The Ouseys in Victoria Page

They had a rock (from a meteorite) at the Desert Museum with a sign that encouraged you to touch it; the sign said you then will have touched something much older than our Solar System, almost from the beginning of time. Carolyn did so then stated sardonically that now she has touched something older than me. Hmmph. “Older than dirt” wasn’t enough, so now it’s “older than stardust”.

We went to tour Casa Grande yesterday, and spent a couple of hours in an outlet mall. Hmmm. We also know some friends from the East Coast Nat and Gerry Mawhinney that have a park model near there. So we looked for their park (Val Vista) and found it and thus them. We had a good visit and dinner with them and another couple Art and Joan. Turns out that Bob Sexton and his girl friend (sister to Joan coincidentally) are coming to visit them come March first. We had parked at Bob’s farm (since sold) for 2 weeks when we were in Greenwood fall of 2003. There is also space in the park so we will move there for the week of 28 Feb to 7 Mar. In fact we have a site just across from Nat and Gerry. We are looking for ward to seeing them again.

Weather has been much more cooperative. Mostly sunny and except for our first night here no rain. Shoulder is improving slightly but it has a ways to go. We will be home by 31 Mar (our extra medical insurance runs out then) and then I’ll get some work done it.

TTFN

Dry

Here are two Pictures, both of the same Saguaro, dry last year and wet this year. Quite a difference. They like to suck up and save that water for the dry times.

We went to the Desert Museum yesterday, and it was really interesting. Much to see, too much for one day really, but we got most of it in. They have everything about deserts including caves. Got some good pics of Cacti; I didn’t know there were so many varieties. It had all the flora and fauna of a desert, many displays of snakes, insects, and other animals as well as birds, even an enclosed hummingbird aviary. The scenery was great as well. It is located near the Saguaro Forest National park just west of Tucson. On our way back, we got our Walmart fix to restock our larder. We happened upon a new Super Centre Walmart which are great. We don’t have these in Canada. They are huge and include a full service grocery strore with excellent prices.

I took a picture of a Saguaro here at Picacho Peak, the same one I took a picture of last year. It shows the difference between a wet and dry season; Saguaro’s soak up water a lot when it is a wet season. I will try to upload them to the blog, but my only access is a very slow dialup, so it may not be successful.

TTFN

Wow, its Sunday, as I write this. We had a string of Thuderstorms come by last night that were quite thrilling, and totally unexpected. The local forecast never mentioned them and it was a calm and warm evening. Quite suddenly the sky was darkening and we could see lighting in the distance but getting closer, although it appeared it would go east of us. Next thing we know we got one right over us, and pounding. The rain was horizontal, and the thunder and lighting enormous. Of course we had the awning out but it was tied down good and there was no problem with anything blowing away, but the rain in that few minutes was drenching. I stepped out for a minute to check things out and I was instantly drenched. As quick as it came, it left and that was that.

Yesterday we had a great visit with Marge and Wayne Hendricks, they had not seen Imperial Dam before and were impressed. They just might try it next year. Today we spent getting ready to move on to Picacho Peak tomorrow. We are just about ready to roll. It will be there that I may actually post this. So there will be more.

We have arrived in Picacho and are still amazed at the greenery. The Peak is absolutely green compared to last year. More later.

We will be on our way to Picacho peak resort on Monday. Last blog for a few days. Hopefully I can still get on line there. Marge and Wayne are visiting us today at Imperial dam.

We got more rain, not much but some, looks like Califorinia is getting it all.

TTFN

The Colorado Belle Casino, where we were on our Valentines Laughlin 2 day trip.

We have been having a grand time at Imperial Dam. Great spot for BLM type camping. Mind you we are dong a lot of reading. However, we took our two day trip to Laughlin. A four bus ride gives one lots of time to look at the scenery. Normally the the scenery is dry and arid as expected of a desert, but with all the moisture they have had (Yuma already at 50% of their normal annual total of 3 inches, since Jan 1st ) the desert is green. Even the locals find it amazing. Lots of desert flowers, etc. Very pretty.

Laughlin was fun, a nice break. A night in a hotel room, we each had two showers. We got two free meals, and they were at the buffet, which was excellent . we gambled a bit and walked around town. We stayed at the Colorado Belle. A Casino in the shape of a large paddle wheel river boat. I’ll post a picture later as I haven’t download them to the computer yet.

We just ran into Marge, at the internet place. Marge and Wayne, friends from the Vancouver Islanders are here in Yuma. We have been expecting them, but hadn’t contacted them. I was about to via email as I had answered her email, and there she is doing her internet thing. What a coincidence. We will get together with them here, Carolyn and she are making arrangements as I type this. Small world.

All else is well, we leave for Picacho Peak on Monday, so I may not be online again before then, but who knows.

We have some sad news to report. Alan’s mother Edie passed away last Sunday. We haven’t known her long but she was such a sweet lady, and we will miss her as will all the family. Our thoughts go out to all the family, in particular Roy and Alan.

Well we have been out in the boonies for the past 5 days. No internet out here. We set up near the registration centre, although there are many square miles of area to set up in. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of rigs out here. Some stay for the 14 day stay some are set up for the winter. The area is desert, the terrain mostly arroyos, mesas, washes, creeks, lakes and low lying hills. This year due to the amount of moisture they have gotten the area is quite green. It was sunny and warm all week but it started raining last night and is forecast to stay around for a couple of days. So today we decided to go into town, check e-mails, blog, shop etc.

There is every manner of rig out here. We have seen elderly gentlemen camping in their minivans, one has a motorcycle besides his minivan. Lots of boats, and some of the long term winter guests, have temporary structures, lots of sun panels, even windmills generating electricity. We are doing well keeping our batteries up by running the generator 2 hours a day. We get about 5 locals channels and of course I set up the satellite dish, so we continue to get Canadian TV. We are doing lots of reading. My shoulder continues to bother me, but otherwise we are healthy.

Lots of Canadians around and they are all friendly and chatty. Very different dry desert camping over resort camping, but the people are all the same, very amiable.

We are headed out on Monday for our Valentines 2 day bus excursion to Laughlin. That should be fun and it will be during or after that when I get online again.

Last blog from Cocopah. don't know when I'll be online again, since we will be out in the boonies, see my last.

Carolyn talked to Mike and Char. All is well up there. The coffeeshop business is up and down, fortunately mostly up. They and the kids are well and that is what counts.

Spent most of today getting ready to move the rig. We are stopping tomorrow to get a windshield sun screen made and installed and then on to Imperial Dam for a couple of weeks.

Will blog and email when I can.

Congrats "Father" Dennis. Done any Weddings lately??

Lyn blogged, Lyn blogged Hurray. Way to go.

This our last weekend here, and it is sunny and warm.

We are not going far, just to Imperial Dam. We checked it out last week and it looks quite nice. It is on the BLM lands of California, just past the Yuma Proving Grounds. We cannot get in the military Campsite there as we are "Foreign Nationals" which aren't allowed at least not at this one. Some we can, some we can't.

Anyhow, it is only $30.00 for two weeks of dry camping. there are all the amenities near by, such as sanitary dump, water, phones, pay showers etc. Plus a lake, the Senator's Wash resevoir actually. We will park there for awhile anyway. It is only 25 miles from East Yuma (The Foothills), and that is probably where I will have to go to any internet, so my connection time will be limited and infrequent over that time. Will be phoning more that emailing I would guess.

Shoulder still sore, and not improving much, otherwise fine. Doesn't stop us from doing too much except for golf.

The pool calls, Ta Ta

We went to see “Meet the Fockers” today. Good show, lots of fun and laughs, highly recommended.

We will be getting ready to leave Cocopah, and we will be headed to Imperial Dam for two weeks. Dry Camping there, though there are facilities nearby. It is about 35 miles from here, so weather much the same. Change of pace though. After that likely Tucson.

Online connection non-existent there, however, I will get online once or twice a week, certainly not as frequently as here.

We are well, my shoulder still a problem and will likely remain that way for the rest of the trip. I saw a doctor and he gave me pain pills and said not much else could be done until I get home. So be it. Carolyn is fine and we are enjoying ourselves.