well we did, and Joe took a picture of me of course. And the Statue of Liberty.
This morning I woke up with a splitting headache. I think all altitude changes for the last few days is hard on the old brain. Joe went for a walk while I recovered and got ready and then we went walking down the main street where all the shops and restaurants are located. We found a fabulous hat shop where I bought a large brimmed hat which you will see in the following pictures. We had lunch in a Mexican restaurant and sat by the window with the water mist spraying off the roof. Again, picture to follow. Oh heck, here they are. If you get your magnifying glass out you will see that I have on a huge hat. I'm in the picture on the left by the way. On the right is Joe. This Marilyn Monroe statue is 26 feet high and weights over 38,000 lbs. It is beautiful, but some OTHER tourists have been taking picture of them (the men) looking up under her skirt. Pigs. Joe says she is wearing panties, I wonder how he knows that!
The restaurant we had lunch in is on the left with open windows. The spray comes down and cools the air so you are comfortable. And it works, even when the sun is on you. Pretty nifty eh! And all the restaurants along the street have the same thing. Well may not Starbucks that charged us $6.00 for a bottle of juice. What a rip!!!
After that we went for a swim in the pool and sat on the "cushioned" lounges for a while and read after spending some time in the pool. The water temperature was perfect.
Here is a picture from our balcony. And that is just the lower section of the mountain. Very unique.
Bonnie and Joe on the go for another day.
Did I mention that yesterday we stopped at New York, New York on our way through Las Vegas? Well we did, and Joe took a picture of me of course. And the Statue of Liberty.
This morning I woke up with a splitting headache. I think all altitude changes for the last few days is hard on the old brain. Joe went for a walk while I recovered and got ready and then we went walking down the main street where all the shops and restaurants are located. We found a fabulous hat shop where I bought a large brimmed hat which you will see in the following pictures. We had lunch in a Mexican restaurant and sat by the window with the water mist spraying off the roof. Again, picture to follow. Oh heck, here they are. If you get your magnifying glass out you will see that I have on a huge hat. I'm in the picture on the left by the way. On the right is Joe. This Marilyn Monroe statue is 26 feet high and weights over 38,000 lbs. It is beautiful, but some OTHER tourists have been taking picture of them (the men) looking up under her skirt. Pigs. Joe says she is wearing panties, I wonder how he knows that!
The restaurant we had lunch in is on the left with open windows. The spray comes down and cools the air so you are comfortable. And it works, even when the sun is on you. Pretty nifty eh! And all the restaurants along the street have the same thing. Well may not Starbucks that charged us $6.00 for a bottle of juice. What a rip!!!
After that we went for a swim in the pool and sat on the "cushioned" lounges for a while and read after spending some time in the pool. The water temperature was perfect.
Here is a picture from our balcony. And that is just the lower section of the mountain. Very unique.
Bonnie and Joe on the go for another day.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Palm Springs
Finally arrived in Palm Springs. We saw hundreds of windmills on the way here so I guess that is the main source of electricity now. The resort here is beautiful, and our apartment is really nice with two balconies, a kitchen, one bedroom and two bathrooms. We do look out onto a rock face however, but now we can leave the shutters open and walk around nude if we want to; which we don't. lol.
We went into the main street, just a few blocks away and had lunch at a pub. Then came back and went for a swim (jog for me) in one of the three pools and into the hot tub. We'll check out the other ones tomorrow and walk back into town to check things out there. It was too hot this afternoon to go far so I am hoping that the morning will be cooler. Already met some nice people who have stopped to chat at tell us what is good to do in the area. It feels good to be settled into a spot for a week and take a break from driving.
Bonnie and Joe still on the go, but stopping for a rest on the way.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
A good day.
Good drive today through LasVegas and on to Henderson Nevada. More amazing rock formations and some fog on the way which was really a cloud sitting on the mountain. Then flat terrain for a the rest of the way with the mountains in the distance.
We reserved a room and the Holiday Inn Express. We went to the outside pool, which is shared with the hotel next door. The water was really cold, so we went into the hot tub and sat in the sun for a while. Nice and relaxing.
Off to Palm Springs tomorrow.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Exciting day
Well if yesterday's driving was boring, today's was anything but!
We drove through Denver and the elevation is about a mile, hence Mile High Stadium where they play football. But you would never know you were that far above sea level.
In the distance we could see the mountains. They are absolutely totally AMAZING! When we first entered them they were rugged and beautiful. Awesome does not even describe them. Of course they change at every bend in the road as does the sky. We had sunshine, clouds and very heavy rain. The rock formations were astounding and then there were smooth mountains with scrub brush on them which looked like freckles on the face of the mountain. Some looked like sand dunes, and layers of multicolored rock. A few were on a 90 degree angle and looked like someone or something had come along and tipped them over. The roads were excellent. Always at least two lanes in each direction, and sometimes three lanes in each direction. The sky always had some kind of clouds, but always many, many kinds of clouds. Once there was a huge cloud that looked like charcoal grey cotton batting and hung forward over the mountain edge like it would come down and pour rain on you. We got by that one, only to have it pour rain anyway, and I mean you could hardly see in front of you. The good thing is there was never a lot of traffic and sometimes in Utah there were no other cars on the road that you could see. Utah is different than Colorado and the mountains more rolling but then rocky as well. AWESOME!.
Now we are in Richfield, Utah, having our usual glass of wine and relaxing. They have a pool here but it is outside and closed because of the rain.
Bonnie and Joe still on the go.
We drove through Denver and the elevation is about a mile, hence Mile High Stadium where they play football. But you would never know you were that far above sea level.
In the distance we could see the mountains. They are absolutely totally AMAZING! When we first entered them they were rugged and beautiful. Awesome does not even describe them. Of course they change at every bend in the road as does the sky. We had sunshine, clouds and very heavy rain. The rock formations were astounding and then there were smooth mountains with scrub brush on them which looked like freckles on the face of the mountain. Some looked like sand dunes, and layers of multicolored rock. A few were on a 90 degree angle and looked like someone or something had come along and tipped them over. The roads were excellent. Always at least two lanes in each direction, and sometimes three lanes in each direction. The sky always had some kind of clouds, but always many, many kinds of clouds. Once there was a huge cloud that looked like charcoal grey cotton batting and hung forward over the mountain edge like it would come down and pour rain on you. We got by that one, only to have it pour rain anyway, and I mean you could hardly see in front of you. The good thing is there was never a lot of traffic and sometimes in Utah there were no other cars on the road that you could see. Utah is different than Colorado and the mountains more rolling but then rocky as well. AWESOME!.
Now we are in Richfield, Utah, having our usual glass of wine and relaxing. They have a pool here but it is outside and closed because of the rain.
Bonnie and Joe still on the go.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Second day of travel
We arrived at the Comfort Inn about 60 miles east of Denver Colorado around 4 PM. Very boring drive through Iowa, Nebraska and now Colorado. The terrain has been quite flat, the grass yellow and the trees mostly bare or with dead leaves on them. There was some color in Nebraska and although it is not obvious as you drive, we are at an elevation of over 4000 feet. Interesting my dear Watson.
I did some knitting. I finished a hat I was working on, then started a scarf. Didn't like it and ripped it out. Started it again with different stitches. Didn't like it and ripped it out. Now I have started a scarf with different wool. Oh well, it makes the time go faster.
The pool here was not as beautiful as the one last night, but the water temperature was perfect and the spa was also good. I discovered something amazing! Last night I started walking in the pool as I do not swim. Then I got more energy and did some jogging in the pool. The amazing thing was: I didn't cough! I thought maybe it was just a good day for my asthma. Today I jogged in the pool, back and forth at a little over 4 ft deep and didn't cough. I actually got out of breath but NO coughing. This is great because I have not been able to do any aerobics before and it is so good for you. Also after sitting for hours in the car, it feels wonderful.
Enjoying a glass on wine now, and off to bed early to read my book, William May, which I am really enjoying. Oh yes, Joe is with me, I just get talking about myself all the time. He did a great job driving and is enjoying his wine and the ball game.
I did some knitting. I finished a hat I was working on, then started a scarf. Didn't like it and ripped it out. Started it again with different stitches. Didn't like it and ripped it out. Now I have started a scarf with different wool. Oh well, it makes the time go faster.
The pool here was not as beautiful as the one last night, but the water temperature was perfect and the spa was also good. I discovered something amazing! Last night I started walking in the pool as I do not swim. Then I got more energy and did some jogging in the pool. The amazing thing was: I didn't cough! I thought maybe it was just a good day for my asthma. Today I jogged in the pool, back and forth at a little over 4 ft deep and didn't cough. I actually got out of breath but NO coughing. This is great because I have not been able to do any aerobics before and it is so good for you. Also after sitting for hours in the car, it feels wonderful.
Enjoying a glass on wine now, and off to bed early to read my book, William May, which I am really enjoying. Oh yes, Joe is with me, I just get talking about myself all the time. He did a great job driving and is enjoying his wine and the ball game.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
First day on the road
We were up and out at 3 AM. Drove through Sarnia and for the next 2 hours in the rain. Not fun at night. Then drove (I use the term loosely, because Joe drove) for 14 hours total and put 1300 K behind us. We checked into the Holiday Inn in Des Moines, Iowa and went down the the pool for some exercise. What a beautiful pool they have here. It is quite big, two walls are covered with a huge mural with an outdoor scene of trees, rocks and waterfalls, two large windows, lovely water temperature and to top it off a spa! What a great way to end the day.
We don't have to go out to get dinner. We ordered four chicken wraps at McDonalds for lunch thinking they were the mini wraps. Turned out they were big. So we have two left for dinner.That's good because we are pretty tired. We will have a glass of wine and then dinner and bed. At least I will, Joe may watch some baseball or something.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October , 2012
What a great summer we had. The weather here in Ontario was beautiful. We saw Laurie, Rob, Matthew, Jamie and Sarah almost every week. They made us dinner and we played a game afterwards, mostly Texas Hold'em poker. We also had Joey with us since May. He is living with us here in Ontario for a while and is going to be looking to buy a place in Hamilton when he can. We love having the family around us, and will miss them all when we head south.
Having said that, we are heading south on Oct 10th! We will leave early (3-4 AM) on that day and will go straight to California. We have booked a place in Palm Springs for a week and while we are there in California, we will drive up north to see Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene. Uncle Morris just turned 90 years old and his health is failing. They are going to move into a Seniors Residence where they will have a two bedroom apartment and have all of the facilities of meals, medical care, activities etc. It sounds like a great place for them to be.
After California we will go to Scottsdale, Arizona which is near Phoenix. During our week's stay we will be checking out the weather to see if my breathing is any better there than it is in Texas. I had a bad bout with a lung infection in March and we had to head for home earlier than we had planned. We are hoping all will be fine this year as we love Texas and have good friends there.
Having said that, we are heading south on Oct 10th! We will leave early (3-4 AM) on that day and will go straight to California. We have booked a place in Palm Springs for a week and while we are there in California, we will drive up north to see Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene. Uncle Morris just turned 90 years old and his health is failing. They are going to move into a Seniors Residence where they will have a two bedroom apartment and have all of the facilities of meals, medical care, activities etc. It sounds like a great place for them to be.
After California we will go to Scottsdale, Arizona which is near Phoenix. During our week's stay we will be checking out the weather to see if my breathing is any better there than it is in Texas. I had a bad bout with a lung infection in March and we had to head for home earlier than we had planned. We are hoping all will be fine this year as we love Texas and have good friends there.
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