RV Life with Mama & Papa #16 Friday, May 7, 2021

Good Morning Everyone!  I am happily home today (a day early) from Patagonia Lake State Park.  It is a beautiful place and if you are a water person or fisher person it is THE place to go.  Since I don’t do either of those things now a days, I decided 2 nights were enough and PLUS it got SO hot in the day (as it has here in Benson) that I didn’t want to spend another 4 hours in Mama Bear with the AC on (yes it works but is LOUD).  So I left without getting my sticker and my patch for my collections.  BUT – it is only an hour away and I’ll go by there at some point just in Papa Bear for that.  I missed the opportunity to buy them the first day and the volunteer “no showed” on my second opportunity.  I called them today and they said it would cost me $15 for the daily rate – no exceptions, so I’ll wait until next time I spend the night there to get the sticker and patch.  For the third day, I left before the store opened – if it was going to open.  ANYWAY – stay tuned for that because I’ll go out there again for the ride.  It is really pretty country along the way.

Before I left, I had this happen:

The guy from Century Link came first thing in the morning and I was getting hooked up to Mama Bear. He dug out the post and covered the wires with a plastic cap and then buried it. That is SO much better. I have put the broom stick out there again so I can see when I’m close to the electrical box, but now I’m not too concerned about it because when I got back yesterday, I did this:

Look – she has a little tree for shade.  She is all plugged in and happy as a clam.  I can back straight up on her to hook up and it’s going to be great!  I can easily ride my bike there to visit!  My temperature monitor still works from home, so she is a pleasant 64 degrees inside!  She is a little dirty.  I’m wondering if I can get that guy to stop by and give her a bath.  I haven’t seen his truck in here for a while, but maybe he is still in business.  But then again. if I get a soft brush, I could probably wash her myself at the end of the driveway.  I’d have to do it first thing in the AM right now – it’s too hot otherwise.

So here are some pictures of my adventure with Mama & Papa:

 

The drive to this park was really interesting.  Tiny little towns and open meadow land and craggy rock formations and LOTS of trees!  Really super.  I’m going to just drive there (maybe today) just so I can get the sticker and patch.  It’s going to be hot again today and it’s a good thing to do so I get out of the house.  I know it’s a lot of gas, but that is OK.  Which reminds me – I should pay that credit card.  I’ll be back!  DONE!

Of course here is the requisite cuteness picture:

 

Metaxa was such a good sport.  I think she will be fine as we travel to places this summer.  I just think it only matters that she is with me.  At least that is what I want to believe!

This is the view from my site:

 

It was a pull through site.  I first pulled in the wrong way and decided to move around on my second day.  The asphalt was uneven so it wasn’t easy to put the chair in the shade.  But it gave my neighbor more privacy.  They were Cynthia and Poncho.  They only stayed one night.  They helped me “level” Mama.  They were really nice!

My other neighbors were Carol and Steve from Phoenix.  They live in Sun City Center in Phoenix.  It is the first Del Webb development in the country – back in the 60’s.  They do a lot of dispersed camping with a group of neighbors and they have invited me to join them in August.  It was really nice and we agree politically which is really good.  They wanted to get to know me to be sure I would “get along” with the group.  Apparently I passed the test.

 

This bridge was near the “closed” gift shop (volunteer no-showed).  It took you up really high to get a view of the Lake.  The view was really pretty.

 

This is how I parked the first night – turned around the second day.  It was up on a hill with a nice view out of the windows:

 

Here is a picture of the sandy beach – lots of people taking advantage of the beach and water.

 

Here is a picture of a lily pad water feature right before the pedestrian bridge.  Very soothing:

This is the view from the top of the pedestrian bridge:

I took a couple of videos too.  I went on the “birding” nature trail – all alone.  SO peaceful but I realized I could get lost and determined that I want a hand held GPS.  I have an appointment with Lawley next Thursday for my first of 4 free Oil Changes and I’ll go to Best Buy to see if they have the GPS I want.  Amazon has one, but I’m not sure it’s EXACTLY like the one I’m looking for.  Here is a picture of it:

This is the one that Steve and Carol have. It allows you to text from it and also it will get you back to where you started if you go on a hike you are not sure of. I want to test it here where I know where I am. I have something like this on my phone, but when there is no Internet connection it doesn’t work. The GPS uses satellites so it will always work. It also has the ability to send an SOS if I am hurt out in the wilderness. Bill carries one that he has had for a while. It has to be user friendly for me. I don’t really know how to use a compass and I am directionally challenged.

Another video:

The bird songs were so sweet.  And this was so peaceful.  Very meditative.

I’m going to take a walk now to throw my garbage away.  I’ll be back later today to continue with this.  Stay tuned!  So I just got this from cousin Dick:

I remember Dog Wood Trees in Darien. They were very pretty.

So I’ve been experimenting with harnesses/leashes for Metaxa. Just got this beauty in the mail today:

This one just has the two straps on it.  I don’t think she can slip out of it, but we’ll see.  The other one I have I think is a little small for her and it seems hot – but what do I know.  It does have a bright color so if she gets away she will be seen pretty easily.  My intent is to just have her in the halter when she is leashed to the car seat.  She doesn’t seem to “dash” for the door even when I get out of the truck.  I think it’s better that she is in the back seat.  Here is a picture of all 3 harnesses.  I think I’ll take them all on the trip.  Why not?

The bright yellow one has a GPS tracker on it.  That will be put on each one I have on her.  It jiggles and makes some noise which I don’t think she likes very much, but if it keeps her safe, that is all that matters.  She squats down and slithers along the floor when she walks – obvious telling me that she doesn’t like it and makes me feel guilty putting it on her.  But I’m not going to walk her outside.  She is always going to stay inside Mama Bear or Papa Bear.  

I spoke with Susan today and she is willing to pay for dog sitting while we’re gone so the trip is ON.  Only 16 more days and I’m ON THE ROAD.  WOW!  I need to make a reservation at Prospect RV Park, where I stayed the last time I was in Denver.  They don’t do “on line” booking and I couldn’t get through on the phone today.  I’ll try them again tomorrow – I called too late and their phone doesn’t take messages – what world are they living in?  ANYWAY – it will be fine – it’s for the end of the trip for my way home so I have plenty of time to get it going.  So I’ll keep you posted.  I’m getting excited!

Well I guess that is about all for now.  Thanks for visiting.  Come back again!