Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 15: Final So. California Days, Friends and Family, Back in Williams

For Easter, Tom and I are heading to Coto de Caza. My sister Carrie lives there and she and her husband Brent have been hosting the family Easter for many years. So, I decided it was time to get the truck washed. Can you say "rub a dub dub"?

While at the car wash, I noticed that the back door locks were malfunctioning again. Argh!!! I just paid over a $1,000 to have this fixed on Tuesday. Fortunately, it was only 1:30pm. So, back to the GMC dealer I went. My service advisor, Raymond, took the truck in immediately to troubleshoot the problem. He said that the Tuesday technician did not correctly connect the two new lock mechanisms. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle, as it was too hot (95 degrees!) to walk. My car was ready at 4:00pm. Thank you, Raymond!

Kevin from Sundance Custom RV dropped by the trailer to replace the city water connectivity valve. Voila! We no longer have a leaking valve. We made dinner easy and ordered a pizza from Papa John's.

First thing Saturday morning, I fueled up the truck at Ralphs Fuel Center. I then packed up the dogs and dropped them off at The Grand Paw Pet Resort. Tom and I were on the road to Coto de Caza before 10:00am. Since we got an early start, we decided to see where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses Interstate 10. We were picking Jon up there on Monday. We found the trail --- it is an underpass about 1/4 mile west of this intersection.

We arrived in Coto de Caza a little bit before noon. Tom and I decided to get a sandwich at a local shopping center. We tried Board & Brew. Perfect!

We arrived at Carrie's home at 2 Lafayette Lane around 1pm. About a half hour later, Carrie, Brent, and I went to a Saturday Easter Service at Saddleback Church. Last year, I joined Carrie and Brent for an Easter Service there. A tradition has started! Saddleback Church was formed by Evangelist Rick Warren 39 years ago. Rick is well-known for writing "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life." The service was outdoors on a sunny day. Carrie and Brent found a perfect place with some shade!

Over a thousand people attended this afternoon service. Rick was on the main stage and the service was televised for all of us to listen and view to his message.

Easter at Saddleback is quite the production --- with three services on Saturday and three services on Sunday.

After church, we picked up Tom and headed to San Mateo Campground in San Clemente. We were having dinner with Brent's brother, Greg, and his wife Fiona. They have a new Lance trailer and are camping four nights at this campground. Other friends of Greg and Fiona were there too. We met Brian and Carrie Morelan who recently bought a new motorhome and are going to travel in it for two years. It was a similar story, as they sold most of their possessions and their home in San Clemente. I took a nice photo in their Winnebago Forza.

Easter Sunday was well planned. Carrie and Brent are pros. They provide the ham, turkey, and roast beef and everyone else brings side dishes and deserts. Tom and I headed to the local Pavilions grocery store to get the ingredients for our green salad.

The family members arrived around 1:00 pm. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the backyard and the good food.

While Greg and Fiona are still camping in San Clemente, they did come to the family Easter dinner.

Tom and I left Carrie's home at about 7:00 am Monday morning. We had a date to pick up Jon at 9:30 am. We arrived at the Pacific Crest Trail underpass and Tom walked a path to meet his son. Within five minutes, there was Jon!

It was mile 209.6 --- Interstate 10 in White Water, California. Jon spent the night with us at the Thousand Trails RV Resort in Palm Desert. I purposely planned to not pick up the dogs until Tuesday morning.

We had breakfast together at Goody's Cafe in Palm Desert and then Jon spent time washing clothes at the laundry facility in the park. Dinner was pork chops and a revival of Jo's potatoes from Easter. Carrie gave us a whole pan of them.

Tuesday morning, I woke up early to pick the dogs up at The Grand Paw Resort. It was going to be a busy day. An RV repair man was coming to fix our shower leak, Tom was going to take Jon back to the PCT trail head, and we were checking out of the park and heading home. I brought the dogs back to the trailer, Tom and Jon headed off, and I waited for repairman Duane of RV Flush. Duane arrived at about 10:30 am.

He opened the "door" on the side of the shower to inspect the problem.

Good news! The shower leak was merely a loose fitting. Duane tightened the fitting and no more leak. It was decided to not submit a claim on my Good Sam Extended Warranty policy. I already had a $100 deductible and the total cost was a little over that amount. Good to go!

Tom dropped Jon off at the trail head.

He returned to the trailer at about 11:00 am and we pulled out of Thousand Trails before noon. The trip back to Williams was uneventful. We arrived home around 5:30 pm.

We spent the next day moving food, clothing, and toiletry items out of the trailer. Tom was puzzled. The awning is now working. We had made an appointment to fix this with Camping World. We decided to keep the appointment --- as some Surveyor trailer owners in Thousand Trails told us that maker Forest River used defective clear coat that was causing premature fading of the trailer head. Forest River was honoring claims for repair.

Donnie of Flagstaff Lock & Key had the replacement parts for my storm door. He and his associate came to repair the door on Thursday.

The snow is gone and the Elephant Rocks Golf Course is open for the 2018 season. The deer often use the vacant lot next door to get to the golf course for some good grazing.

The Camping World appointment was at 9:30 am on Friday. Gail took pictures of my trailer's front that is beginning to fade. Since the trailer is in the RV barn a good amount of time, the premature fading is not as evident as other Surveyor trailers. But, we want Forest River to make good on the claim and pay for the fix.

On Sunday, I was fortunate to capture a beautiful photo from the Cataract Lake County Park. Look closely and notice that Mt. Humphreys, the tallest mountain in Arizona, can be seen in the distance.

It is always nice to vary my walk with the dogs. On Monday, I took them over to the Grand Canyon Railway depot. We greeted passengers who were boarding the trail for the Grand Canyon.

The Highland Meadows ladies met for breakfast at the Pine Country Restaurant. There were eight of us. After breakfast, Tom and I drove to Flagstaff to run some errands. We then had a delicious late lunch at Pato Thai Restaurant on San Francisco Street.

The two living room La-Z-Boy recliners are going to be refurbished. East Flagstaff Upholstery is going to pick them up on Friday, the 13th. So, Tom and I took the recliners to the garage and rearranged the living room furniture. Tom finds that one of the turquoise leather chair and ottoman from the bedroom sitting room is very comfortable for reading his Kindle.

Tom's son Jon called Wednesday evening. He is at mile 351 on the Pacific Crest Trail. Jon called his dad from a Best Western on the Cajon Pass --- the intersection of Highway 138 and Interstate 15. He is going to stay at the Best Western for two nights and take a day off the trail.

Thursday morning, Troy Mortensen came to the house. He is the owner of the landscaping firm that provides landscaping maintenance. I restarted his services this month. He personally came to provide the weekly service for my backyard. Wow, I got the "boss"!

Later that day, Gene Galloway and his fiancee Penny came to the house for some wine and appetizers. They also brought friend Sharon, visiting from Cocoa, Florida. Gene, Penny, and Sharon are taking the train to the Grand Canyon on Friday. Twenty years ago, Gene and I were Executive Vice Presidents at Sanwa Bank. Gene was the head of Retail Banking and I was the head of Wealth Management. We had dinner at the Red Raven Restaurant.

Gene and I both lost our spouses to cancer in 2016. It is nice that each of us have moved on in life.

This week is Williams Veterinary Clinic Week. Libby and Ramsey had senior dog exams and blood work. Kelsey had her anal glands expressed and her blood tested for heartworm.

Steve, from East Flagstaff Upholstery, came by my house Friday afternoon to pick up the two recliners. They are going to be reupholstered and their color changed to turquoise.

Saturday was a fun break in routine. Each year, the Ash Fork Museum presents a program on our area's history. Last year, it was a one woman play about Mary Jane Coulter, the famous Fred Harvey Company architect. This year, Arizona travel writer Roger Naylor spoke about Route 66. It was very interesting and very entertaining.

Sunday, April 15, is our 10 month anniversary of being together as a couple. We decided to celebrate a day early and go to the Best Western Plus in Williams and listen to music entertainment by Omar. We only live a mile or so from the Best Western. Shame on us that we have not been there since Thanksgiving! It was nice to see and hear Omar.

Happy anniversary to us!

Saturday, March 10, through Thursday, March 29: So. California RV Trip, Pacific Crest Trail, and Thousand Trails Fun

Saturday was a day of getting ready for another three-week RV trip to Southern California. Rain was in the forecast. We made our Sunday departure from Williams and safely arrived at Arizona Oasis RV Park in Ehrenberg --- the intersection of the Colorado River and Interstate 10. We made up a bed for Jon by turning the dining room table into a queen-size mattress. Dalmatian Libby did find some space to cuddle up with Jon the first night.

For breakfast Monday morning, we had breakfast burritos at the RV park. A gentleman in the Club House makes them "to order." It was a nice way to get an early start and drive to San Diego. We drove through farmland, sand dunes, and rocky hills. Arrival at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Resort was around 3pm. We were fortunate to find a nice pull-thru site on the south side of the park.

It has been five years since I was last at this park. It is a beautiful area, but no cell phone and no data service.  Sometimes it is just location, location, location. Tom's son, Jon, starts the Pacific Crest Trail on Wednesday --- the trail head is just 40 minutes southeast from here. There is free internet service in the Activity Center --- a short walk from our site. And, Tom and Jon enjoyed a game of ping pong.

When Jon hiked the Arizona Trail last year, he met a fellow hiker --- Dana Law. Dana lives in San Diego and joined us Tuesday afternoon for a social hour and a taco dinner. Dana is a professional magician and mentalist. He is 63 years old and made it a successful career! Dana also shares Jon's passion for distance hiking. But, since he still works, he does the long hikes in sections.

Wednesday morning, we packed up the dogs and the truck and we drove to the town of Campo. The start of the hike was at the California/Mexican border. 

The skies were dark, but there was no rain. Tom was a little under the weather, so the dogs and I walked with Jon for the first two miles of the hike. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses a local highway where Tom met us with the truck.

Jon was very patient, as Ramsey was walking slow in parts --- due to his wobbly back legs. After crossing the highway, the dogs and I joined Tom. Jon proceeded down the trail. We made plans to meet up with Jon in three days --- at mile 42.

The next day, Tom and I met long-time friend, Honoria Vivell, and her husband, Richard Petrie, for lunch. Richard used to live in El Cajon and knew an Irish Pub called Hooley's. Since St. Patrick's Day was on the horizon, it was a good choice! Richard now has a home in Rancho Bernardo.

After lunch, we drove back to the Pio Pico RV Resort. Tom dropped the dogs and I over on the north side of the park and we walked back to the rig. It was about 1 1/2 miles.

Tom's "system" was not functioning properly and he was in a lot of discomfort. He felt better that morning, before having lunch with Honoria and Richard, but the symptoms came back with a vengeance. It was time to go to an Urgent Care facility and have a doctor evaluate what was going on. Off to Chula Vista we went, and, hello Marque Urgent Care!

It was late Thursday afternoon, and the waiting room was packed. Three and one-half hours later, a prescription was filled at a CVS Pharmacy, and we returned to the dogs and the travel trailer. Hopefully, that medicine will do the trick! And, Tom was placed on a bland diet of rice and toast.

Friday was the day we were meeting up with Jon at mile 42 of the Pacific Crest Trail. Tom, the dogs, and I drove to Laguna Mountain. We were rendezvousing with Jon at the Laguna Mountain Lodge and General Store. Noon was the meeting time. We arrived twenty minutes early --- but Jon was already there enjoying a Coke and munching on a candy bar.

We brought with us some requested supplies to replenish Jon and we had lunch a local restaurant. Jon treated. Very nice! After lunch, it was time for Jon to head back to the trail. Our next meet-up would be Wednesday in Warner Springs.

I was getting antsy with the isolation of the Pio Pico RV Resort. After four days of no phone service and no data service, I was ready for a change of venue. I called Thousand Trails and secured three nights at Wilderness Lakes RV Resort in Menifee. So, on Saturday, St. Patrick's Day, we moved camp. It was an easy 94 mile day of travel. The weather was rainy in Jamul, but there was sunshine in Menifee. Because of the weekend, the park was full. But, we found a comfortable site. I even successfully backed the trailer in!

One of the nice things about the location of this park is that it is central to grocery stores, red box dispensing machines, and civilization. It also has full phone and data service! There is also daily pickleball play --- I was in heaven. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I played pickleball on Sunday and Monday. On the courts, there were several players that I knew from playing pickleball at Palm Springs Thousand Trails. Halfway through the second day, I played well --- with my old groove returning. It is amazing how quickly the lack of pickleball play can impact your game.

It was short visit to Wilderness Lakes, but a nice one. Tuesday morning, we packed up the dogs, the truck, and the travel trailer and drove the 68 miles to Palm Desert. Once again, my friend and private ranger, Linda Brockie, gave us some site suggestions. She even met us at the entrance! Her husband, Rick, is a wonderful cook. He recently bought some briskets, put them in a smoker, and was preparing pastrami for sandwiches later in the day. Can you say yummy!?!

I walked the dogs for about 30 minutes. It is hotter weather here. But, Ramsey, Kelsey, and Libby were happy to be back at this park. There are so many dogs and they enjoy all the smells --- as you walk up and down the rows of RVs. Jon gave Tom a list of additional supplies he needed for his hike --- a wishlist indeed! We picked up some of the items at the Walmart in Hemet. And, we found additional items at Dick's Sporting Goods store in Palm Desert. Upon the return to the RV park, I enjoyed a pastrami sandwich at Linda's and Rick's site. Rick hit a home run with the smoker and it was fun seeing Paulette and Larry Parks again.

On Wednesday, we drove up to Warner Springs to meet up with Jon. It was mile 110. Rain and bad weather was on the horizon. Jon decided to get off the Pacific Crest Trail for four nights. He made reservations at a lodge up in Idyllwild. After picking Jon up, we drove to Idyllwild and had lunch at the Mile High Cafe. We were joined by Pat and Bill Wheeler and Pam and Walt MacQueston. They live fairly nearby, in the Jojoba Hills RV Resort in Aguanda, California.

The Silver Pines Lodge in Idyllwild has a special room saved for long distance hikers. Jon was fortunate to get this room! The lodge is in a perfect location --- just a block from most of the town.

Tom, the dogs, and I spent about an hour with Jon in Idyllwild, before heading back to Palm Desert.

Thursday was "hair day." I had an appointment with Bunny at Lotus Salon. Bunny used to care for my hair when I was still full-timing in the 5th wheel. She took care of coloring and cutting my hair. Thank-you, Bunny! She is expecting child number 3 in August.

That evening, we went to Sam's Sushi in La Quinta to get our sushi fix. We had a great sushi chef named Sonny. Lobster roll, yellowtail, tuna, and eel... can't get any better!!!

While in Menifee, I called Kevin at Sundance Custom Mobile RV Service. Richard and I had used him in the past, and he is very reliable. I explained to Kevin that there seemed to be three travel trailer items that need to be fixed. In October 2016, I purchased a Good Sam extended warranty policy. And now, it is time to use it. An appointment was made for Friday, March 23. Kevin dropped by our site in the late afternoon. The air conditioner/furnace issue was solved by putting the fan on automatic. But, Kevin did note the leaking shower problem and the leaking water problem. The leaking water was due to a faulty city water connection.

Since we do not leave the Palm Desert area until Tuesday, April 3, Kevin thought these two items could be fixed in time for our departure.

Tom has been having problems with his right foot. It has been swollen and painful. After several days of ibuprofen and ice treatment, it was time to have it looked at by a doctor professional. Maybe gout???

MedPost Urgent Care in La Quinta is open on Saturday and takes appointments. Tom secured a 9:45 am appointment. I dropped him off, as I needed to go to Costco and cash my annual check. Clever that they make you cash it at a Costco! Of course, I picked up some items and the check covered most of the purchases. Tom texted me. He was ready to be picked up. Love the efficiency of MedPost!  The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug. The prescription was filled at CVS Pharmacy.

On Sunday, we headed back up to Idyllwild to pick Jon up and transport him back to Warner Springs. We had a nice breakfast at Mile High Cafe. The weather is good and Jon is ready to get back on the Pacific Crest Trail.

We won't see him again until he is on the desert floor --- crossing Interstate 10 at White Water near Cabazon. This will probably be Monday, April 2.

On Monday, I kept an appointment for the truck at the Coachella Valley GMC/Buick dealer. I made the appointment several days earlier. The two rear door locks are malfunctioning. They can only be unlocked manually. Monday afternoon, the service representative Raymond Garcia called to say that the door lock mechanisms need to be replaced. The parts were ordered and the truck spent the night at the dealership.

The truck was ready to pick-up Tuesday morning. As the weather was not too hot, I walked the one and one-half miles to the dealership.

Over a month ago, Ramsey got irritated in the travel trailer and broke some of the screen door. Tom decided that it was time to fix it. Using the local True Value Hardware store --- and a tool bought at the Indio Home Depot --- the screen was replaced. Nice job, Tom!

In preparation for the Colorado white water trip through the Grand Canyon in May, I ordered a number of required items through Amazon Prime. While UPS does deliver to Thousand Trails Palm Springs, another delivery option is using an Amazon Locker. The nearest locker is just down the street --- on Varner Road at the Chevron Station. There is a name for this Amazon Locker. It is Hudson. When an item is delivered to the locker, a text is sent with a specific code. When the code is entered on the locker screen, the door opens and the item is ready to be taken. Amazing!

On Wednesday, I decided it was time to take Tom on a field trip. I wanted to show him the preserve that is only eight miles away. It is the Coachella Valley Preserve. It is an oasis with water and old palm trees. The preserve is located on the San Andreas fault. The water comes from the ground crevasses formed under the fault line. Fortunately, it is not boiling hot and it does not smell of sulfer.

We visited the visitor center and then walked through the first oasis. It was recommended to walk the mile to McCallum Pond. I don't think I have ever visited the pond. And, there was a nice photo opportunity!

We walked over three miles total, as there was a scenic view up on a sand dune. Tom wanted to capture a picture of Mount San Gorgonio.

After our visit to the preserve, we drove further to Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs. There is a nice restaurant called Essence. We had no reservation, but they were able to take us. The resort has been in existence for eighty years. Once again, another oasis setting!

Most of the resort guests take advantage of the renowned spa facility and are adorned in white terry cloth robes.