tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48030196639650728152023-11-16T03:08:46.343-08:00RETIREMENT ADVENTURESMike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-69463060482735470932009-12-02T18:48:00.001-08:002010-07-06T21:35:51.555-07:00NOV 30 to DEC 3 - ON THE ROAD HOMEWe left Yuma on November 30th and headed out on the Interstate 8. Approximately 7 miles outside of Yuma we went through the Imperial Sand Dunes and were surprised to see this large desert area of beautiful sand dunes which reminded us of the ones in Oregon. We will definitely want to visit these when we return to Yuma!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420889855291782626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21yK8szZAGz-ZxDM6ASkd0pxGGWNTkAPlKXJFgoxyEzTEPfY1i_XMQPpo4R7Png3JdbmZB1Xz3gT8ZvuG7ViFe3nScNlubJTow16gGpeKSQjFlmx3NzdDvs45VvYXSUT97dftmYkDf5-v/s320/sand-hills-yuma1%5B1%5D.jpg" />We also drove past the Salton Sea which is a salty body of water and part of the Colorado river system that gives life to the Sorona desert. Take any desert and add water and "Presto" things will grow and people will come.<br /><br />The desert has a magical beauty that is breathtaking. Below is a photo of a Joshua Tree which grow in abundance near Palms Springs.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490950760639115842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn4JzcpCeE0UIG7BPYqLkTLGAZPXG9rOcN8Zjw6FyUYlygMJGECS4gy6S09eZV6n0ueek8aeZgTbSyqSgcmYyWNk5QYgO88TkOuipgA9-F1931o82zE9TZiSVU_LQe1JicKrWSoD9qR-C/s320/jotr32730.small%5B1%5D.jpg" />There are many large wind turbine generator farms just outside Palm Springs which have thousands of windmills which are 150 feet tall and have blades the length of half a football field. They cost upwards of $300,000 and the 4,000 wind farm in the San Goronio pass in the San Berandino Mountains supplies enough electricity to power Palms Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420889225140958370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SvprHUuexLvHMOHxTHbGkj3C_7ABkXjLvkGjRdsq-LpEDKeEC_Svglp0CE_wAVnXombOVENkiawn4kP1koPIaEdM_nVZL-j1EZiJIiPI4HUit98jFr0V8BV5egGw3S5uihECvnXneEDk/s320/DSC02247.JPG" />We drove through many small towns after Palm Springs as we wanted to avoid Los Angeles and the roads were in very poor condition - I guess since California is broke they have no money to do roadwork. It was getting dark when we stopped at the KOA in Visalia for the night but had only travelled 450 miles as it was slow going on the backroads we used to avoid LA.<br /><br />The next morning, December 1st, we got up at 6 am to freezing temperaturs and it was very foggy. We were worried about ice on the road and the fog but we took our time and the fog burned off before too long.<br /><br />As we drove north, the leaves around Merced were turning yellow and by the time we got to Oregon the trees had lost their leaves. In two days, we went from summer, to fall, to winter! Below, you can see the mistletoe in the bare branches of the trees.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420889211287110386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rmWIufUy65MUIJkpH8zOMtUYxu0AYkgkKOxWU3_JYRQ4DXQylQILYwOwCvxy7d1y7zwqaYYMheqj1E1ERWNbxj6Rq1-y38sw-OA1Os7XuHKdp73jOEH-XBmj4IKva6pU6Vxidu6cXr_6/s320/DSC02268.JPG" />The temperatures in northern California were lovely, 20C at Redding then it got cooler as we climbed up the mountains and went through the Siskiyou Pass. We hit the summit of 4310 feet, then the road descended steeply for 6 miles to about 1300 feet, losing about 3000 feet of altitude. It was a nailbiter.<br /><br />Beautiful views of Mt. Shasta (14,162 feet).</p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420889865462588034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzGInOHocz5F-2g_7jc1kk2ZSLgDRuKsMPvGbvmeXXFssEhJsWij-20u3ucxn5YsDsuAXZ-6JvXUqepFshUYn53xv2fyx6RHE35wNwyT164xAY50wBKhzAUNb9l_6HGskEBHwD2vLtqnX/s320/DSC02264.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410857270631897730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNGhL9GZjtjbLSwGIxzotmOzv9kmnEYUAUb8RHfBJk7C1wlGMN5D6_HDETuUf1nhZR-5JnVxr-amMWyr8Ppa45RbhkXXejf21xGL_X24LwYk3w4ZpEJhEZ23Q8-GhWin0_6WEEvbWzNt7/s320/DSC02265.JPG" /><br />Mt. Shasta Lake had low water level.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420889216752142130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsITkv-eA7cpUZ_wyD1fzNfybKyU9qqBIG9YWzjjwSc9MTvhXljDSvXWa1EX-ObYNS9_lmsTbp6DUh-FRnX_3T8lUeOdEHnk5oTJ7Csi5cSrl-6U8UYhEpHLV0s9CZ3hpXhXTlZqUYEKeh/s320/DSC02250.JPG" /><br />We stopped overnight at the Medford/Gold Hill KOA in Oregon after driving 525 miles. It was a long day but we were pleased that it was sunny and there was no snow in the passes. We went to bed early and since we were in freezing temperatures, we were thankful our heater was keeping us warm. The Bennetts were happy that the RV repair service in Yuma did a great job repairing their heater and were also cozy and warm.<br /><br />December 2nd we were on the road at 7 am and drove in fog until 10:30 then sunny skies as we drove through Oregon and most of Washington. The mountain scenery was beautiful and we drove 500+ miles to stay the final night in Burlington.<br /><br />We pulled out of the Burlington, Washington, KOA at 7:00 am December 3rd and headed to the border. It was busy on the I-5 but luckily no wait at the border. After a few questions we were through and back in Canada!<br /><br />Luck was on our side and we caught the 9:00 ferry. We decided to go to the buffet and end our trip the way we began - enjoying breakfast with our good friends, Lana and Barry!<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490968195405595746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04MMasipnfrAcm4rgJS4lMy_hfbGtEDuM9VPbZ0ksD782srMpWdfZOQtWh78lLoeHMZ_-mQEe0Ae3dOmYKsiW_xeGPJsgYwtbHNE0Ql8LcdkUsNRpn_Tfi3g6HyNNA5sVP9KgNJ93idaH/s320/DSC02272.JPG" /><br />We arrived at the house by noon, unpacked and were happy to be home again. What a great trip, we are so thankful that we got to see so many places and enjoy so many adventures! It was everything we hoped it would be and more!Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-63145066010453200712009-11-29T20:16:00.001-08:002009-11-30T20:38:53.689-08:00NOV 29 - TIME TO GO HOMEChristmas is coming and it is very strange to see decorations going up in Yuma and Christmas songs being played at stores and restaurants.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409747292200364930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BoSwOwZ_SKd4k-UsG766cl9VU7iMvRI0ObcY9xsP_VufhX6x-SF6JPBKJHDNb0z3KvTc1izugAT2C8CQ1wLrsICzc4FR4TvAfFwINmjtc0FCNAqqqoY2MH5sHSFvx9HYU2MaN5olQpFL/s320/DSC02231.JPG" /> Last night Lana and I went out to get a photo of the Yuma watertower which was lit up for Christmas and had to go onto the Desert Hills Golf Course to get this shot. </p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409747287565275746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xDtGnxxh_-PcF1Lx8a-DBoUi9uFLL0XFCsBL0OydBdQW0Lb3F-dxeGzKVlRsmRXfERGhDfxylbVCiIwEPAAKV_Km5gh5bnGL62j4f_mGico_51dqH379BQUaq0_Da93umdw0fSzHWnQy/s320/DSC02233.JPG" /> </p>On the way back to our RV park, we dropped by to take a photo of the nearby Mine Shaft Pub's "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" sign which we liked. We decided to go back the next day with the guys for a farewell drink as we are leaving on Monday, November 30th.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409746412279913906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSFSz0Ct7EhM9PjB0mxRS8A0XYo6NSWDFtlcrzWfgOs8EF8MiHYKHGnbSlLnvc6eQk58Je6gCaUj007wveSy809ybZJe9G5A370kujpuZM3xlTq8D6VSMQZJMsn7n95GbhGT4eAVbQhmI/s320/DSC02237.JPG" /> No, we did not arrive in the stretch Hummer, it was the owner's.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqb3BnFuN2J5aOksmCaEhHIso6TZhdc7_BTnbPJY__xDeSvywlAHR1Hpl83iHSd2oH9NujHmhRagLkfJoVVrkOZuKFFZmobgjXExTB7AKmgycEBFpugmCPMY1KY31GbzSPw-ZHXixRmpu/s1600/DSC02238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409746404988278786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqb3BnFuN2J5aOksmCaEhHIso6TZhdc7_BTnbPJY__xDeSvywlAHR1Hpl83iHSd2oH9NujHmhRagLkfJoVVrkOZuKFFZmobgjXExTB7AKmgycEBFpugmCPMY1KY31GbzSPw-ZHXixRmpu/s320/DSC02238.JPG" /></a> The outside walls are covered with cute and quaint signs but the inside is quite dingy and it was probably a good thing that it was poorly lit and dark. We decided to sit outside under palapas and near the swimup bar, however there were no swimmer's today as it was 75F and considered cool for Yuma.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIggcCKbYnOJstqxz5ya6pH6XDixUvntm0FvwqZdcNwYs459prUW-uueDqR26qj3uFpUYZCObgQyUOJTAqRLJslOoGWFT0B3xSE88wEFSqxDd5znCTQ1hu7ojUBCQ9-tzu54oBEaQ_9tP2/s1600/DSC02239.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409746394300878002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIggcCKbYnOJstqxz5ya6pH6XDixUvntm0FvwqZdcNwYs459prUW-uueDqR26qj3uFpUYZCObgQyUOJTAqRLJslOoGWFT0B3xSE88wEFSqxDd5znCTQ1hu7ojUBCQ9-tzu54oBEaQ_9tP2/s320/DSC02239.JPG" /></a> Al and April Hayden, Tom and Shelley Brazier and several others from the RV Park joined us and wished us a good trip home. It was a lot of fun and we will miss our Yuma friends and, of course, the beautiful Yuma weather. But after almost four months, we can hardly wait to see our family and friends. We have been very blessed and now hope for good weather for our return trip.</div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-45476049352674650562009-11-23T07:24:00.000-08:002009-11-26T06:22:35.220-08:00NOV 22 - GOLFING & HOT AIR BALLOONSMike and I were golfing with Ted's group at Desert Hills Golf Course this morning and, as we were leaving at 7:15 am, Lana was getting in their truck with camera in hand to see the morning ascension of the baloons nearby.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6L_T7rP1KMEshNq548rKXhMBPJQ0BCnU_5RN7VdSpnMUob0SvBv-iL9fTqchooiP0uCxyJhRzZc4ghd943AVo__7XkA-Yr6l0KkrddQTp5H17BVnDpOUBBdAAHqkteAZdMuYaE1gtwvo/s1600/DSC_0064%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407324112109496466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6L_T7rP1KMEshNq548rKXhMBPJQ0BCnU_5RN7VdSpnMUob0SvBv-iL9fTqchooiP0uCxyJhRzZc4ghd943AVo__7XkA-Yr6l0KkrddQTp5H17BVnDpOUBBdAAHqkteAZdMuYaE1gtwvo/s320/DSC_0064%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> She was thrilled to see the balloons take off and these are two of her photos.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4oFMgptmoEamSWc9Pwe9frCcw1qgE1LfgfmE6Kc1wjp1bKq0VvWcWvTqTdfF7h9XTbo4XWXTPAFgqs_cvBf1Lo2vSWC1vcWLTXLHtwSQ_vNMcnXF64BPSP-2hItikWGkjjpEQs1uaPCS/s1600/DSC_0068-1%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407324108775666722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4oFMgptmoEamSWc9Pwe9frCcw1qgE1LfgfmE6Kc1wjp1bKq0VvWcWvTqTdfF7h9XTbo4XWXTPAFgqs_cvBf1Lo2vSWC1vcWLTXLHtwSQ_vNMcnXF64BPSP-2hItikWGkjjpEQs1uaPCS/s320/DSC_0068-1%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> Lana said 25 balloons took off one after another - beautiful!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRRVRJqLzEjW0mG04MdaibKiHQcLIUTvZLd91D72VgAZ_sspnCFvGORDIaIgJm7wRWK_NhaQopi4c6_WWKn2_T9UATS3fPZ-4V3LI9F8zcuYaVBATTTlbnpBvMUYk99IwOrViLUVXp36G/s1600/DSC02206.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407324101725049106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRRVRJqLzEjW0mG04MdaibKiHQcLIUTvZLd91D72VgAZ_sspnCFvGORDIaIgJm7wRWK_NhaQopi4c6_WWKn2_T9UATS3fPZ-4V3LI9F8zcuYaVBATTTlbnpBvMUYk99IwOrViLUVXp36G/s320/DSC02206.JPG" /></a> As we were beginning to tee off, the balloons appeared in the sky (you can click on photo to enlarge) and it was a great sight for us to enjoy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRnYs7dFPmcGyH5uTGHN3Fs7PRr5lvLdrYhjyGFh4p9_aVbaT5mG2jVte42Dy0lFgr9nw_BUHPLuTFbI6c7To1_emIa-Z1eW4NWuu7FfL2Kh6rw_MIPo_q2WxxINktXlW5BCRT7pxipHk/s1600/DSC02205.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMOvfefJovrPwt5oLB-2e4w9SM9qBavU8yVwA2xA4YVS60UokRLoSb1qYwrQLmKV7wMQj1v_wEzK3euYKVe0jGfuGYmynVKZVovFd56dCtIuQVpaSSpgpgxmR2zU5U5D7is1hpRTkXniz/s1600/DSC02208.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322809796556210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMOvfefJovrPwt5oLB-2e4w9SM9qBavU8yVwA2xA4YVS60UokRLoSb1qYwrQLmKV7wMQj1v_wEzK3euYKVe0jGfuGYmynVKZVovFd56dCtIuQVpaSSpgpgxmR2zU5U5D7is1hpRTkXniz/s320/DSC02208.JPG" /></a> Ted, Mike and Ken with balloons in background. Golf, palm trees and hot air balloons decorating the sky - can life get any better?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYheS6Ku7Rcq8b7Jw6XqAYWPHEe_pdm-oNAgskYtlrYVHAQ2UoS5pyjJ2VMmoCFiEIevUkp5ibfzpI3TFXRrX1u_Su6hBCbASy1geP_I2dAcpxeRVt6KX_mKFrhkM2ISmnJIgY7M2SgqHT/s1600/DSC02211.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322805826193458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYheS6Ku7Rcq8b7Jw6XqAYWPHEe_pdm-oNAgskYtlrYVHAQ2UoS5pyjJ2VMmoCFiEIevUkp5ibfzpI3TFXRrX1u_Su6hBCbASy1geP_I2dAcpxeRVt6KX_mKFrhkM2ISmnJIgY7M2SgqHT/s320/DSC02211.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZx2RYJSXE9YzxhifltzXt1znetnsmrbx-C6GttbBhgKD79dPZxeupPTFTP27_rku8_qXentNz0jibnPDrQMjqVsMY55uRl6852OOe4V7IEr-Vbewtbzjh-WpAfdrJjtE2PWq7dcfSoTO/s1600/DSC02216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322795192250898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZx2RYJSXE9YzxhifltzXt1znetnsmrbx-C6GttbBhgKD79dPZxeupPTFTP27_rku8_qXentNz0jibnPDrQMjqVsMY55uRl6852OOe4V7IEr-Vbewtbzjh-WpAfdrJjtE2PWq7dcfSoTO/s320/DSC02216.JPG" /></a> Me teeing off and trying to keep my eye on the ball and not the balloons.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2HI02uCwo-00FeX6Z9qwxMnCmbE8mM2_9jsjhGA5dq-t2S9nOaqOcPaKr-zom7d-23zLKbqS0iBSwbLlTvfwfqhL2mD9MEbARLfW6o8PAvrG2vmpx-lJ_yjU7tqV3JDdINjZwgNQ0Bs3/s1600/DSC02217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322057750101122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2HI02uCwo-00FeX6Z9qwxMnCmbE8mM2_9jsjhGA5dq-t2S9nOaqOcPaKr-zom7d-23zLKbqS0iBSwbLlTvfwfqhL2mD9MEbARLfW6o8PAvrG2vmpx-lJ_yjU7tqV3JDdINjZwgNQ0Bs3/s320/DSC02217.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7adJ9flopsZmjiqV5nMduaeIKfYK8jBpoqq3_7eWU6gFcZh6-vzk_wgC27lNWdQbcFEPXUZzg3R0fBX_BQSlk5amx6yRemILHtVJKnOYgQE3adYhbbRx1t4x0W15Pd3AC7gGYOq2D9jb/s1600/DSC02218.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322054828856242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7adJ9flopsZmjiqV5nMduaeIKfYK8jBpoqq3_7eWU6gFcZh6-vzk_wgC27lNWdQbcFEPXUZzg3R0fBX_BQSlk5amx6yRemILHtVJKnOYgQE3adYhbbRx1t4x0W15Pd3AC7gGYOq2D9jb/s320/DSC02218.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkGRQ4uAY9sryuSEPMXNrQsfuUD9oVUiX7MEbE57E3XcW55IbFHybR5Lkilv1XaLwUWmAYfN0TGJFWAAEfvBCkPGRqhLciFKHuyco99Nt4bYuU89dHQHOltGcLjcxfr4AzupS0DCbvcij/s1600/DSC02219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322051672263026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkGRQ4uAY9sryuSEPMXNrQsfuUD9oVUiX7MEbE57E3XcW55IbFHybR5Lkilv1XaLwUWmAYfN0TGJFWAAEfvBCkPGRqhLciFKHuyco99Nt4bYuU89dHQHOltGcLjcxfr4AzupS0DCbvcij/s320/DSC02219.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGVtr2HdIy84aXdM8-5Srdtuz6tBW4NbcMDZy1Aj5Y7dhlRi32njAM2arT1gRlkG93QgiQGny37rePNZM8kXYYuymEYPRnHhyv0jUj-sQJlce96t4kYPZPu2iHLGOOFU2JHB5IoypF4SO/s1600/DSC02224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407322041808674114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGVtr2HdIy84aXdM8-5Srdtuz6tBW4NbcMDZy1Aj5Y7dhlRi32njAM2arT1gRlkG93QgiQGny37rePNZM8kXYYuymEYPRnHhyv0jUj-sQJlce96t4kYPZPu2iHLGOOFU2JHB5IoypF4SO/s320/DSC02224.JPG" /></a> Yuma watertower on the golf course. You can see it from miles away as the land is totally flat here and this landmark is almost as good as a compass to let you know where you are.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-68536151680439701102009-11-22T18:23:00.001-08:002009-11-23T19:24:52.307-08:00NOV 21 - YUMA HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVALThis is the weekend of the Yuma Balloon Festival and we attended the "Balloon Glow" that was happening at 5 pm in a stadium only a mile from our resort.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsB4j5YCbPIuXn3eXNjdXYjZ8meAn-gxB_vFUaQaxNbgzSCaQGKzxnFnic35Jd8NLw6GiWn4mp8JTjsGMSwIBbT3NUC_9rc1pxle9xFKTeqidg-E6GlCwmH3RSEw-6u5wKT7FcZB79iur/s1600/DSC02167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407121113042935058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsB4j5YCbPIuXn3eXNjdXYjZ8meAn-gxB_vFUaQaxNbgzSCaQGKzxnFnic35Jd8NLw6GiWn4mp8JTjsGMSwIBbT3NUC_9rc1pxle9xFKTeqidg-E6GlCwmH3RSEw-6u5wKT7FcZB79iur/s320/DSC02167.JPG" /></a> When we arrived all the balloons were laid out in the baseball field and they were just beginning to be inflated.</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinblE-gfKASU6nyraty8JAf4cWZDhW5DLMEJzS00Dqt_6_E-6XTPLuX5W5T0WXJq39eoynWI6Fu-a_dJEjAzklhwKk6g_LFlTOEVj6NbiWFlaXr0AdhIkiMBFnKWOApUd5hPrBy8HWtIjC/s1600/DSC02169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407121112717983266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinblE-gfKASU6nyraty8JAf4cWZDhW5DLMEJzS00Dqt_6_E-6XTPLuX5W5T0WXJq39eoynWI6Fu-a_dJEjAzklhwKk6g_LFlTOEVj6NbiWFlaXr0AdhIkiMBFnKWOApUd5hPrBy8HWtIjC/s320/DSC02169.JPG" /></a> Using a large fan, air was blown into the balloons and I was surprised that they only took about 20 to 30 minutes to fill with air.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ybhdZkUUqgGllkuINXhv6lbdk7RPhWsXWnajsZQ0UfIl0lXSokHU4HL-AW-yaajlNi7Q2WlVzMD1xbB8aJiBPkZ2H3q_uPS4TYdeB-sDlnwHKovxMnaFoQv4VEqoApQVw9FDGor5QxvG/s1600/DSC02179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407121103168040386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ybhdZkUUqgGllkuINXhv6lbdk7RPhWsXWnajsZQ0UfIl0lXSokHU4HL-AW-yaajlNi7Q2WlVzMD1xbB8aJiBPkZ2H3q_uPS4TYdeB-sDlnwHKovxMnaFoQv4VEqoApQVw9FDGor5QxvG/s320/DSC02179.JPG" /></a> A person held a rope attached to the top of the balloon to keep it laying down while it was being filled with air.</div><div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLls3nKy86ao2NyIiJLHrDFG4A_UgyzH1tVPDPCb-j3P2DuTkxTnbMGopk3Rrz51uvbJm_dkqAaUuU7kO4jQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>Here is a video of the balloon being inflated.</div><div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwauYa6R7zjBZuK9s4HGYTb4UkVW-8n56GT6Di9rpY-EF_K7p1Mw1kHCn4Mn0trXwxefcYI8wzz74-2fuzZYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>Next they turned on the flame and uprighted the basket as you can see in this video. The baskets were tethered to the ground so they would not take off.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS3srMiio8-1zDFX_btPhKLdC3O197fc7UNTi5_8KZxMqLqnNp3XJakd60xzE4IinoBQe2iR6LrBlY4NJHqLPJdmL5Osya3tIzIvbmLXhT0aM9RKiVD2GcyxD242le4CZLVwhmDeZHtrF/s1600/DSC02185.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407121097571111826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS3srMiio8-1zDFX_btPhKLdC3O197fc7UNTi5_8KZxMqLqnNp3XJakd60xzE4IinoBQe2iR6LrBlY4NJHqLPJdmL5Osya3tIzIvbmLXhT0aM9RKiVD2GcyxD242le4CZLVwhmDeZHtrF/s320/DSC02185.JPG" /></a> People were welcome to come right up to the balloons and watch this event.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOTCsGQN-7pgyJ-g6MNhqa92nXgLaduhTdsAgMWoZfBpDknJ7n2WgwHre_CuSG38vR7DUmCbcndUFrtbWRsVFi4YhCJQOOX0TlEzzSVgrNpTNuJi75jRowGamJhk_RMu7why0S9OZfpuk/s1600/DSC02187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119998374781506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOTCsGQN-7pgyJ-g6MNhqa92nXgLaduhTdsAgMWoZfBpDknJ7n2WgwHre_CuSG38vR7DUmCbcndUFrtbWRsVFi4YhCJQOOX0TlEzzSVgrNpTNuJi75jRowGamJhk_RMu7why0S9OZfpuk/s320/DSC02187.JPG" /></a> Now there were 20 hot air balloons on the baseball field.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK_Ls8Xo0JxgVRE1CKbZm6PW3rom1Om57TuatVp5V3fNNicsACda-xQkZbtIo8hz6evoV9U2ZOF_t5JXlJnSc9RG8E8RsCMPw1jFVNcQkl5RjY8XfdixXPNgkaHMeKo0V16taUdrXBzzB/s1600/DSC02196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119991248646930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK_Ls8Xo0JxgVRE1CKbZm6PW3rom1Om57TuatVp5V3fNNicsACda-xQkZbtIo8hz6evoV9U2ZOF_t5JXlJnSc9RG8E8RsCMPw1jFVNcQkl5RjY8XfdixXPNgkaHMeKo0V16taUdrXBzzB/s320/DSC02196.JPG" /></a> As the sky darkened, the announcer would have everyone do a count to 3, at which time the balloon pilots would start the flame which would light up the baloons and "glow". This continued as the night got darker and it was beautiful.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgyptFcKy3Pn0NsjBkf2oEmyTqNkSYJl7IdoKZurh_RQUW8mOI7P6PxZxaL8DewUAKu_1Xs0iyU9h330denYrrVMfQTFKlaw2V2GNWfb4nVXIDVVVgV2G6dnJj2doTdNS9WmZIARZJZDJ/s1600/DSC02199.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119982927823442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgyptFcKy3Pn0NsjBkf2oEmyTqNkSYJl7IdoKZurh_RQUW8mOI7P6PxZxaL8DewUAKu_1Xs0iyU9h330denYrrVMfQTFKlaw2V2GNWfb4nVXIDVVVgV2G6dnJj2doTdNS9WmZIARZJZDJ/s320/DSC02199.JPG" /></a> <div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhTwhfBMshv7Iub5jdBeC3gkiPuimahwTUb7Rmxu5bRgE8pUTlWFPRalIi1asBO6A9ouAp-XtppFGXby1KJQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>The amount of heat from the balloon flames on the field was intense. Here is a video close up of the flame being hit.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc8WfRTfp6iO9lVYJqx-VcFStyBO3bwsTVSEogaCnC8FQcDXMtq80FtO1ZvLavRdv_CNlQcdnhuyYV9IC0U9G_wc-f9kPrKMMvMySxLFIgcQVJOlAiyZvvjB_9Nf_jStaHPz2jiU-jQlq/s1600/DSC02200.JPG"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119971041809858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc8WfRTfp6iO9lVYJqx-VcFStyBO3bwsTVSEogaCnC8FQcDXMtq80FtO1ZvLavRdv_CNlQcdnhuyYV9IC0U9G_wc-f9kPrKMMvMySxLFIgcQVJOlAiyZvvjB_9Nf_jStaHPz2jiU-jQlq/s320/DSC02200.JPG" /></a>This was an amazing, beautiful evening and we loved it.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407503483633745106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNtArtuOC5faLOje6ZIQzjN8voBQsLri42wUW3pGkIdlLzffNoYit772gOlss0YtSuoG-uwh5oe_kQ4atMzYbVrimbM1wA5SQUKjphq9r7XtMH2x92V1hAAW019E7_l85KM2rqYesVakB/s320/DSC_0047-1%5B1%5D.JPG" /></div><div>It was followed by fireworks that we got to enjoy from our RV site. We love Yuma! </div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-48563893243003058852009-11-22T17:24:00.000-08:002009-11-22T18:16:20.368-08:00NOV 20 - ARIZONA MARKET<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAGeCt30fFylU3SbpDEkmbjYmn49NNiUh98KHcn41UMMDO2d_V09JP5bV5_jGD-TslrDDxjR5p6P1bbYgxzJ2L16x9O1Qn3E-MLy4NOEqqgxg2AYPm2asuDmmMv4hoRq1H6Fd1A8n7wDj/s1600/DSC02147.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407113084194738322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAGeCt30fFylU3SbpDEkmbjYmn49NNiUh98KHcn41UMMDO2d_V09JP5bV5_jGD-TslrDDxjR5p6P1bbYgxzJ2L16x9O1Qn3E-MLy4NOEqqgxg2AYPm2asuDmmMv4hoRq1H6Fd1A8n7wDj/s320/DSC02147.JPG" /></a>This is the other flea market in Yuma. It is very large and all items are new. You can get everything from nuts to bolts.<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1umxExjsSVdQabcoogTOj4cLDgHkfYvVDFP6l6vLfRR0QUBybdhQgMHcZtUVUsyzi3Xmf4aU1UYK_fKMxr0LWjvkPSTSdKFVVrVQtgCDsnltYkwcEsFwIdT1-d-_wh5Ew0wY0C-S7WYH/s1600/DSC02141.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407106216308654546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1umxExjsSVdQabcoogTOj4cLDgHkfYvVDFP6l6vLfRR0QUBybdhQgMHcZtUVUsyzi3Xmf4aU1UYK_fKMxr0LWjvkPSTSdKFVVrVQtgCDsnltYkwcEsFwIdT1-d-_wh5Ew0wY0C-S7WYH/s320/DSC02141.JPG" /></a> You can get designer "knock-off" purses.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY-o2qApBgbDO6f7iaMuUz8iJVULXa-istSjpj4YY6yeR6AyUUF6e0vMCh_5D3leYb9n5jDphaOhx1YnNICz7yg7oCg9hXtAFmgNuybgiSfPTy0BoXILewSHrr4nVkMk0T9XdQLsQBub-/s1600/DSC02145.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407106210037228482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY-o2qApBgbDO6f7iaMuUz8iJVULXa-istSjpj4YY6yeR6AyUUF6e0vMCh_5D3leYb9n5jDphaOhx1YnNICz7yg7oCg9hXtAFmgNuybgiSfPTy0BoXILewSHrr4nVkMk0T9XdQLsQBub-/s320/DSC02145.JPG" /></a>These ladies had a clothing shop with some lovely clothes that they had got from a boutique in Vegas that was closing out. The dress to the right is made of fine metal chain and cost $1500 but was gorgeous. The rest of the items were very reasonable.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iMgMOkWfLs7X1BbSziu-aAlDWY9tBfyNr7SP3nP-nkiHIsCFSi5O3cJlYzhXYIB4QzkWMdF-gKsCPUvxumKgQCwT3hDKywDCSCIVd2PQGfw2RG_knOWmAUR3wjDlzpvqGmgEZksUKwDx/s1600/DSC02146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407106203352505522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iMgMOkWfLs7X1BbSziu-aAlDWY9tBfyNr7SP3nP-nkiHIsCFSi5O3cJlYzhXYIB4QzkWMdF-gKsCPUvxumKgQCwT3hDKywDCSCIVd2PQGfw2RG_knOWmAUR3wjDlzpvqGmgEZksUKwDx/s320/DSC02146.JPG" /></a>Many metallic wall ornaments.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD7ylbZfJOYYeDoreZyFrgt-BfEfOd2-9QvF3pTK-4GruvU6STsKnqG7y_arWbfPCrOF88dqBkILizgwfe1Mw1Zjqx_REzmE15phq1JN8xmkfxpnbkBA4HiSCLEavpi9mGezSMBDXxUsg/s1600/DSC02153.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407105031525848034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD7ylbZfJOYYeDoreZyFrgt-BfEfOd2-9QvF3pTK-4GruvU6STsKnqG7y_arWbfPCrOF88dqBkILizgwfe1Mw1Zjqx_REzmE15phq1JN8xmkfxpnbkBA4HiSCLEavpi9mGezSMBDXxUsg/s320/DSC02153.JPG" /></a>Lots of garden ornaments as well.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3zeYfSrBMR_XwR42lPUm2Ezv3qHHZt5KTgoITKHsbE2SA3lq8763zyIBG6gxlI6H3dr34Lt_I4Z9CapIZJWXy9YLDsIzzE35MN-I4icWN-KMM-1QP3DVnWJBp9RiirU-IsjuMv5fMyG5/s1600/DSC02155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407105027096533394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3zeYfSrBMR_XwR42lPUm2Ezv3qHHZt5KTgoITKHsbE2SA3lq8763zyIBG6gxlI6H3dr34Lt_I4Z9CapIZJWXy9YLDsIzzE35MN-I4icWN-KMM-1QP3DVnWJBp9RiirU-IsjuMv5fMyG5/s320/DSC02155.JPG" /></a>This poodle with his sunglasses seemed to enjoy shopping.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-9lRTwAmFXXPxdQXVoy4lpl6NAXSWWzb16ma14TG7-EB4qugda8FaviC_Bo1UAMHrP9TuZlpI-a5BOTjh_-BE3uGpHpr5iIJZWGILn6Mc83mrNLegfVbYTYZqjwT2JbUbyXYYVDf3_A/s1600/DSC02164.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407112476420168450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-9lRTwAmFXXPxdQXVoy4lpl6NAXSWWzb16ma14TG7-EB4qugda8FaviC_Bo1UAMHrP9TuZlpI-a5BOTjh_-BE3uGpHpr5iIJZWGILn6Mc83mrNLegfVbYTYZqjwT2JbUbyXYYVDf3_A/s320/DSC02164.JPG" /></a>Later, our neighbour, Tom, arrived on a motorcycle he purchased to keep in Yuma for the 6 months/year he will be staying here. Barry (of course) had seen the bike and it was too good a deal to pass on. It is a beautiful bike and Shelley is also pleased with it, although Tom has been informed polishing chrome will be his job.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmjEEChGbMTfo1XXao0dzNGAh7kUyjw7ju9eQeB-ZV5jAq4wpsiGIoo8RPwIg-xmwX3yPTSJEhVuwlNg4uyHEK9xFX7uxr6aSL0dn1Tnm0QIPcYt62PXF9xu_wbKxlJb7hpgDa1zNEvDC/s1600/DSC02138.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407105009260007186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmjEEChGbMTfo1XXao0dzNGAh7kUyjw7ju9eQeB-ZV5jAq4wpsiGIoo8RPwIg-xmwX3yPTSJEhVuwlNg4uyHEK9xFX7uxr6aSL0dn1Tnm0QIPcYt62PXF9xu_wbKxlJb7hpgDa1zNEvDC/s320/DSC02138.JPG" /></a>The next day we visited Ted and Giggs at Del Pueblo RV Resort. Spent the afternoon at a "jam" session which had some talented musicians then had a BBQ at Ted's place. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-54033088363127397932009-11-21T07:20:00.000-08:002009-11-22T17:19:54.407-08:00NOV 17 - LOS ALGODONES, MEXICO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6_c-Du4qxvv0M9jTlXqmGYIKl7K5MqOxthJu9D8OyIE35iKR4rJOYcEq743bDxIXovrxiKiws-D4_9hYudcWqu3qudSLY43EHs2hAvCVLbHy0_BXRu-EgQA-N2HfVstY2FMZrcuJO-Mi/s1600/DSC02134.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406649622369058434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6_c-Du4qxvv0M9jTlXqmGYIKl7K5MqOxthJu9D8OyIE35iKR4rJOYcEq743bDxIXovrxiKiws-D4_9hYudcWqu3qudSLY43EHs2hAvCVLbHy0_BXRu-EgQA-N2HfVstY2FMZrcuJO-Mi/s320/DSC02134.JPG" /></a> We returned to the border Mexican town with Lana and Barry. We were immediately approached by sellers and Mike and Barry both got leather chaps at a very good price. After more shopping, we stopped in this courtyard for "cervesas" and enjoyed Mexican music.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxBGuHm8pa6MdWISkl15C3jHq-lNjb8q1VZGFMUq1zZowKvCf8mVx5xjARSSZy_8pWY1TNcoQAE3zv79rEN16mtOCMFaQBQDUyFM9DPPDkPMpN00y3xI5plULksCKlb_vTkM7SEV1aVrR/s1600/DSC02135.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406649617315827714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxBGuHm8pa6MdWISkl15C3jHq-lNjb8q1VZGFMUq1zZowKvCf8mVx5xjARSSZy_8pWY1TNcoQAE3zv79rEN16mtOCMFaQBQDUyFM9DPPDkPMpN00y3xI5plULksCKlb_vTkM7SEV1aVrR/s320/DSC02135.JPG" /></a>Thought it would be fun to take a photo of one of the many signs for drugs available - especially "Magic Pills" and where it says "And More Staff". It is amazing how busy these stores are. </div><div> </div><div>This time we had a half-hour wait in line to go through US Customs - this is considered a short wait as it can sometimes take 2 to 3 hours. Everyone in line is friendly and two sisters behind us said they had flown in to Yuma for a few days just to come down to have dental work done in Los Algodones. One of them had just gone to a dentist after she had just been given a business card from someone on the street. I found this very strange, but they seemed happy.</div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-48704790361611650482009-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:002009-11-21T11:56:33.441-08:00NOV 16 - MITTRY LAKESpent the afternoon with Tom and Shelley, the Bennetts and their dogs, Luke and Rudy, who were going to enjoy a swim. We drove out towards Mittray Lake which is actually a man-made lake from Colorado River overflow waters and about 14 miles from Yuma.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3d7_bOEvYq28omtM3Wv0sViwh6BLT8JSoHxjo9PVtHLEQj-gJ7gURCnzxeOTqjf8S8Kmp8tNb18T0DGgWv6dGXmQYN2pqoxkS06Idnp28Wv4a8LnEEW8a91FSvnK9aqpMduq_j0PGImC/s1600/DSC_0049%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406257851307467346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3d7_bOEvYq28omtM3Wv0sViwh6BLT8JSoHxjo9PVtHLEQj-gJ7gURCnzxeOTqjf8S8Kmp8tNb18T0DGgWv6dGXmQYN2pqoxkS06Idnp28Wv4a8LnEEW8a91FSvnK9aqpMduq_j0PGImC/s320/DSC_0049%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a>We passed many acres of farmland. The soil is sandy and grows all kinds of produce. Irrigation is supplied from the Colorado River and voila, the desert is fertile!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZYkhelTIiNWHK6E_gYYuuscXeXG-ramKKhRiw0IzlEvMDY8KbarjkO_eDAz3gxWU2uBIZpHax0Z11OH4UfVIirk6YB7SRO4xAmdnm6dKbWqoj8CviuZHUPYXpJ9xsbZSYQORm41VKUmm/s1600/DSC_0055%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406257856185204914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZYkhelTIiNWHK6E_gYYuuscXeXG-ramKKhRiw0IzlEvMDY8KbarjkO_eDAz3gxWU2uBIZpHax0Z11OH4UfVIirk6YB7SRO4xAmdnm6dKbWqoj8CviuZHUPYXpJ9xsbZSYQORm41VKUmm/s320/DSC_0055%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a>The area is surrounded by mountains and we stopped for lunch before heading to the lake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNaqt3aeS4J05EQimKjhn_R2XBWOpSnp22IjoePDeXkUcPRvQdbBJt7XY-7fzjBu43W75nGQrs7ZcAs9oBOp9Od6R2zIqTyvABfY5yYihctArP0XFuqAupzNQmf4UxaCERoqh9rOf-wNH/s1600/DSC02110.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405888035176512610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNaqt3aeS4J05EQimKjhn_R2XBWOpSnp22IjoePDeXkUcPRvQdbBJt7XY-7fzjBu43W75nGQrs7ZcAs9oBOp9Od6R2zIqTyvABfY5yYihctArP0XFuqAupzNQmf4UxaCERoqh9rOf-wNH/s320/DSC02110.JPG" /></a>This was the view from the restaurant in the small town of Martinez Lake which had many residences for sale, but it was not a place I would like to stay in. Too far from anything and very dusty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0x2kptqU2z0vWbXa3QZs5BxYBjs1_QWqJXn7fJx0-PbbYh809MMqCTXmE8NrWynJXNkbiL1WyuecXxHR38Wi4XOCFjcneKWnkGt3er_RdGS7arMimt82wgG6VVvVPpKAMUBB-6X28pu3/s1600/DSC02113.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405888025994136786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0x2kptqU2z0vWbXa3QZs5BxYBjs1_QWqJXn7fJx0-PbbYh809MMqCTXmE8NrWynJXNkbiL1WyuecXxHR38Wi4XOCFjcneKWnkGt3er_RdGS7arMimt82wgG6VVvVPpKAMUBB-6X28pu3/s320/DSC02113.JPG" /></a>This house would have been an exception for me to stay there and I was told it was a private residence that was a one bedroom home. I guess they don't want visitors.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLX0qoCijE_yIFPgJi2mOp8zMcVb1AZUa-9JEONPz6oUKTa8wP-E04jGS9wUUlOQJ0S8U2h4nxM3KIPbouAmsKH_45mDz36KJ0bpHM8_x-dAgv8lbJTF6kJ2Qpqke4ufrr25mxen_yja1/s1600/DSC02118.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405888022144834402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLX0qoCijE_yIFPgJi2mOp8zMcVb1AZUa-9JEONPz6oUKTa8wP-E04jGS9wUUlOQJ0S8U2h4nxM3KIPbouAmsKH_45mDz36KJ0bpHM8_x-dAgv8lbJTF6kJ2Qpqke4ufrr25mxen_yja1/s320/DSC02118.JPG" /></a>Along the way to the lake, we passed the US Army Proving Grounds which had a display of rockets and tanks that had been tested there for use in the Middle East.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hwcy_RzB3hsALzMMBY3oj1fn7aE6ucYD6ASyMgph56HWmRRFxTwIDfOHveHEDk5Wecz-fJlTdEtWtzdqY_Huppg259aiJ9xPg1YdsxyfyjChV7TSy7uaCeH6hFD7E_lFlVZPOQ36rho4/s1600/DSC_0062%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406257855338867634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hwcy_RzB3hsALzMMBY3oj1fn7aE6ucYD6ASyMgph56HWmRRFxTwIDfOHveHEDk5Wecz-fJlTdEtWtzdqY_Huppg259aiJ9xPg1YdsxyfyjChV7TSy7uaCeH6hFD7E_lFlVZPOQ36rho4/s320/DSC_0062%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a>Rudy and Luke really enjoyed their swim in Mittry Lake. Luke would swim far out to fetch his frisbee and Rudy was so cute retrieving his little turtle toy which Barry would only throw a few feet in. Rudy would come back with his turtle as proud as punch - pretty good for a dog that is 12 years old.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLve_NbSyoPljNaHJFhnvMpcQsUSYN6fciN2ipNexkenVTA_V7it0hnOQwzTdt6JlUxGp3Q7akDJwnOSe4ew75kRnfBQ_IqtR1HAvEZTAks7ogmHLg3sy7fclCoIkByR84VDIy8KUcscLw/s1600/DSC02119.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405887504739666562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLve_NbSyoPljNaHJFhnvMpcQsUSYN6fciN2ipNexkenVTA_V7it0hnOQwzTdt6JlUxGp3Q7akDJwnOSe4ew75kRnfBQ_IqtR1HAvEZTAks7ogmHLg3sy7fclCoIkByR84VDIy8KUcscLw/s320/DSC02119.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwrORdRic-5DTQa9jT-F-UspgNYUpYYhAGfRTxK5Ap8WvLeyTwrotcAeCHOHXN15lZAqkJ9xRbyUvR_x2MFIae_sGfkOfpMvI4f4lL3zirYXtTuJBLwDp0atfMt5YREFrl31jozggIMo7/s1600/DSC02121.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405887497816955698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwrORdRic-5DTQa9jT-F-UspgNYUpYYhAGfRTxK5Ap8WvLeyTwrotcAeCHOHXN15lZAqkJ9xRbyUvR_x2MFIae_sGfkOfpMvI4f4lL3zirYXtTuJBLwDp0atfMt5YREFrl31jozggIMo7/s320/DSC02121.JPG" /></a>It is amazing what happens when water is added to desert.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6jk32kG1R1SaCwi_nKoPAzxbL3d0w5mpYVgI6KjsVx6UiGAFUQysuDYZ_JiqNWjG3IzhgheZ8HNWv_1cSnJc8FpRq196SsgRs4zwhUtDWmHlr82wMMpN-aYcTa-i_vYCLW3bxZY5a5FJ/s1600/DSC_0067%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406257859540105554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6jk32kG1R1SaCwi_nKoPAzxbL3d0w5mpYVgI6KjsVx6UiGAFUQysuDYZ_JiqNWjG3IzhgheZ8HNWv_1cSnJc8FpRq196SsgRs4zwhUtDWmHlr82wMMpN-aYcTa-i_vYCLW3bxZY5a5FJ/s320/DSC_0067%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a></div><div>There were beautiful marshlands surrounding the lake and many birds around.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj2capI4txHsss6DSxSAFhu0iobOdGuGg4LvgI7-IwLeo4Iqi9YooLABlcnRNifoRO0jWgFaC2GtW5yq0X6Kbj3lJcEnkvuZKxfGLFQkreyRkP-HsyaodLkYQSSVKi4MJ-bxTxed2t1Cd/s1600/DSC02125.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405887493992992146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj2capI4txHsss6DSxSAFhu0iobOdGuGg4LvgI7-IwLeo4Iqi9YooLABlcnRNifoRO0jWgFaC2GtW5yq0X6Kbj3lJcEnkvuZKxfGLFQkreyRkP-HsyaodLkYQSSVKi4MJ-bxTxed2t1Cd/s320/DSC02125.JPG" /></a>We continued a bit farther to "Betty's Kitchen", an area named after a restaurant that had been in a small residential area here that was destroyed by flooding in 1983. Nature quickly reclaimed this area which was lovely to walk through. In these trees you can see balls of "Desert Mistletoe" which is actually a parasitic plant that grows onto trees. It has small brown leaves and produces red berries that the birds love to feed on.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2wiDOr6hXTPQXsroKCCpSzmiW0SZlHURfA68JUl5u_V9-Yb7F86WvyEWz1peWcnf2M_aAEvib0UmN0FOeRS8Gn167DhCvtn2d-EePwT2RCxj4CGGNfMVG3efnzaLYkfOfMONSl5cStY5/s1600/DSC02129.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405887483914077154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2wiDOr6hXTPQXsroKCCpSzmiW0SZlHURfA68JUl5u_V9-Yb7F86WvyEWz1peWcnf2M_aAEvib0UmN0FOeRS8Gn167DhCvtn2d-EePwT2RCxj4CGGNfMVG3efnzaLYkfOfMONSl5cStY5/s320/DSC02129.JPG" /></a>These trees were like feathery pines, however any tree you touch is very dusty from wind blowing the desert sand and dirt around. We had a fun day and when we returned both Mike and Barry had to clean off our black trucks as they were covered in dust as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We had a great surprise yesterday when we returned from a bike ride and discovered Al and April had decided to move to our RV Park and will stay here until March. We are delighted to have them close by and we enjoyed a glass of wine with them in the evening as the sun was setting.</div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-58365655047535429992009-11-18T08:21:00.001-08:002009-11-19T19:11:10.556-08:00NOV 12 - AL & APRIL ARRIVE!We had a phone call last night from Al that he and April had arrived in Yuma and were at another RV Park. They came over for a visit today and it was great to see them. Mike had golfed 18 holes with Ted at Coyote Wash Golf Course which is 25 miles away, going through the mountains. They had a great time and Ted and Giggs also came over to welcome Al and April to Yuma.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rWtFfNXnryk-z7bm29r_tUUEFAf276Zqh1o0hizXlUcPpsIBNYE0ZeK1Ni9ucESnvRygyZK5XvqwR9PtLrHc0md-5Ey_IIAGJhmUl-JCjp56M376xdzpaYmtz6wJtmIVIqyygJK77tLN/s1600/DSC02101.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405480025751355858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rWtFfNXnryk-z7bm29r_tUUEFAf276Zqh1o0hizXlUcPpsIBNYE0ZeK1Ni9ucESnvRygyZK5XvqwR9PtLrHc0md-5Ey_IIAGJhmUl-JCjp56M376xdzpaYmtz6wJtmIVIqyygJK77tLN/s320/DSC02101.JPG" /></a>How fun to have friends from home all together for a drink and good time.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDz8BGd-GBKhiGOtdHmqWYOFjK9MNxXIdIREkJwkuKIwjroYk0IhryC0x9Hwgto6T-AbVW3IiyLEhSaVyrRocR49REREq6MgT7XE-GaOAWZ560zplpzX288nCDozMul0lw8XmLFOO-SH5/s1600/DSC02102.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405480028078271474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDz8BGd-GBKhiGOtdHmqWYOFjK9MNxXIdIREkJwkuKIwjroYk0IhryC0x9Hwgto6T-AbVW3IiyLEhSaVyrRocR49REREq6MgT7XE-GaOAWZ560zplpzX288nCDozMul0lw8XmLFOO-SH5/s320/DSC02102.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>We had to have a picture of the "Facilities" group, or as Lana and I have called us "Old FARTS" (Facilities Association of Retired Trades & Secretaries).</div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-57791921528523661682009-11-18T07:58:00.000-08:002009-11-19T10:50:02.056-08:00NOV 11 - YUMA, ARIZONA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcQmf3qWcE_CLtB0CK1bXajdmqWY1e1kT0bhczNPJ_c3UlB-i4FLk2XljKvINIA39c-1Gix0QlKzRcS4Ba57XsTg9Z7O9TlKxFjqCXvWZIi9kFsm1Ktejwyso2ZfsIQiflikmInCGDVz5/s1600/DSC_0045-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405475668989948626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcQmf3qWcE_CLtB0CK1bXajdmqWY1e1kT0bhczNPJ_c3UlB-i4FLk2XljKvINIA39c-1Gix0QlKzRcS4Ba57XsTg9Z7O9TlKxFjqCXvWZIi9kFsm1Ktejwyso2ZfsIQiflikmInCGDVz5/s320/DSC_0045-1%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> We went for another bike ride along the irrigation canal of the Colorado River. Lana took this photo of the long-beaked birds at the golf course when we passed by and I found out these birds are "curlews".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT9ApItdraRCRmMFBiprkDIacMaA2qHNbazUkdcUrR6fwLdxv758-DJ_-RaH31ZE12deJnQqDN32Q6KsithXwf-iv-K9mT0zGV1POVQKkbs7z1YGtQSmiX-hHqqIND0q1IIPIVrTPi9nb/s1600/DSC02086.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405474783159838370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT9ApItdraRCRmMFBiprkDIacMaA2qHNbazUkdcUrR6fwLdxv758-DJ_-RaH31ZE12deJnQqDN32Q6KsithXwf-iv-K9mT0zGV1POVQKkbs7z1YGtQSmiX-hHqqIND0q1IIPIVrTPi9nb/s320/DSC02086.JPG" /></a> Mike and I golfed at Desert Hills and did the "Back 9 and breakfast". Really enjoyed walking the course and it was a perfect temperature to play. These cute ducks were preening themselves while we shot golf balls over their heads and the water. We also saw a jack rabbit run across the course, but he was too fast for my camera.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3f4ZW5ldXy0UrhxGwxR1JTkd7LIhhntzLTqa1eKgEKJ-6vJc_wNB-elQw5bkW6NE8jBg10ssXf5tF22GlvIXp5-eyX70MNa0zn72ZPs1Rrt42nEnpRmZVhn1ty7gET9BF9ye7h5cxwF/s1600/DSC02092.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405474776748100210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3f4ZW5ldXy0UrhxGwxR1JTkd7LIhhntzLTqa1eKgEKJ-6vJc_wNB-elQw5bkW6NE8jBg10ssXf5tF22GlvIXp5-eyX70MNa0zn72ZPs1Rrt42nEnpRmZVhn1ty7gET9BF9ye7h5cxwF/s320/DSC02092.JPG" /></a> We enjoyed dining outside, complete with wine and flowers - life is good and we are definitely blessed to be able to have this trip.</div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-88643545327079227052009-11-07T13:53:00.000-08:002009-11-07T16:13:42.348-08:00NOV 7 - YUMA, ARIZONAI think we have learned to relax and take it easy here. Sun rises around 7 am and we love to enjoy coffee outside for a couple of hours, often with Lana and Barry. We are quite happy to read or enjoy the pool or sometimes a hot tub at night. We can take a short walk to the shopping centre or Lana and I enjoy riding our bicycles around the different RV complexes next to ours. There are many different set ups and choices for snowbirds who want to come here. Lana and I played crib on Tuesday night with a group and Mike has given us some pointers. It must have helped, as I won first place last night at the tournament.<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzY_n-GU9uto3ZNfyN2Ytte3N8mxF3pGi5P0p3GBdFNxMolzWl3nfEKReE5F1sVZRYo7RJt_lkNeaJ1b6xW8VICFWlW7VZ07XcEklakdR_73YqXKKFMA5lFkHejVvEnf6GJoS6V91E0CM/s1600-h/DSC02073.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401486369624791074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzY_n-GU9uto3ZNfyN2Ytte3N8mxF3pGi5P0p3GBdFNxMolzWl3nfEKReE5F1sVZRYo7RJt_lkNeaJ1b6xW8VICFWlW7VZ07XcEklakdR_73YqXKKFMA5lFkHejVvEnf6GJoS6V91E0CM/s320/DSC02073.JPG" /></a>Although this is a poor photo, we get to enjoy watching all the different military aircraft flying in and out of the US Marine base.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn3kcY6-Ox3x51f_s1QX1yydOi9HYktXbTA4QDMPi2kO2h6gqtHIeXF9w_sbc9x8YQ-MddBgEUEOqM-UK0ZShydxVrktdQdZ31lbYIppaiVY-JzX3PtItPwXOfwgvsSg7hM21b5ezns6Z/s1600-h/DSC02071.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401486381164859618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn3kcY6-Ox3x51f_s1QX1yydOi9HYktXbTA4QDMPi2kO2h6gqtHIeXF9w_sbc9x8YQ-MddBgEUEOqM-UK0ZShydxVrktdQdZ31lbYIppaiVY-JzX3PtItPwXOfwgvsSg7hM21b5ezns6Z/s320/DSC02071.JPG" /></a>We played 9 holes of golf on Wednesday and saw another Roadrunner. We walked it and it was very pleasant early in the morning so we will be booking some more tee times.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR2R35p5C9a0AjkBVwqyX_LDuCAmC-oOuQpoEalpn4A2WiG-Nski-eVXROp3KH0gIsgXS1ro0h5SqrNr0TC4rYLUcTzkd7P3ATgOgHmPAW4k432Z8jw-3BXOvhjjOqTPuXOSXbmM56gnK/s1600-h/DSC02075.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401486367936581698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR2R35p5C9a0AjkBVwqyX_LDuCAmC-oOuQpoEalpn4A2WiG-Nski-eVXROp3KH0gIsgXS1ro0h5SqrNr0TC4rYLUcTzkd7P3ATgOgHmPAW4k432Z8jw-3BXOvhjjOqTPuXOSXbmM56gnK/s320/DSC02075.JPG" /></a></div><div>Mike and I went to the Yuma Palms Shopping Plaza which is only a 10 minute drive (everything is so close here). This is one of the main squares and has water features and outside music speakers - very pleasant to shop here.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3SQNEbRpujQPKs8vsqJ3hqz3vxcsBaTpvLFgVV32OzLbPYn1EGRFA1F1ALInMww4IppgjphizOIbtntwFJUOGEKlBytQRp26VuclIkSfpWm5kXoQ9b2Z1BxrK-Rgg-skq2LeZIrQgNs-/s1600-h/DSC02076.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401486356476776578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3SQNEbRpujQPKs8vsqJ3hqz3vxcsBaTpvLFgVV32OzLbPYn1EGRFA1F1ALInMww4IppgjphizOIbtntwFJUOGEKlBytQRp26VuclIkSfpWm5kXoQ9b2Z1BxrK-Rgg-skq2LeZIrQgNs-/s320/DSC02076.JPG" /></a>The centre is a massive village of shops and you walk outside between each store. Some great shopping here and it is not very busy yet. Once the snowbirds arrive, the size of Yuma almost doubles from 125,000 but the economy of the US is definitely depressed.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyXhpC-jU0GYp1d_8RiuKLDL2cARObamkVezrx05MXW_emiWWmvvC4M4nPdyFJyhGfB0OeGoX2qBLpAy_MD_g34Q5_EEcAuKEo_8A7YCHChtf6lVrdzXcGb5Jc8BA08SNqQelSzdGteu7/s1600-h/DSC02081.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401485061738970994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyXhpC-jU0GYp1d_8RiuKLDL2cARObamkVezrx05MXW_emiWWmvvC4M4nPdyFJyhGfB0OeGoX2qBLpAy_MD_g34Q5_EEcAuKEo_8A7YCHChtf6lVrdzXcGb5Jc8BA08SNqQelSzdGteu7/s320/DSC02081.JPG" /></a></div><div>There are many grapefruit trees at the RV Resort. One resident has told us to help ourselves as he is not fond of them so we are waiting for them to ripen.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuJSgkaq5OfyzdVwZbFg5Noue78OH4g1ut6emMU0jYfrlmPZruOdrYKnMTLhASfM5zjjp-q8Id108FgatfvSojNNHLS8eGqoICrrEx14nG4HXlyw7tgDxPX2hEZM4asduTA0R30_6RlFz/s1600-h/DSC02079.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401503564279923986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuJSgkaq5OfyzdVwZbFg5Noue78OH4g1ut6emMU0jYfrlmPZruOdrYKnMTLhASfM5zjjp-q8Id108FgatfvSojNNHLS8eGqoICrrEx14nG4HXlyw7tgDxPX2hEZM4asduTA0R30_6RlFz/s320/DSC02079.JPG" /></a></div><div>Another gorgeous sunset.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoolMJi4vTcs7s50hwjvZ15eVcZNHizC5_zVc0BOLF-pGS6MitlNcS0HC71_F8_0MRJhhVqLwt2IHRmOn8VM-RrG4czbCXKE7FRllAn2tN9hGKTpPiFxllpJOtnzjpN4JipFp_MAk7pkd/s1600-h/DSC02082.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401485043766735090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoolMJi4vTcs7s50hwjvZ15eVcZNHizC5_zVc0BOLF-pGS6MitlNcS0HC71_F8_0MRJhhVqLwt2IHRmOn8VM-RrG4czbCXKE7FRllAn2tN9hGKTpPiFxllpJOtnzjpN4JipFp_MAk7pkd/s320/DSC02082.JPG" /></a>Today (Nov 7) we all went to "Yuma's biggest flea market". It was certainly large and 90% of the items were new. I managed to find a few Christmas stocking stuffers but I thought this was a cute photo of jeans for sale. The mannequins definitely showcase the Latino assets and we enjoyed the Mexican-style flea market.</div><div></div><div>Back to the RV Park for afternoon siesta.</div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-36377139120488315722009-11-02T16:25:00.001-08:002009-11-03T08:17:35.630-08:00NOV 2 - GOLFING IN YUMAMike and I had a 7:45 am tee off at the Desert Hills Golf Course which is only a mile from our RV park. The temperature here was going to hit 90F so we took a golf cart and the cost was only $38 per person for 18 holes. We really liked the course and have booked to walk 9 holes on Wednesday at same time as the temperature in the morning is perfect for golfing until 11:00 then it is too hot for me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql6UcFHQXB9v9meLYyy6qPCg9_aSah0cUWqiX4CHFUfhBD9RAolHWSvy9Q84DS_6uzCD0LldHRWkhU3d9Nyco9kDWi9XsBSKjB2L3mdQKPpcx_-UYwdFzRHhozvZrG48hLMKno-PdjmDS/s1600-h/DSC02047.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399668801976542002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql6UcFHQXB9v9meLYyy6qPCg9_aSah0cUWqiX4CHFUfhBD9RAolHWSvy9Q84DS_6uzCD0LldHRWkhU3d9Nyco9kDWi9XsBSKjB2L3mdQKPpcx_-UYwdFzRHhozvZrG48hLMKno-PdjmDS/s320/DSC02047.JPG" /></a>This bird with its long curved beak and his friends also like the golf course. I really enjoy all of the different birds here in Yuma. <div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUvEfbzKB60XwPiOCJFyWRDanoQvrwWBkChJBunJ3w19m_al2P4MkIpGJNocxWG53iPJuVFy_XfOrlN1XV_JR40bnhRCqhbb7okXl7r1XAoO-zWxGZsd2jY1zfEQ4IooYOPJObtTda5b3/s1600-h/DSC02049.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399668170095382482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUvEfbzKB60XwPiOCJFyWRDanoQvrwWBkChJBunJ3w19m_al2P4MkIpGJNocxWG53iPJuVFy_XfOrlN1XV_JR40bnhRCqhbb7okXl7r1XAoO-zWxGZsd2jY1zfEQ4IooYOPJObtTda5b3/s320/DSC02049.JPG" /></a>Thought the Yuma watertower in the background would be a good snapshot with Mike getting ready to tee off on one of the holes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6jndWKGgzygVwDDv2HJM0e7Y8m2yELP_CMZqVl4z8XieJ3SmQhtvhugZuqdV11inSYKNzSTdULgGW6-ZSDPrxImd3iowmgv94AFzND7u8ICv5zj-ZqIhA9gFpYp8hKPYFyZbKrBH-e4J/s1600-h/DSC02046.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399668157499397650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6jndWKGgzygVwDDv2HJM0e7Y8m2yELP_CMZqVl4z8XieJ3SmQhtvhugZuqdV11inSYKNzSTdULgGW6-ZSDPrxImd3iowmgv94AFzND7u8ICv5zj-ZqIhA9gFpYp8hKPYFyZbKrBH-e4J/s320/DSC02046.JPG" /></a>The course is beautiful with palm trees and the mountains in the distance. It is pretty wide open but the oleander bushes devour balls and are so dense it is impossible to find them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsnfXd8sq1eGC3xtXkwXHUHE4FiKkgXq8HB4AHAvWNsD-YnfYlmlaMz83kYcmMUQyVJNIcOkSi0NGCRDGO8_1omN5_Et6Qh6FVIcCyGYwiw70Z2zNaq1LHU0C-5JiacWGdFRB5sXtpkrE/s1600-h/DSC02052.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399668152790210146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsnfXd8sq1eGC3xtXkwXHUHE4FiKkgXq8HB4AHAvWNsD-YnfYlmlaMz83kYcmMUQyVJNIcOkSi0NGCRDGO8_1omN5_Et6Qh6FVIcCyGYwiw70Z2zNaq1LHU0C-5JiacWGdFRB5sXtpkrE/s320/DSC02052.JPG" /></a>This Roadrunner crossed one of the fairways and I was able to get a decent photo of him.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRcDvdCYP-XHkH-7CglZNO4xg-5FY67UM5jrL5rvjseF2PVuzq5ltKiG3wVVTLCNguxGNX9chPJYYHAauUvEHRwmoL1_3ggyVGiUzd3cEg2zBVW37SXPtNb3J3en01BUWVWlEqkKH8TGq/s1600-h/DSC02056.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399668144239197650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRcDvdCYP-XHkH-7CglZNO4xg-5FY67UM5jrL5rvjseF2PVuzq5ltKiG3wVVTLCNguxGNX9chPJYYHAauUvEHRwmoL1_3ggyVGiUzd3cEg2zBVW37SXPtNb3J3en01BUWVWlEqkKH8TGq/s320/DSC02056.JPG" /></a>He ran off the edge of the course but I was pleased to see another one of these cute birds.</div><br />Mike had a great game (5 pars on the back 9) and I played pretty well. We are looking forward to coming back Wednesday morning and walking the course - at a cost of 9 holes for $15 each, it is very reasonable.<br /><div></div><br /><div>In the afternoon, Lana and hit the pool in the heat of the day and, although the pool is tepid, it was very refreshing and we will definitely spend some afternoons loafing in it. The weather will continue to be 90ish until Saturday when it will go back to the low 80's.</div><br /><div></div><div>Last night Lana, Barry, Mike and I tried shuffleboard and it was a lot of fun, although the boys beat us. Lana and I will have to get some practise in and see if we can kick their butts.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpot7vTH03iPKnKLobmN0ei9nC2kIlibCh_bk0fS2F8jY89-u_TXOvyLB-9Ifk063hCmWW9ByxZZHAJoK3GkaOSanyUvdwbDc0kUusEOgURxI5ZVzqyFKrUqISjVKZO2idLOKcpfKEg7A/s1600-h/DSC02059.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399887593516695090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpot7vTH03iPKnKLobmN0ei9nC2kIlibCh_bk0fS2F8jY89-u_TXOvyLB-9Ifk063hCmWW9ByxZZHAJoK3GkaOSanyUvdwbDc0kUusEOgURxI5ZVzqyFKrUqISjVKZO2idLOKcpfKEg7A/s320/DSC02059.JPG" /></a>Another great sunset tonight and I will start sitting at the pool area to enjoy it as we do not get these great views at home. <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5FkOFC7Orjnl68Y_3bnrOYnW2G7AGwae_t5HIEGscjfX-ahJoVoHe3gU2Ldw956MTY5Vub6VG4OZdAYfX0jETcr-JtbSP4rDCkXj_vOXRoFHc_SKK8FCqW1CC9ktJuYQks2eeB_v_w0f/s1600-h/DSC02062.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399887588782208178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5FkOFC7Orjnl68Y_3bnrOYnW2G7AGwae_t5HIEGscjfX-ahJoVoHe3gU2Ldw956MTY5Vub6VG4OZdAYfX0jETcr-JtbSP4rDCkXj_vOXRoFHc_SKK8FCqW1CC9ktJuYQks2eeB_v_w0f/s320/DSC02062.JPG" /></a></div>Tonight was really pretty because of the cloud cover. As Yuma gets less than 3" of rain per year, we are not worried that these are rain clouds.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCx5aXMAOffjpfGrp88Y2tN0pTqCrCRBf89pf13y4CapR4LAtOGIkpoo1WXabi8Cb3mvXtmpLtnm5zi-WbTpc2VhWYmG6U7mM5E87QpFHhMSOAXYDQqXnhrP0cVl5drAMaGADnz3kqy1B/s1600-h/DSC02063.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399887576565312450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCx5aXMAOffjpfGrp88Y2tN0pTqCrCRBf89pf13y4CapR4LAtOGIkpoo1WXabi8Cb3mvXtmpLtnm5zi-WbTpc2VhWYmG6U7mM5E87QpFHhMSOAXYDQqXnhrP0cVl5drAMaGADnz3kqy1B/s320/DSC02063.JPG" /></a>It's hard to believe that we are leaving this paradise in December to head north, but we miss the kids and are looking forward to seeing everyone. We are definitely thinking that coming back here for Jan-April is in our future.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHZic_GQOTNSYp-lxWixBkGyI1rgNoCXlufzVLDFiLTkVUGUVyE_0xyvSboBn5FdN04rPF3HMEUnoBNCPOD8V9s3KNYjF-V4iHZqStaH818K4kqFnKdUa8PMUIXyaE75WlHc5HVrwlFhh/s1600-h/DSC02068.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399887574168456642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHZic_GQOTNSYp-lxWixBkGyI1rgNoCXlufzVLDFiLTkVUGUVyE_0xyvSboBn5FdN04rPF3HMEUnoBNCPOD8V9s3KNYjF-V4iHZqStaH818K4kqFnKdUa8PMUIXyaE75WlHc5HVrwlFhh/s320/DSC02068.JPG" /></a>Beautiful full moon tonight and Lana and I walked for an hour and another lady, who has been coming here for 24 years, joined us and was very chatty about all the things she had gotten involved in here. You can definitely do as much or a little as you please.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-45856114684179331382009-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:002009-11-01T12:30:30.180-08:00OCT 31 - HALLOWE'EN IN YUMAMissing being with the kids on Hallowe'en as we usually carve pumpkins but was able to reach Kathleen, Aaron and Veronica by skype and saw them doing the pumpkins. Also got to speak to Steve and he and Cheryl had taken the kids trick or treating. Glad everyone is fine.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkjLfwn7eLydBMhJ8oSlCaNYpsalQMjE8qGjc1PK1q5BeujSauYWPQDe4e6FnhN2feSA-P7_PMtFkDCObyfNxARgdpWrn_0T85iUmb3IAjHvpB2qRZHAeOMTZQ0HLA2Tkw8ZAYZr1Q_VO/s1600-h/DSC02030.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398993451746586530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkjLfwn7eLydBMhJ8oSlCaNYpsalQMjE8qGjc1PK1q5BeujSauYWPQDe4e6FnhN2feSA-P7_PMtFkDCObyfNxARgdpWrn_0T85iUmb3IAjHvpB2qRZHAeOMTZQ0HLA2Tkw8ZAYZr1Q_VO/s320/DSC02030.JPG" /></a>Hallowe'en in 85F weather is pretty nice. The RV resort had a luncheon at noon where we enjoyed a pasta lunch. We then attended a party at 7 pm (you know us old folk, we like to go to bed early!). It was a lot of fun and everyone dressed up for it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0RZPuEVB76bfxEecm2o5PuKMRPhvFhPF_QdfFlPschoUDAxNkRU4PNaT00bw-32BrD1L4o2XLhfTmR5-tyagb6jQfA9ovGrn_ur1jYEAib5yiscsHHXcQQLmvWQwlwBY_uR4VS9hwpp0/s1600-h/DSC02033.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398993446386707474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0RZPuEVB76bfxEecm2o5PuKMRPhvFhPF_QdfFlPschoUDAxNkRU4PNaT00bw-32BrD1L4o2XLhfTmR5-tyagb6jQfA9ovGrn_ur1jYEAib5yiscsHHXcQQLmvWQwlwBY_uR4VS9hwpp0/s320/DSC02033.JPG" /></a>Mike throwing horseshoes at one of the 6 games we had to play in order to earn tickets to "buy" desserts that everyone had brought to enjoy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGu6lXAFu4ZG-DrbOvA-kHnGrD19_8fwF5boLOgo7dzL6on3oMqvysE3627NNAPcYSYg5OBa6Y5XcFijknTsLVdHcZnbU-xN9RugdGRR1eNz75dogXUb5V4IonFMx4_eNunm7tPd89SeF/s1600-h/DSC02034.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 226px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398993438394519154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGu6lXAFu4ZG-DrbOvA-kHnGrD19_8fwF5boLOgo7dzL6on3oMqvysE3627NNAPcYSYg5OBa6Y5XcFijknTsLVdHcZnbU-xN9RugdGRR1eNz75dogXUb5V4IonFMx4_eNunm7tPd89SeF/s320/DSC02034.JPG" /></a>Our neighbours, Tom and Shelley, won best costume as the priest and nun. Shelley had a cabbage patch doll in a backpack on her back and one in the oven. They were very funny together.<br /><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992055754390418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcKifSkVPjt6S_HanfTW-c9rfUA9aZKMnZBxRHpFm9UZIf5km_x83RWanUgNH_93_BmUTQIO_yqXPNpMq-j6lD2F7HPbre7eqn6Km3WLjprxCs9_JCHCgXJvAmXQi1lDrVe4xRui0QRlW/s320/DSC02035.JPG" />Marshall Mike and me as a Rhinestone Cowgirl.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiZuF07p6uYPNZiG896nL23l4kDYa4rXEyAVHmZt3Nr3VDzBGW33X_phUZ8vbVlB5HMh9OZRecAoI5OHYaI_486zGtMZsqp5MZaoBXVilKI9YyLke_hTo4WSoHthU-B3ztsMCVJHqj0s/s1600-h/DSC02036.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398996213051575554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiZuF07p6uYPNZiG896nL23l4kDYa4rXEyAVHmZt3Nr3VDzBGW33X_phUZ8vbVlB5HMh9OZRecAoI5OHYaI_486zGtMZsqp5MZaoBXVilKI9YyLke_hTo4WSoHthU-B3ztsMCVJHqj0s/s320/DSC02036.JPG" /></a>Barry as a biker (not sure he was really in costume or his true self) and Lana as "the old crow" (her words, not mine).<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB1maF7od3P5rR9FY7HK4RigjYLct4DOfVUVSdXNJNmwuDf_RfljX2q7DTeJsj6wW34vH6dvn_pvQOtjAQoKXlioBoVzTqR9j6Y2qIGA_0uhfDs0brVFshOfGSwA4fgSkB0Z-1ilFfBI-/s1600-h/DSC02041.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992042557461410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB1maF7od3P5rR9FY7HK4RigjYLct4DOfVUVSdXNJNmwuDf_RfljX2q7DTeJsj6wW34vH6dvn_pvQOtjAQoKXlioBoVzTqR9j6Y2qIGA_0uhfDs0brVFshOfGSwA4fgSkB0Z-1ilFfBI-/s320/DSC02041.JPG" /></a> More costumes and a lot of fun.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg-5TaY9b-pcRvX2zYSvOtlBFTsnCqaXAFbHx-_hEqCH5x30oycB04E4iQpB5cqu_Dn2lNl5ck84J-vI1gxwxzmz6lPNsVPa6uj5XV9zW1zPDftKXPN2Ev7uY_i2VDqRh8erM_ETBF6MZ/s1600-h/DSC02044.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992035925419794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg-5TaY9b-pcRvX2zYSvOtlBFTsnCqaXAFbHx-_hEqCH5x30oycB04E4iQpB5cqu_Dn2lNl5ck84J-vI1gxwxzmz6lPNsVPa6uj5XV9zW1zPDftKXPN2Ev7uY_i2VDqRh8erM_ETBF6MZ/s320/DSC02044.JPG" /></a>Barry enjoying a jello shooter. It was a great time and we are definitely thinking we would enjoy staying here for a month .</div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-78400725871274549392009-10-30T08:29:00.001-07:002009-10-30T09:06:54.697-07:00OCT 29 - LOS ALGODONES, MEXICOMike and I went to check out the Mexican border town of Los Algodones. It is only 12 miles from here but we crossed into California and then parked our truck by the border and walked across into Mexico (2 states and 2 countries in 1 day!).<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyKppkIK05LPAz45Rh_Sde7AhYGI3t7ZRubY_JdgAI9ZSIrsA7xhQdIi8v7bjnrj2M-dRyN6GelSZTqIXqWLTSPWdXjo4iRpQIuJQ3d2SHeZa3nvJmnUFj3OjpmaD2Z3tH0Rao8il-4hd/s1600-h/DSC02020.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398418217856618834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyKppkIK05LPAz45Rh_Sde7AhYGI3t7ZRubY_JdgAI9ZSIrsA7xhQdIi8v7bjnrj2M-dRyN6GelSZTqIXqWLTSPWdXjo4iRpQIuJQ3d2SHeZa3nvJmnUFj3OjpmaD2Z3tH0Rao8il-4hd/s320/DSC02020.JPG" /></a>It is a typical mexican border town except that it also has a multitude of optical, dental and pharmacy stores which are in huge demand by the tourists. People come here to get dental work done at a fraction of the cost and the work is excellent. I was skeptical but we have spoken to too many people who are using these services and happy to save substantial amounts.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqroFX4unqTsTiNNaTPrU1JhC3qfFE3IlDQBkYYkT1fo-yXBxu_A7RveKjTOVpSRe-tBGS-MRJ_u95H-lKYL-AUHt1rDiLO__G1cJqbZ2ehadorcKDpHNf6wfX1lFv_KpZmVP-5BmktdSC/s1600-h/DSC02022.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398417541078946050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqroFX4unqTsTiNNaTPrU1JhC3qfFE3IlDQBkYYkT1fo-yXBxu_A7RveKjTOVpSRe-tBGS-MRJ_u95H-lKYL-AUHt1rDiLO__G1cJqbZ2ehadorcKDpHNf6wfX1lFv_KpZmVP-5BmktdSC/s320/DSC02022.JPG" /></a>As you can see from the signs, these services are everywhere. When we walked over the border with another couple who were heading to get glasses, we joined them and Mike got an eye exam and a new pair of glasses with all the bells and whistles for a third of the cost back home, and they were ready for pick up in 3 hours!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqUeXrQnlNEGzMV22fAiZ5g1ebfZcyd6THg-Epm8BGVHtoVPlQBBGu_agFCgkNZx6tf2NUYh6GI5OOC78zIx7QfqSgnsWeV40Nxv0AqD-g-E1aeAHQ22jPD5HGfFOeWXC6fKIZuAcq6-Q/s1600-h/DSC02021.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398417549391189650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqUeXrQnlNEGzMV22fAiZ5g1ebfZcyd6THg-Epm8BGVHtoVPlQBBGu_agFCgkNZx6tf2NUYh6GI5OOC78zIx7QfqSgnsWeV40Nxv0AqD-g-E1aeAHQ22jPD5HGfFOeWXC6fKIZuAcq6-Q/s320/DSC02021.JPG" /></a>While we waited for the glasses (they said it was a slow day for the lab as usually they would be ready in 1-2 hours), we checked out the shops. I got some jewlery at very reasonable prices, then stopped for some delicious shrimp tacos. Mike was skeptical to eat them, but I had spoken to some other tourists who came there often and had never had a problem.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFAdwPqaCuZJniRY6T0oe8eJMweaqCcmaEps3YjDqzSztc4cwENKrWC7z-lOHg5ZtmG9wfKo02OsDXDEJtkaECu7awgSqqhnIGUHgjYYYkmIc6Bb_LWggdX0jaevZrLNb77VYy7sph6Fa/s1600-h/DSC02023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398417529875833170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFAdwPqaCuZJniRY6T0oe8eJMweaqCcmaEps3YjDqzSztc4cwENKrWC7z-lOHg5ZtmG9wfKo02OsDXDEJtkaECu7awgSqqhnIGUHgjYYYkmIc6Bb_LWggdX0jaevZrLNb77VYy7sph6Fa/s320/DSC02023.JPG" /></a>We stopped for coffee at this square and I noticed a beauty/spa salon at the end. A pedicure for $13 was a great treat to sit back and enjoy. I was told by another customer that the place was usually packed once the snowbirds arrive in November and all the services were excellent.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iVDBkYH7eBvcIcybNTzG1FImJt2bsd71GGx8auGXbds76em8mLaps6nBW0OHNOdSxScfSrYUofPAgtmOKoBrMFyW4kT82-p4Ql3US28ttGs81EYzKwMbV6vakM9uMout8pfjW8Sgoby8/s1600-h/DSC02024.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398417524139280306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iVDBkYH7eBvcIcybNTzG1FImJt2bsd71GGx8auGXbds76em8mLaps6nBW0OHNOdSxScfSrYUofPAgtmOKoBrMFyW4kT82-p4Ql3US28ttGs81EYzKwMbV6vakM9uMout8pfjW8Sgoby8/s320/DSC02024.JPG" /></a>We picked up the glasses and Mike is thrilled with them. We are very impressed and were lucky that we were able to walk right through the customs as sometimes there is a 2 hour wait. It was a perfect day to visit the town as it was a Thursday and a bit cooler today. The weather will warm up to 85F by Hallowe'en.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-46977619264016394852009-10-30T08:03:00.001-07:002009-10-30T08:28:50.876-07:00OCT 27/28 - YUMA, ARIZONA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM3L7j796MfyjZsbKgHVjfGZDeYC_ALKhQmpvY1khACxVn7rOBQX8kWBIO-9OFZak4l6bb7jxdNz1ChHdo0O7CGnfyL4CJ2xhYDBAPRdsFo-nKr-fj7t9ZXIK8oBLTRJLff-47Two-aEE/s1600-h/desertholiday6005004%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398409297678860066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM3L7j796MfyjZsbKgHVjfGZDeYC_ALKhQmpvY1khACxVn7rOBQX8kWBIO-9OFZak4l6bb7jxdNz1ChHdo0O7CGnfyL4CJ2xhYDBAPRdsFo-nKr-fj7t9ZXIK8oBLTRJLff-47Two-aEE/s320/desertholiday6005004%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> Just a couple of pictures of the Desert Holiday RV Park we are staying at. It is a very friendly place and most of the people are Canadian snowbirds who stay here 6 months. A very friendly couple next to us, Tom and Shelley Brazier from Ontario, were heading to Florida for the winter but decided that they would stay here instead and have even been looking to buy a house. Prices are very low ($120,000 to $150,000).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOB9rPHko2WP5OwdYSNdBGLmG5VEjFOJFCMZvI00Mm27OJIwfAo_mcVdYvPyYF7eOQhw8nCmyc2TWf6Cqypq3zdETqYe77tV-ARNWI_dT-s3MBho52-x7cyvHBM-cSEAAtNhHivgvSVe3/s1600-h/desertholiday6002004%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398409292312198418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOB9rPHko2WP5OwdYSNdBGLmG5VEjFOJFCMZvI00Mm27OJIwfAo_mcVdYvPyYF7eOQhw8nCmyc2TWf6Cqypq3zdETqYe77tV-ARNWI_dT-s3MBho52-x7cyvHBM-cSEAAtNhHivgvSVe3/s320/desertholiday6002004%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>The first two days we had very high winds which was part of a big storm hitting the central states. We were thankful we did not experience this while driving across the desert as we had seen many wind-warning signs and our vehicles would have been sand-blown down to the metal. We have enjoyed the hot tub at night and have had it all to ourselves. During the day, we can see planes overhead from the Yuma Marine Corps Airforce base. This training facility sends their pilots and aircraft to Iraq and Afghanistan and are continually practising and we saw two planes doing a fuel transfer.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzbhBr-6uQbf0h94JLQk9Id2AIyqhQgFmfirq1de6hfYnnXLlRie7KPTOjl34MAOED9t2vlI_M0Wgj1Shbydznn4t310cbpToh7qd3KF76U7XAiqcCEdxLVyZcKyMKMSyv__GAkJNTtJp/s1600-h/Roadrunner%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398414054912445010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzbhBr-6uQbf0h94JLQk9Id2AIyqhQgFmfirq1de6hfYnnXLlRie7KPTOjl34MAOED9t2vlI_M0Wgj1Shbydznn4t310cbpToh7qd3KF76U7XAiqcCEdxLVyZcKyMKMSyv__GAkJNTtJp/s320/Roadrunner%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div>We finally got to see a Roadrunner, they are such cute little birds, although they are flightless and will take a flying leap but mostly just run around. Kind of the size of a skinny chicken.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>We have decided to stay here for at least a week and possibly will stay for a month as it is so friendly and has many activities, even a room with several pool tables for Mike.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-25741830540137247062009-10-30T07:32:00.000-07:002009-10-31T16:16:55.018-07:00OCT 26 - YUMA, ARIZONALeaving Benson this morning we soon drove through Tucson which, although it is a big city, is very spread out and as we approached we could see a brown haze over it. Glad we are not staying there with such poor air qualit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQqFb-pFCUy9XCzPgbA1FdKE_M_XQmVRa8qRpcJq3CG39nAv4-Nc3blrRUdjqR5fxl_zOhVby3bur4z2AfUj0vnbejJeXo67hJ_4xaP7jHPWhNv2Uj2thZ-XnoyFmqp0FkV7SDw5Ol3RQ/s1600-h/tucson_airplane_graveyard_pic%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 288px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398404104923658994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQqFb-pFCUy9XCzPgbA1FdKE_M_XQmVRa8qRpcJq3CG39nAv4-Nc3blrRUdjqR5fxl_zOhVby3bur4z2AfUj0vnbejJeXo67hJ_4xaP7jHPWhNv2Uj2thZ-XnoyFmqp0FkV7SDw5Ol3RQ/s320/tucson_airplane_graveyard_pic%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>y.<br />Just outside Tucson in the Sonora Desert is the famed Airplane Graveyard-Bone Yard at Davis Monthan Airforce Base. This is where the U.S. Air Force mothballs planes until they either need them again or it's time to salvage them for parts. They are all capable of being returned to service if the need ever arises. It's difficult to comprehend the size of the 'Bone yard' and the number of aircraft stored there.<br />Remember - Each one of these babies had a multimillion dollar price.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFBAmZuFgMhLInJifOxJ7as1MLKQdjSNJSGbRlaB1TUipePewqgSrF2jvEmTM9BrtyyhGKqYQ6abZo9joyPRrbTb2aCqKeLex6qdGpMXbHLz4VrvnS2BBVgWYbFd4GYHUXWGKrU7xk8x/s1600-h/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument62%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398906509547895042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFBAmZuFgMhLInJifOxJ7as1MLKQdjSNJSGbRlaB1TUipePewqgSrF2jvEmTM9BrtyyhGKqYQ6abZo9joyPRrbTb2aCqKeLex6qdGpMXbHLz4VrvnS2BBVgWYbFd4GYHUXWGKrU7xk8x/s320/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument62%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>Crossed a section of desert with a 'forest' of Saguaro Cacti. We also saw some cotton fields when getting close to Yuma - I didn't know that they grew cotton in Arizona. I was also told that Yuma and Florida supply almost all the produce for the states. We saw huge produce farms on the way in to Yuma - it's amazing what they can grow once they add water to this desert area.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvTpe6lEZlSYVkGP50BHZYH-5RNcG50ACREcTaFRCISCrG84QyruTiz1hPLF-muka-zxEqV4KYUnoX8cQT-b38Z6WPgUbT6COEef9flDwR0oqrpc8BC_AkcxjXTW5mU5YeqQ3-LCQyYq-/s1600-h/DSC02019.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398402192570762610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvTpe6lEZlSYVkGP50BHZYH-5RNcG50ACREcTaFRCISCrG84QyruTiz1hPLF-muka-zxEqV4KYUnoX8cQT-b38Z6WPgUbT6COEef9flDwR0oqrpc8BC_AkcxjXTW5mU5YeqQ3-LCQyYq-/s320/DSC02019.JPG" /></a>We arrived at Yuma and with 85F, it was time to sit back and relax. Notice Barry ended up with 2 rum and coke and Lana is singing "2 pina colatas, one for each hand" (ok I guess she was holding mine while I took the picture). </div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-35373384488053165242009-10-28T21:05:00.000-07:002009-10-29T10:03:00.327-07:00OCT 25 - THE BIRD CAGE THEATRE, TOMBSTONE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9VndRdu1JRTVJkte-2DPfydXrd3ryEAyIkLDxAflcwGQuCHt67zL6wdU2k-Kgl0e5k6nUOeFwKZ9ps26RllFBGZrHg4OAe7NAXZSEqlCHeGUbdgJBh9Cl8kGuftvMuBgMFWBT7Yj1o4U/s1600-h/DSC01953.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398047015155107730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9VndRdu1JRTVJkte-2DPfydXrd3ryEAyIkLDxAflcwGQuCHt67zL6wdU2k-Kgl0e5k6nUOeFwKZ9ps26RllFBGZrHg4OAe7NAXZSEqlCHeGUbdgJBh9Cl8kGuftvMuBgMFWBT7Yj1o4U/s320/DSC01953.JPG" /></a> The Bird Cage Theatre was the most famous honky-tonk in America between 1881 and 1889 and was open 24 hours a day during this time. It was the scene of 16 gunfights and there are 140 bullett holes that riddle the walls and ceiling. No wonder the New York Times referred to it in 1882 as the wildest, wickedest night spot in the west. No respectable lady would have ever entered the Bird Cage or even walk down the same side of the street. The Bird Cage was sealed and boarded up for 50 years with all its fixtures and furnishings intact and is in its original state.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTYqVTR1u_afEwWpybLajfzgbPftt3kaU8iQi7YN4R_Mr0ddUs7QYCTBkEUwP8yl0cbEw4piyfm33mYhZypQR9GyFxgudN48I4TzbxOfwFVK4ZePIgtRIsmIqeleM_T_7oZkR3BJ8dvJ/s1600-h/DSC01956.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398044122777106018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTYqVTR1u_afEwWpybLajfzgbPftt3kaU8iQi7YN4R_Mr0ddUs7QYCTBkEUwP8yl0cbEw4piyfm33mYhZypQR9GyFxgudN48I4TzbxOfwFVK4ZePIgtRIsmIqeleM_T_7oZkR3BJ8dvJ/s320/DSC01956.JPG" /></a>This painting is of Fatima, one of the entertainers at the Bird Cage who later went to Europe as her performances were considered too provocative. She changed her name to "Little Eygpt" and became very famous. This painting has was a gift from Fatima and has hung in the same location since 1882. The painting is 9 ft in height and has the scars of 6 bullet holes and a knife cut. <div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisehA_bd-8Qqm7SKvCSxC1sPgmQDq8G-MiDQwrxoitmCoiP0aBaMXDcjLR9aFGW37tdtgVma86CRRIk44RqdcZJ_agVDxL9WeBegFx1aL6bEX2x61QIdMH_pw-yPLsgcg6WZT3IvHjjI8l/s1600-h/DSC01960.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398044103602423858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisehA_bd-8Qqm7SKvCSxC1sPgmQDq8G-MiDQwrxoitmCoiP0aBaMXDcjLR9aFGW37tdtgVma86CRRIk44RqdcZJ_agVDxL9WeBegFx1aL6bEX2x61QIdMH_pw-yPLsgcg6WZT3IvHjjI8l/s320/DSC01960.JPG" /></a>This custom-made cherrywood bar is flanked by a dumb waiter on the right that sent drinks upstairs to the ladies of the night and their customers. This bar and mirror were shipped around the Horn of South America to San Fransico by boat and carried to Tombstone by muletrain. Amazing that the mirror was intact and that this mirror returned the reflections of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson and Johnny Ringo.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6llphnfTeats1BUwKyRLzk_yHeYphUlMDz6BZzCL0zTgRsGHkDKp2Oy3qFRKRRy0ba-3rNSC6bVsT5Ea-HCCOUePpcaqMzykubs9ipGN0Izq2esUP4vnR5o_Zy_yQsJpMtK30eEjAsgp/s1600-h/DSC01965.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398042537531069874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6llphnfTeats1BUwKyRLzk_yHeYphUlMDz6BZzCL0zTgRsGHkDKp2Oy3qFRKRRy0ba-3rNSC6bVsT5Ea-HCCOUePpcaqMzykubs9ipGN0Izq2esUP4vnR5o_Zy_yQsJpMtK30eEjAsgp/s320/DSC01965.JPG" /></a>The Bird Cage was named for the 14 bird cage crib compartments that are suspended from the ceiling, overhanging the gambling casino and dance hall, where ladies of the night plied their trade. $25 dollars a night would buy a gentleman a bottle of whiskey and a lady for the night.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX2oJvGQUuvCMQWuuKGG898P5HClnMSwenkjzKTym7poXekixmG88Ta8k0n9aywX4C9x_EW6qOOrWWasFzbirk-q8q9hnfUXamTRwPmjWXy73rIKDLH1Jq8MWrCGF4UVwQ3232KGeqltO/s1600-h/DSC01962.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398042533835889906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX2oJvGQUuvCMQWuuKGG898P5HClnMSwenkjzKTym7poXekixmG88Ta8k0n9aywX4C9x_EW6qOOrWWasFzbirk-q8q9hnfUXamTRwPmjWXy73rIKDLH1Jq8MWrCGF4UVwQ3232KGeqltO/s320/DSC01962.JPG" /></a>The refrain "she's only a bird in a gilded cage" became a popular song. These bird cages remain today with their original red velvet drapes and trimmings.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9RSopIms1Jfl_TaXIpn8By2lhqK93tIYGsSHIYgNQ6XkIZkBbyk-G44X6elaPvvKpuBu6LIAXlUZoh4elUAoR9QNKU7Wn1UhTaQuD3kSplf3dcz5gLlWAPckCLdWALi1NuC3F86AxNCT/s1600-h/DSC01968.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398042525083929874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9RSopIms1Jfl_TaXIpn8By2lhqK93tIYGsSHIYgNQ6XkIZkBbyk-G44X6elaPvvKpuBu6LIAXlUZoh4elUAoR9QNKU7Wn1UhTaQuD3kSplf3dcz5gLlWAPckCLdWALi1NuC3F86AxNCT/s320/DSC01968.JPG" /></a>This table is where Doc Holliday played and dealt Faro over 118 years ago.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhzUECTmMqLYmYysVp8bmpjcKEG5vPoKsidyGSFD2jRNQA4rX-5vOr_zFyBBN55okLcwwuGupKS_uIDUhV4ZxP87Efh2JSXokqvU-l89PxOQN_k6h3OtN3dwH2Ps8KzvATekSyO7FYc5W/s1600-h/DSC01972.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398038880686949138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhzUECTmMqLYmYysVp8bmpjcKEG5vPoKsidyGSFD2jRNQA4rX-5vOr_zFyBBN55okLcwwuGupKS_uIDUhV4ZxP87Efh2JSXokqvU-l89PxOQN_k6h3OtN3dwH2Ps8KzvATekSyO7FYc5W/s320/DSC01972.JPG" /></a>Basket used by the saloon girls to carry up bottles to customers.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XZXhjJJOBZKBs4o3WAngeS_miKNv7BwDEAPDJSG1JV1i70yhMCckfT8huHe5uxwPKhZl5B_VgD6MIzAsaDcCwvObUFWRm7aWIEz1o53UP_MZJWVwHx7kLLTNmiwUYf2pmJcAJ3aUa9wv/s1600-h/DSC01973.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398038879498469522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XZXhjJJOBZKBs4o3WAngeS_miKNv7BwDEAPDJSG1JV1i70yhMCckfT8huHe5uxwPKhZl5B_VgD6MIzAsaDcCwvObUFWRm7aWIEz1o53UP_MZJWVwHx7kLLTNmiwUYf2pmJcAJ3aUa9wv/s320/DSC01973.JPG" /></a>The large hand-carved grand piano of solid rosewood is still in the orchestra pit where it played music with a 5 piece band. Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo had their famous duel nearby.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNKFXLZjbaQS98D6qHwmkyiv1a56lOtpjdLyvWcIXhPT_fmt-YU_8P_t-1ObU9JqwJc_K9sYT8fxecfeGcIoWBGHUdFxSamfX9kP13V8_RgG309eXirE547j5LFw15omLWi-AmQitsj3g/s1600-h/DSC01977.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398038867706971090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNKFXLZjbaQS98D6qHwmkyiv1a56lOtpjdLyvWcIXhPT_fmt-YU_8P_t-1ObU9JqwJc_K9sYT8fxecfeGcIoWBGHUdFxSamfX9kP13V8_RgG309eXirE547j5LFw15omLWi-AmQitsj3g/s320/DSC01977.JPG" /></a>The handpainted stage with its original stage curtain retains its faded luster of nightly performances of CanCan dancers, risque perormances and national headliners such as Eddie Foy and opera tenor Caruso.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NFO1RM4vGqiaQASArdCp8MFucImhHTnJTmhe4gKvWpWju-z_6zr9Z2JbpY8D7tpd9TDGz_F80xyegD5vhF6s-p7FvwxRaJ1cqicGldvzehzpjvn-Y-9vsK97RROlPqe2f5ifbLTp6fBS/s1600-h/DSC01980.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398038862408336914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NFO1RM4vGqiaQASArdCp8MFucImhHTnJTmhe4gKvWpWju-z_6zr9Z2JbpY8D7tpd9TDGz_F80xyegD5vhF6s-p7FvwxRaJ1cqicGldvzehzpjvn-Y-9vsK97RROlPqe2f5ifbLTp6fBS/s320/DSC01980.JPG" /></a>This box was occupied by "Russian Bill" every evening for 2 years at a cost of $25/night. He was not an outlaw but wanted to appear tough so he stole a horse for which he was hanged.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQSXBfu3D1RTQ_GFX4M50G4Qd1SNHrirMV9Ies41wo-U3u5dG08IsSmWvw2A1tWhhOfGjYsF_eYqeogL7nmyBEnBZ0ATrYQ9C063SDzlUCHbke9E0MF711qaGpFIggr_LZ7rjARXfyW/s1600-h/DSC01987.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398036649973327858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQSXBfu3D1RTQ_GFX4M50G4Qd1SNHrirMV9Ies41wo-U3u5dG08IsSmWvw2A1tWhhOfGjYsF_eYqeogL7nmyBEnBZ0ATrYQ9C063SDzlUCHbke9E0MF711qaGpFIggr_LZ7rjARXfyW/s320/DSC01987.JPG" /></a>The "Black Moriah" is the original Boothill hearse, trimmed in 24K gold and sterling silver, it took all but six bodies to Boot Hill. The original coffin<br />to the right of the hearse was used in the Tombstone movie.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5lJxQ5kXjX9RnyVY0XDrADhvZM302r25eyALC5B4plf6RQikQi7baBowsIaKBYxnTCSixT87mtQjsnq5OktCbxOYxi5StLmJeJA8aCs8iu-4VkLN1rkbk0A79XPZt0FyFOFk0UbBDA9D/s1600-h/DSC01997.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398036640969949538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5lJxQ5kXjX9RnyVY0XDrADhvZM302r25eyALC5B4plf6RQikQi7baBowsIaKBYxnTCSixT87mtQjsnq5OktCbxOYxi5StLmJeJA8aCs8iu-4VkLN1rkbk0A79XPZt0FyFOFk0UbBDA9D/s320/DSC01997.JPG" /></a>This bordello room was used by Sarah Josephine Marcus "Sadie Joe" where she had many romantic liaisons with her future husband Wyatt Earp while she was engaged to the Sheriff who frowned upon her working as a prostitute. Wyatt was living nearby in a covered wagon with his common-law wife Mattie. When Wyatt left her for Sadie Jo, Mattie ended up being a prostitute in Prescott Az and commiting suicide.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_qUoM1OKiRLCjzKhVOYoD15TiRhsHhgo3VgG62MfG8VT4Lw7x0AGepFmU1d3sK3CGa2uEZyuv2sAqCDRh9PTB8scK4yIvyUr-yNYaEXRVAMSVF0HX8ahsujlg5izR-Be3uGJAhNt22xP/s1600-h/DSC01993.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398036631426798482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_qUoM1OKiRLCjzKhVOYoD15TiRhsHhgo3VgG62MfG8VT4Lw7x0AGepFmU1d3sK3CGa2uEZyuv2sAqCDRh9PTB8scK4yIvyUr-yNYaEXRVAMSVF0HX8ahsujlg5izR-Be3uGJAhNt22xP/s320/DSC01993.JPG" /></a>This is Sadie Jo's business license for "House of Ill Fame" which was signed by Wyatt Earp who was Deputy Marshall at the time.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z8UmJ3gn1IdauUMF5laCYULDp1YPqHLkgy6hKHBmRjUCzd6S3QtQGgRZ14c0LhOc-M5VCDlg_f8KE0M2SrvPJlJEcgbvZtBX2YYTR7xcdWAqIAXNvs_xuwxu7tk0V2krRiJpkV-_dLFC/s1600-h/DSC02002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398036629146447554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z8UmJ3gn1IdauUMF5laCYULDp1YPqHLkgy6hKHBmRjUCzd6S3QtQGgRZ14c0LhOc-M5VCDlg_f8KE0M2SrvPJlJEcgbvZtBX2YYTR7xcdWAqIAXNvs_xuwxu7tk0V2krRiJpkV-_dLFC/s320/DSC02002.JPG" /></a>The longest single poker game in history was played in the basement gaming area. Eight years and four months of one continuous poker game! It was someone's job to go and get the next person on the list to play when someone left the game. This poker table still stands as it was left, with its chairs on the dirt floor.</div><div>We really enjoyed seeing this authentic building and all of its original features. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Tombstone was definite a highlight of our trip and Mike bought a replica gun and holster which will hang in our pool table room as a great momento of our visit.</div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-15969507074963061472009-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:002009-10-28T21:02:51.921-07:00OCT 24 - TOMBSTONE, ARIZONALeft Las Cruces and crossed large desert area surrounded by mountains. I love the wide-openess of the desert, especially when it has mo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaaHAZCryYA1dKDmnGPALBgoyuBCqPXf4mwY04SPpcIePdyA812Z_psLDdoQJnGvqjFP5L1c94ANKJZ8aggsB8DF8oYTmR49RCqua0KLVuQzEDl-B0txQDC4tiULePD6d2tLocu-l0DCA/s1600-h/DSC01887.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396725859045430130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaaHAZCryYA1dKDmnGPALBgoyuBCqPXf4mwY04SPpcIePdyA812Z_psLDdoQJnGvqjFP5L1c94ANKJZ8aggsB8DF8oYTmR49RCqua0KLVuQzEDl-B0txQDC4tiULePD6d2tLocu-l0DCA/s320/DSC01887.JPG" /></a>untains in the distance.We stopped for gas at the Akela Flats Trading Post which had a large selection of items. Really like these two critters - the one on the left is named "Marshall 'Dillo" and the right is "Lush Adillo". I bought a basket and a piece of pottery.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVKtW9bl38j8j9QoD00XNmw4JSS_7oIXbsepknKCG-LZL2JgB7qRxMUBUNnr462Y-dl6RwauCsQ-4lPjU8CHwi7SLM3aUQi2B7SAfb3CXhzqd_8ZydZGCtzYQ06VXLUAkHZbpdwPEaKdN/s1600-h/DSC01897.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396724954558967666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVKtW9bl38j8j9QoD00XNmw4JSS_7oIXbsepknKCG-LZL2JgB7qRxMUBUNnr462Y-dl6RwauCsQ-4lPjU8CHwi7SLM3aUQi2B7SAfb3CXhzqd_8ZydZGCtzYQ06VXLUAkHZbpdwPEaKdN/s320/DSC01897.JPG" /></a>We drove through Cochise country where the Apache used the bluffs as lookouts and lived in the canyons of the scenic Dragoon Mountains. Cochise is rumoured to be buried somewhere nearby in the Stronghold area.<br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396724947343003042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNA8cEEgwaG1qrdKYpkZXgScLw-87-SHmBO4FLW1RIrvwnlwg5rg2kww4hyz4vMJf-zKXIM-SElRqCywUpYCvO9EHhM4DJ1HXe6QjSA86y8raEvNyX4lMJ6vTLcRhY9B45exYqJDrCste/s320/DSC01900.JPG" />We were surprised by an area where large boulders suddenly appeared and looked like they had just dropped out of the sky. Arrived in Benson before noon and headed to Tombstone which is only 25 miles away.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTyRs86HJlqaICFKD-Sfmd6nAWIl1h0FW4hVKQ_8yET6nbwpqP0lBcBOHzUx8aZlRCbADln1D1CyYoRbxn8zB2-xjnvIdUZcQXoJ2Nu0VFcpjrHZix1ylIJMXrDdwD181TgAa5ANa8ISj/s1600-h/DSC01906.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396723824194239282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTyRs86HJlqaICFKD-Sfmd6nAWIl1h0FW4hVKQ_8yET6nbwpqP0lBcBOHzUx8aZlRCbADln1D1CyYoRbxn8zB2-xjnvIdUZcQXoJ2Nu0VFcpjrHZix1ylIJMXrDdwD181TgAa5ANa8ISj/s320/DSC01906.JPG" /></a>Tombstone sprang up around the silver mines discovered by Ed Schieffelin in 1877 and was dubbed "The Town Too Tough To Die". Ed had previously been told the only thing he would find in that area would be his own tombstone and that is how the town was named.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM2RFfgupXxUkq59xj5IR-gU7C5tllrpbO3SJxHJjEmbw842DzQvAUDrc-9l-YfZCc9gJ2AD7LuL7p9mX91U2Qu7Fj4nfk4GJcL5wRJzwv21h1Zzg77K0Rr8prNln9OLpJIK6OzXCTCBH/s1600-h/DSC01910.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396723819539563634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM2RFfgupXxUkq59xj5IR-gU7C5tllrpbO3SJxHJjEmbw842DzQvAUDrc-9l-YfZCc9gJ2AD7LuL7p9mX91U2Qu7Fj4nfk4GJcL5wRJzwv21h1Zzg77K0Rr8prNln9OLpJIK6OzXCTCBH/s320/DSC01910.JPG" /></a>Tombstone is truly an authentic 1800's western town and many people are dressed in the complete western attire (right down to spurs!). When I asked about this, I was told that people are completely accepted here living as cowboys of the bygone era of the Old West. We passed the famous OK Corral where actors reenact the famous gunfight of Oct 26/81 where Marshall Wyatt Earp, his 2 brothers and friend Doc Holliday shot it out with the "Cowboys" a ruffian group of the Clantons and McLaurys. At about 3 pm the gunfight began. About 30 seconds and 30 gunshots later, it was over. There is dispute about who fired the first shot but in the end, 3 of the 5 cowboys lay dead and all but Wyatt was injured. There was a trial for the Earps but they were found not guilty with the judge saying they were “fully justified in committing these homicides.”<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtTaKGtEUX8aeauZn7N-dy_y3HQQH0Thqe6NJ1Rsq1-RPLHeR2YNvzxMWNuvFLnP8moSoHVmcYe7RP65H1xTyFkkaoVYKdNkCXDKVoG8mXw7tehZTtuB9bXZYeA2gUK2k59Z_DsoYqM47/s1600-h/DSC01915.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396722644244710018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtTaKGtEUX8aeauZn7N-dy_y3HQQH0Thqe6NJ1Rsq1-RPLHeR2YNvzxMWNuvFLnP8moSoHVmcYe7RP65H1xTyFkkaoVYKdNkCXDKVoG8mXw7tehZTtuB9bXZYeA2gUK2k59Z_DsoYqM47/s320/DSC01915.JPG" /></a> We had a great time at "Big Nose Kate's Saloon". This 1880 building was originally the Grand Hotel and during its first few years often housed some of Tombstone's most famous residents including Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday and the Clanton gang when they came into town. In fact, Ike Clanton and the two McLaury brothers were registered guests the night before the famous gunfight at the OK Corral. Big Nose Kate is believed to have been the first prostitute in Tombstone. However, her biggest claim to fame was the fact that she was also Doc Holliday's girlfriend. We had a great time having a cold beer and listening to the honkytonk singer who was a lot of fun. Posting these videos as it was such a good time. Just click on them to listen.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzx195hHywFwymagumDg9I9vSa3iJ2nwb6rD2djRap67gI_OlJ58r0pn02AvGkGDXF2s6vQTWpv4pizQ784CQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz0kzj82HKb-NOL-mRX9ZBhdtjLImT6r37iTqCb1PJxKKJVnmkeEF1CKNIXqCRMpDntOLG0iqd0UH5c6SiusA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnqrvPGufrSnzz5mXDEKFkBkyqYSgG5k8q7xL7PD_JieyMOTd3U_6KBs0o3_uIk0Zuyhng62H4P0zYYy6_AAjxXJJB_L51hUAhzPZ57-H_e7tDd_MqVWaLzYBzMB0XTpBuoaQnleXm-Tq/s1600-h/DSC01918.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396603413239888754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnqrvPGufrSnzz5mXDEKFkBkyqYSgG5k8q7xL7PD_JieyMOTd3U_6KBs0o3_uIk0Zuyhng62H4P0zYYy6_AAjxXJJB_L51hUAhzPZ57-H_e7tDd_MqVWaLzYBzMB0XTpBuoaQnleXm-Tq/s320/DSC01918.JPG" /></a>The Sherriff seemed to think I was ok; must have been my cowgirl hat.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP1nCN55UM3S02Alt1JZxQr6vCeVj2OlRotseW9gGqzv0xQSawxbZkNb7TbD6aR1wJdYtyst2OJ0jgenJb5MYFz0UdRvYYE4QdtsCz93oPNqhUo_NChpzGrGbOCGOgIj5WnVYlrLy2KY/s1600-h/DSC01939.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396603402241217138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP1nCN55UM3S02Alt1JZxQr6vCeVj2OlRotseW9gGqzv0xQSawxbZkNb7TbD6aR1wJdYtyst2OJ0jgenJb5MYFz0UdRvYYE4QdtsCz93oPNqhUo_NChpzGrGbOCGOgIj5WnVYlrLy2KY/s320/DSC01939.JPG" /></a>Boothill Cemetery is very close to the town and was named so because of the many violent deaths of the early days as often they "died with their boots on". Buried here are outlaws and their victims, suicides and hangings (legal and otherwise) along with early citizens of the town.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5muwcKTFfUvN_-JVUTVB0EC1VMAAelhcWaIJF4A7e_R3RHGTwz-HGTsAczImaEMh81gXG5fLEHvrlAz7X60TLuYmxcA8fqpeIA2Mhti26S2M8XCTTK__h6ZOOo1wjP3nHlEMS8VMjPoQ/s1600-h/DSC01933.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396599753509986802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5muwcKTFfUvN_-JVUTVB0EC1VMAAelhcWaIJF4A7e_R3RHGTwz-HGTsAczImaEMh81gXG5fLEHvrlAz7X60TLuYmxcA8fqpeIA2Mhti26S2M8XCTTK__h6ZOOo1wjP3nHlEMS8VMjPoQ/s320/DSC01933.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJZSuGESXUWd8Bjx6gitUMSYMveuwOA2OmqqQs3GVqBsgYVKz8XWwPvxZseQIQXgbwgBmVSDwEZyyHaSsWiNvO45n-7kDARCrNNLnqafhI8TpSVRipUUA4I0PJLhChn3Jr8wdWERRLHY/s1600-h/DSC01929.JPG"></a></div>Graves of Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury shot Oct 26/81 at the OK Corral. I asked if the graves, with the rocks on top, were what they would have been originally and was told yes, as graves could only be dug 3-4 ft deep as it was clay, so rocks covered the grave so critters didn't get in. There are only 3 graves that were 6 ft deep, one due to small pox and two due to leprosy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas96gMAYZzGOo558X31niCoglRhti7JkjEWRhHKj6sOLLGuqniqOjrHqGn_7AoytQvXebLkG5wEag3XKJqhYtoLk_TgUpiZiQrUMOo0gS4SmeS2i6qaKX5Ic3Sq5GXP8BaOmMbYCeeO8/s1600-h/DSC01930.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396603389821782722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas96gMAYZzGOo558X31niCoglRhti7JkjEWRhHKj6sOLLGuqniqOjrHqGn_7AoytQvXebLkG5wEag3XKJqhYtoLk_TgUpiZiQrUMOo0gS4SmeS2i6qaKX5Ic3Sq5GXP8BaOmMbYCeeO8/s320/DSC01930.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6zcOZ8ArzURvN9ALZmO7G-nGQn1UmZ7v5FiTWLt63_4ldDfY_te1UYWF3F-y83JMfl3X9-EdOF1bvmxzwasT8C8d7h8cEYsIhbfmJWkUa5QwF4uFwGFCO4fhuBVJ-ptYm4hCItxB7hA/s1600-h/DSC01936.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396599748204682226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6zcOZ8ArzURvN9ALZmO7G-nGQn1UmZ7v5FiTWLt63_4ldDfY_te1UYWF3F-y83JMfl3X9-EdOF1bvmxzwasT8C8d7h8cEYsIhbfmJWkUa5QwF4uFwGFCO4fhuBVJ-ptYm4hCItxB7hA/s320/DSC01936.JPG" /></a>"3-Fingered Jack" Dunlap shot by Jeff Milton. Jack had been part of a band robbing a train when he was shot by the express car guard. He was left by his friends to die but was found and brought to Tombstone where he lived long enough to inform on his friends. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bg181IGke5P3Ti9nuaFwdcpKfNzXL65_eVxKWkgawPnqDnJzuJHtfsfWrozVpenr2tiDo3xh5bIxaT6ZBLvvV-QdX1UkobxikoYAjXUt2oa0SbSzaCjUE6fbSKhDX7E6I_HxVqQ0xRc/s1600-h/DSC01938.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396599742105926274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bg181IGke5P3Ti9nuaFwdcpKfNzXL65_eVxKWkgawPnqDnJzuJHtfsfWrozVpenr2tiDo3xh5bIxaT6ZBLvvV-QdX1UkobxikoYAjXUt2oa0SbSzaCjUE6fbSKhDX7E6I_HxVqQ0xRc/s320/DSC01938.JPG" /></a>"Here lies George Johnson - Hanged by mistake 1882 - He was right, we was wrong, but we strung him up and now he's gone". I like the way they are "straight shooters" about the facts. This guy had innocently bought a stolen horse and suffered the consequences. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuTfoQG8rvTEYNQFzlDJUrv6z_AP9UOHDqoiCKI-Fe5pA4K85Xkpn7z5upTs4mQYUbHTdcxjv2Lm49jihDIiZZ7YA2Ad_FArrCuFWfYNsRRnW5l9z9794xWhPFek6NJuIWEgGJLse4No/s1600-h/DSC01940.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396599731757964578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuTfoQG8rvTEYNQFzlDJUrv6z_AP9UOHDqoiCKI-Fe5pA4K85Xkpn7z5upTs4mQYUbHTdcxjv2Lm49jihDIiZZ7YA2Ad_FArrCuFWfYNsRRnW5l9z9794xWhPFek6NJuIWEgGJLse4No/s320/DSC01940.JPG" /></a><br />Made it back to the campground just as sun was setting.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYMxu50PuysAggNOeysbxtRAC_fRJEFaAFU6kcNlIVaEjJJJ8zpYhfEeqv3uQT38_2N-WEB742544Z7hiZxCfW3FUYOXQLUgVA9XwWEwVVKgKKLxjZ6wg5J_lwo4eqF91_oE4Y-2DLvg/s1600-h/DSC01943.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396597422903183442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYMxu50PuysAggNOeysbxtRAC_fRJEFaAFU6kcNlIVaEjJJJ8zpYhfEeqv3uQT38_2N-WEB742544Z7hiZxCfW3FUYOXQLUgVA9XwWEwVVKgKKLxjZ6wg5J_lwo4eqF91_oE4Y-2DLvg/s320/DSC01943.JPG" /></a>Different cacti in the campground.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFcJhdP2-SXjXeZhb3IvhdTNCHP-vw69JnQ9u6_2LZs-IMuCIk3-GN0VMisdEC-IuiauOreWCenBnP3hlkWVVK_kkiXe7_ZIB69RL0Zlm3T1x7OACKon5mwqWMwx7n5qVpD46w941mnWA/s1600-h/DSC01944.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397781096621377938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFcJhdP2-SXjXeZhb3IvhdTNCHP-vw69JnQ9u6_2LZs-IMuCIk3-GN0VMisdEC-IuiauOreWCenBnP3hlkWVVK_kkiXe7_ZIB69RL0Zlm3T1x7OACKon5mwqWMwx7n5qVpD46w941mnWA/s320/DSC01944.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92OIELK5AawDS0WGg9S-JFQ8Zsom2hYQE95kU5NYU1PizoDmYukywlCharLl-nQqaQPsYkSikZAWvfE6oR70erNhGMA1blC8D-gihsazxR1ECN_3EoBKrXtXgAKYRJBL7aZYYlnZk0jw/s1600-h/DSC01945.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396597408973966114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92OIELK5AawDS0WGg9S-JFQ8Zsom2hYQE95kU5NYU1PizoDmYukywlCharLl-nQqaQPsYkSikZAWvfE6oR70erNhGMA1blC8D-gihsazxR1ECN_3EoBKrXtXgAKYRJBL7aZYYlnZk0jw/s320/DSC01945.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0X-xZgnfJcLQ8X3ISBoPcTN7_KgL-soNOyWdZvLx4fruyYF7wke-sxTYP4uuSqemgwvdcBV15amJsF40oSNBxsedsN73lVw-IrxiNVe7_rATY3DbcwwNQY1VvIS-N_lTDI42kRmVCSE/s1600-h/DSC01947.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 299px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396597399914415954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0X-xZgnfJcLQ8X3ISBoPcTN7_KgL-soNOyWdZvLx4fruyYF7wke-sxTYP4uuSqemgwvdcBV15amJsF40oSNBxsedsN73lVw-IrxiNVe7_rATY3DbcwwNQY1VvIS-N_lTDI42kRmVCSE/s320/DSC01947.JPG" /></a>One of the other campers pointed out this tarantula hole in the dirt and said that it comes out at night. Unfortunately, he was very shy and this is the only photo I could get of the spider even though Lana tried to coax it with a bug.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagS2W518wM3x-t9hJx3Wts1EqivCQsTylbYxa7xmajgKz6jHGUhK84lARydSGl35PjEkSQdXlTiKS3UmkLJSqzQVBycDmuekKRuMQ_lDwNBY1158LB1sYtAfCAqetJl5IjWwvocz5ewM/s1600-h/DSC01946.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396562990442653746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagS2W518wM3x-t9hJx3Wts1EqivCQsTylbYxa7xmajgKz6jHGUhK84lARydSGl35PjEkSQdXlTiKS3UmkLJSqzQVBycDmuekKRuMQ_lDwNBY1158LB1sYtAfCAqetJl5IjWwvocz5ewM/s320/DSC01946.JPG" /></a>A beautiful sunset ended another great day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-4591864546223333202009-10-23T19:42:00.000-07:002009-10-24T07:02:06.450-07:00OCT 23 - LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLhptx-dT9X5OGIEgB84BpRu0SX9ak4_IkcB-if_0JSmwm5ecapG-O9XmW4AOveBd2iApBrMcAKCUlbW4GCL0eKwzMk_LynOlqXU5obwk-nenklmq6rCKxcMXFf_q0kA6LByNTcw6wE/s1600-h/DSC01859.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395997286943732770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLhptx-dT9X5OGIEgB84BpRu0SX9ak4_IkcB-if_0JSmwm5ecapG-O9XmW4AOveBd2iApBrMcAKCUlbW4GCL0eKwzMk_LynOlqXU5obwk-nenklmq6rCKxcMXFf_q0kA6LByNTcw6wE/s320/DSC01859.JPG" /></a>There were many pecan trees around the RV Park and you can see the green pods which crack open allowing the nuts falls to the ground. At this point you just need to pick them up and crack the nut to get the pecan out. Lana and I fought off squirrels this morning and each got a bag full. They are delicious.<br /><br />We had a short 222 mile drive to Las Cruces and drove through desert passing huge groves of pecan trees. We climbed to 8,6500 ft through Lincoln National Forest in the Sacramento Mountains. It had many spruce trees and reminded us of BC. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz4DqmfCo76mVz9BBUoOxXMn5H_Tbpq2l_vHP7ffFhD2O8jBUGsirrqPdnlFOR-2KAAFRrGYI3VV-Pvq8Kx4QqUAGkCxcrVz3Rd41SJDgZdScbV8kAEQC3pfzYtr8CtAF1gs128A9034/s1600-h/DSC01865.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396165657550640594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz4DqmfCo76mVz9BBUoOxXMn5H_Tbpq2l_vHP7ffFhD2O8jBUGsirrqPdnlFOR-2KAAFRrGYI3VV-Pvq8Kx4QqUAGkCxcrVz3Rd41SJDgZdScbV8kAEQC3pfzYtr8CtAF1gs128A9034/s320/DSC01865.JPG" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After another desert basin, we went through a range of the San Andres Mountains and then had a great view of the White Sands which is 250 square miles of pure white gypsum sand. This area is also part of the US Missile Range but it looked pretty inactive today.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2VDri7Vd-T3KoMOhmRcMoncaVXCcrIr_tRzEJpi4XcUNWxwCvrJUz2RZ-JKcfz2pEyQckLfK-6Dk7RYAY6mYedn3xwnrIcTjDBXQraOTj-jNaibALSfz70ILdT-6VmtaomayAlWwCk8/s1600-h/DSC01869.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395995973342921378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2VDri7Vd-T3KoMOhmRcMoncaVXCcrIr_tRzEJpi4XcUNWxwCvrJUz2RZ-JKcfz2pEyQckLfK-6Dk7RYAY6mYedn3xwnrIcTjDBXQraOTj-jNaibALSfz70ILdT-6VmtaomayAlWwCk8/s320/DSC01869.JPG" /></a>We had time to visit the nearby town of La Mesilla. It was once the capital of the Arizona Territory and was a stop for the Butterfield Stagecoach and Billy the Kid. This charming little village is much as it was a hundred years ago, with a main square dominated by a Catholic Church. While we visited the quaint little shops, a Mexican band played in the square. This 1850 building was once the courthouse in which Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang, but he got lucky and was able to escape. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQPgdjzVkHNgCIqR8_eW_8s4tu_IOuUYgF94zSo_rSqahqtr8WI-T3jRR6RGpW16K9IIRd59OWsht6qj1t5w_UIGLdyzJDyg7XOPBe12LHi4WZIzYZ0CN37FdQqDT6vBJslRTg1JoyS4/s1600-h/DSC01870.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395995966223774034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQPgdjzVkHNgCIqR8_eW_8s4tu_IOuUYgF94zSo_rSqahqtr8WI-T3jRR6RGpW16K9IIRd59OWsht6qj1t5w_UIGLdyzJDyg7XOPBe12LHi4WZIzYZ0CN37FdQqDT6vBJslRTg1JoyS4/s320/DSC01870.JPG" /></a>Sign says: "This building is the original "La Posta". For more than a century and a half, these adobe walls have withstood the attack of elements and man; they have sheltered such personalities as Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, Douglas MacArthur, and Pancho Villa. Now Mesilla sleeps, but La Posta still offers its traditional hospitality to all."<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2R4tjjPJtr9ZXyhg6cTZdK_vaaW6KafLH3dEHif_jatA8MqNTRStMq9Sxa3qFBtOwviyZ-o0hkIwIgKgy_xSr4GsnacHIDenxW90OF6QGW5WEQ07EcKBFVtrj_fqFtJtC5RGHMK3xuA/s1600-h/DSC01874.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395995954978498594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2R4tjjPJtr9ZXyhg6cTZdK_vaaW6KafLH3dEHif_jatA8MqNTRStMq9Sxa3qFBtOwviyZ-o0hkIwIgKgy_xSr4GsnacHIDenxW90OF6QGW5WEQ07EcKBFVtrj_fqFtJtC5RGHMK3xuA/s320/DSC01874.JPG" /></a>Lana and I enjoyed the view from our campground of the sunset on the San Andres Mountain range that we had passed through earlier today. The town of Las Cruces, which is very spread out, sparkled with lights as darkness arrived. It looks very magical!</div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-31447081630937610312009-10-23T04:54:00.001-07:002009-10-23T19:16:59.337-07:00OCT 22 - CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICOIn the morning Mike and I went in to the small town of Carlsbad and visited some antique stores and a "Co-op Gallery" which had many different artists' work at reasonable prices. I bought a pair of "Beadwork of the Southwest" earrings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA3im5BBVV2P7YEOUyyKjbH7HbH1-9m6s3eJrtsPP4m2Uw9OsXJni3baEqfzADF6Vn7-RTVO_v_G2Rk8j7MjC1OECx6DSjGMrTBzhIGCRqxs5ejvj3DCuKxHEowwOZmQIuFHHvpKcwrg/s1600-h/DSC01752.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395786735263882130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA3im5BBVV2P7YEOUyyKjbH7HbH1-9m6s3eJrtsPP4m2Uw9OsXJni3baEqfzADF6Vn7-RTVO_v_G2Rk8j7MjC1OECx6DSjGMrTBzhIGCRqxs5ejvj3DCuKxHEowwOZmQIuFHHvpKcwrg/s320/DSC01752.JPG" /></a>Liked this southwestern mural on one of the buildings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdp9NQXhvzFy0BB_LmDMh3jqqmuJ8EZdmHwWdxghxOi4kZ3ihSf6F9vZGlFcXymHeGKBci52M5woM7EZSWX1cJ6BbrlJL9YCD9nBYrFTsTn5TdKsabXgUTpPcsO3FUgtzz93l0SJTtaA/s1600-h/DSC01753.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395786728720305282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdp9NQXhvzFy0BB_LmDMh3jqqmuJ8EZdmHwWdxghxOi4kZ3ihSf6F9vZGlFcXymHeGKBci52M5woM7EZSWX1cJ6BbrlJL9YCD9nBYrFTsTn5TdKsabXgUTpPcsO3FUgtzz93l0SJTtaA/s320/DSC01753.JPG" /></a><br />This 1858 Mudwagon stagecoach used in this area was on display at the town's small museu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1-KR2pUybnQygQLYSC3aoOvCOzIbTxxvIW58djxQVesZM7-EcP7U_YNLlTLdo4WjnPxmJziN0ykymVt4nQGDM6QdiuklTrKIi59AMunUISuT9J7-f3suCvj9fNARPRl5IBWNlQtAnyM/s1600-h/DSC01755.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395789829031567666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1-KR2pUybnQygQLYSC3aoOvCOzIbTxxvIW58djxQVesZM7-EcP7U_YNLlTLdo4WjnPxmJziN0ykymVt4nQGDM6QdiuklTrKIi59AMunUISuT9J7-f3suCvj9fNARPRl5IBWNlQtAnyM/s320/DSC01755.JPG" /></a>m.<br />They also had this old 2-seater outhouse on display and yes, it was an actual outhouse at one time in the region (I love small towns!).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy6oJB3bkYmf9z4z_lsfda-0vSjJC_p2SbO_7ZvRvW1DoWcjEEyZ6FX19WCk6j5eIJcSJuDFMozjW2MyZJS46NwiZSlgH1ei_kCiBCMltYfEU1AafioXLtw-XxQS5VcH8UxCf3lNpR7E/s1600-h/DSC01757.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395786725789308130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy6oJB3bkYmf9z4z_lsfda-0vSjJC_p2SbO_7ZvRvW1DoWcjEEyZ6FX19WCk6j5eIJcSJuDFMozjW2MyZJS46NwiZSlgH1ei_kCiBCMltYfEU1AafioXLtw-XxQS5VcH8UxCf3lNpR7E/s320/DSC01757.JPG" /></a></div><div>The museum also had an art gallery and I thought this painted pony decorated with local insects on it was interesting. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NztTRVdzn0xUTXT-GrgtCf1puGPHh6MTABu3wEnpiQSntIuOZS0F4-rOYoX9kiF5XmDG-YYdXBSP9RZEj6FsBb9ea0whqL4kxDyvEmBPpF9gnrHwzESuSjkVPRnWrwLanJTrapouDFw/s1600-h/DSC01758.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395786722426587794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NztTRVdzn0xUTXT-GrgtCf1puGPHh6MTABu3wEnpiQSntIuOZS0F4-rOYoX9kiF5XmDG-YYdXBSP9RZEj6FsBb9ea0whqL4kxDyvEmBPpF9gnrHwzESuSjkVPRnWrwLanJTrapouDFw/s320/DSC01758.JPG" /></a>This is the local courthouse and I like the southwest architecture.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr1Arisy35PdIggeHVa039GjOPL9N5qUEFo4_OhvDwFXEBDDBwA3tN5tsGIPPyvHY0YyaE9kmEHQCYkeudk5i0sLpMF6rS0dPFtf4N7Xy0YOipNcurAqZWpgRgdV-emXFOgZGl4WjT08/s1600-h/DSC01759.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395783801530165362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr1Arisy35PdIggeHVa039GjOPL9N5qUEFo4_OhvDwFXEBDDBwA3tN5tsGIPPyvHY0YyaE9kmEHQCYkeudk5i0sLpMF6rS0dPFtf4N7Xy0YOipNcurAqZWpgRgdV-emXFOgZGl4WjT08/s320/DSC01759.JPG" /></a>The door to the courthouse is decorated with pioneer ranch branding iron symbols. Click on the pic to see them better.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cy7l2lVNk9YmmsAb8VutUiBkwwKkAZmH5Qsyc2NatIFYEs4Eu31V26P1PGSy49CubIv8o7mrqiMwxPpRLhZTw6cuT2UxO-Ax5YM4L47E5tTkh9hQPtp8KfNWNS-RLjMC3PIUXzVwgeg/s1600-h/DSC01797.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395783794905774914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cy7l2lVNk9YmmsAb8VutUiBkwwKkAZmH5Qsyc2NatIFYEs4Eu31V26P1PGSy49CubIv8o7mrqiMwxPpRLhZTw6cuT2UxO-Ax5YM4L47E5tTkh9hQPtp8KfNWNS-RLjMC3PIUXzVwgeg/s320/DSC01797.JPG" /></a> </div><div>I decided to go back to the Carlsbad Caverns to do a tour of the "Kings Palace" cavern while Mike relaxed and Lana and Barry did the local riverwalk. As I arrived an hour before it started, I visited the Main Room again but did the short path. I was fortunate that most of the time I was by myself and there were no sounds but occassional water dripping. The Kings Palace tour was escourted by two female Park Rangers who were very knowledgeable and fun. They took us through four highly decorated scenic chambers and we descended an additional 830 feet beneath the desert surface.<br /></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy68v6Td17-AlY8F5q7-ma7U_GH4JI8j0c7W2Jaw6ZpaTC6RV4hL1a7fyxgceRkS-R3R310lw60hTe7vLI7XEpT8xuk7oc6b8o5_L5G9CrjPa24_nKNW8hNHnB0U4HYgFa7s1XvpbEiaU/s1600-h/DSC01801.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395783790064445026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy68v6Td17-AlY8F5q7-ma7U_GH4JI8j0c7W2Jaw6ZpaTC6RV4hL1a7fyxgceRkS-R3R310lw60hTe7vLI7XEpT8xuk7oc6b8o5_L5G9CrjPa24_nKNW8hNHnB0U4HYgFa7s1XvpbEiaU/s320/DSC01801.JPG" /></a>In 1898 Jim White, a 16 year old cowboy with a grade 3 education, entered the caverns for the first time. Jim was fascinated with the cave and explored it, sometimes risking his life. He made a rope ladder to lower himself down with a kerosene lamp and we were shown burn marks he would put on the walls to find his way back out. He was eager to show the natural wonders of this extraordinary place to others, but few believed his description of the caverns. In 1915, black and white pictures taken by Ray Davis were displayed in Carlsbad and created a sensation. People clamored to see the marvelous cave. White took them on tours that began with a 170 ft descent in a bucket once used to haul bat guano from the cave. Word spread to Washington DC in 1923 and the caverns were made a national monument.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BoKuZntRbZDvp89brPHLtiAVVWMtmNqr9SQVXa7LBkJxEJMu-7766rKx2S9OZSfd_GFd6tY9-mUrJKZZOUsepn3IMoB-d9vXNJOyILUSucXumZzKKytGHr2g8E2uuerrZx2nCPg646Y/s1600-h/DSC01810.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395780376021665394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BoKuZntRbZDvp89brPHLtiAVVWMtmNqr9SQVXa7LBkJxEJMu-7766rKx2S9OZSfd_GFd6tY9-mUrJKZZOUsepn3IMoB-d9vXNJOyILUSucXumZzKKytGHr2g8E2uuerrZx2nCPg646Y/s320/DSC01810.JPG" /></a>Jim White named all the different areas and the names are still used today. This is the "Papoose Room".<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcHBbDWoeCBjLTYW95gWfUm18c9PnWzErijKVGaDnFBSJ0-wC3ItiJHbFQVTOyS89vuqvqV933dbL6M70KpzP6lQS_9VYEnxBbWLRzJkpeoigdr6lHSmKDIzaqr60OvorR2fcIsJZ9cA/s1600-h/DSC01812.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395780364907657730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcHBbDWoeCBjLTYW95gWfUm18c9PnWzErijKVGaDnFBSJ0-wC3ItiJHbFQVTOyS89vuqvqV933dbL6M70KpzP6lQS_9VYEnxBbWLRzJkpeoigdr6lHSmKDIzaqr60OvorR2fcIsJZ9cA/s320/DSC01812.JPG" /></a>Also part of the Papoose Room.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hIy4YI53-0aZDEvrFzuiY5-fe_JrRakWQ12tgh7xDvlNN6s5mNQQ9Oq1MV4aGbl5y_8lD0nhxPet_RgZAIXV_7g_mmXvTZd_c0GEz8isH0VbQV-1Bx3MFgp7-AERBHgxmH5-pWcxcU4/s1600-h/DSC01820.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395780364888881794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hIy4YI53-0aZDEvrFzuiY5-fe_JrRakWQ12tgh7xDvlNN6s5mNQQ9Oq1MV4aGbl5y_8lD0nhxPet_RgZAIXV_7g_mmXvTZd_c0GEz8isH0VbQV-1Bx3MFgp7-AERBHgxmH5-pWcxcU4/s320/DSC01820.JPG" /></a>The "Queen's Chamber".<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKg_3_VYEmySmKDmBXhBwI_LYmA9jD_IL1-TgQ-KXuSrjjAg4qlepZCXptyIYzOQ9lkZ0YNX3E_82YHYZQ0U9UqDWwLFKfmL_B47mLqNgnz_GqgtukG1Fusue0BoQHptA24HJ4jlj_CM/s1600-h/DSC01821.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395780360714325394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKg_3_VYEmySmKDmBXhBwI_LYmA9jD_IL1-TgQ-KXuSrjjAg4qlepZCXptyIYzOQ9lkZ0YNX3E_82YHYZQ0U9UqDWwLFKfmL_B47mLqNgnz_GqgtukG1Fusue0BoQHptA24HJ4jlj_CM/s320/DSC01821.JPG" /></a>The "Queen's Draperies" - very spectacular.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYB8Uy802YSFMDgAKzhyphenhyphenI9g5RDE29AAZJSLQ_RomUiIgYvNf2T9-STlP7fWMnXwG2iyiPMB2TrhZfq7vlTY367ZIBRYEiYmEw6yiEMt7omUaKYphA5fQ-aDP-fqw21MIua34Jq3BqWZ0/s1600-h/DSC01824.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395777161390859026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYB8Uy802YSFMDgAKzhyphenhyphenI9g5RDE29AAZJSLQ_RomUiIgYvNf2T9-STlP7fWMnXwG2iyiPMB2TrhZfq7vlTY367ZIBRYEiYmEw6yiEMt7omUaKYphA5fQ-aDP-fqw21MIua34Jq3BqWZ0/s320/DSC01824.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqw7zuM8vDEfhlWFpSPc3P_0qtlB1nomgcxbElMSs-atFnbymgnTj-LChnU5dxHnRgqCNnUs9pvqf0FK1RLq-mA9ZtuUtJdPSS7v_1cjnFG5HMs3EebQxarvgxWAXPLviBrGrHgHpT6A/s1600-h/DSC01825.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 254px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395777158299652754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqw7zuM8vDEfhlWFpSPc3P_0qtlB1nomgcxbElMSs-atFnbymgnTj-LChnU5dxHnRgqCNnUs9pvqf0FK1RLq-mA9ZtuUtJdPSS7v_1cjnFG5HMs3EebQxarvgxWAXPLviBrGrHgHpT6A/s320/DSC01825.JPG" /></a>The Ranger had a "blackout" where we got to experience the permanent inky blackness of the natural cave. While in the blackness, she related that Jim White had been a hundred feet from his kerosene lamp when it ran of fuel and he only had 3 matches in his pocket. He found his way to the lamp with 1 match, the 2nd was a dud and with shaking hands he had to put kerosene in the lamp and also light it. He ended up pouring the fuel on himself but managed to light the lamp without turning himself into a torch.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztzUzQuEYuHYW1DIS5BRY-QXx2bqPhnUx9VO2xV8iSdZSahRIZ5oT3pfLcsya1yngGMJeNib7QNfQbvii8BfOWRI9Jy7JQ6ylTkSPor6YEjdkQL_oSNntDF2KwDDAsYdJbwS_vieagfg/s1600-h/DSC01829.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395777150673482498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztzUzQuEYuHYW1DIS5BRY-QXx2bqPhnUx9VO2xV8iSdZSahRIZ5oT3pfLcsya1yngGMJeNib7QNfQbvii8BfOWRI9Jy7JQ6ylTkSPor6YEjdkQL_oSNntDF2KwDDAsYdJbwS_vieagfg/s320/DSC01829.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY1j7uvcjCDmKe9KE-uco4szF6yYVxs0fszqBcdBiVY7vHz2X8VRHATMNtNqMwA0ia9q4rhsTl3wURiVldy35ZvA5FoK9MRxXvTt5IZsEDh5dQn07nJMLkw9RQRe5yr8WUne1qBK9jco/s1600-h/DSC01832.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395777148758189986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY1j7uvcjCDmKe9KE-uco4szF6yYVxs0fszqBcdBiVY7vHz2X8VRHATMNtNqMwA0ia9q4rhsTl3wURiVldy35ZvA5FoK9MRxXvTt5IZsEDh5dQn07nJMLkw9RQRe5yr8WUne1qBK9jco/s320/DSC01832.JPG" /></a>This is one of a couple of tight spots we had to go through on our tour.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhmLU08JzlfkVhyG-73IJh3NGc3E-3I7L_OgjBHpFmZT4MN9jHNoBJ9gXtwMaza7u2eKqU2Gt5qQ2RgxWXk6uCrJGMHR0pqCGmcbFe-0OvDCkWL200L9MqnMrDc9KlqERpszy9mD7sx4/s1600-h/DSC01835.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395774208495854114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhmLU08JzlfkVhyG-73IJh3NGc3E-3I7L_OgjBHpFmZT4MN9jHNoBJ9gXtwMaza7u2eKqU2Gt5qQ2RgxWXk6uCrJGMHR0pqCGmcbFe-0OvDCkWL200L9MqnMrDc9KlqERpszy9mD7sx4/s320/DSC01835.JPG" /></a>Another pool of water under a ceiling of stalactites.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPML6TU_5VFydCQefA2fjCjlxbdt9fcbkVPZp-yLzTu7BliW7q00pyFp1KYe9dKyboDPxGvCuqMogicpaRjqQnCGYVtI0yL0xq6mCSix6aFADyzP_YSh-pmIW5TjoeNB31FdR9KbwWgSU/s1600-h/DSC01838.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395774202533495490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPML6TU_5VFydCQefA2fjCjlxbdt9fcbkVPZp-yLzTu7BliW7q00pyFp1KYe9dKyboDPxGvCuqMogicpaRjqQnCGYVtI0yL0xq6mCSix6aFADyzP_YSh-pmIW5TjoeNB31FdR9KbwWgSU/s320/DSC01838.JPG" /></a>Called "Bashful Elephant", it is easy to see why.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_T1VBQyjMItIt3ZFg1yOQUv4GO2JCMts1fRjNqTBQlFRdqAWXd-ZLfYvpu0m8DDfgbebTicjNn3pc-u6NISFOlKxVRfoXRulEhI0Q9jUehmenbMJFUR7A-HfXnuw_VTDnK-qCZZcztaU/s1600-h/DSC01847.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395774187914370562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_T1VBQyjMItIt3ZFg1yOQUv4GO2JCMts1fRjNqTBQlFRdqAWXd-ZLfYvpu0m8DDfgbebTicjNn3pc-u6NISFOlKxVRfoXRulEhI0Q9jUehmenbMJFUR7A-HfXnuw_VTDnK-qCZZcztaU/s320/DSC01847.JPG" /></a>The "Vieled Statue". <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g1Tj96kLT5mCPMPVby7onTTCU_8-VRRIi2cNDdjEAPATsco8_JQwkH6P0Vla66iRev01VRCLnpKmv9Qg3hsl6KCVLT1a0LFFzd7FPstkRJtzFYTwvCot7dMEV87n-lOm9CgbYHiYSZM/s1600-h/DSC01842.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395770159950118642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g1Tj96kLT5mCPMPVby7onTTCU_8-VRRIi2cNDdjEAPATsco8_JQwkH6P0Vla66iRev01VRCLnpKmv9Qg3hsl6KCVLT1a0LFFzd7FPstkRJtzFYTwvCot7dMEV87n-lOm9CgbYHiYSZM/s320/DSC01842.JPG" /></a>"Green Lake", a drip pond which is 8 ft deep.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV5uBNyrymiHq3Gug33i0Vz6Th2LN3YDtEYPoVp0XNwmTVYkGRvUbSF4gDxKhn63cTYHu0JxuQ51iOsmjv2cfQIS49EoLb3ghtiOT56FIeRy7qszUJ3H3Kirk23FIo_YDI8wS4XT23-k/s1600-h/DSC01857.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395770148486021794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV5uBNyrymiHq3Gug33i0Vz6Th2LN3YDtEYPoVp0XNwmTVYkGRvUbSF4gDxKhn63cTYHu0JxuQ51iOsmjv2cfQIS49EoLb3ghtiOT56FIeRy7qszUJ3H3Kirk23FIo_YDI8wS4XT23-k/s320/DSC01857.JPG" /></a>After the tour, I went to see the Natural Entrance which been closed as the bats where hanging out there yesterday. This entrance follows the original explorers route which descends 750 ft. We took the elevator from the visitor centre - much easier!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvo7H_Iyjno_hnA3Ri49iZbH8u6Zxm7FXn1-x8krcvB_VeFN-IdRr1dxbxZSp1PL_L-kd4h4thc9R8RfA01iPIqNSKBK2sc46etI-HMUM12bTy1O1mqzrfVy6xdjFR_RkjnnIQ0LJivc/s1600-h/DSC01853.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395770141495177698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvo7H_Iyjno_hnA3Ri49iZbH8u6Zxm7FXn1-x8krcvB_VeFN-IdRr1dxbxZSp1PL_L-kd4h4thc9R8RfA01iPIqNSKBK2sc46etI-HMUM12bTy1O1mqzrfVy6xdjFR_RkjnnIQ0LJivc/s320/DSC01853.JPG" /></a>Sitting in an amphitheatre at the Natural Entrance, I waited to see the evening flight of the bats of Carlsbad Cavern. This mass exodus happens at dusk, when thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats fly in swarms in whirlwind spirals from the cave for a night of feasting on insects. These bats are very small, their body is the size of a thumb and the wings spread about 12 inches. While the bats are leaving, thousands of swallows are arriving and enter in downward spiral swarms in turn to bats leaving. The swallows go into the cave to sleep until the morning when the bats return and they then leave. Although some of the bats are migrating south and should be gone after the end of October, there were still thousands and it was very impressive.</div><div>When I got back to the RV park, I was told we were invited to a BBQ dinner made by Eric and his wife Trish who were camping here as well. The Bennetts were also invited along with the owners of the campground and another couple. Eric had wood-smoked the meat for several hours and it was delicious. What a friendly campground!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-67924881214792282542009-10-22T07:20:00.001-07:002009-10-22T20:51:49.503-07:00OCT 21 - CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICODrove through the Chihuahuan Desert and arrived in Carlsbad at noon but as we went back an hour (we are now only 1 hour ahead of BC time) we ate a quick lunch and went to the Carlsbad Ca<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZKAKizmkouLOZNYvwZVjoiqCgGpLvwhWD9oXpdB06elqM8-LFewKMaW0LzFmGQpO2KmxjyYIk5m19bm8bU7TNQPzCIT0FmSTaVi7ywNz7PKvsBtp20sy96R4XkU17qy69OiNp7eWSLs/s1600-h/DSC01750.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395447181757850594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZKAKizmkouLOZNYvwZVjoiqCgGpLvwhWD9oXpdB06elqM8-LFewKMaW0LzFmGQpO2KmxjyYIk5m19bm8bU7TNQPzCIT0FmSTaVi7ywNz7PKvsBtp20sy96R4XkU17qy69OiNp7eWSLs/s320/DSC01750.JPG" /></a>verns.<br />We drove up into the hills of the Guadalupe Mountains and stopped along the road for this pic. The desert looks so beautiful here in the more mountainous area. They had a soaking of rain yesterday (their annual rainfall is only 12"/year) so everything looked quite lush for a desert.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogNOuOA0VViMfxG-qDnL55566D7NiJfkydk3X-fOL6PSsrkD_m6Evb5ySsEB0o9au-8im-jMvcJqkAFvti5BvXe9dB9PHX0gjl5BytRubqkk7QTt5Rjz73wTRo2PzQvQcG0Q2iMeWw0/s1600-h/DSC01749.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395447180055259010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogNOuOA0VViMfxG-qDnL55566D7NiJfkydk3X-fOL6PSsrkD_m6Evb5ySsEB0o9au-8im-jMvcJqkAFvti5BvXe9dB9PHX0gjl5BytRubqkk7QTt5Rjz73wTRo2PzQvQcG0Q2iMeWw0/s320/DSC01749.JPG" /></a> View from the top of the mountain and some yucca plants with 10 ft flower stems.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMP7PK1gIKi0NMMB6DPVRRMFcHNKclttN4uHdA6QpnOd0jeuq1RSFTE41yiv8FwI0aSmdKNqMghxN92z3zSSVppvBGyJNbYanaEjpOGZZMYFGstpXYjSAYrEUNG6GuEtIomyISnZOdik/s1600-h/DSC01686.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395444699954038882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMP7PK1gIKi0NMMB6DPVRRMFcHNKclttN4uHdA6QpnOd0jeuq1RSFTE41yiv8FwI0aSmdKNqMghxN92z3zSSVppvBGyJNbYanaEjpOGZZMYFGstpXYjSAYrEUNG6GuEtIomyISnZOdik/s320/DSC01686.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YpzZriwHn77NPtb6U3LZocSCgznDAD0EdUVFJyh42h3810Wnk8twJWfK-s1BoZ-SUqTj0moiF54TYtuoiS9mG9YyblvpHNDJrrVvFDj6bD4er6XQXpX9DUFOD7Y7SVyMKTpE633AZ0k/s1600-h/DSC01688.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395444696139370546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YpzZriwHn77NPtb6U3LZocSCgznDAD0EdUVFJyh42h3810Wnk8twJWfK-s1BoZ-SUqTj0moiF54TYtuoiS9mG9YyblvpHNDJrrVvFDj6bD4er6XQXpX9DUFOD7Y7SVyMKTpE633AZ0k/s320/DSC01688.JPG" /></a>Many different cacti, this one with pretty yellow flower buds.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4xu29TDsveK_V1jWmEMvmJh8FEVXWRdPD09Xw5sZrq31-yUr-V3uzsqtSg5AYFHFJb5IZC5uW7VGLL2Gu3g8WFupZp5Rsl2Z0ohCVdeJ1Ezn5bahx3gsQDsMOzpU7NhGbfVR4oVKT9Y/s1600-h/DSC01693.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395444688529447282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4xu29TDsveK_V1jWmEMvmJh8FEVXWRdPD09Xw5sZrq31-yUr-V3uzsqtSg5AYFHFJb5IZC5uW7VGLL2Gu3g8WFupZp5Rsl2Z0ohCVdeJ1Ezn5bahx3gsQDsMOzpU7NhGbfVR4oVKT9Y/s320/DSC01693.JPG" /></a>250,000 million years ago the Carlsbad caverns were once a reef in what was an inland ocean, then 20 to 30 million years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were uplifted thousands of feet above sea level, fracturing the ancient reef. Rainwater seeped down into the cracks in the reef, slowly dissolving the limestone and beginning the process that would form large underground chambers. The stalactites, stalagmites and an incredible variety of other formations began more than 500,000 years ago after much of the cavern had been carved out. It happened slowly, drop by drop. The creation of each formation depended on water that dripped or seeped down into the limestone bedrock and into the cave. Where water dripped slowly from the ceiling, soda straws and larger stalactites appeared. Water falling on the floor created stalagmites. Sometimes a stalactite and stalagmite joined, forming a column.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14c9CN2_OfzXUdjhttX6-PjYS8TyorrxM_c5B6LVxLGC4CZZKir4Oi2Uml3fzZFnjmucIbwmgcwzyBpdgCo903rW1klQZxPMg0hwJcazxWHCSN1r4M8cOXONDsj26mFql6DxP4DZuNyg/s1600-h/DSC01700.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395444682997140130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14c9CN2_OfzXUdjhttX6-PjYS8TyorrxM_c5B6LVxLGC4CZZKir4Oi2Uml3fzZFnjmucIbwmgcwzyBpdgCo903rW1klQZxPMg0hwJcazxWHCSN1r4M8cOXONDsj26mFql6DxP4DZuNyg/s320/DSC01700.JPG" /></a>The caverns are unbelieveable (actually I was told that I wore that word out today) and pictures do not show how immense it is. We visited the Big Room today and it is 8.2 acres and takes at several hours to view.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCXZbPOrTA-anrsI71-Es3o9oBs8sHyw45CrRYeS7SiWLbNnNODA2zF2Vf7-pA8imQxw1qIXSxsQmPKDkbGfRnMC_M4xVH2WJT4y-HlAmAxsxBdPAaqUW2DKPNdbmBdm6yU6hrqaWl64/s1600-h/DSC01702.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395441734809456546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCXZbPOrTA-anrsI71-Es3o9oBs8sHyw45CrRYeS7SiWLbNnNODA2zF2Vf7-pA8imQxw1qIXSxsQmPKDkbGfRnMC_M4xVH2WJT4y-HlAmAxsxBdPAaqUW2DKPNdbmBdm6yU6hrqaWl64/s320/DSC01702.JPG" /></a>The bumpy formations are called popcorn, formed when water evaporated and left behind a crystal-like structure.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJqqBb3KbHZow5MXQt590YxLzUHb0qsGJFAHa55DEy3ZT8TmyLwy5iVGxsbIXGSkpIj6v-7LF9I7aAinXlZEacrB8dQcAMyp4WecG7BsoPEWLNCEQEsakEmqS7jlPWUqv-PcbfauYRY/s1600-h/DSC01705.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395441729184991474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJqqBb3KbHZow5MXQt590YxLzUHb0qsGJFAHa55DEy3ZT8TmyLwy5iVGxsbIXGSkpIj6v-7LF9I7aAinXlZEacrB8dQcAMyp4WecG7BsoPEWLNCEQEsakEmqS7jlPWUqv-PcbfauYRY/s320/DSC01705.JPG" /></a>Popcorn stalacities hanging from ceiling.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwEPKhiG14zs974RvcF_TTxpyxk0EKekbAI9RoShh6p2FtjKssE3JWipIAC2B4hmrXW_PUnpCHh50br6YQ5lJpdqv4U4-D9_UAOinjaKshf3ytYukNP1fSWoIuNcKCURXYmzaHpiX71Q/s1600-h/DSC01709.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395441725156204610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwEPKhiG14zs974RvcF_TTxpyxk0EKekbAI9RoShh6p2FtjKssE3JWipIAC2B4hmrXW_PUnpCHh50br6YQ5lJpdqv4U4-D9_UAOinjaKshf3ytYukNP1fSWoIuNcKCURXYmzaHpiX71Q/s320/DSC01709.JPG" /></a>Mike and me at side of the cavern. I could not take photos of the large area as the flash can not light it up and although there is some lighting of the caverns, they try to keep it to a minimum.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPU5EuH85J1Nhv9PqWGQf3WbFESvB566MQKhl-pINrTNBKa4kt3T5VSUajWu9aBkKA1HemHSDnewDljs9U_-nLwK2q3554-Oahjqi1OWEUTaEFcUsqbeXf0tRUcZpgJFjeZi5zqP_d_s/s1600-h/DSC01718.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395441718574930338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPU5EuH85J1Nhv9PqWGQf3WbFESvB566MQKhl-pINrTNBKa4kt3T5VSUajWu9aBkKA1HemHSDnewDljs9U_-nLwK2q3554-Oahjqi1OWEUTaEFcUsqbeXf0tRUcZpgJFjeZi5zqP_d_s/s320/DSC01718.JPG" /></a>These are called "The Lions Tail" and, indeed, they do look it.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkF7ZIHIoxezFhsFmLC7I7GSccAGnQGvn5lUeoJF6cJujDGleJfryqWsQ9zka8LiXWVOyB1ukgIHyErYx5YgwDJnv1d6p1ssrkVuLBFfZpaFvAYFhR-BqwF9QimbZ55SsbgSZ9oyfmgw/s1600-h/DSC01720.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395438970089052866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkF7ZIHIoxezFhsFmLC7I7GSccAGnQGvn5lUeoJF6cJujDGleJfryqWsQ9zka8LiXWVOyB1ukgIHyErYx5YgwDJnv1d6p1ssrkVuLBFfZpaFvAYFhR-BqwF9QimbZ55SsbgSZ9oyfmgw/s320/DSC01720.JPG" /></a>This area of popcorn covered stalagmites is called "Fairyland".<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKFDh128XKhEmayYCF3nrmTDPlKo8J324FBjUB0tzwqa0Dzo8pJ3oxiNGTx5lonmK9BEUEWiVYgpS3MEfT-qAXr-rEF2nypJqnbsA29AZIeZOYNgRcRhYpuaIu-DXaK56MMShPvaD7Z4/s1600-h/DSC01721.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395438967764959522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKFDh128XKhEmayYCF3nrmTDPlKo8J324FBjUB0tzwqa0Dzo8pJ3oxiNGTx5lonmK9BEUEWiVYgpS3MEfT-qAXr-rEF2nypJqnbsA29AZIeZOYNgRcRhYpuaIu-DXaK56MMShPvaD7Z4/s320/DSC01721.JPG" /></a>"Chandeliers and Stalagmites". The cavern formations, mostly calcium, are primarily white with hues of yellow from sulphur and red form iron oxide.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpbEcxW061w_r1jRELU5EDowQwy1mSN61QrzH3GluFG0G3sejS7tadW9d0hH5QVdrXPIqgmC8My1VkfvqYY3UjXlxfCJ9XK0Yd-cwp-oueLa8JF-y52Rc_EKwFCXnM69FspDdB4biRDw/s1600-h/DSC01722.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395438961434732418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpbEcxW061w_r1jRELU5EDowQwy1mSN61QrzH3GluFG0G3sejS7tadW9d0hH5QVdrXPIqgmC8My1VkfvqYY3UjXlxfCJ9XK0Yd-cwp-oueLa8JF-y52Rc_EKwFCXnM69FspDdB4biRDw/s320/DSC01722.JPG" /></a>"Temple of the Sun"<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxLSh637YZznm54VLDcyNcRqunhm8scx3NXqid7tgGPA_JN3egbJBLEnwPYhCSAJxAygJU3sFVSErz8hzL_re8BJXpF9aBB9NccxWUN-lFqKSZD4g6ICT1O3yEwoMpw8h7mu90gghuiA/s1600-h/DSC01737.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395435890942384626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxLSh637YZznm54VLDcyNcRqunhm8scx3NXqid7tgGPA_JN3egbJBLEnwPYhCSAJxAygJU3sFVSErz8hzL_re8BJXpF9aBB9NccxWUN-lFqKSZD4g6ICT1O3yEwoMpw8h7mu90gghuiA/s320/DSC01737.JPG" /></a>This is the "Painted Grotto" which has delicate hanging stalactites called "soda straws" which may grow into larger stalactites. However, as they only grow about 1/4" every 70 years, it will take awhile.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkNEOqanxO5xvwIdyF9u_GWyUYpD5vcG8EnkXWmNfqXpp-DNXk4xZdFt1Zq6daoEaDrtlr6H-YGXZnbs_6HiYhbhqB4iP9C_gIQDj4dJeOepqHJYFca6RW5L3RFQgu9cdl_gZPWiegTM/s1600-h/DSC01741.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395435881601420258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkNEOqanxO5xvwIdyF9u_GWyUYpD5vcG8EnkXWmNfqXpp-DNXk4xZdFt1Zq6daoEaDrtlr6H-YGXZnbs_6HiYhbhqB4iP9C_gIQDj4dJeOepqHJYFca6RW5L3RFQgu9cdl_gZPWiegTM/s320/DSC01741.JPG" /></a>Here is a small pool of water and although there are very few of these, you can hear water slowly dripping occasionally, but 95% of the speleothems are dry and inactive.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wHwFXYFX0-YaAqbJj3jjvBE5Lf1bSaUvYjKD_97w1RBjp6h9yR9-x8eHsOBRWzzRs_gPZZ_wz_UPJNn_nAWjuk5T97ox0-y0pvWI2Kz1Dc0ezd0tcVBHZ0Nv8QXOkb0wDezBBBADx3k/s1600-h/DSC01742.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395435879933614514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wHwFXYFX0-YaAqbJj3jjvBE5Lf1bSaUvYjKD_97w1RBjp6h9yR9-x8eHsOBRWzzRs_gPZZ_wz_UPJNn_nAWjuk5T97ox0-y0pvWI2Kz1Dc0ezd0tcVBHZ0Nv8QXOkb0wDezBBBADx3k/s320/DSC01742.JPG" /></a>Called the "Chinese Theatre", it does have an oriental look.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaOHS8zphUgfh17BX0aGB9msi3ADQlTAnkc1f6nNh9jXbUkueFJ46i8nZnbJ1qVd0Rn0cJk39PD6Nc_jTiYvyes1ZozLmD5MA1imaqj8iMavp2CGpK2GnxfmoEsj-2lBl3scpFQshCy4/s1600-h/DSC01745.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395432512337334642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaOHS8zphUgfh17BX0aGB9msi3ADQlTAnkc1f6nNh9jXbUkueFJ46i8nZnbJ1qVd0Rn0cJk39PD6Nc_jTiYvyes1ZozLmD5MA1imaqj8iMavp2CGpK2GnxfmoEsj-2lBl3scpFQshCy4/s320/DSC01745.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgOT7Ku3sSrugR-Jm05vUB0M4-R2cqCxgv7LVdTOnefcW1cc2v01eipZFQJvwATDH6D8cJDZ2ib6VdxKIXwbSRvORXdcJgF5N47zVzVAWlsE6PC8MRKvac3Em83howPb80JgfUivc-j8/s1600-h/Carlsbad-Caverns-New-Mexico_1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395432500586224178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgOT7Ku3sSrugR-Jm05vUB0M4-R2cqCxgv7LVdTOnefcW1cc2v01eipZFQJvwATDH6D8cJDZ2ib6VdxKIXwbSRvORXdcJgF5N47zVzVAWlsE6PC8MRKvac3Em83howPb80JgfUivc-j8/s320/Carlsbad-Caverns-New-Mexico_1%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>"Draperies" are formed where water ran down a slanted ceiling.<br />Seeing the caverns is almost overwhelming and we were so lucky to see them when there are few visitors. At peak times they may have 4,000 visitors per day, but right now they average 300. This gave us an exceptional experience of viewing this marvel of nature.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-78955413859435463032009-10-22T06:40:00.000-07:002009-10-22T07:19:28.275-07:00OCT 20 - FORT STOCKTON, TEXASFrom San Antonio, we drove north-west through desert. Mostly catus, scrub bush and yuccas that had huge flower stems, many were 10 ft in height. We passed through an area with many mesas then across a flat desert basin which had extremely strong cross-winds. When I drove for a few hours, I was amazed at the way it could push us around. Soon we saw hundreds of windmills, definitely wind can provide an abundance of energy here. It was interesting to see a truck hauling one of the wings of the windmills - they are 150 ft in length. We wondered why some of the windmills were not working and were told the windmills are all computerized and are only allowed to run for so many hours or they are shut off if the winds get too strong.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEmRPu7Dvg7qJz2OMt1XDi-PqV7Q9DI16TuBZOvWEsnNGBytR46KKcJjiMyvxOFJX-Y6plQzkqDJ0lFAB6QUpFJtJjXesCrbttW_1QMsJjk7_0BmYzNvA1eHyBQsx0H8Y4kXc2U0M2Ak/s1600-h/DSC01684.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395421127780248434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEmRPu7Dvg7qJz2OMt1XDi-PqV7Q9DI16TuBZOvWEsnNGBytR46KKcJjiMyvxOFJX-Y6plQzkqDJ0lFAB6QUpFJtJjXesCrbttW_1QMsJjk7_0BmYzNvA1eHyBQsx0H8Y4kXc2U0M2Ak/s320/DSC01684.JPG" /></a>We arrived at our campground in Fort Stockton and this pic is right next to the RV park, you can see the Guadalupe Mountains in the background. They had a "Roadrunner Cafe" which offered their specialty of BBQ pork ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, beverage and dessert for $7.95 - too good a deal to pass up and it was very good. That night we had a crazy wind storm with rain. When we enjoyed their breakfast the next morning, we spoke to a trucker who resided at the park and we commented on the unbelieveable wind storm. He said "that was only a breeze", he has seen semi-trucks turned over on their side from the wind!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_AMa3hjPnHqm1J9Sulr0c2OdxLO5vvieNJbECFQ5zGU_c3OWX_ZGkFvkugFi8D9SuB5-bFbT7wj65GpjdK-xaKt4-zwhjNW6mkz95iKnW1GuvW9i0rvGUzQ78SxpGVzJi1Z7oEDt-go/s1600-h/DSC01683.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395421122520375634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_AMa3hjPnHqm1J9Sulr0c2OdxLO5vvieNJbECFQ5zGU_c3OWX_ZGkFvkugFi8D9SuB5-bFbT7wj65GpjdK-xaKt4-zwhjNW6mkz95iKnW1GuvW9i0rvGUzQ78SxpGVzJi1Z7oEDt-go/s320/DSC01683.JPG" /></a>Thought this was a cute pic - not sure if the steer died from lack of water or was blown over by the wind.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-18810791526132662542009-10-21T18:58:00.001-07:002009-10-21T20:54:36.893-07:00OCT 19 - SAN ANTONIO, TEXASMike, Lana and I went back to the Riverwalk in the afternoon while Barry stayed with Rudy. Rudy was having some anxiety attacks and the vet they visited prescribed some meds and he should be fine. Good news, as Rudy is a very sweet dog and is in his senior years. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58N235oD5ABPEZr-rbz0uL-Gdgd5YJ07GcbPOIv5DLqTup2gRrLrnqWguCfjP5AN-nnYgOXiGgJIXvOuh0ZopBPYwcXbn_x2_SiRGHsgVoavQVwO5WFXT53iZ9l6LSaVSawjwyQOd3A/s1600-h/DSC01661.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395247025231566002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58N235oD5ABPEZr-rbz0uL-Gdgd5YJ07GcbPOIv5DLqTup2gRrLrnqWguCfjP5AN-nnYgOXiGgJIXvOuh0ZopBPYwcXbn_x2_SiRGHsgVoavQVwO5WFXT53iZ9l6LSaVSawjwyQOd3A/s320/DSC01661.JPG" /></a><br />I was able to get a pic of a grackle and an egert that we have been seeing in these parts.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4ZvIP6UQpzIgU_m3st7cNSwUwDVf76xcpzpaFZP6CP1clbeRXH99deN7NhvpTtWEXacT3_FpQQc66lcg2nfsjKRlkSMuk62jmNobL3n2Utc_RXxpgKZH1iDncXkGM4Tr5BwD3Ounbjc/s1600-h/DSC01656.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 218px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395247020642115202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4ZvIP6UQpzIgU_m3st7cNSwUwDVf76xcpzpaFZP6CP1clbeRXH99deN7NhvpTtWEXacT3_FpQQc66lcg2nfsjKRlkSMuk62jmNobL3n2Utc_RXxpgKZH1iDncXkGM4Tr5BwD3Ounbjc/s320/DSC01656.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH2NmPsidZ6Zc2vTiNlRO-KjJM_rktky0G_FzpYkN1jKOiwk-gpvj0gmWzn4SgBluhLokTZbkka_SnlVY8DVAGOhJKZKcVoCluUXjoOOaJWTqr5bwyJe8QmG9ZIVFTqi_Ji3WO8oL9Gs/s1600-h/DSC01652.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395247018126786002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH2NmPsidZ6Zc2vTiNlRO-KjJM_rktky0G_FzpYkN1jKOiwk-gpvj0gmWzn4SgBluhLokTZbkka_SnlVY8DVAGOhJKZKcVoCluUXjoOOaJWTqr5bwyJe8QmG9ZIVFTqi_Ji3WO8oL9Gs/s320/DSC01652.JPG" /></a>Mike decided to hang out at a restaurant called "Mad Dog's", a nickname Bob Rivers bestowed upon Mike while he was at the school district. Naturally, Mike bought a tee-shirt since his alias was on it. Lana and I took a "Rio Taxi", a barge going along the San Antonio Riverwalk. It was quite the deal, as you can use the pass for 24 hours as much as you like. We also got the combo ticket to view the new Museum Reach which we planned to do in the evening with the guys.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNImh6CqC9mGKwdHsbbEnoUL8JM_6BwUBLsgm0oApFfBcfmLsbaWdfoeKMKQedMd91s4oDZNzavidmRbcqiDdNyEnpssRwljvMLP2yC4nnCr8zE9ziE6SVhoC72g4CafXSbgRSGpPtlI/s1600-h/DSC01653.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395245419936972226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNImh6CqC9mGKwdHsbbEnoUL8JM_6BwUBLsgm0oApFfBcfmLsbaWdfoeKMKQedMd91s4oDZNzavidmRbcqiDdNyEnpssRwljvMLP2yC4nnCr8zE9ziE6SVhoC72g4CafXSbgRSGpPtlI/s320/DSC01653.JPG" /></a>We passed this sitting area for a theatre on the opposite side of the river. The benches are grass - must be comfy and cool to sit on.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmADzwZjYwtXPU5Vq6EQghWJV1BSbADYoE-JM1Rg9jn4v_EWiIVpQXcKM9MKclXnc0TV2KOZ7AObQA9DNIWWEuwCFKxx-J0PRuivd-WcqC4PholT4G4ADq8CkLKsqwGgQeniyrnVKo0Y/s1600-h/DSC01659.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395245415932566082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmADzwZjYwtXPU5Vq6EQghWJV1BSbADYoE-JM1Rg9jn4v_EWiIVpQXcKM9MKclXnc0TV2KOZ7AObQA9DNIWWEuwCFKxx-J0PRuivd-WcqC4PholT4G4ADq8CkLKsqwGgQeniyrnVKo0Y/s320/DSC01659.JPG" /></a>Loved the original part of this building they kept.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtULxLp-O8LBNI_NXCdfGqjOvogq_EVNZuzt50Tmqsp9gzXyBtdwqWlqGwNYTItEeQ42486qlzKwD7325CxqNlPw3XOrNDszn64SlhS_OHKksmzi0wJj5GbEgoxsslZx5OEEdEIkK0no/s1600-h/DSC01660.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395245409699176850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtULxLp-O8LBNI_NXCdfGqjOvogq_EVNZuzt50Tmqsp9gzXyBtdwqWlqGwNYTItEeQ42486qlzKwD7325CxqNlPw3XOrNDszn64SlhS_OHKksmzi0wJj5GbEgoxsslZx5OEEdEIkK0no/s320/DSC01660.JPG" /></a>Many unique hotels and restaurants on the river - this is the Aztec. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdoRZQWheNliqrSG4TzUi9WG8-6Onb9g7St7mgWGTd3X_72I_P9vF2HBce77nyfTm4xMBcPMyKFcEXebCaqq5tsSOLr_Xz1gf5QinCC2mTFodD0eNj0aZZm1z4D1Z0658sgaYTVvZ7k0/s1600-h/DSC01655.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395256165158831426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdoRZQWheNliqrSG4TzUi9WG8-6Onb9g7St7mgWGTd3X_72I_P9vF2HBce77nyfTm4xMBcPMyKFcEXebCaqq5tsSOLr_Xz1gf5QinCC2mTFodD0eNj0aZZm1z4D1Z0658sgaYTVvZ7k0/s320/DSC01655.JPG" /></a><br />Returning with the boys at dusk, our barge entered the Museum Reach by going through this lock that lifted us 9 feet to the new section that has many art features to enjoy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwKnQ-DzcjU5C7_8Fqcr7ZQVsGER8_dS0E4bJWdJL-3_VI9OknmwYjn7KEJOMScFPmexjpfZ6aZMhZK0_xlokx2WkeihBMquKddpK8plBrJzqHeCsf2YVlcizYvd5OIWVf7K7-zyXMno/s1600-h/DSC01665.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395245405557444802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwKnQ-DzcjU5C7_8Fqcr7ZQVsGER8_dS0E4bJWdJL-3_VI9OknmwYjn7KEJOMScFPmexjpfZ6aZMhZK0_xlokx2WkeihBMquKddpK8plBrJzqHeCsf2YVlcizYvd5OIWVf7K7-zyXMno/s320/DSC01665.JPG" /></a> The bridge above us had fish hanging from it that were lit up. Thousands of bats also nest under this bridge and start to fly around at dusk. Since they eat their weight in bugs, there are no moquitoes around the riverwalk.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7Eej2xU66Et_HjZjGuwuAWJvMF9M5laJgFT1cWUPmfNPY-VV4P97hHxTwG_AcpuLIHTYatMCcNfBvL4KFcgdQByytC22Eeyn3jvNkP39GYcED0xtPKKeSCQXRAyfV6CmH4BpnLPBRsA/s1600-h/DSC01680.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395242033147191138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7Eej2xU66Et_HjZjGuwuAWJvMF9M5laJgFT1cWUPmfNPY-VV4P97hHxTwG_AcpuLIHTYatMCcNfBvL4KFcgdQByytC22Eeyn3jvNkP39GYcED0xtPKKeSCQXRAyfV6CmH4BpnLPBRsA/s320/DSC01680.JPG" /></a>Glass hanging from this bridge shimmered its reflection on the water. Another bridge had the sounds of the river amplified as art.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VhMIqY4k4dyt5T2719Fdw9TAyXHRAhUJulpLQhoAW10E-m5AMwD1UugWSbW_icZjsds_SSxXQysng_8gWJzi49WrEAdvHczj9pGWcltt9cX85xuhLHs7Fa10zyxZgJjpLZzClsKuqZA/s1600-h/DSC01673.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395254307141836050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VhMIqY4k4dyt5T2719Fdw9TAyXHRAhUJulpLQhoAW10E-m5AMwD1UugWSbW_icZjsds_SSxXQysng_8gWJzi49WrEAdvHczj9pGWcltt9cX85xuhLHs7Fa10zyxZgJjpLZzClsKuqZA/s320/DSC01673.JPG" /></a>This is called "The Grotto" and the barge captain stopped so we could walk around the cavern.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier7uVtv2-0fwZmeDMGr_lP3UejeZ6du4ypXdrymSAXdv6M8dlpufRFwaxtHa1Nlcjxlp9YhPdNfVRwvUwfMI972D9k1TEJbLA9BfoOETQ3X1sJz3OOx__0dmlK6WWB5JnyxSDHUBHgjo/s1600-h/DSC01682.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395242027904179650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier7uVtv2-0fwZmeDMGr_lP3UejeZ6du4ypXdrymSAXdv6M8dlpufRFwaxtHa1Nlcjxlp9YhPdNfVRwvUwfMI972D9k1TEJbLA9BfoOETQ3X1sJz3OOx__0dmlK6WWB5JnyxSDHUBHgjo/s320/DSC01682.JPG" /></a>The pictures at night do not do it justice. The whole area sparkles with lights. Starting Thanksgiving weekend they have Christmas lights added to the trees along the river and it must be beautiful. As today was Mike and my 36th wedding anniversary, it could not have been more perfect cruising the San Antonio Riverwalk for the evening.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-43857779692235826402009-10-18T17:52:00.000-07:002009-10-19T06:15:07.341-07:00OCT 18 - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6cKWqBNbxGdDceLkj87eTm4RT5c7HU3eWz52WrKd90LZxHhaBxWCLRkJw_tuMVPkPZoQUtzv6YAULia4l-e-5gD_yBKkw9nfWUpNOwJbLDMaT2Dgsmt64KYfFYf9nXu3ScB2yGEOyls/s1600-h/DSC01595.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394115076036557218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6cKWqBNbxGdDceLkj87eTm4RT5c7HU3eWz52WrKd90LZxHhaBxWCLRkJw_tuMVPkPZoQUtzv6YAULia4l-e-5gD_yBKkw9nfWUpNOwJbLDMaT2Dgsmt64KYfFYf9nXu3ScB2yGEOyls/s320/DSC01595.JPG" /></a>Texans take BBQ very seriously, the people across from us had this wood-burning BBQ on wheels and cooked on it last night. There was a lot of smoke but I'm sure it produced great food.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_peJ-DmNHVgZqywIBoGTa7Id9v6UrRmOdNkkuDmWl4_T71Jb_gGCQsdI2W1m_SZQdRtEVNM0kE3ief2UoPalDkkjSEppfPSDYyEU8NoXlk9WcyJ61bSYyjYTYQEFWZwJN7A0kpE_I9DI/s1600-h/DSC01597.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394114484949476098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_peJ-DmNHVgZqywIBoGTa7Id9v6UrRmOdNkkuDmWl4_T71Jb_gGCQsdI2W1m_SZQdRtEVNM0kE3ief2UoPalDkkjSEppfPSDYyEU8NoXlk9WcyJ61bSYyjYTYQEFWZwJN7A0kpE_I9DI/s320/DSC01597.JPG" /></a>The campground has a grove of pecan trees and here are some pecans growing on the tree. We also love watching the abundance of birds (grackles and mockingbirds) and squirrels.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgV5fTtmpB-WRn2qZQX-TpMBMXqjvCddNZkpjZ3YQOwG4B6ziFHI129npukReNZPc8trYRAsEjGGf7GbeD4T6ZXXsMq5Zcy9wMdwbN3NP0JaMltLnctILnk-2YR0DxqVfZfnnJQw0wuw/s1600-h/DSC01599.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394114477792352242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgV5fTtmpB-WRn2qZQX-TpMBMXqjvCddNZkpjZ3YQOwG4B6ziFHI129npukReNZPc8trYRAsEjGGf7GbeD4T6ZXXsMq5Zcy9wMdwbN3NP0JaMltLnctILnk-2YR0DxqVfZfnnJQw0wuw/s320/DSC01599.JPG" /></a>We drove the 5 miles to town and parked next to the "Buckhorn Museum and Saloon" which covers history of Texas and has also wildlife exhibits from around the world. We really liked the large heads of animals protruding from the second story.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPEL4TCU2qfn8gG4bZDFy2t2-TrUmUPdKPIuxoOB_nYei9Ogw2xk6dj69yJu4pqw_2HjoonrcU2C1diY0PqlRlLyunypGRsCp-6gY-lZIdBDWiyXO8P-3M-Tj0zch3lNQRGjmXfBxHy8/s1600-h/DSC01604.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394114468409457874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPEL4TCU2qfn8gG4bZDFy2t2-TrUmUPdKPIuxoOB_nYei9Ogw2xk6dj69yJu4pqw_2HjoonrcU2C1diY0PqlRlLyunypGRsCp-6gY-lZIdBDWiyXO8P-3M-Tj0zch3lNQRGjmXfBxHy8/s320/DSC01604.JPG" /></a>The 18th-century mission church of the Alamo, where William Travis (commander of the Alamo), Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others waged their last stand against 1,500 Mexican army for Texas independence is a sacred shrine of liberty in Texas. The defenders of the Alamo held out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army who had indicated that they would not take any prisoners. "Remember the Alamo" became a battle cry to continue the fight to win an independent Texas which reminded soldiers that the Mexican army would take no prisoners and also the heroic struggle against overwhelming odds.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnfkEaY9Eikv_zPdBAGibZKAShdjcsb9G17UEBz-1aLtaqAz8IIfI-mJ8nzTCZsQRGsEr46SDt_P25wtChfigEDnSNPl5PbfrrhEd66L6bjlm9YUYOoFuyPYiRV5mds312Rrg9lcCLII/s1600-h/DSC01612.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394114461153732578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnfkEaY9Eikv_zPdBAGibZKAShdjcsb9G17UEBz-1aLtaqAz8IIfI-mJ8nzTCZsQRGsEr46SDt_P25wtChfigEDnSNPl5PbfrrhEd66L6bjlm9YUYOoFuyPYiRV5mds312Rrg9lcCLII/s320/DSC01612.JPG" /></a>Davie Crockett's vest is on display and numerous other personal items and guns belonging to him, David Bowie and other heroes of the Alamo. We visited the rooms in the mission where the women, children and slaves (the only survivors of the Alamo) stayed during the battle.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZALbcFXspyyNq6nv2p8JZVzVSAUF3vJM9z819K8FlE2DR_OFNnv-sdfIo1XTOiHJNqj9RjEg85NbxoXxdd7qSC4Fe7E-7znCSxyJCq9_oIz8vebs-cGExju-iKtVbGVhtZ3JyZwoBUcg/s1600-h/DSC01615.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394112267117900866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZALbcFXspyyNq6nv2p8JZVzVSAUF3vJM9z819K8FlE2DR_OFNnv-sdfIo1XTOiHJNqj9RjEg85NbxoXxdd7qSC4Fe7E-7znCSxyJCq9_oIz8vebs-cGExju-iKtVbGVhtZ3JyZwoBUcg/s320/DSC01615.JPG" /></a>Above the well used by the mission in the courtyard, this century-old "Live Oak" tree provides an impressive canopy. The leaf does not resemble an oak but the bark does, also this tree does not lose its leaves in the winter. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw4vywXUcawH82Qf1ltfMm6V9YsF6gnyQzUsXhdUU8aOH2IoX6cW9Op60wMPQDiztXNA2N8UgkKvfXZ4oEdiIDRmCwbS_s9GQJuA1ro-8zHHm_hPvyf_76i_LPIfFoUDsq88EH5yOgXY/s1600-h/DSC01619.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394112263301946242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw4vywXUcawH82Qf1ltfMm6V9YsF6gnyQzUsXhdUU8aOH2IoX6cW9Op60wMPQDiztXNA2N8UgkKvfXZ4oEdiIDRmCwbS_s9GQJuA1ro-8zHHm_hPvyf_76i_LPIfFoUDsq88EH5yOgXY/s320/DSC01619.JPG" /></a>We walked into the Coyote Ugly bar thinking it would be fun to have lunch there, but the music was blaring so we looked further.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXnGJKe9WzWJFC1a1VDjlmghme1qDSwFr06jZIzqDL3Wi_tPxa4wCH8IOxOWN-_eDvfIrz0Xejyi387iHXuEYpLSAY3DvbKB7ukA4BXWFjTtdAcJCJwx6dfQD23wHAbIH64BlfXB9BnY/s1600-h/DSC01623.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394122371743656466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXnGJKe9WzWJFC1a1VDjlmghme1qDSwFr06jZIzqDL3Wi_tPxa4wCH8IOxOWN-_eDvfIrz0Xejyi387iHXuEYpLSAY3DvbKB7ukA4BXWFjTtdAcJCJwx6dfQD23wHAbIH64BlfXB9BnY/s320/DSC01623.JPG" /></a>Found a great Mexican restaurant right beside the Riverwalk and it was a perfect day to sit outside.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7r5LoWsDDe3kq4jRiszRCOD6kmu5eq-cfTHjWekNiJGdZdpL4ZlQjkhPct5Dv5uhy1X-HZF68kSJ4jEZSMafyjvf4kxz95jrih0bXoX2LgIClUwL7ho-NOHHzo4nZy8eAqXVT2SR8gjM/s1600-h/DSC01620.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394112250726852210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7r5LoWsDDe3kq4jRiszRCOD6kmu5eq-cfTHjWekNiJGdZdpL4ZlQjkhPct5Dv5uhy1X-HZF68kSJ4jEZSMafyjvf4kxz95jrih0bXoX2LgIClUwL7ho-NOHHzo4nZy8eAqXVT2SR8gjM/s320/DSC01620.JPG" /></a>The Riverwalk is a two and a half-mile stretch of cobblestone and flagstone paths along the San Antonio River. The River Walk was conceived in 1929 as the downtown had serious flood problems and construction started in 1939. It was designed similar to the canals of Venice and the curved bridges certainly remind me of Venice. Lined by bars, shops and restaurants, the River Walk is the heart of San Antonio and a big tourist attraction. You can take boat tours along the waterway. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ABBBespIpOM9DwhGuXoSBwo1UVdkqtZrNV2RZFxNLJ6owpV71Ih6kQ4IuU5IrYfSyYYZN5jmVx198TNOnfsEPWEPjsYVKiQwYz1kcILbILX0F-UIAvlbSyRVXnNzhDJgHZY_EbxFjoo/s1600-h/DSC01624.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394112238858804498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ABBBespIpOM9DwhGuXoSBwo1UVdkqtZrNV2RZFxNLJ6owpV71Ih6kQ4IuU5IrYfSyYYZN5jmVx198TNOnfsEPWEPjsYVKiQwYz1kcILbILX0F-UIAvlbSyRVXnNzhDJgHZY_EbxFjoo/s320/DSC01624.JPG" /></a><br />Mike and me enjoying our lunch.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqNlLIkBsS5Nkg_u7NxyI48TMo3sZJTg2AxDtC26nOt8SjXincWlquZTsVp1JNliKSiB3tg0ycHuL_xjeh1cSEuIUUVj0mnfRn64cjg6zGqcXJqmjowvlbdvHK8r4GXQV4wV711YxeV8/s1600-h/DSC01633.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394109841382864290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqNlLIkBsS5Nkg_u7NxyI48TMo3sZJTg2AxDtC26nOt8SjXincWlquZTsVp1JNliKSiB3tg0ycHuL_xjeh1cSEuIUUVj0mnfRn64cjg6zGqcXJqmjowvlbdvHK8r4GXQV4wV711YxeV8/s320/DSC01633.JPG" /></a>The Riverwalk is lush with tropical plants. Noticed there is no guardrail next to the river and realized this could not happen in Canada (too many regulations!).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM_pqksflFaYGcCj6V2rUbX91Fru-VbaYvGOSpD0AkjM-pGcC8WOhsZoDNJmxJia2s6FdskTTYmh8y-XoxuVBqxBUKAfeDC3F75l43vZH-uPZts6CaEj58AhFQx4crMsFXHzHpysNwSs/s1600-h/DSC01634.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394109833153084402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM_pqksflFaYGcCj6V2rUbX91Fru-VbaYvGOSpD0AkjM-pGcC8WOhsZoDNJmxJia2s6FdskTTYmh8y-XoxuVBqxBUKAfeDC3F75l43vZH-uPZts6CaEj58AhFQx4crMsFXHzHpysNwSs/s320/DSC01634.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7gCkpoYpAeNOkX75W_Q9rv6WXJJXeCcVHjsgaban5zwgeSYvAjAaxLLZCWPre5e4R9Z4ZaqaORDOjUjpZnNn2Brf-fQPBQot1pVoXlo1Onr3MCyxZ-UoFwEsTzrl4ot6JmWyaW8b1lk/s1600-h/DSC01637.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394109826663671922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7gCkpoYpAeNOkX75W_Q9rv6WXJJXeCcVHjsgaban5zwgeSYvAjAaxLLZCWPre5e4R9Z4ZaqaORDOjUjpZnNn2Brf-fQPBQot1pVoXlo1Onr3MCyxZ-UoFwEsTzrl4ot6JmWyaW8b1lk/s320/DSC01637.JPG" /></a>The San Fernando Cathedral (oldest cathedral in the US) is the church from which General Santa Anna flew the red flag of "no quarter" (will take no prisoners) on the tower at the beginning of the seige. He had the few surviving soldiers shot and then all the bodies were burned.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsu0rvq8WI-tRdBW_HN3aKU5anC4yU-QZeCs56YPuQF5M7W4WK0MBzXK3N_pg48nQ-bAutALVV_jDRQOc3faHRMIQovCEXtm1P6neTVAiB1ladU9KnfLlfVO_Jk6Q2wWJ83Icq2DdA2g/s1600-h/DSC01640.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394109816057019730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsu0rvq8WI-tRdBW_HN3aKU5anC4yU-QZeCs56YPuQF5M7W4WK0MBzXK3N_pg48nQ-bAutALVV_jDRQOc3faHRMIQovCEXtm1P6neTVAiB1ladU9KnfLlfVO_Jk6Q2wWJ83Icq2DdA2g/s320/DSC01640.JPG" /></a>Entombed in the chapel are the remains of Travis, Crockett, Bowie and other heroes of the Alamo. A plaque on the door to the church says "Be silent friend, here heroes died to blaze a trail for other men".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowe7LEmsgRc_F9Outw46c_DVoYhYJlAooNnI0TuKc-w14VusnY6iQEUdkyyi61QCB3Ib_EIxcrLo2biHD_QxTBjiPdppKdXdP69QzwLv_qwUK2mqI3iE52Ytj7FchVGVlHwt8kjzTR3A/s1600-h/DSC01628.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394134730166716098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowe7LEmsgRc_F9Outw46c_DVoYhYJlAooNnI0TuKc-w14VusnY6iQEUdkyyi61QCB3Ib_EIxcrLo2biHD_QxTBjiPdppKdXdP69QzwLv_qwUK2mqI3iE52Ytj7FchVGVlHwt8kjzTR3A/s320/DSC01628.JPG" /></a> Mike bought some western boots and belt at "Paris Hatters" which is primarily a hat store. The store has been owned and run by the same family since 1917 and its hats have shaded the heads of Farrah Fawcett, Johnny Cash, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth and many other celebrities.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-47320201950816244832009-10-17T18:29:00.000-07:002009-10-18T06:24:12.314-07:00OCT 17 - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsHbrFapLHsMYgLQ9hWg7NYp3dSe5aAnUKjnFArpP_mmbNxg42d4cFFgO6bCWsKDYElR1qUqoaTBM9wxG2GQ0YpufKKtOJPgEYiidATDXKag_viCg4jr0Egj0tfwkqk5isDAHgyswlJQ/s1600-h/DSC01590.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393746862445222786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsHbrFapLHsMYgLQ9hWg7NYp3dSe5aAnUKjnFArpP_mmbNxg42d4cFFgO6bCWsKDYElR1qUqoaTBM9wxG2GQ0YpufKKtOJPgEYiidATDXKag_viCg4jr0Egj0tfwkqk5isDAHgyswlJQ/s320/DSC01590.JPG" /></a> The campground offered a complimentary breakfast complete with "Texas Waffles" as the waffles were in the shape of the state of Texas - very cute and yummy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mz8qhsDo-3ChXuQU0nAdigAw-6QAMAPh3k3Z6FLYtluIHbuMm_7EXmVC1ApundxG2dFIkHDzIzlZOG_RHLotpMCH6B3va9JYjg6MEXJIcFuiiM-vrrS36_II22WOaXSwACg2SrkL_SI/s1600-h/DSC01592.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393746854213196418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mz8qhsDo-3ChXuQU0nAdigAw-6QAMAPh3k3Z6FLYtluIHbuMm_7EXmVC1ApundxG2dFIkHDzIzlZOG_RHLotpMCH6B3va9JYjg6MEXJIcFuiiM-vrrS36_II22WOaXSwACg2SrkL_SI/s320/DSC01592.JPG" /></a>We enjoyed our breakfast then headed back on the I-10 for a 270 mile drive to San Antonio. The terrain has changed to farmland and cattle range but is still flat. Saw lots of road-kill on the I-10 even an armandillo; also spotted 2 buzzards sitting together on a telephone pole watching for their next supper.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNQBw4gxMaapQjf-7PDfI3dX8IEHVesDRByxvUno3nsCpWpXO5ljcA4Mglkvira6upCaK0bNUinPWcpB0SIiq7zqIk_YA-CLHgN0eT84UTDNVen2w8hTg-dXbR7TqlRM1h9L1afYL3y4/s1600-h/houston%2520skyline%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393746844811143042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNQBw4gxMaapQjf-7PDfI3dX8IEHVesDRByxvUno3nsCpWpXO5ljcA4Mglkvira6upCaK0bNUinPWcpB0SIiq7zqIk_YA-CLHgN0eT84UTDNVen2w8hTg-dXbR7TqlRM1h9L1afYL3y4/s320/houston%2520skyline%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>The I-10 goes directly into downtown Houston along with a maze of other highways and at one point was 9 lanes wide just for going into the city. Barry was in lead today and did a great job - especially when we had to detour one section. This is a photo I took off the internet of the downtown view - it looked just like this and the architecture was very impressive. Lana mentioned that Calgary is called "The Houston of Alberta" and I can see the similarities.</div><div>Arrived at 2 p.m. in San Antonio and we decided to relax for the rest of the day and enjoyed pina coladas and well-earned rum and cokes for the boys while we got to watch hundreds of butterflies. They were everywhere and I realized that that's what was hitting our windshield on the way into San Antonio - too bad because they are so pretty.</div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803019663965072815.post-16023135284656768602009-10-16T18:27:00.000-07:002009-10-18T14:29:32.180-07:00OCT 16 - BEAUMONT, TEXASWe had a big rain storm complete with lightning and thunder, so when we woke up this morning the humidity had greatly decreased and it was cooler. Leaving New Orleans, we just had to get on the Interstate 10 which will take us all the way to Tucson, Az. <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIPAFWP9-9cL9sygBj0xBuPumalCau2kUDlcFMldHZryKiQ0aLr5-3Fw-NggFyzak_Q4FaXIfiZZjlxEVhvN7fanJDguM9vJlKnZE2KFJUAK2gJntN7WFcGBbNpqjeC5_n6qhMLvFcMM/s1600-h/IMG_2137%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393930502492096818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIPAFWP9-9cL9sygBj0xBuPumalCau2kUDlcFMldHZryKiQ0aLr5-3Fw-NggFyzak_Q4FaXIfiZZjlxEVhvN7fanJDguM9vJlKnZE2KFJUAK2gJntN7WFcGBbNpqjeC5_n6qhMLvFcMM/s320/IMG_2137%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div>Part of I-10 is the Atchafalaya Swamp Freeway, which at 96,095 ft (18.2 miles) long is the 5th longest bridge in the world.</div><div>The Atchafalaya Swamp, as well as the entire Atchafalaya River Basin, is one of the most unique areas in the US. It is located in south-central Louisiana, and separates Baton Rouge from Lafayette. The entire Atchafalaya Basin is just a giant swamp, with hundreds of individual rivers and bayou's crossing through parts of it. The middle of the massive area is the thing most people visualize when they think of a swamp, soggy muddy water with Cypress Trees and Cypress stumps sticking out, while the edges are covered in thick forest, and this is where you see most of the individual rivers and bayou's. These rivers and bayou's all feed off of the Atchafalaya River for the most part, which feeds off of the Mississippi and Red Rivers. These are large rivers we're talking about - Whisky Bay for instance, is just as wide, if not wider than the Mississippi River at Baton Rouge. The Mississippi River traveled through what is now the Atchafalaya River Basin millions of years ago and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. This is the main reason why this area is a giant swamp, why the Atchafalaya River takes the path that it does, as well as all of the other rivers forming over millions of years.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplPWbsEJSNvokgjlR_xOtEUkztiL-n_TMUqWf-4Et1g48VyylXBrR93HGtCxbrAOqWBLXbaLehda4MQxqu2Fi6ec08hLbEPcnSpcLcI2TBAdpdOHdy0nQepURwZg4VlU8vqOEJoGPbzs/s1600-h/DSC01587.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393376138271649090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplPWbsEJSNvokgjlR_xOtEUkztiL-n_TMUqWf-4Et1g48VyylXBrR93HGtCxbrAOqWBLXbaLehda4MQxqu2Fi6ec08hLbEPcnSpcLcI2TBAdpdOHdy0nQepURwZg4VlU8vqOEJoGPbzs/s320/DSC01587.JPG" /></a>Difficult to get photos of the swamplands as most of it is very dense with vegetation (especially liked the abundance of windmill palms in them).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcZ6F5_qQt4xWd2xuYY6eMrwrOKvSj1ODwkN0-r4JG4RxxUIGCQSHd2SP4EotZRKuWdVFNZfsIKfN6F6hCl4WxumsNmWiRL4COWjgdfZBcoK6tNKKBxj46YYcZSypdR7om4JApWWEkz4/s1600-h/IMG_2142%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393930510802211458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcZ6F5_qQt4xWd2xuYY6eMrwrOKvSj1ODwkN0-r4JG4RxxUIGCQSHd2SP4EotZRKuWdVFNZfsIKfN6F6hCl4WxumsNmWiRL4COWjgdfZBcoK6tNKKBxj46YYcZSypdR7om4JApWWEkz4/s320/IMG_2142%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilseOYi4Cmt5dIV8d5QB80Ch36oWD0ORTV4SFl1iDDrDaSTO_7pdXlBWoLRt4-f90YcR4WBZ05DVUiUnuUds_4mda5PMtErd6OqPP01lNPp4qF7p7vtA9hrpVj4J86AjwHgBUl6PHhZA0/s1600-h/DSC01588.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393376124669997234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilseOYi4Cmt5dIV8d5QB80Ch36oWD0ORTV4SFl1iDDrDaSTO_7pdXlBWoLRt4-f90YcR4WBZ05DVUiUnuUds_4mda5PMtErd6OqPP01lNPp4qF7p7vtA9hrpVj4J86AjwHgBUl6PHhZA0/s320/DSC01588.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7U1Zfk-lQyxqHk5ZiQC8KkGuARirIYEipsGeW5t-01j5zsXM87s5MDp0ECkfOD7X1cST54d0mHocvfAfo28H9XQLCWGZ3gVJqfX_tSAuhz2Zlk9Uv7yIP_nL9lE8l_kBZZnb5e-5BoU/s1600-h/DSC01586.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393376145568577714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7U1Zfk-lQyxqHk5ZiQC8KkGuARirIYEipsGeW5t-01j5zsXM87s5MDp0ECkfOD7X1cST54d0mHocvfAfo28H9XQLCWGZ3gVJqfX_tSAuhz2Zlk9Uv7yIP_nL9lE8l_kBZZnb5e-5BoU/s320/DSC01586.JPG" /></a>Took this pic when we crossed the Mississippi River at Baton Rouge.</div><div>When we drove through Westlake, we saw the hugh oil refineries. Mike and I had seen a documentary a few months ago that mentioned that most of the oil for the US goes through only a couple of refineries and there is concern that they would be terrorist targets.</div><div>We started to see fields of sugar cane and also saw flocks of egrets, very pretty white birds with long necks and are similar to herons.<br />We arrived in Texas and our campground by 2 p.m. and enjoyed sitting out in sunny 75F weather with no humidity. Later, we drove to a RV parts/deli store (really, it was both!) and could not believe the deli items they had - many Persian salads and foods all made there and they even had a sewer cap that Barry needed! They could not have been friendlier and offered Lana and myself all sorts of samples and we could not resist buying some items for supper. Later, Lana and I walked the large RV park and noticed there seemed to be many welder's staying here. We spoke to a group who told us that they were all working on the gas lines and rebuilding the refineries and were happy to be employed even though they had to work away from home. </div></div>Mike and Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08874490487499804530noreply@blogger.com0