March 2017 - Forward and Back Again

March is already a memory, man the year has been flying by so far. We started out March where we ended February, in Benson, AZ at the Valley Vista RV Park. However, by March 2^nd we were ready to roll and on the road again. http://www.rvparky.com/trip/5627213163003904

Stop #1 in March took us to Quartzite, AZ and the Holiday Palms RV Resort http://www.g7rvresorts.com/arizona/holiday-palms/ .

Just like the pic - taken somewhere on the way

Our mission for this stop was to attend the American Coach Chapter (ACC) http://www.acc-fmca.com/ rally.  ACC is a subchapter of Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) https://www.fmca.com/ and this rally was actually a “pre-rally” to the FMCA rally we attended later in the month. This was our very first major rally of any kind. I guess it’s kind of odd for this to have been a first after all the years we have been RVing. Anyway, there was around 30 American Coaches that showed up and it was cool to see so many in one place. We really haven’t seen many American Coaches during our travels. We had a good rally and met some nice people. REV, the company that owns American Coach, helped sponsor the rally and had some techs there from the factory in Indiana (remember our maintenance trip a few months back). The techs were swamped as they were offering FREE labor on work for coach owners. That was nice to see as REV labor at the factory runs $120 per hour.  

Susan and I did a little exploring while we were in Quartzsite. We were and still are trying to learn the ropes of the Snowbird Migration to Quartzsite. Every year this little town of about 2000 grows to about 1.5 million (ALL RVers)… I’ve seen pictures and watched videos but have not yet been a part of the Quartzsite craze – maybe someday we will have to give it a try.

Cactus on BLM land - the Finger?

During our expedition we realized there was BLM land everywhere and we could easily get our coach there…..hmmmm……Do we hear boon docking coming on? We have talked about staying on BLM land in the past and know many people who do but only a few have rigs the size of ours. It was nice to see some of the areas for ourselves, now we just have to find time in our schedule to slow down.

Also while at the ACC rally we had the “privilege” to meet/see/hear Paul Winer aka

He does wear clothes sometimes

“the Naked Book Seller”….LOL.  He has owned a book store in Quartzite for about 25 years and he is a nudist. So put the two together and you get the title.  We didn’t go to his bookstore, but from what we were told all he wears is a sock and a hat. Anyway he is also a singer, song writer and he came to the rally and entertained us – fully clothed. Look him up on Youtube if you have a moment. He was a very interesting person to say the least and here is a short article about him that was featured in the LA Times a few years ago http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-the-strange-true-tale-of-the-naked-bookseller-20150331-story.html.

She was a Hyde - she wrote this joke!

 

A little Hyde humor

And just like that, the ACC rally was over and we were headed east to Chandler, AZ and the International FMCA Rally our  #2 stop of the month.  The event was held on the grounds of Rawhide Western Town, Chandler, AZ http://rawhide.com/ and became the second major rally in our life. I must say we had no idea what to expect and we left still kinda scratching our heads.

RVs in staging for arrival

When we arrived it didn’t take long to realize this thing was gonna be big, we just didn’t realize how big. It took us a couple hours to get checked in and escorted to our parking site for the week. We were fortunate enough to get a handicapped site on asphalt with electric. Thank you Uncle Sam for disabling me and allowing me to get this spot. Most people were parked on dirt with no electric. They did have water trucks spraying the area regularly but it was still a dusty mess.

We arrived on Sunday the 5^th though the rally didn’t start until noon on Tuesday. By Tuesday there were motorhomes everywhere. I’m not even sure how many different places they were parked but we were informed that the final number was 2726 motor coaches - not counting show coaches and vendors. There were tons of show coaches and we tried to look into as many as we could but I know there were many we missed. So add attendee RVs to the show numbers and there was easily over 3000 coaches total. If you have never seen 3000 motor coaches in the same place at the same time, well to say impressive is an understatement.

As for the actual rally, well it was interesting. There were some decent vendors with options for everything from awning repair, satellite installation, campground/resort information, window repair and replacement, a plethora of cleaning options for inside and outside of the RV, new furniture, some unique cooking utensils, jewelry and more. Susan attended a couple of the education seminars on RV cooking and full time RV living but was not impressed by them. She described them as very elementary, crowded and while they might be good for the beginner she had hoped to learn something. All in all we can say we have now been there, done that and may or may not do it again.

We did take advantage of the time we were in the area and visited a Prevost dealership in Mesa, looked at some new Harley motorcycles (nope, not trading in the Goldwing yet) and purchased a new motorcycle lift http://mountainmaster.net/motorcycleloadingsystem.html for the back of the truck. So aside from spending way too much money we had a good time.

Look at the amount of room!

Our next stop (Stop #3) for the month was Canyon Vistas RV Resort http://www.cal-am.com/resorts/canyon-vistas/  in Gold Canyon, AZ. This stop was only about 40 miles from the rally and we only went there as a stop over as we had a few days to burn before our repair appointment in Apache Junction. We arrived at Canyon Vistas about noon on Saturday and stayed until Monday morning. The resort was huge and the lots were very large – more than enough space for us to park, set out the chairs and relax. Each site was well graveled and had a concrete patio area.

The views of the Superstition Mountains https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstition_Mountains were spectacular and the resort had all the necessary amenities. We stumbled onto this park by accident as we were trying to book another park in the Cal-Am system but they had no availability and so referred us to Canyon Vistas. The people were friendly and the rates were great as we were able to reserve through our RPI membership.

Like many resorts in the area there were a large number of park models available for

View from roof top of model home

purchase and they also had a very nice resort home community - actual stick and brick homes with great usable floor plans. We toured several of the available park models and explored the display homes. If we were looking to settle down and own a home, this is a place we would likely consider. http://www.cal-am.com/resort-homes-for-sale/?Resort=1530&Price=All&Sort=Newest

While at this stop Susan and I unloaded the bike and took a ride down the infamous HWY 88 (Apache Trail).

Wondering if any Wicketts were the models

We had planned to ride HWY 88 from start to finish but that didn’t work out..lol! After running about 50 miles the blacktop turned to washboard sand and the sign said 24 more miles. Uh no, we rode about ½ mile and I made a command decision to turn around. A sand and dirt road was NOT a good combination for 2 up on a Goldwing. So we turned around and went back to Tortilla Flat http://www.tortillaflataz.com/ . We had to stop here because ANYTHING having to do with a tortilla is good and this was no let down. Anyway, the ride was ALL in the Superstition Mountains and they are absolutely something to see.

Stop #4 found us at East Valley RV Services https://eastvalleyrv.com/ on Monday afternoon as we had a 0730 appointment on Tuesday morning. These guys were great and even set us up with 50amp electric for the duration of our stay. We were there for an AC repair, engine service and generator service but as always there is always something more and this time was no different.

Tuesday morning they began the service and about noon checked the AC. It didn’t take long for them to determine that it was indeed Out Of Commission and needed to be replaced. Unfortunately there was not one in stock anywhere close so it was ordered out of Texas and wasn’t scheduled to arrive until Friday, (it was noon Tuesday when we found this out). We knew we had developed an oil leak on the big Cummins so I had them look at it. Also, I knew we were having cooling issues, actually the engine had been running way too cool and only made it to operating temp in high summer when it’s HOT outside. So of course we had them look into that too. AND when I reviewed my service records I realized I was only a month away from our annual HydroHot service, yep - told them to do that as well.

Service writers

Our mechanic

Here is how that week worked out if you really want to know……..new #1 AC installed, they found a crank seal had broken into three pieces resulting in oil leak (replaced crank seal), the thermostat was found to be stuck partially open and all seals gone (replaced thermostat and seals), serviced engine, generator, and HydroHot system. You don’t want to know what this week cost.

Russ - Miracle Worker and Genius 

Well it didn’t end there, we thought by

replacing the #1 AC that we would have the issue resolved, nope. The non-supported, no-longer-made circuit board had fried. SO after

talking with the service tech he was positive he could devise a complete new system to completely replace all old non-supported parts and install all current and modern circuitry. Long story short, a week later and he had us a brand new AC/heat comfort control system installed and it worked flawlessly. We were finally able to leave and our one day service eventually had us camping in their lot for 11 days…lol,

The Lost Dutchman State Park -They wanted $14 just to drive through - we passed - maybe next time

As the coach was being worked on, we had lots of spare time on our hands so Susan and I went on a 200 mile bike ride and saw some more of the Superstition Mountains. We went past the largest Copper Mine I have ever seen (Miami, AZ and Globe, AZ),  http://www.mininghistoryassociation.org/Globe.htm.  

Globe mine

Tonto National Monument

Roosevelt Dam

Tonto National Monument - up close

We also stopped by the Roosevelt Dam and lake, it was not quite what I expected but was still an impressive example of stonework that was completed in the early 1900s. https://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/projects/rooseveltdam/rdhistory.html and as we were driving found the Tonto National Monument https://www.nps.gov/tont/index.htm. I could easily see why people like it here. This area is beautiful.

Everything tends to work out though. The time we were in the shop allowed us additional time in the area. Of course this meant another motorcycle ride, this one to Congress, AZ to spend the day with Randy and Deb LaBrash (friends we met last year at Lake Texoma). We had actually planned to spend the week with them at their North Ranch home https://escapees.com/support/parking/rainbow-parks/congress-arizona   as they have full hook-ups and had graciously offered to show us the area. Deb chauffeured us around the Ranch so we could look at RV lots. Susan and I have talked about setting up a home base at some point so we often find ourselves looking at lots with purchase or lease options as we travel. The area surrounding North Ranch has had a bit of a revival with gold mining so lots there have been selling fairly fast and the prices are currently a bit higher than what we want to commit to at the moment.

Ride routes for all motorcycle trips taken while at Gold Canyon and while we were staying in the shop can be found at the following link: http://www.rvparky.com/trip/5845749005287424. The dates on the link are a bit misleading but sometimes filling in the dates for day trips is a PITA as we are not overnighting and RV Parky is really set up more for planning overnight stuff. So just be aware that the link covers 3 separate trips on three separate dates. Break down of trips - 1) Tortilla Flat - there and back, 2) Globe, Roosevelt, Payson and back to Apache Junction and 3) Congress trip to see Deb and Randy - there and back.

We were also still in Apache Junction when Karl and Marilyn Stroman arrived in

Hooper and Wylde @ the Handlebar Pub & Grill

town. Karl is a retired Coastie I have known online for quite a while but never met.  He and his wife (another couple who are full time RVers) were a lot of fun and we really enjoyed the visits and dinner at the Handlebar Pub and Grill – relaxed atmosphere, incredible food and live music on the night we were there https://www.facebook.com/The-Handlebar-Pub-and-Grill-413937897673/.

As with all things RV, the best laid plans are always subject to change…lol Because of our long stay at East Valley RV Specialist (they are now like family), Susan and I completely changed our route plans the night before we left the service center. After a couple hours of back and forth we had it all worked out…whew glad we didn’t care or have a schedule, and we went to bed.

We got up early the following morning ready to hit the road but decided just one quick check of the weather was in order before we left. Are you kidding me??  Snow from Flagstaff to Gallup, high winds, lows in the low 20’s…etc all forecast for the next 7 days, uhh no!!! So guess what, we completely revised our schedule for the second time in 12 hours…lol,  This time we decided to take the south route along I-10. That would make us backtrack, but that was ok as there were things we wanted to see anyway. So with a NEW plan laid - we were rolling.

Good BYE East Valley RV Services, you guys were awesome and almost became family. We shall see you in the winter for annual service and hopefully no major surprise repairs.
For our 5^th stop of the month we rolled on back to the RPI park of Valley Vista in Benson, AZ. This time through we allowed enough time to see some things we had wanted to see when we were here before but ran out of time for.

Mexico - do we go?

Day one we unloaded the bike and went to Nogales, AZ and saw the border into Mexico, the border wall and tons of Customs and Border Patrol officers. It was a cool place to see, interesting topography, but there was nothing that gave me any desire to live there.  We had a beautiful ride down Hwy 83, across 82 and back up 80. We also had a nice stop at a really cool restaurant, Wild Horse Restaurant which is located in the Stage Stop Inn http://www.stagestophotelpatagonia.com/, in Patagonia, AZ. Read the About section of the Inn’s web page for some interesting history.

Random photographer - we got his finger

Prepping for a gun fight?

Day two we again took the bike and this time went to

Tombstone http://tombstoneweb.com/ where we spent the biggest part of the day. It was very humbling to be able to stand where so much history had taken place. Even though it is now mostly a tourist destination it was still neat to say we have been there. We visited the Boot Hill Cemetery,

Wyatt's House

walked the same streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday, stood beside the OK Corral and toured the historic Tombstone Courthouse http://tombstonecourthouse.com/. 

Tombstone Courthouse

Once we wore out our walking shoes we continued south on the bike to the strangest (ok, not strange, but hard to describe) town I think I have been to, Bisbee, AZ http://www.discoverbisbee.com/. It was built on the sides of mountains and can attribute its founding to the mining industry – copper, gold and silver. You really would just have to go there to experience the streets. There are twists and turns everywhere as one street ends another angles off down a hill or up again. Even on a motorcycle they were a challenge with all the stopping on inclines and odd angles. If you look into the sides of the hills

as you drive along there are stairs, stairs, stairs. In fact there are over 1000 stairs built into the hills of Bisbee http://www.bisbee1000.org/ (about 1/3 of the way down the page is History of the Bisbee 1000).

We finished the day by circling through the town of Fort Huachuca https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Huachuca where we stopped for a brief lunch before heading back up to Benson for some rest and relaxation in preparation for the next move.  

The link for bike routes while staying in Benson is as follows: http://www.rvparky.com/trip/6686150826131456. Note that we did separate this one into the dates we made the actual trips. Some days you the reader get better information than others - but darn, we are trying.

What is in Deming, NM (Stop 6), a small western town in southwest NM? Well, for a short time in March, we were at the Dream Catcher RV Park https://www.escapees.com/support/parking/rainbow-parks/deming-new-mexico in Deming. There really isn’t much in Deming but we are generally able to find something to do.  

We did take a short motorcycle ride http://www.rvparky.com/trip/5888933760598016 to a couple of the state parks. Both were in the middle of nowhere and we really like the middle of nowhere. Spring Canyon State Park is actually a sub-unit of Rock Hound State Park http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/rockhoundstatepark.html and they are only a

few miles from each other. Spring Canyon is day use only with a couple of trails.  On the other hand, Rock Hound http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/rock_hound/state_park.html had a few RV sites and could be a stopping point on a future trip. Both parks were nice and clean with great scenic views.

What goes up - must go down

At one point during the ride to Canyon Springs I was almost positive I heard Susan gasp and say a very descriptive word @#!$ as we went over a hill! That “little hill” was 17% up and IMMEDIATELY 17% down. It literally took our breath away as we crested….lol

On the way back we decided to go into Deming and search out the Luna Mimbres Museum http://www.lunacountyhistoricalsociety.com/. All I can say is wow, if you are ever in this area you have to see it!!! There is no cost for admissions but they do accept free will donations and it has a ton of stuff! The building was actually the National Guard Armory and out-processing point for all NM National Guard going to the battle of Bataan in WWII. Equally important is that the building was

built in 1916 and NM troops actually mustered there to defend the boarders during the raid of Poncho Villa. If all of this were not enough the building also served as the USO building for the area.

Oh but it got even better, as Susan and I walked outside there was a Veterans Park with several nice memorials. While we were looking I couldn’t help but notice an older gentleman sitting in a wheelchair under a flagpole looking at a specific monument. As I walked over to his location I noticed he had a Navy cap on, so yes that was my opening to conversation.

We introduced ourselves and he stated he was in the Navy during Viet Nam. During or conversation he mentioned that upon his return from Viet Nam he became an alcoholic for the next 25 years. He went on to say that finally one morning he woke up, went outside and for the first time realized there must be more to life. He

built the monument we were looking at. He said he was never an artist or a builder, but that he knew he had to do it. That he had a vision of what it was to look like and how it was to be done. That was 22 years ago. 

He described the meaning of the monument and how each side was angled and leaned in odd direction because in his words, “nothing about Viet Nam was true”. I understood what he was saying. We carried on our conversation for probably ½ hour or more, I thanked him for his service, for building the monument and told him thank you from my dad who had also been there, but passed away recently. HE got a tear, shook my hand and we parted ways. I knew right then it was moments like this, unlikely chance meetings that really described why we drive around the country and live in our RV.

We finished out our stay in Deming and our month with a horrible dust storm, winds that would blow a horse over and memories of the old man in the wheel chair. The true irony was that I met this man who told me his story only one day after the remembrance of Viet Nam Day – I think him and I both got something out of that visit.

Until next month, we shall see you again.