Reflections, Oil Change, Solid Blue Sky Day, Pool Day

It is Thursday, Feb. 23^rd in Pilot Knob RV Resort and this week is zipping by already. If we have learned one thing on this journey it is that the days don’t drag. You plan ahead to a point and try to experience as much as you can without cramming the days full. There is no need to do that when the BIG picture is to return every year to this same beautiful place.

I need to get up earlier in order to catch the sun from down the way with no obstructions

Our morning and afternoon frequent flyers with their identifiable cooing

When we left Borrego Springs desert, a place as wide open as the mouth of the Grand Canyon (although we have yet to see that) extending out to the Coyote and Santa Rosa mountains, and come to a ‘civilized, organized’ park like this you can’t help but miss the openness.

This was Borrego Springs, open desert right out to the mountains

We give up some things like privacy and gorgeous views where our Suite is parked for the benefit of having a continual source of water, power and access to sewer, laundry facilities a walk away, a swimming pool and hot tub and friends, 30 feet away.

I do love a pool and hot tub

Because Bill and I have paid into a membership that offers us free or almost free accommodations with these benefits, we want to be sure to take advantage of these parks. Otherwise, with no justification, we have tossed money away. 

On site laundry facilities

Our lives are full of decisions and we, singularly and as a couple, have made some very questionable ones, some not so good ones and some excellent ones. With just one winter down south drawing to a close, so far we feel the membership is a wise decision.

Putting solar panels on our unit was another good one for sure because we wanted to boondock out in the desert and in areas that do not offer services. Sometimes that means a Walmart, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Flying J and even casino lots as we make our way south and then home again in the spring. These stays justify the solar panel decision as it provides us with power without a cord.

Our solar panels are working hard on a cloudy day in Quartzsite

So, here in the park today, it would be a perfect boondock day because from the minute I opened my eyes, there was nothing but blue sky and bright sun. Our goal while dry camping is to not have to use our Champion generator or at least as little as possible. We like our tv on occasional evenings so sun is important.

Today, Bill was up before 7, had a bite to eat for breakfast and was on the way into Yuma’s Ford dealership for an oil change. His truck told us on Tuesday that it was time. I was up before he left at 7:30 and gave him a small list of a few things to pick up at Albertson’s when he was on his way home. My tea tasted yeuchy this morning without creamer. You do get used to some things.

After he left, I read a couple of blog posts I’d missed last night and then went for my morning walk around the park. When I left, it was calm but when I returned and stopped to talk to George, the wind had picked up. Even more so once I had positioned my chair in our drive at the west end of the Suite to catch the sun’s rays. Now where did that wind come from?

A frequent occurrence at the park

Last night it really got windy and that was surprising after such a nice day. All of our friends have ventured off today and Bill and Barb have scheduled an RV wash company to come in and wash their fifth wheel. Since I knew I wasn’t going anywhere, Barb gave me the money to pay them if it happened before they returned.

Clemson and I sat in the sun for a good hour while I read my book. This time I’m into Lee Child’s TripWire and it is quite good. I need to step up the pace in order to catch up with Bill! I never thought I’d say those words!

Good thing he is a tiny man to fit into these small places

 One of the staff here is puttering around again (I talked to him in December while he trimmed the palms) and is behind our Suite trimming the Oleander bushes. There are white, pink and red ones in the park and some are starting to bloom.

And of note to my daughter, Bridgette, there is a White Oleander at the pool

The small man doing the work reminds me of Daddy, his quiet politeness, his manner, his smile. It is a painstaking job with bending and twisting in amongst brambly twigs. He asked me what time it was at one point, said his tummy was telling him it was coffee time. He’s good, it was 10:01.

He worked steady while I just lazed around

Bill arrived home at 11 ish and there I was sitting over at Rob and Pat’s. There is plenty of sun over there, facing south, and a shelter from the wind. The truck looks really clean and Bill said it was nice that Ford washed it for him, no charge. The oil change price was a nice surprise too and that is always good news!

We grabbed an early lunch, since I hadn’t eaten yet, I was a bit famished. A lettuce, ham, cheese tortilla roll up did the trick with some cottage cheese on the side. And then Bill thought it was snooze time for him and Clemmy so I went outside to read some more.

Learned today that this is an Australian Bottle Tree

And this is a Ficus (not sure of the spelling) I love the broad white trunk

When I came in I was in the mood for a swim so changed into my bathing suit and walked up to the pool with my book. The water was heated so although the outside air was cool I didn’t hesitate to get in. Three or four laps of the pool felt great and then 15 minutes in the hot tub chatting with another lady from Washington.

When I got out, I was nicely warmed and spread out on the cement on my towel to read. The lounge chairs are a nice option but they are old and the tubing on most is pretty uncomfortable, hence the cement proved to be a better option. I buzzed Bill on our walkie talkie when I left and he informed me that we were hosting Happy Hour.

The sun had moved to the western sky and most of us positioned our chairs to gain the most out of its warmth. There were 10 of us and it felt good conversing with everyone. We are all in the same frame of mind, enjoying this lifestyle here in the warm southwest states of Arizona and California. We all have stories to tell and things to laugh about.

Sam’s RV Wash came in today and washed and waxed Bill and Barb’s rv. They couldn’t have been happier with the job that was done. Sam’s was just setting up to start on George and Roseanne’s when we sat down to Happy Hour so we were able to watch them work.

George and Rosie toasting with tequila

By 5:30 we were chilled enough to call it a night and they were almost finished with the wax job on the Itasca coach. I think these boys work hard and do a great job. We wouldn’t hesitate to use their services from what we’ve seen today.

For supper, I had planned on pork ribs but to be honest, after 2 and a half hours sitting in the sun with friends and all of us helping George finish off his half bottle of Tequila, grilled cheese sandwiches sounds like a much better option.

We need to finish the bottle, guys!

The Happy gang at Happy Hour

George, our questionable influence! :) We love him anyway!
The bottle is M T!

Lordy oh Lordy, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t believe in living with regrets at this stage so once in a blue moon, it felt good to join our friends in a toast to this good life. Grilled cheese it is with Tillamook ice cream for dessert.

3 sandwiches on the Weber,

Woops! I ate half of it before taking a picture. They were perfect!

The night draws to a close and another day awaits us tomorrow. With this last picture of the day, our sunset from Pilot Knob, I bid you goodnight. I hope you had as much fun today as we did.

Thank you for reading. I love to read your comments if you choose to leave one.