tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11535404759225718402024-03-13T00:49:02.438-07:00Marilyn's Big Adventure - Part TwoThe tale of Marilyn Cole, a self-confessed lover of adventure as she returns to the southwest in January, 2009, with her faithful dog Ripley.Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-34144717631130485762009-06-21T16:25:00.000-07:002009-06-21T17:24:15.811-07:00BLOG TWELVE -- AND THE FINAL ONE FOR NOW<em><span style="font-size:78%;">Shadow Hill Rv Resort</span></em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349935317301954690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGMuZMFiNg6wSgoGwDgI0iBfg0ZwdorYMaBQEGaTPEcqb_Wyx9_3FMfmMNT8kaEMbixXv10Hz_I9pVA8wsBbG9h_swujTfAKOOJnrEP8zj1-IqXTe2woLpqeIu2kmftMPHy95aEouTHkB/s400/2009+06+01+13+Shadow+Hills.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMVvMYAKYo6JZjbQZTVZGn79nmGJep5e_6oxi9qEeiMNyGtSgasa-xGMvDdiiv4LvZrd6kXiRjLhBMhek1k6wjwX29i22WwQAEhnT_Al52Xqu6uGodw-8yK5goZSK3QagwwDavSnsTQne/s1600-h/2009+06+01+02+Shadow+Hills.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349935315006923714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMVvMYAKYo6JZjbQZTVZGn79nmGJep5e_6oxi9qEeiMNyGtSgasa-xGMvDdiiv4LvZrd6kXiRjLhBMhek1k6wjwX29i22WwQAEhnT_Al52Xqu6uGodw-8yK5goZSK3QagwwDavSnsTQne/s400/2009+06+01+02+Shadow+Hills.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qs-qmjdapRbogoCO74ikhLlhyphenhyphenTc4UX9nmwvGK7uZB45cJwl84Gng96P5HfAtr2maR0boIPBHkAtrVDAZ-RgmiLx2PGciacRRCXQt_C1jqrb9PVzVskU8UhKv79OLiWdgFTQVpnzb09-R/s1600-h/2009+05+31+18+Joshua+Tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349934556840374898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qs-qmjdapRbogoCO74ikhLlhyphenhyphenTc4UX9nmwvGK7uZB45cJwl84Gng96P5HfAtr2maR0boIPBHkAtrVDAZ-RgmiLx2PGciacRRCXQt_C1jqrb9PVzVskU8UhKv79OLiWdgFTQVpnzb09-R/s400/2009+05+31+18+Joshua+Tree.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> <em>Joshua Tree National Monument</em><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFYt72JMW8FEPcW40GuF9cE5FH_N9doP961vt0NtQ4vpQCe5lg9DxUBXhuFZyAXQ2-vyJ8xitDyxK2bIrf-U790QffNoM7iWX9husLJVuvu-wBS-S3Z2gHmxDoQKWBut-VGEZfE7ApbMl/s1600-h/2009+05+31+02+Joshua+Tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349934552169639106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFYt72JMW8FEPcW40GuF9cE5FH_N9doP961vt0NtQ4vpQCe5lg9DxUBXhuFZyAXQ2-vyJ8xitDyxK2bIrf-U790QffNoM7iWX9husLJVuvu-wBS-S3Z2gHmxDoQKWBut-VGEZfE7ApbMl/s400/2009+05+31+02+Joshua+Tree.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpAMeAC0e2AtVYZqLxYEvGGmnJuRrHJaivUgyetGc72ZwcL45SK5rNCI7MOV3OFEEAre4uBGDAwJix3HTj9ZmMJUpVb5YECMXFzmqqn-kS6pn9KRyhkzUuTEl8bZb6sVObCqoaaP1pCMr/s1600-h/2009+05+29+120+USE+Marilyn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349934550034173522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpAMeAC0e2AtVYZqLxYEvGGmnJuRrHJaivUgyetGc72ZwcL45SK5rNCI7MOV3OFEEAre4uBGDAwJix3HTj9ZmMJUpVb5YECMXFzmqqn-kS6pn9KRyhkzUuTEl8bZb6sVObCqoaaP1pCMr/s400/2009+05+29+120+USE+Marilyn.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center</em><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyYmBo5SoJ2LEyYCIqYOWShs6hrZUoXE-0-X3BBnKDgE8wnA77yr2ry0hianuakHHtKJvWAH0V-TwE3b4D9NfXQbHhF-KASaemWCJOPY1E3Fot70LGkQ5zsEbpEQb0_lzbswAjJo82ocx/s1600-h/2009+05+29+86+USE+Fellow+Earthlings.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349934538058015362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyYmBo5SoJ2LEyYCIqYOWShs6hrZUoXE-0-X3BBnKDgE8wnA77yr2ry0hianuakHHtKJvWAH0V-TwE3b4D9NfXQbHhF-KASaemWCJOPY1E3Fot70LGkQ5zsEbpEQb0_lzbswAjJo82ocx/s400/2009+05+29+86+USE+Fellow+Earthlings.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xCkV_nTgnqdcUBGrz783GzTQnqL8CPn4bqcJSoZs6_Jiie2x_vDx8wVbpdsO2D5zEttEaSQ9G187OqE4qszFTfyM-30xtNG5qCidb57pNs3rI18zGV0WSTkk43pltjOjIH0f4J8Z85l1/s1600-h/2009+05+29+37+USe+Fellow+Earthlings.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349934534853004962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xCkV_nTgnqdcUBGrz783GzTQnqL8CPn4bqcJSoZs6_Jiie2x_vDx8wVbpdsO2D5zEttEaSQ9G187OqE4qszFTfyM-30xtNG5qCidb57pNs3rI18zGV0WSTkk43pltjOjIH0f4J8Z85l1/s400/2009+05+29+37+USe+Fellow+Earthlings.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_chjTnNiprqLkqGuQyi6agnvj4_itm2FAjlrRB07yFw8BdeJn8y894oto21ltN9mP7Du1nFl6M6lmo5QioGHcXMc3IX9nU60oFArjkOippPj32uqW5ry_vbig3dG3gU7k5P5YRpZjfW/s1600-h/2009+05+29+21+USE+Pam.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349930382334552610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_chjTnNiprqLkqGuQyi6agnvj4_itm2FAjlrRB07yFw8BdeJn8y894oto21ltN9mP7Du1nFl6M6lmo5QioGHcXMc3IX9nU60oFArjkOippPj32uqW5ry_vbig3dG3gU7k5P5YRpZjfW/s400/2009+05+29+21+USE+Pam.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Pam Bennett Wallberg, founder of Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center</em><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXed8RSHayWsApEtLSmAynJGh0jzXT4gFBv5d-Ra068tFaEI8E26vcBU-4LZtXrLfEEg-rWppPSIQ8pYjQNT4j5iBXf2QDpJjMRuLpy1DbI3kFZ8KrAKl7B37HkRT3ARXjfqTesB7Gmg9/s1600-h/2009+05+28+03+Ripley.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349930378187470658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXed8RSHayWsApEtLSmAynJGh0jzXT4gFBv5d-Ra068tFaEI8E26vcBU-4LZtXrLfEEg-rWppPSIQ8pYjQNT4j5iBXf2QDpJjMRuLpy1DbI3kFZ8KrAKl7B37HkRT3ARXjfqTesB7Gmg9/s400/2009+05+28+03+Ripley.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Is this a happy dog or what?</em><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRVFNYu7HTxyMpchUG0NoWnsaaEF6eRuESGE9ZWk4W7OkrfH0rQJC84-MYtjVxn2xhkSWcNoYRNLDTj9typrSkFywaEq3JN5d79xC11f1zQ1v5iKzC4h3rnSDeOj2PiSQq3FSRSEJslIA/s1600-h/2009+05+26+08+FLowering+Saguaro+Ajo+Arizona.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349930375823846818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRVFNYu7HTxyMpchUG0NoWnsaaEF6eRuESGE9ZWk4W7OkrfH0rQJC84-MYtjVxn2xhkSWcNoYRNLDTj9typrSkFywaEq3JN5d79xC11f1zQ1v5iKzC4h3rnSDeOj2PiSQq3FSRSEJslIA/s400/2009+05+26+08+FLowering+Saguaro+Ajo+Arizona.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Flowering Saguaro Cactus<br /></em></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AF9AWNTC4N64b_DLo8vu09a2J-mGa_3ipAZpiWAib9CdGcEDkj7_ql-oMeeHniFDjserEcJNrkvmlyrg8r4FzRiAdvg8MMc9zQEbXPpIdrWblc23QVYfrpZmReP8rAtiqAskk2_Koq8r/s1600-h/2009+05+26+01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349930364808911554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AF9AWNTC4N64b_DLo8vu09a2J-mGa_3ipAZpiWAib9CdGcEDkj7_ql-oMeeHniFDjserEcJNrkvmlyrg8r4FzRiAdvg8MMc9zQEbXPpIdrWblc23QVYfrpZmReP8rAtiqAskk2_Koq8r/s400/2009+05+26+01.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH509vf-ClfdUnJ2MaYqz7TBvDM7ZxcN1KMs_OvLC6uV33VtDPRP9sQUHD1LwzOsriGeMTfY8gHSpw5z5h7AZ2THk6DA12AE5DUoxvvic-FCp8UJBzY2pv-PCcYjbTMt40rYDce88hmjT/s1600-h/2009+05+26+10+Lizard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349930359697832354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH509vf-ClfdUnJ2MaYqz7TBvDM7ZxcN1KMs_OvLC6uV33VtDPRP9sQUHD1LwzOsriGeMTfY8gHSpw5z5h7AZ2THk6DA12AE5DUoxvvic-FCp8UJBzY2pv-PCcYjbTMt40rYDce88hmjT/s400/2009+05+26+10+Lizard.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">BLOG TWELVE</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm having trouble putting the photos in the text, so I'll leave them at the top of this blog.</span></strong></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong><div><br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349928102699900658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycUyzCazM9WZ1JXmT1Ncd5rlflEYLDWmeDTqh_Ys1MFwZmrIG82W1ZerU36oSWGLoqfdrvTZNkiwV3pCoiSB3Ng4xlZF77Q9XM0Biz_zzt03Gq7akCaZXQ4CJG5TxC3BIKCVgH1M3kUqE/s400/2009+05+26+03+Ripley+in+Ajo+Arizona.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em> Ripley on the Trail</em><br /><br /><br /></span><div></span><strong>June 20, 2009</strong></div><strong><br /><div></strong>There’s another long delay since Blog Eleven, but I will catch up now.</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Goober<br /></strong>One of the interesting characters at Quail Ridge is a man who takes his overweight bulldog Goober for a ride in his golf cart twice a day. Goober seems to enjoy watching the world go by, but it seems to me that it would do him some good to get out and do some walking for a change!<br /></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Sprinkle of Rain</strong><br />It’s a real event when there is any sign of moisture in southern Arizona and on May 19 we did actually get a few drops. And on May 21 it rained all day. I’m told that later on in July and August the monsoons come and it pours down, but I’ll be gone by then. </div><br /><br /><div><strong>My New Camera</strong><br />I had mentioned in Blog Eleven how I had damaged my digital camera, and the quandary I was in as to whether or not to spend the money to buy another one or do without. I do enjoy taking photos and sharing them on my blog, etc. so I decided to bite the bullet and get a new one. I did my research, comparing prices at Best Buy, local camera stores, etc. and then searching online. I finally settled on buying online a refurbished Fujifilm S1000 camera with 10 megapixels and 12 optics with image stabilization and other bells and whistles from Tri-State Camera located in Brooklyn, New York. It certainly was an improvement over the old one that I had damaged, but it turned out to be defective. Not every frame shot properly. I contacted Tri-State by email and tried to phone them, but there was a long waiting period on the phone, but I eventually got through to a live human. I explained the situation, and he assured me there was no problem. Just ship the defective one back, and they would replace it. I told him that I wanted the camera mailed to my home address in Canada, and repeated that request in the letter accompanying the package. However, the shipping confirmation email stated that it had been shipped to Arizona. I emailed them and received no response and eventually got through to another live human on the phone, told him the problem explaining that their shipper could not read. I was informed that I would have to pay the shipping costs to Canada, after they got the package back from Arizona. After some argument, he offered to split the shipping cost. Not entirely satisfactory, and I was very tempted just to tell them to forget it and refund my credit card. But I am now awaiting the shipment – and hope that this camera is not defective!!<br /><br /><strong>On to California – But Not Without Incident</strong><br />After having spent a pleasant six weeks at Quail Ridge RV Resort, I got on my way to California by way of Ajo which is located in an old copper mining town. The next morning I continued north to meet up with Highway 10 and shortly after leaving Tucson, the motorhome sputtered and died on the side of the road – and naturally this happened on the Memorial Day Long Weekend! And to add to my woes, I was almost out of minutes on my cell phone. It seems to be my lot to have a disaster happen on long weekends! I did try to contact two different RV mobile repair places, but both were shut down of course. After sitting for awhile, the motorhome started and I managed to get a little further down the road into the parking lot of the Family Dollar Store in a little town called Three Points where I was able to add more minutes to my cell phone.<br /></div><div>By sheer chance I asked the cashier if she knew if there was a mechanic nearby and she responded that her boyfriend Jim was a mechanic. Chris called him and he quickly arrived, agreed with me that it was a dirty fuel filter, cleaned it for me, and drove me to a nearby Ace Hardware to buy a new one, which he installed. Just in case, he gave me his cell number and it’s a good thing he did because I only got a few miles down the road when it died again. He suggested that both fuel pumps needed replacing. We managed to get the motorhome back to the Family Dollar parking lot, where Jim began draining and dismantling the gas tank (one of the fuel pumps is located INSIDE the tank!!) Meanwhile, I took the Chevy off the tow dolly so that I could drive the 30 miles back to Tucson to Checkers Auto to buy the two fuel pumps needed. To make a long story short, I had to return to Tucson three times before we had the two right parts. Jim was simply wonderful and worked on the motorhome until 9:30 p.m. But it was dark by then, and Chris, his girlfriend and who is also the assistant manager of the Family Dollar, allowed me to stay in the parking lot overnight. Jim had also changed the oil in my generator and charged my auxiliary battery which was flat. I was visited by Border Patrol during the night, as they are on the lookout for suspicious vehicles carrying illegals.<br />Early the next morning I had to call Jim back because there was gas leaking from the re-installed tank. He tightened the clamp and he followed me to the Ace Hardware store to get a new clamp and hose. After all this and having paid Jim $265 for his labour and another $100 for parts, I had one more obstacle and had to call Jim yet again because I couldn’t fill the tank without it back splashing. He fixed this problem and I was finally underway, crossing my fingers that this would be the last of the problems. </div><br /><div><strong>Respite At Last<br /></strong>Thank goodness no more incidents happened on my way and I eventually made it to Indio, California where I stayed a total of five enjoyable nights at Shadow Hills RV Resort – a very beautiful campground complete with gated entrance, palm trees, saltwater pool, hot tub, pond with fountain and off-leash dog park. Ripley and I basked in the luxury, and enjoyed the pleasant hosts Bry and Salem, a young couple who are partners of the owners of the resort. The temperatures were reaching into three digits F., so the pool was very welcome. </div><div><br /><strong>Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center</strong><br />My primary reason for going to California was to visit the meerkat sanctuary known as Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center, run by Pam Bennett Wallberg and located in Morongo Valley. Last year I had the opportunity to visit and made an appointment again for this year, for May 29. Pam has a policy of allowing only one group at a time, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for two hours each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. I had a wonderful time sitting in the pen with the meerkats climbing on me as I fed them mealworms while chatting with Pam. We hit it off, chatting about all sorts of things, and my visit ended up being four hours instead of two. It was truly a highlight of my trip to be with the meerkats once again, and I hope to return again in the future. Because of the publicity generated by the TV show Meerkat Manor, the bookings are full a year in advance, and Pam has been visited by some of the narrators – Sean Astin, Whoopi Goldberg, Stockard Channing and other celebrities.</div><br /><div><strong>Joshua Tree National Monument</strong><br />This national park is just a few miles away from Indio, so it was only natural to visit it while in the neighbourhood. Two deserts converge in this park – the Colorado Desert below 3,000’ where cacti abound, and the higher, moister and slightly cooler Mojave Desert where the famous Joshua tree predominates, along with interesting geologic rock formations. Wildlife abounds within the park’s 794,000 acres as well. Ripley and I visited an oasis of date palm trees, and walked a short way on the trail. But the heat was oppressive so we mostly just stayed in the air conditioned car, travelling along the roads through the park.</div><br /><div><strong>Homeward Bound – Sort Of<br /></strong>On June 1st we left the resort, getting as far as Parker, Arizona in the central western region where Phillippa overheated. We stopped to let the engine cool down and I noticed that the fridge was not operating on the propane setting. On checking I discovered that the auxiliary battery that powers the setting was dead. The woman at the local Chamber of Commerce gave me the name of a nearby garage where a new battery was installed, after an interminable wait while they located a marine battery and brought it back. Cost $212.</div><br /><div>However, the fridge was still not functioning and I was worried that all my food would spoil. I got to Lake Havasu City where I located an RV repair place. Harley, the mechanic, determined that the problem was the control board in my fridge. This is the fridge that I bought only 1 1/2 years ago – but they didn’t have the correct part. Harley finally located one in Bullhead City, 50 miles away. It was getting late, so he and the manager allowed me to stay in their lot overnight, plugged into their power so that the fridge would operate. Harley also repaired the window screen that Ripley had damaged by putting her head through it when she saw another dog!<br />The next morning I headed to Bullhead City (which was out of my way home) stopping at the RV repair store that had the correct fridge part. Betty the receptionist was very sympathetic when I explained that my food was spoiling because of the fridge not operating and had a mechanic look at it right away. After a few phone calls, it was determined that the part and labour were covered under warranty, so thank goodness for small favours! BUT my “Check Engine” light came on, so Betty referred me to Advanced Auto in town where they checked the sensors and determined that it was the O2 sensor (something to do with the exhaust system) that was making the light come on and that I could ignore it as long as I checked my temperature and oil gauges frequently. </div><br /><div>Okay, I’ll admit it. I cried. </div><br /><div>Finally, finally, I started across Arizona, with the price ever increasing as I drove. In Sierra Vista I had paid $1.97/gallon. By the time I got to the Canadian border in Michigan, the price had risen to $2.95/gallon.<br /></div><div>In the meantime, I stayed overnight at state rest areas and truck stops, hooking up to wi fi services at the latter, and enjoyed the cooler temperatures as I climbed in elevation to 7700 feet near Flagstaff. Every third or fourth day, I pulled into a campground in order to have a proper shower instead of a sponge bath. I continued on through New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, through Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. I counted a total of ten dead deer plus numerous dead raccoons and one coyote on the highway.<br /></div><br /><div>The temperature gradually got lower and lower, and Ripley picked up some ticks which she brought into the motorhome with her. Fortunately I found them and got rid of them before they could burrow into either her skin or mine! So I stopped and got some flea and tick medication to apply on her skin. That, coupled with the black flies and mosquitoes certainly indicated that we weren’t in Arizona anymore!</div><br /><div><strong>More Trouble</strong><br />You probably remember that I was towing my Chevy on a dolly behind the motorhome. When I stopped to fill up the gas tank in Fishers, Indiana I got too close to the post that protects the gas pump and managed to rip the wheel off the tow dolly and bend the frame as I was leaving. I stood there stunned by what had happened. Luckily for me Police Officer Josh Ahnert saw the accident and came over to help me, offering to guide me to a nearby church yard to park overnight. He kept his flashers on as I limped over there, then looked up the names of several repair shops in the neighbourhood on his inboard computer, gave me his card in case I needed him. He couldn’t have been more caring, and his demeanor helped me considerably.</div><br /><div>The next morning, I met some of the church staff and explained what had happened, and they were very sympathetic. Janice, the receptionist helped me to call several businesses in town, including the local U-Haul store (they wanted $634 to rent a tow dolly) as well as several repair stores (they couldn’t help me). Sue Griffith sat and prayed with me, Mary Kay offered her help, as did Mark the custodian and Milt. I used the church’s wi fi to look up used tow dollies for sale on the internet, but couldn’t find anything reasonable in the neighbourhood. Finally I located a used one in a nearby town at a trailer dealership. The cost - $800!! I had no choice but to drive the motorhome over and buy it and then make my way back to the church parking lot to put the car on the new dolly. But what to do with the old one? I couldn’t just abandon it in the church parking lot. Milt came to the rescue and got one of his friends to take it off my hands. </div><br /><div>My stress level by now was through the stratosphere, and I was very grateful for all the support from the staff at the Fishers United Methodist Church. I cried.</div><br /><div>With an empty wallet and a feeling of despair, I continued on north in Indiana, up through Michigan, finally making the Canadian border on June 10th, three days later than planned because of the various breakdowns. Strangely enough, it was the American border people who pulled me over and inspected both the motorhome and the Chevy. The Canadian Customs officer checked my passport and waved me through without incident.</div><br /><div><strong>Canada Once Again<br /></strong>We crossed the border at Port Huron, entering Sarnia, Ontario where gas was listed at 97 cents/litre. I’m bad at metric conversion, but I believe that was more expensive than the gas in the U.S. As of June 20th, the price per litre has risen to $1.03.</div><br /><div>I got as far as the Flying J Truck Stop in London Ontario on June 10th, staying there to contact people via email. These truck stops are quite convenient because there is a restaurant, store, booths to plug into wi fi, showers as well as gas and propane – and they allow RV’s as well as the big trucks to park overnight. </div><br /><div>But I continued on to Maple, Ontario where I parked the RV overnight in the community centre parking lot behind my friend Donna’s apartment building. I had a nice visit and BB Q chicken dinner with her, and left the next morning to continue on the journey up Highway 400 to Parry Sound. </div><br /><div><strong>My Summer Home</strong><br />Michelle and Don Berry own the KOA Kampground in Parry Sound located in the cottage country of Ontario, and they have offered me a position working 20 hours per week, in the office in exchange for my site. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and to take in the breathtaking scenery of the forests and lakes of northern Ontario.<br /><br /><strong>Woofstock<br /></strong>Woofstock is an annual celebration of dogs held in downtown Toronto. On June 15 Ripley and I attended and participated in a walkathon to raise funds for the Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Organization. I received pledges of $190. It was a little overwhelming for Ripley as she is not used to wall to wall people and dogs, but we did have a good time.</div><br /><div><strong>Final Words<br /></strong>All in all, Ripley and I travelled a total of 4,500 miles from Ontario down to Arizona, then on to California and back to Ontario and Parry Sound, and I don’t believe that I would risk taking Phillippa on a long trip again. I think she will remain in a campground in Ontario from now on, and I will find an alternative means of transportation and accommodation in the southwest next time. But I do expect to remain in Ontario for this coming winter, out of necessity. All these mechanical breakdowns, etc. have put a huge dent in my credit card and it will be necessary to go back to work for awhile. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />I will be remaining here until mid-August when I will head further south and east to Chalk Lake to housesit for the same two couples I housesat for last year. I will be there until the early part of September. After that, who knows? The advantage of being retired is that life is an open road and anything can happen.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com184tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-81149813301045929402009-05-17T22:05:00.000-07:002009-05-22T23:13:43.836-07:00BLOG ELEVEN - MAY 17, 2009<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">BLOG ELEVEN - Photos Now Here</span><br />May 17, 2009</strong><br /><br />I don’t know where the time goes, but I never seem to have time to sit down and update my blog, so here goes.<br /><br />I’m still staying at Quail Ridge RV Resort near the tiny town/village of Whetstone.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338887342460770258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4ZW5ALkuqCg_ZYN83qlM6gLIWlKhCeaAHhRxcmVuLQi1hHgsTxbSV9XOD9kqGfDdPftHkBaV1Px6lWaAjzFze-bXCzm2-aELgYTyLymdwyzakM2xfVD9uRNVNFPTkMP0pyHhdgLNTFue/s400/2009+04+17+10+Quail+Ridge+RV+Resort+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+015.jpg" border="0" /> It is very peaceful here because most travelers have headed back home, and I continue to enjoy watching birds come to the feeder in the tree outside my window. Whetstone is ten miles north of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca, a huge military base where I am told troops are trained in intelligence. Sierra Vista is a small city with lots of big box stores, supermarkets, banks, two movie theatres and a huge recreation complex with a pool, a wave pool and a spa. I haven’t been to the pool complex because it is only open for public swimming on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and now that the temperatures are soaring, I tend to stay at home during that time in my air conditioned motorhome. Temperatures are in the 90’s now and even though there is no humidity, I find it a bit warm.<br /><br /><strong>Radio Stations<br /></strong>I was glad to find that the National Public Radio (NPR) operates down here through the University of Arizona, so I do have an alternative to country music which every radio station in the neighbourhood seems to favour. It’s not my favourite genre, so I’m glad that I can listen to good classical music, and in particular the announcers who are very knowledgeable about the music they are playing.<br /><br /><strong>Square Dancing<br /></strong>On most days here in the park, there are just a few RV’s, some of whom live here permanently, but on April 17th we were invaded by a large group of people who came to share square dancing for the weekend. They weren’t rowdy by any means, but it meant that the clubhouse was taken over by them, and I had been accustomed to going there to watch television and relax. But they left on Sunday and everything returned to normal.<br /><br /><strong>The Sky</strong><br />One of my favourite things to do at dusk is to sit outside the clubhouse in one of the comfortable chairs provided, with Ripley beside me, and just watch the sun go down over the Whetstone mountains to the west. On a good day, the sky is lit up with brilliant shades of red as the sun descends.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888910077184402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jroDr9wiJueOL6dBGCSNXciFrCBzXW6e-GMnSjHqwf_1FnCAwxoaFFzA6ORz9V31PEdBqVr9MCRIi7OPYs5_09bk3SHvXCnZ0NPC39SjRct3m51kQbBZszmGwQriNHxvY0bENjda3cDu/s400/2009+04+24+06+Arizona+Sunset++Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+003.jpg" border="0" /> And then a little later, the sky sparkles with a multitude of stars, both bright and dim, one of the nice benefits of being in an area mostly clear of pollution. Right now dusk happens about 7:15 p.m. and dawn is around 5:30 a.m. Most people are up by 6:00 because they tend to chores while it is still cool, and I have fallen into the habit as well (at least on most days).<br /><br /><strong>My Day<br /></strong>First on the agenda is to walk Ripley and let her relieve herself. She likes to strut at a good pace when we go for these morning walks around the park, stopping whenever she discovers an interesting smell to check out. I am told that javelinas come into the back section during the night and, judging from Ripley’s reaction, I would say that they do indeed. I feel it is more prudent not to walk around at night to test the theory!<br /><br />After breakfast, I will check my email and that may take a bit of time, depending on how many jokes have been sent to me. After that, I may drive into Sierra Vista to do some errands, read a book, work on my computer, do some housecleaning or go off to see an attraction. If I’m going to do a hike, I usually start off by 7:00 a.m. and I try to find areas where I can take Ripley with me, as she loves to go to new areas with all sorts of wonderful smells to check out, lizards to chase, etc.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888491058094402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb7mZS5P-b62JmATU2LTX6AnMp-YLNE5EYnMPbxQKAiMnPPif1-rEwgR7TzV7MU-vevGzlYznmKmOWul9XpvQuDvAfKHN9oRc-7TVDO-s1VEWSL1NLbAUcIQ7kbudpM-CMqlcI9G0UMSf/s400/2009+04+17+12+USE+Gambels+Quail+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+017.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> One of the dozens of Gambel's Quail that come to my feeder daily</span></em><br /></div><div align="left">And before I know it, the day has gone by and evening rolls around again, with another walk for Ripley (there’s one also during the afternoon if we haven’t gone out anywhere). Then depending upon what day it is, I may watch a little television in the clubhouse. I must confess that I have become addicted to American Idol just because of Adam Lambert. What a breath of fresh air he has been this year on an otherwise very dull show. Most of the contestants seem to have come from the same cookie cutter mold of whitebread America, and it is really refreshing to watch someone who comes up with new interpretations and dares to push the bar ever higher. As I write this the finale is coming up, and I am eagerly looking forward to yet another great performance by Adam. But alas, after this week I won’t have any more fixes until he releases his CD. Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a Glambert!<br /><br /><strong>Border Patrol<br /></strong>This entire area of southern Arizona is very close to the Mexican border and consequently is at risk for illegal immigrants and smugglers sneaking through. As a consequence, the Border Patrol people are ever on alert and whenever I travel north towards the Interstate I go through a checkpoint. It has become routine now for me to hand over my passport. Sometimes the officer waves me through while on another occasion one will check out my passport before letting me go. I understand that in June it will become mandatory to have the passport, but I don’t begrudge the slight inconvenience, as these personnel have an impossible job, in my opinion. There is just simply too much open land to cover and the powers that be have refused to increase their numbers. Illegal immigrants continue to make the dangerous trek across the desert and mountains and many die in the attempt. Bribery is a way of life in Mexico and many believe that there is no way that smugglers are going to be stopped completely. There may be the odd arrest that looks good, but the culprits are generally soon out of jail again after money has crossed palms.<br /><br /><strong>West End Block Party</strong><br />Since I still had a lot of jewelry left over, I decided to rent a booth in Sierra Vista at their West End Block Party on April 18th. Mary (the lady from Minnesota) very kindly made sure that Ripley was okay while I was gone, and I managed to borrow a table from the clubhouse in the park and set up shop on Fry Boulevard, along with many other vendors.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888484495176050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6-dMdEUjJk3mINHwNVnDOtz1X02V3JAY6w9tvDM3FLdtaCSJW3xgx_29mpThWkESl8qWorHby9e8BhAhCC7LVJ23ISELI4SM7jAW_CAz_sSddhiAPLxP98T4Yvr-ek8JxuxJTT6lUz1U/s400/2009+04+18+01+West+End+Block+Party+My+Booth+Sierra+Vista+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+027.jpg" border="0" /> There were quite a few booths selling jewelry, including the couple right next to me who specialized in expensive gems. They did quite well, but I managed as well by keeping my prices low. Despite the fact that I suffered from exposure to the sun all day (I did wear a hat), I was happy that I made the effort. Besides making a bit of money, I also met several of the local crafters who belong to the Huachuca Art Association, as well as a helicopter test pilot who lives in a mobile home in Sierra Vista.<br /><br /><strong>Pig Roast<br /></strong>Because many of the people who own their lot in the back of the park are leaving to return to their homes, they organized a pig roast, to which I was invited. After spending all day out in the hot sun at the West End Block Party, I welcomed the opportunity to sit down to roast pork, potato salad, vegetables and a raspberry dessert. It was also an opportunity for me to get to know some of these people a little better. The square dancers were still here and, despite their mature ages, seemed to enjoy themselves a lot. They were in the north clubhouse while the pig roast took place in the south clubhouse. The only thing missing in this park is a pool.<br /><br /><strong>Snow’s Little Bead Store</strong><br />In conversations with Mary, I learned that she too is a beader, although she does bead weaving - a different technique from what I know. She told me about Fran Snow who runs a bead store from her garage in Benson and we agreed to drive over there, along with Mary’s husband Ed. Of course I had to buy some of the beads, but I also signed up for a class with Marcia to learn how to wire wrap a swirl around a pendant. Wire wrapping is something I have wanted to learn, and as it happened, I ended up taking three different classes with Marcia. The fee was very reasonable and I have now learned how to wire wrap a swirly pendant and a caged pendant, and also how to make a ring. So now I have expanded my knowledge and can offer some different items. The only problem is that this technique requires using gold or silver or copper wire, all of which material is quite expensive.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888917695995282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Aip-KIpJe68lhaji6iNiDGcbztJBCJZhYwpO74pcfY-cot0LYpYfKT-2lGMnp12SxN-xPq8ETyyUKIADEkZ_B-pN0v_uj1qFGddpSg6egoWmzGaXZN74NYsg02Bani7VpUMFkMzaUWS/s400/2009+05+11+03+USE+My+First+Ring.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Ring Wire Wrapping</span></em></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889200494974690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS25KgWQgcYBI1dhbWh5qgBZPgN-J9k9aJesIjLAzaaKqJq1yHHO7aHH7eJFWiEWvGx0bsrz-vcRc2YfXVa4FSOloS0s7_uQoDFUGVAzZ0MPpDqS-HsvTsBlOkh0gIKJCD4N1rbSGzeBPt/s400/2009+05+15+03+USE+Caged+Pendant.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Caged Wire Wrapping</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888913954878834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqhwZEXbxsg5GdwH3NEJ8H3auQQIsM9Ai5VS9aAzH6DvLH9nUI5B1z4wJneT8AYPyPZS6p9myBr1VMku7HhmVHJ_omASBcI9AyY7PgABo8gr5D55icmt_I8Zof_LdH5MveTMrIx7I6utZ/s400/2009+05+03+01+My+Wire+WrapTrip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+026.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Spiral Wire Wrapping</span></em><br /><strong> </strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Chiricahua National Monument<br /></strong>On April 21st Ripley and I set off on less-traveled roads through the historic town of Tombstone, then on to Gleeson on a primitive road, passing the White Gulch Experimental Watershed, the Rattlesnake Store (featuring lots of items made out of rattlesnakes – I didn’t stop), and on to the little town of Elfrida where I discovered a delightful shop featuring great coffee and a homemade apple/cinnamon muffin.<br /><br />This little repast kept me going on to the Chiricahua National Monument where Cochise and Geronimo had made their home. The signs leading to the Monument warned there were no gas stations or restaurants in the area, so I was glad that I had stopped in Elfrida. The Chiricahua National Monument lies within the huge Coronado National Forest, and the road twists and winds to an elevation of 6870 feet, endng at Massai Point. Because the nature trail here is closed to dogs, we just walked around the parking lot area to see the beautiful view. The brochure mentions that four ecosystems meet in these mountains (Chihuahua Desert, Sonoran Desert, Rocky Mountain and Sierra Madre), making it a naturalist’s paradise for the number of species that can be found in the area of the park which encompasses 11,985 acres, most of which is wilderness.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888058643091058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA5KfVrB4dCaztpF57-Sv73Ztbw6qOrgqGOWVMnc3wVak9SdUdpi6qE8taxkBbrzL3Y3f7-onyTi57l1nxIu1Nrg8SdJzs6X-34-Bve1uGeRQJ6bum5yYUcsBajBvzzyoqKhtPzCaqhWV/s400/2009+04+21+17+Cochise%27s+Head+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+018.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> This mountain is called the Face of Cochise</span></em><br /></div><div> </div><div>The brochure also mentions that the tourists in Chiricahua National Monument are climbing up a sky island – an isolated mountain range rising above the surrounding grassland area, and an area where the vegetation changes from cactus and mesquite to sycamore, juniper, oak and cypress, pine and fir. “The Chiricahua Apache called these pinnacles “standing up rocks”, and I remember seeing similar formations in other parts of the U.S. and Canada in my trip last year. They are referred to as hoodoos in other parts and are the result of rhyolite cooling and uplifting during volcanic action 27 million years ago. Very spectacular views everywhere.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888057434436498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIlNv3xZsu1-V7mQSYonW2IdoXI7M9OHIZKO_608frqZKO4n9BGeJ5_aJEJmb-eWooGezyy84gqLapVKYnWcqd3HQCqXp_0C-OTd7DI6A6r-0B_5YVI2lsbxOfGaf_pKRosXzy6lt9xta/s400/2009+04+21+35+USE+Chiracahua+National+Monument+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+036.jpg" border="0" /><br />On the way back down I took Ripley for a walk around Faraway Ranch in Bonita Canyon, an original settlement dating from 1888. The eldest daughters converted the ranch into a guest ranch where visitors came to watch birds and hike in the hills. After their deaths the ranch was incorporated into the national park as a historic district.<br /><br />What I truly love about Arizona is that there is so much history everywhere you turn, from the original native inhabitants to the pioneers and cowboys who called it The Wild West. There are still many areas that have been preserved in the way of scenic drives and hiking trails, as well as ghost towns and archeological sites. Although I haven’t been on it, the Arizona Trail is an example. The brochure states that it “is a scenic, non-motorized trail that stretches for 800 miles through some of the state’s most renowned mountains, canyons, deserts and forests. The Trail begins at the U.S.-Mexico border in the South and ends at the Arizona-Utah border in the North.”<br /><br /><strong>Housesitting in Arizona</strong><br />I’ve mentioned previously that I have signed up on a website that puts together people willing to housesit with people who need a housesitter. I had answered one of these ads and Susan Scott contacted me. She has a wonderful adobe-style hacienda in a remote area outside the small town of Sonoita, right in the heart of cowboy country, and only about 30 miles down the road from the RV park where I am staying. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888051333575538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTcJV_O0sP6ho2qLDIuie7-8bk-tnaqGHnXCnTjwNAknar8ugwln-jWyZPU3Xrb-ihQrQg157MO8LaD6HnLzA4TbPthdul1sLdVkgwwfnGgabA_TY-oYwrVTPZZ-EMg7-hrVOEvBXCkQp/s400/2009+04+23+18+USE+GOod+View+of+Back+Courtyard+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+056.jpg" border="0" />The house has the typical red-tiled roof, with two courtyards, one with a fountain and several lovely eating nooks. The main part of the house is an open concept with a high ceilings and beams. The master suite is on one end and the guest suite on the other.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888051892944562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbVOL4s6pjKHoYv3OitSygcUcXdKq48vacMxGSwIBPLYfvsU0wXJUuI7t1Sc32ISZ6yCGQ_pos1V671UEYIuAGfZ5Ho2aCD8Z0ttBtfl2Ebr0UxhPU2WaHF3EQBibwynD377J8wGSErJM/s400/2009+04+23+20+USE+Entrance+to+Hacienda++Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+058.jpg" border="0" /> Ripley and I enjoyed this wonderful luxury for six days while Susan went to San Diego. Zoe is an elderly border collie/Australian sheepdog mix (it seems to be a popular breed down here) and she and Ripley got along well. Zoe is used to getting up at 6:00 a.m. and made sure that we did too! Every morning after breakfast we would go for a leisurely mile-long stroll down the nearby gravel roads, and then we would head back for another luxurious day. I had brought along all my jewelry-making material and was able to lay everything out on the dining room table and consequently I managed to make several new pieces and re-work some old ones that I wasn’t happy with. Susan had given me permission to use her Jacuzzi bathtub and I indulged myself every day. It really does help my arthritis. Then, I had the option of sitting in one of the two courtyards enjoying the breezes, making meals in Susan’s modern kitchen, watching TV on one of the three sets, or just simply lounging around. It felt very decadent, and all too soon Susan was back, and I returned to my motorhome which seemed very tiny!.<br /><br /><strong>Ripley’s Birthday</strong><br />During our time at Susan’s, Ripley and I celebrated her eighth birthday on April 23rd with a New York strip grass-fed steak dinner (simply delicious), and of course Zoe participated too. This is real cattle country around Sonoita and the beef is very reasonable.<br /><br /><strong>Gardner Canyon<br /></strong>On the way to Susan’s hacienda, I took a short detour to Gardner Canyon, a gravel washboard road that led to several ranches. I couldn’t help but stop at the sign that I came across on this road, shortly after having to wait for several cattle to cross the road.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888054465619058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKkHOWvb1y2Mv7K1w2yTVaf_7w_IBe2yryizK9xtLisrQY0hdTUJSo_1ScP-5j0Flfiy30cA_-RB_AkZ7dITdYik41eMrsGuwQEZlrpZ0sefL_PFmsygPl7IVXzNjZ09doLQ3J4CEDZE0/s400/2009+04+23+03+USE+Caution+Sign+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+041.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Patagonia<br />April 25<br /></strong>While I was at Susan’s I wanted to investigate some of the nearby area and Patagonia sounded like a funky place to start. The town is home to many quaint shops and restaurants, as well as a historic hotel and I stopped at the Gathering Grounds café to order a delicious coffee. I sat outside at one of the little tables while Ripley investigated the nearby area.<br /><br />We pressed on to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy, and of course Ripley was not allowed to enter. This is one of several nature reserves totally 1.5 millions acres in Arizona that the Nature Conservancy has protected, and the birding is wonderful. I managed to park in the shade and left Ripley in the car while I joined a tour led by Elaine, a woman who knew almost every bird we encountered or heard. She knew their individual songs and would pull out her guidebook to show us a photo of the birds that we couldn’t actually see. We came across dung beetles and nasty red ants whose bite can be very painful. I didn’t write down all the birds that we encountered but there were dozens as well as beautiful butterflies. Even though it was still relatively early I was disappointed that we didn’t see any mammals (not even a squirrel). Two hours later I made my way back to the visitor centre while Elaine continued on the tour with the rest of the participants. The hummingbird feeders there attracted many birds for a close-up look.<br /><br />As I was giving Ripley a drink of water, a couple noticed my Ontario licence and introduced themselves. Mary Beth and Bob Worthington are from Toronto and had a tent trailer in nearby Patagonia State Park. They are avid birders and as we chatted, Bob asked me if I knew Jim Fairchild who used to work at the Toronto Zoo. Of course I knew him but regretfully had to inform Bob that Jim had passed away the week previously. Jim was also an avid birder and he and Bob knew each other quite well, so it came as quite a shock for him to learn that Jim had died while out birding.<br /><br />On my way back through Sonoita I had wanted to stop to see the quarter horse racing that was being held that day. Naturally I wasn’t going to leave Ripley in a hot car, and took her with me when I paid my admission fee. Nobody stopped me until I was actually by the grandstand, where a security guard informed me that dogs weren’t allowed, so I went back and asked for a refund. I was very disappointed as the Mexican caballeros in their colourful outfits were demonstrating their horseback skills, putting their horses through the beautiful paces of dressage.<br /><br /><strong>April 26<br /></strong>My friend Mary (from Quail Ridge RV Resort) is a bead weaver and I asked her to teach me how to do this. As a result, I invited her to come over to Susan’s hacienda for lunch and we spent the morning weaving, another new technique for me. There are several different stitches, and Mary showed me the straight stictch and the peyote stitch, the two most common types. It takes a good deal of patience and decent eyesight, so I’m not sure how much I will get into it, but at least I know the method now, and it was enjoyable to get to know Mary better over a lunch of barbecued hamburgers (on Susan’s outdoor grill), red beans and rice, hot corn muffins and the pickles that Mary had brought. She is about 15 years younger than her husband Ed and back at Quail Ridge she works out every morning in front of a video in the clubhouse. Mary and Ed are from Bemidji, Minnesota and own one of the lots here where they park and live in their bus for the winter. They have a cocker spaniel named Daisy. I do meet some very nice people on my travels!<br /><br />Ripley is limping quite a bit today, so we had only a short walk. I’m not sure what she did, but she seemed to have injured her left front leg. The next few days she was still sore, so I decided not to go for a hike in the adjacent 30,000 acres land grant, which was disappointing as I was hoping to see some reptiles and mammals.<br /><br />Susan had left me a few books on the history of Arizona, and I enjoyed skimming through “Arizona in the 50’s” by Captain James H. Tevis in which he described frontier life battling Apaches including Cochise, as well as his friendship with Esconolea, an Apache who saved his life. Another book was entitled “Journey of the Heart by Annette Grey, a true story of Mamie Aguirre who lived from 1844 to 1906. She was a southern belle of the Wild West. Richard Shelton wrote a book entitled “Going Back to Bisbee” recounting his experiences of returning after many years. Betty Barr is an author who lives nearby and wrote a book entitled “Hidden Treasures of Santa Cruz County”. It was really fascinating to read of the accounts of people who had lived in this region and the history of the places, many of whom are now ghost towns.<br /><br />And all too soon, my mini-vacation was over. Susan returned with a gift of assorted jams, and after a brief discussion about whether or not she should get one kitten or two (I was pushing for two) from a friend of hers, we parted. Later, she informed me that she was going to get two kittens.<br /><br /><strong>Back at Quail Ridge</strong><br />I returned to my routine of checking and answering emails, working on my computer and reading mystery books obtained from the Benson library, visiting nearby attractions and shopping in Sierra Vista, and sitting by the clubhouse at dusk. The entire environment here is so laid back and relaxing.<br /><br />I took time out to go to see the movie “State of Play” starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck. My friend Pat who lives in Calgary, Alberta, is absolutely nuts about Russell Crowe, so naturally I had to see his latest flick to discuss with her. I have to admit it was very good.<br /><br />Every time I went back to Benson for another jewelry class, I took Ripley with me, and she charmed everyone in the store. She would sit in a chair and watch the class or visit with Fran, the owner and her husband, or else just stretch out flat on the carpet.<br /><br />After one of these classes I took Ripley to the nearby Lion’s Park for a run and we encountered a group of adults who were under supervision. I’m not sure if they were mentally disabled, but they had a ball and Ripley soon joined them in a game that everyone enjoyed. One of these would throw the ball and Ripley would race over and bring the ball back to the person. Both she and these people had a great time, and after the ball became somewhat deflated, they gave it to her to keep.<br /><br />Later, we went over to meet up with Doug Thompson, my friend from Indian Skies now staying in Benson, and we caught up on our news. He is still busily editing and revising his latest book “The Human Tribe”, a philosophical attempt at analyzing human behaviour, especially with regard to religion.<br /><br /><strong>May 1<br /></strong>I still had some mail at Indian Skies up in Coolidge, so Ripley and I drove the three-hour trip there, and at the same time took the opportunity to make an appointment with Kathy Burchett, the wonderful massage therapist in nearby Casa Grande. She really knows how to put me back in shape!<br /><br />While in Casa Grande I stopped at Pet Smart to get Ripley some low-protein natural dog food to replace the type that I have been feeding her, which is 42% protein. Hopefully the change will help to get some weight off her, as she is still about three pounds too heavy. I also ordered a product called Missing Link Plus through the online Pet Meds store. Susan Scott had been feeding her old Zoe with this and said that it really improved her comfort level. Since Ripley really hates the glucosamine tablet that I crush into her food (it’s very bitter), this should be a better alternative to ensure that she is getting all the supplement she needs to keep her active as an older dog.<br /><br /><strong>May 2<br /></strong>For a change the sky is overcast, but there is no rain. However, the winds have picked up.<br /><br /><strong>May 3<br /></strong>I was originally planning to leave Quail Ridge RV Resort on May 9th, but have decided to remain here for two additional weeks, as the rate is very reasonable, so I now will be leaving for California on May 23rd. That gives me seven days to reach the meerkat sanctuary near Palm Springs.<br /><br /><strong>The Oasis Sanctuary<br /></strong>Mary had mentioned that there was a parrot sanctuary nearby. I called Sybil Erden to make an appointment to visit and on May 5th I drove out to The Oasis Sanctuary, located in a remote area about 40 minutes north of Benson. She is the founder and executive director and started taking in psittacine birds (parrot family) about twelve years ago at her home in Tucson. She realized that she needed to be in a more remote area with more land, and bought 72 acres beside the Rincon Mountain range southeast of Tucson. There are currently 650 birds at the sanctuary!!<br /><br />Sybil has done an amazing job in providing excellent care for all the birds, many of whom are in very large flight cages. There are many that cannot adapt to these large cages and consequently they are kept in smaller cages. Some have mutilated themselves and plucked out much of their feathers. Many of these poor birds have gone through traumatic experiences in their lives and exhibit psychological problems as a result. The sad reality is that many of these birds outlive their caregivers, because they are very long-lived and they may then end up in a dark garage or worse. Others have been confiscated by authorities. The birds range all the way from the very common budgie and cockatiel all the way to rare parrots and macaws, and thanks to Sybil’s paid staff and volunteers, they are very well cared for. Every cage was very clean, contained lots of toys, fresh food and water. The bowls are disinfected daily.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889507420167026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb6hHiPXGKilViqbWFbGkaE99Vf7b3e-NtXJA5iWrlrupnOodB6ZkoN5H36lpm1jqPFv92xLl2WB8TI82UMvboo63PYGlea7eEf4v6JpugQ6SMSjqO6OGDJxceNzskrRKgA4Iz01RmuVQ/s400/2009+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+053.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> One of the large aviaries</span></em> <div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Besides the birds, Sybil has also taken in many dogs and cats that have been abandoned in the nearby desert by thoughtless people and at the sanctuary itself there were two Great Pyrenees, two deaf cattle dog mixes, an Akita mix named Koda plus several others (nine in total, four of whom act as guard dogs at night). She also currently has twelve cats in her house adjacent to the sanctuary. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889509438616690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kkpwHyu2T_oZ1SPWDY9837K22CfE09AEySdGfMT6lnKu09xnrfewCSy8nbq6N5bWmXnxLVwLBfdp263vs9iujPhRH9H1vQUGMHVkPF0od6e8nY3p8PngymeDNOBn9V_wK9nAISoqdG66/s400/2009+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+041.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />The Oasis Sanctuary has charitable status and of course is always in need of money to continue their work and to build more cages. Many of the birds come in needing medical attention, and the annual veterinary bill alone is $30,000. You can check them out online at <a href="http://www.the-oasis.org/">http://www.the-oasis.org/</a>. She has just initiated Pennies for Parrots. There are approximately 10 million parrots in 5 to 6 million homes in the United States. Her thought is that if each of these owners donated a penny, it would add up to a great deal of money towards the future care of the birds.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888920123618338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9xpd9W5Q84JVQQx_WnP-GGYIs20KKvnj9rjz4BZTJxmIgfJ2-NqWxrpQ3O96pYjT2bfv98En7i5kQ7RXcCtWGQwHe4IT4Icu-FyggLr7_imRzQujd3e2xKZPrg2z-BA79ry2vrojFbQA/s400/2009+05+05+++++Ground+Squirrel+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+065.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Ground Squirrel enjoying a free lunch</span></em><br /> </div><div align="left">Sybil very kindly spent three hours out of her very busy day to take me around and I have to say that I was very impressed with the sanctuary’s facilities, cleanliness and her dedication to giving these birds a second chance, including Gulliver who was abandoned by his owners on a South Pacific island when their boat sunk. It took a great deal of effort on Sybil’s part to wade through the paperwork to bring Gulliver to the sanctuary and he now acts as spokesparrot when she goes out to do talk. I took out a membership and if things work out in the future, I hope to return to volunteer. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889637827956386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZdrTimdsQQVQL05Czp6fm8H53u1Csx6pXa3FmWMsstVPIoWV5HXo1cYJ208ktk4V2UJScgXPh3ANzBIZNEyzs7Ey94Kf7k4-Wuozl2Bw3Nil8s8NjEX-8rjbbDMtaTtBrQzlsCKyKwD9/s400/2009+05+05+++++Gulliver+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+070.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"> Gulliver</span></em><br /><br /><strong>May 6<br /></strong>There are reports of wildfires breaking out, one of which is very near the area where Susan Scott’s hacienda is. She reassured me via email that the fire is further south from her, but I wonder if Whisper’s Sanctuary (the place where I tried to be a Workamper) might be in danger. The grassland is so very dry right now that it takes very little to start a fire. I have been told that many of these wildfires are started by illegal immigrants who light a fire to keep warm during the cool evenings.<br /><br /><strong>Good Sam</strong><br />Good Sam is a camping group for seniors who get together around the country, and the club also provides discounts at various parks. A group of them from Tucson arrived for the weekend, so the clubhouse was again filled with people. They enjoyed playing cards and chatting with each other, some of whom seemed quite elderly.<br /><br /><strong>Spiders<br /></strong>I mentioned that I often took Ripley over to the chairs outside the clubhouse at dusk, and in the grassy area beside there she encountered a large white spider. She kept pawing at it and I went over to investigate, only to find a very large creature on its hindquarters, in an attack position, with its mouthparts open. Later on I checked on the web and determined it was a colour variation of the venomous brown spider. In a person its bite causes the skin to die around the wound, which may have to be surgically removed. After reading this, I felt it was prudent to stop Ripley from bothering these spiders, which climb out from under the clubhouse at dusk.<br /><br /><strong>Fairbank and Lizards</strong><br />I’ve returned to the ghost town of Fairbank beside the San Pedro River a few times whenever I’m in the neighbourhood because I can let Ripley off leash. She just loves to be able to check out the various scat and other smells encountered on these walks, and recently all the lizards are out. They are much too fast for her, but that doesn’t stop her from racing after them!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888494018276018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Iv2MpglUr_Qwl8rp_qLDXR3StG5938cDm1Redcx5MtPwC34T3jXwyl3rLY54TOjCXW2BV3syur9LC4XAFJJkAShkOSzfTDG_ixc8vYUlqv9lJtntpvAcUW5ZejlfTrmQwGUOgN0DPTNp/s400/2009+04+09+17+USE+Fairbanks+Cemetery+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+107.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Fairbank cemetery</span></em><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">A little further on I parked the car beside the bridge and walked down to the San Pedro River so that Ripley and I could soak our feet in the cool refreshing water. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888494506280658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5NJM0tJzWDYPXDvhrSmAi4LtLmj-TWeAnZDWaKZSpY7l19eGuOYAIckHQnNNrlenLE0cz5A0PVYLfdnyRJMUk5CoVLhBYL00RScj0iCj6Ec2DL2yiMcF12qKQTOs_DbDQ9q1ZS33bt8T/s400/2009+04+09+29+USE+Ripley+in+River+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+119.jpg" border="0" />While she explored the area I sat and watched the birdlife.<br /><br /><strong>Scanning Photos</strong><br />Before I left on this current trip I had ordered a photo/slide scanner that would allow me to scan my old slides and old albums, many of which are deteriorating. They are all from my travels around the world, and I wanted to preserve them. And who ever looks at slides on a projector anymore? In any event, I’ve finally started scanning an old album, and hopefully I will find time to do more before moving on.<br /><br /><strong>GoingWildCreations<br /></strong>Of course, I am always optimistic about the amount of time I have. Another project that I am working on is creating a website to sell wildlife t-shirts. I’ve registered the domain name of goingwildcreations.com and am in the process of putting together the website. But it is much harder than I had thought, plus I have a huge learning curve to figure out how to do it. But with any luck I’ll complete the website and have it up and running in the near future. It is one of my attempts to earn extra money without having to actually commute to a 9 to 5 job again.<br /><br /><strong>Philippa Needs Work</strong><br />Speaking of extra money, what can I say? My motorhome would not pass an emissions test, which will be required when I return to Ontario to renew my licence, so I decided to take it in to Midas Muffler here in Sierra Vista on May 12. I was expecting to have to replace the piping and perhaps the muffler. However I was not aware that the previous owner had removed the catalytic converter. The price for this one item alone is $800!! The part had to be ordered so I started back to Quail Ridge, only to have Philippa cough and sputter and finally die just as I entered the driveway. My rear end was still sticking out on the highway and some kindly fellow Rotarian stopped and pushed me off the road.<br /><br />So then I was faced with the dilemma of how to fix this problem. I had actually made a call to my insurance company back in Canada to arrange a tow to a garage, when the park night watchman came along and suggested that he go get John in the permanent area, who is a mechanic. Shortly afterwards John arrived, crawled under the motorhome and took off the fuel filter, shook it, replaced it and when I turned the key, it started. I was very grateful to avoid another bill, as John graciously waived a fee. I was very relieved and parked Philippa.<br /><br />Two days later I returned to Midas Muffler (with Ripley of course, who sat in the chair beside me during our two-hour wait). I had brought my laptop along with the idea of bringing my blog up to date, but found that the keys would not tap out the correct letters. I usually use an external keyboard which was inside the motorhome and at this point in time, it was up in the air on the hoist. So I gave up in frustration. My computer is slowly dying. The fan is broken; the CD drive no longer copies and three of the five USB ports no longer work. I’m hoping it will last until I return to Toronto where my brother assures me I can get a better deal on a new laptop than I would get here in the U.S.<br /><br />Eventually the mechanic finished the repairs, and the bill came to $1,100.<br /><br /><strong>More Problems</strong><br />I almost made it back to the RV park, but Philippa started to cough and sputter again and died on the highway. I had previously been told about a mobile RV repair service, so I gave them a call and about an hour later the driver showed up, took the fuel filter off again, cleaned it and Philippa started once again. He followed me back to Quail Ridge just to make sure I’d make it and promised to return the next day with a new fuel filter. It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that I had a new one put on when I broke down in Albequerque, but I should keep in mind that it is very dusty here. I have learned my lesson to be more attentive to Philippa’s needs!<br /><br /><strong>My Tooth Still Hurts</strong><br />I had mentioned in the previous blog that I had gone to Naco, Mexico to the dentist there and he couldn’t find any cavity. However, the pain has returned and I made an appointment with a different dentist in the same clinic (the one who had originally been recommended to me – Dra. Lorena Martinez).<br /><br />On May 13 I arose early, said goodbye to Ripley and drove the 1 ½ hour trek down to Naco, Arizona, parked my car and walked across to Mexico. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888501003395202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZntmcsYhWsEhuctUsQgEGH1Ot76jKKNU8k89odrA9Q3VOBrau641NIYYBNWbyEE0HVnifibpqmFUTx3IEjB-PNeFs1cVgZJlhyphenhyphenrRQSAuU_gPz2sllQ4WDHLSLsRjxwgxqBcHG2pI0RpH/s400/2009+03+31+10+Street+in+Naco+Mexico+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+045.jpg" border="0" />Dra. Martinez took another round of x-rays and determined that I had a cavity down the groove of a tooth that had a cap on it. After a great deal of effort she managed to get the cap off, drill out the cavity and have me fitted for a new porcelain cap. The old one was made of gold and she gave it to me to keep. I’m going to see about having it melted down into a ball so that I can make a pendant out of it.<br /><br />I will need to return in a week to have the permanent cap put on. Total damage was $320.<br /><br />On the return trip I stopped at the historic town of Bisbee, one of the old copper mining towns. The mine is no longer in operation, but the pit is still visible.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889192088279106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKFGetC6jOK-1UAiiUNfYUCR5P9mVPHjDha_UriFnIzfB-bqthBtwj_umlaMecx8TeuWHnGcMuGqJEBDGdj-JMPyDroiMAVA1NKh4InnKH_B-uuMoJRI3XBl5UrXfs1IXBZtNbPPyyXnb/s400/2009+05+13+03+USE+Bisbee+Copper+Mine.jpg" border="0" /> Much of the town is now populated by creative artists, etc. and the buildings reflect their tastes. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889194578392930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSmcdFpT5sy9lKMoFS6P6DS7b2zXTQWDp7WteWdwArrFOyTb7WImlYVMl23fnrhyphenhyphenfAnimfFl0K1jxCYOhSIdgTRelvkus8UzU8sS_HMFVgOkj1IoOTY4gl8tkq-ZDXFLlS2ODIDjTzOMX/s400/2009+05+13+17+USE+Copper+Queen+Hotel.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>The Military Life</strong><br />While I was sitting in the waiting room at Midas Muffler, I overheard a conversation between the owner and a customer who was in the military from nearby Fort Huachuca. He appeared to be about 25, and has already had two stretches overseas – nine months in Afghanistan and a year in Iraq, and has been transferred now to another base in the U.S. He is married and his wife must find it difficult to be left alone for long periods, never knowing if she will see her husband again.<br /><br /><strong>It’s Raining Men!<br /></strong>One thing that I am discovering is that there is no shortage of older men whom I have encountered in my travels. In the short period of time that I have been in southern Arizona, I have met Darold (a helicopter test pilot); Terry (retired pilot who flew 747’s and who is currently studying for a position with the unmanned aircraft program at Fort Huachuca) and Fred (traveling in an RV from Florida who is here to take soaring lessons from an expert). All interesting men, but I’ve given up on male humans.<br /><br /><strong>Other Interesting Travelers</strong><br />There are also many couples whom I have met along the way who are enjoying the RV lifestyle. One of these couples arrived recently in the park originally from Maryland, but now fulltiming. They remained for a couple of nights, and we watched American Idol together. After they had moved on Jim and Anna arrived, originally from Oregon and on their way to Chicago. Anna is an avid birder, so I was able to share some good locations with them while they were here. They are traveling in a VW van.<br /><br /><strong>Amerind Foundation<br /></strong>Time is getting short now and there are still several places that I would like to visit. On May 16 I traveled out to Dragoon about 40 miles from Quail Ridge to the east to a privately operated foundation that features a large collection of archeological material from the region.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889197277380626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP7jmwHSOQuvVnDb6wT7WntJ_8Lpo601uaolU19LJioIO9dv5wETcP6YpbW1gbIBCqVpajP8OMQuHEWfDLb30M59PDbwQOLkBCAJ7JAcx1G3lxWEzq8tP2ANJOVcYlDbJj8Xlq8b44kdB/s400/2009+05+16+07+Amerind+Foundation.jpg" border="0" /> The original person who set up the foundation was a Mr. Fulton, an amateur archeologist who had purchased a number of items from private individuals in the early 1900’s. They are now on display in the Foundation’s museum and are studied by researchers who visit. I was fascinated by the various katchinas, pottery, baskets and other early artifacts of southwestern cultures. There is also an art gallery featuring mostly native art. No photography is allowed inside the buildings, but I did take several photos outside of the surrounding countryside in the Dragoon mountains, including a pioneer cemetery.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889202118045026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLF2efFyiHBnL4TmFzwrGtwQ-IIWRU_Zl8wVHnF-KXu-B1VQmspMLAuM04tpD_B_8S819N-GXQQsz7J_bjL7ur-kRSLCTeFpbltQKv1-Ii71SYT5Rubr2N4f2xZZGh9Iu4vcIvwns9sl5/s400/2009+05+16+18+Rock+Formation+at+Amerind+Foundation.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Rock Formation in Dragoon Mountains</span></em></div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><div align="left"><br /><strong>Millville – Disaster Strikes Again</strong><br />Another place that I had wanted to visit before leaving features ancient petroglyphs on rocks in the vicinity of the ghost town of Millville. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889500700350082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7WBGSGwk6u5HBuePpzTf-FN6lOkXToKpHtV7FoeH4o_vAqxcDL4eyZCjJQSuHXtiGFR7_DAyll1F54JgUBj7BK8UdFavnMpuFwhmbCGKVv4fAtixODM3IligEt005zthyphenhyphenHXYmi2d2STI/s400/2009+05+17+01+Bullet+holed+trash+from+Millville+Historic+Town.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Historic Trash</span></em></div><div> </div><div>The town no longer exists but used to be a thriving mining town, and some of the trash left behind by the inhabitants is still there, protected by the Bureau of Land Management. The petroglyphs have suffered from vandals as well as the weather, but it was still possible to see the drawings on several of the rocks.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889498476240786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijgBQCVSsd00E3piNk2iHNazIFvexugvdcTPKINNRP55pqL4IC1Yu5RcDPVH3ZzwWifcxMYhAzkWsOGJnl09Y2Teaqu5NG28lbf9G05sQsmIMAzwlczIYAJr225zeeYdPdY-0qOHqfp6d/s400/2009+05+17+08+USE+Petroglyph+at+Millville.jpg" border="0" /><br />Ripley accompanied me on this walk and enjoyed chasing more lizards.<br /><br />We were walking on a path very near the San Pedro River to get to the petroglyphs, and I noticed a path leading to the river itself. It’s easy to tell where the river runs because large cottonwood trees grow near the water source. We followed the path and encountered a low tunnel that I had to stoop to walk through and eventually we came to the very shallow but cool river.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338889505035856082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubr5gJTErQFv9edWFbp57fi9lBzNaSv9o-BGMqsKdlU0n0oNPyxWJXSobNibrO_LUe1jKofOnQiMPPHy_J4HiRsySrcGOZbVsqzlX7iaN4ggjj30cnoxahohSfopfSxh1zJhmL6KI5KrO/s400/2009+05+17+16+San+Pedro+River.jpg" border="0" /> Ripley of course walked right in while I sat by the riverbank for awhile observing the birdlife. I decided to walk along the dry part of the riverbed to get closer to two geese and almost stepped on a gila monster. This was one of the many species that I cared for during my time at the Toronto Zoo, and I was very excited to see it, as I have never seen one in the wild before.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338888908324403522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRWpbwiIY__tPtvWEN3-p45vUVD-vXGvVR97FzIRuFG_-pjBuu6Xw602BZMJPqUkTHZdf2TCBilcRiu-qcWJ6ihgQezjXOZWNHOhvu95SsimDGrRLYP0Z4oUchs_H-L7TMs78woiOQ4Ia/s400/Gila+Monster.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Found this shot of a gila monster on the web</span></em></div><div> </div><div>It stopped to look at me, and then slowly wandered towards a bank leading up to grass cover. At this point Ripley noticed it too and started towards it. Gila monsters are venomous and don’t let go after they bite, so I was really distracted in stopping Ripley from getting too close and managed to bang my camera hard on a rock, destroying the optics. So, not only did I not get a photo of the gila monster, even though it was posed beautifully, but I wrecked the camera that has traveled with me for many years. Needless to say, I was very upset.<br /><br />So, now what do I do? Spend more money to buy another camera? I don’t think I have a choice as photographing my adventures is one of my hobbies.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com135tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-23615350586454716342009-04-16T11:54:00.000-07:002009-04-26T19:35:43.692-07:00BLOG TEN - APRIL 15, 2009<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">BLOG TEN - NOW WITH PHOTOS</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong>April 15, 2009</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Since writing Blog Nine, I have traveled south east of Tucson to the small town of Benson, to stay at Pardners RV Park on March 27. Pardners is where Doug Thompson had moved to and he had suggested that it would be a good and cheap place to stay for awhile.<br /><br />On the day that I arrived, it happened that Hoppy and Georgia Hopfauf, from Minnesota were to leave Indian Skies as well and to meet up with Doug in Benson at Reb’s Café for lunch. I arrived just as they were finishing up.<br /><br /><strong>Pardners Not for Me<br /></strong>Benson is at a higher elevation (3,500’) than Indian Skies and consequently is cooler. But I had not anticipated the noise level. Pardners RV Park is located on the main street into town and there is the usual street noise, but what really made it impossible for me to remain there was the railway that lay just beyond the rodeo grounds behind the rv park. The trains continually tooted their horns and I frequently woke up from a sound sleep as a result. Just to add the icing on the cake, the rodeo arena had a bar with live music that didn’t stop until 1:00 a.m. on Saturday nights. I had paid for one week and determined that I would move on after the week was up.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189105794586402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIUDmlwqsy2g7E-VrK7dlhdSLH9-3ApKycl_aa0HPpJ2WBVklLSnfB5a4X-tl9pX8A1-ImzsmcZpqIl-4X8R3K6JajVQybkS9pBGCNaDZrp7zz-uwucihG8uNNj8iMvSPnpVw97stuWJd/s400/2009+03+27+01+Southern+Arizona.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Scenic Arizona</span></em><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sightseeing in the Area<br /></strong>In the meantime, on the next morning Doug came knocking on my door at 8:30 to invite Ripley and me to go on an excursion to see some of the local area. Because I had been up half the night with the train noise, I had slept in. He’s an early riser and tells me he generally gets up about 3:00 a.m. to write. We took off in his truck southwesterly to Sierra Vista, which is a fair-sized town (complete with box stores like Wal Mart and Lowes). There is a large military base called Fort Huachuca just beside Sierra Vista, and that would explain the infrastructure.<br /><br />We stopped at Denny’s for breakfast and then headed down to the local swap meet (in Canada we call them flea markets) where Ripley had to remain in the truck. Usually there is no problem with taking a dog in on a leash, but there were signs posted. Most of the stalls were featuring used items – clothing, machinery, electronics, etc. plus some fruits and vegetables. But my eye caught on to one booth where a man was selling some very beautiful gems. Naturally I had to get some to add to my collection to work on once I return to Canada. I simply cannot find these types of stones up there, or at least not at a reasonable price. I returned the next Saturday as well to purchase some beautiful coral and opalite.<br /><br />After leaving the swap meet, we drove through part of the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, consisting of 56,000 acres in total of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management. It turns out that this is one of the prime birding areas in North America because it is not only the home of many bird species, but is also a major migration stopping point for many other birds. In the time that I have been here I have hiked on several of the trails available and have greatly enjoyed the large trees that grow along the San Pedro River system and the wildlife that it attracts.<br /><br />We continued back towards Benson, coming up Highway 80 into St. David’s, a pleasant-looking small village featuring several rv parks. One, in particular, had inviting lakes along the road. We drove in to enquire, but learned that it is a private park for members only, who of course have to pay for the privilege of staying there. The man operating the guard post would not provide information on fees, stating that we would have to listen to an hour-long pitch to obtain that information. So, we quickly backed out and continued on our way back to Benson.<br /><br /><strong>Benson<br /></strong>I have found that when arriving in a new area, the best source of information is the local Visitor’s Center and Benson was no exception. The woman in the office was very helpful and provided me with lots of information about hiking trails, local history, etc.<br /><br />Benson is a small town but does have a Safeway and a WalMart, Radio Shack and a very disappointing ice cream store. I thought it would have really good homemade ice cream, or at the very least locally made ice cream. But it was only the soft stuff that comes out of a machine. The library has wi fi and that is where Doug and I visited every day, since the rv park did not have such service.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189481082761554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkCAmXHotrJhIl8reCRvq14n_EpDHPB4jD0LGicTuodsTezz52-kDMk5p9aMLtQzNqbgUzWYTa5PgpjmCkpvSMVVC6X6TKYTa4Axp4NfDhHNYknyplA8XPa57qZd_qbpom_o8lM-Pw9F1/s400/2009+03+30+01+Sign+in+Benson+Arizona+Part+Two+034.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Store in Benson</span></em><br /></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The local Lions Club Park was virtually deserted during the day and it was a good place to take Ripley for a run. She scared up several ground squirrels, and I saw a hawk (couldn’t ID it) take something on the ground as it swooped down.<br /><br />The other place where I could take Ripley off leash was into the rodeo grounds behind Pardners. There were two friendly Australian shepherds, plus a mixed breed dog who greeted Ripley whenever we entered and invited her to play. The two shepherds rollicked around, jumping up and grabbing each other, but Ripley would have none of it. I doubt whether she ever had an opportunity to play with another dog, as she has never been interested, whereas she loves to play ball with me and to be chased by me. BUT, she did enjoy rolling in the horse manure and having a bit of lunch as well! Needless to say, she got a bath afterwards before I would allow her back into my bed!<br /><br />The main street runs southerly off Highway 10, winding its way eventually down to Tombstone and the border towns next to Mexico – only about 60 miles away.<br /><br /><strong>Teeth Problems Yet Again<br /></strong>I had been feeling twinges of pain in both my upper and lower teeth off and on for several weeks, and decided that I should have a dentist look at it. My choice was to head to Mexico once again because of the vast difference in the fee structure there from what I would have been charged if I had gone to a dentist here in Arizona.<br /><br />Not knowing where I should go, I headed back to the Visitor’s Center where the woman at the desk very kindly gave me the name of her own dentist in the small border town of Naco. I had originally thought that I would need to go to Nogales, very notorious right now for gun battles with the various drug cartels there. In fact, Americans had been advised not to go there. So, it was with some relief that she advised that Naco was closer than Nogales and did not have the same problems. But to be on the safe side, I invited Doug to come along with me. He has lived in Mexico off and on for many years and speaks Spanish fluently, so was the ideal person to travel with me.<br /><br />Of course, Ripley could not come with us, so I left here behind in my motorhome, Philippa. Doug does not like to be driven, so we took off in his truck for the 1 ½ hour drive to Naco. I arrived without an appointment, but was soon in the chair of Dr. Jacobo Barraza, one of several dentists who are all related. I explained my problem and he tested where the pains were coming from. He took x-rays and determined that I didn’t have any cavities, but suggested that I might have a gum infection. He prescribed an antibiotic (tetracycline) plus a painkiller (Naproxen) and had the prescription filled at one of the many local farmacias nearby. The dentist’s visit cost $30, and the prescriptions $20. Can you imagine what I would have had to pay in Canada for a similar dentist’s visit? Dr. Barraza did say that if the pain didn’t clear up, then I might need root canal. I hope not! So far, two weeks later, the pain has mostly gone and I hope it stays that way. I’m not up for root canal work. I’m very nervous about going to any dentist, in the first place, but would want a second opinion before being subjected to that kind of invasive surgery.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189482293667522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rkJiL5khyphenhyphenW0m_iCFIjihA5ZjmMQpMTNwbYxHFYfLR-OcZScnOLPkZazskT9TyNhQmz8JoKW-CYToRYR5TXO5q7beucREvk_zfWXk0sIiPhfRF0xdGtmir265zsXgQX1l0D2JaH_R0hYw/s400/2009+03+31+10+Street+in+Naco+Mexico+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+045.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em> <span style="font-size:85%;">Main Street in Naco</span></em></strong></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><br />The trip down to Naco and back was interesting, as we traveled through legendary Tombstone and the old mining town of Bisbee. We took another route home through the countryside here, where several mountain ranges meet. I couldn’t help but think that it was no wonder that many westerns have been filmed in this area. In fact just a few days ago I watched an old video of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly starring a very young Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach, and it could easily have been filmed right here.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189105118734178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3aFxkdAsY_QZv4QdfwA37zIIybFWF7x87w3vSP4IOzO5gdnAvz7sy3IYrNdj6HKInL9ca4aD8zI707NX-dpvvOfAFDjAoD-5UFADvQtpKP5hsRyc9I-uuDnADcTmWZBy328yySQqlG2B/s400/2009+03+27+02+Southern+Arizona.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Whisper’s Sanctuary</strong><br />I have had subscriptions for two years to two separate services. One provides me with information on housesitting opportunities, and the other on opportunities to volunteer in exchange for full-hook up for my motorhome. From time to time I have responded to ads, and found one that I thought would be ideal. An animal sanctuary/bed and breakfast was looking for someone to help out in exchange for a hook-up in the countryside near Elgin, about 30 miles southwest of Benson. When I applied, Toni responded and we wrote back and forth explaining our individual needs. We then spoke on the phone and I offered to visit so that we could discuss the situation further in person.<br /><br />Toni and her husband had set up a bed and breakfast and Whisper’s Sanctuary (named after their first rescue horse) beside it. They took in several ex-cavalry horses from the nearby Fort Huachuca, plus two wild burros, a flock of geese, a herd of goats and four dogs, and it was their dream to take in animals in need. Unfortunately Toni’s husband passed away very suddenly just a year ago, at the age of 49 and she has been left with the burden of doing all the chores herself. When we met, we discussed what I might do to help and I emphasized that I couldn’t do any heavy lifting after years of abusing my body as a zoo keeper. Everything seemed to be fine, but she emailed me a few days later to say that my physical limitations were too great. So, I have to admit I was quite disappointed, as I thought it would have been a great opportunity for me and Ripley to be amongst animals for awhile and to help Toni out. But, it was not meant to be.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189114824516546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX_elugNMZU3j5QBfmpIQNyMF5Mwz4i9sFG4i1LLDvZ-IIg1Xd6bFlxHtU4ZibV5WoeEcdYA3vkCQ64lrls6yl6wtU9s-M4Q40Kr-TPW2o6EM5p1EQvdxNgDLDX39kmKEkZQ97HaAIUzF/s400/2009+03+27+33+Canelo+Cowboy+Church+Arizona+Part+Two+033.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>An Oasis Found<br /></strong>While waiting for my appointment time with Toni, Ripley and I traveled further south on the same road to Parker Canyon Lake, a beautiful oasis of greenery and water very near the Mexican border. I was surprised to see that there was a campsite there on a hill overlooking the lake and may even consider staying there later on. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189112630572898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDNvLb7lhWsT9ftsKeSL9tBfOY2I6tkPr3v2jHxgwPBtJFV_VWLG6QIKlB1CejGU33a0FwhRZcpaNEXmxNtqQ0lGRRLuekKzkZHouf8F46Xu9s9QHuCfAXlmT_0b6JaZMVVjDSrshrU_P/s400/2009+03+27+21+Parker+Canyon+Lake+Arizona+Part+Two+021.jpg" border="0" />We went for a lovely hike around part of the lake and I enjoyed the sight of ducks diving for fish, hummingbirds visiting flowers, other unidentified Little Brown Jobs (LBJ’s for short), and even a robin. The scenery in that area is spectacular, with grasslands and mountains. I was thrilled to pass some pronghorn antelope in a field, and later in the day a herd of mule deer.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189108312923298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SVRhyphenhyphenxCg0UetzRsztrPRDMktrRuH-nP7zPmNJfqYsN7aupTaQkZ4BJcNZkLVolg2oT7vdCFIeDhRxVL_Z5_5vK7dW-1L1zmAqgfTpcbpmnQweAnYykOHSM8NEPvDl5CK044B-z3GdYhI/s400/2009+03+27+06+Sonoita+Arizona+Part+Two+006.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Rodeo Grounds in Sonoita</span></em></strong></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><br /><strong>Quail Ridge RV Resort<br /></strong>As mentioned earlier, I had found Pardners RV Park in Benson to be very noisy and unsuitable for me. Last year I had spent one night at another rv park about 20 miles southwest of Benson and decided to contact them for their fees. They had a special on of $350 for five weeks, so I booked a reservation and headed on down the road to Quail Ridge RV Resort, outside of the little village of Whetstone on April 3rd. I will remain here now until May 9th. The park is almost empty, as most people in the visitor section have already left for home.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189930972828466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapG5XvXVqYeCN8WFYu1VjqdBGzh1YGd4bKOM4HbyUBnZQW3l7PdoyvWUdPBz2iSF4nFCT-Y4Spbx7eZ99nLkVg4C2qNLeE5vlfa5HvNBum80jFLyp0CR8UEfgxB2yKTWGV_kekwXrjSwX/s400/2009+04+17+10+Quail+Ridge+RV+Resort+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+015.jpg" border="0" /> The back park is a membership area where some people have permanent mobile homes. There are two clubhouses, one in the front and one in the back and both are open to everyone. And there is a “bark park” where I can let Ripley off leash. But it has small pebbles as a surface and they tend to get stuck in between her paws, so I don’t usually take her in there.<br /><br />On our first walk, we encountered Tanner and his owner. Tanner is a very bouncy 1 ½ year old Jack Russell/poodle cross and wanted desperately to play with Ripley. She was not impressed and told him off! There are several dogs here in the park and I’ve had the opportunity to stop and chat with a few of the owners, one of whom is Mary who also makes jewelry. We’ve invited each other to come to see our own creations and I’m looking forward to that. She also told me about Fran, who operates a bead store out of her garage in Benson, and who teaches beading. I’ll have to investigate.<br /><br />Quail Ridge has changed ownership since I was here last year and I’m told that things run much more efficiently now. It does have wi fi service, which I find very valuable so that I can get online whenever I want, but it does not have cable TV. I only have rabbit ears and cannot pick up a signal because of the surrounding mountains. But the clubhouse has a large-screen TV and so far I’ve been able to head over there to watch whatever I want. I don’t watch a great deal of TV anyway (I do have to see American Idol, though!) so it’s not much of a hardship.<br /><br /><strong>Birds Galore</strong><br />What I have truly enjoyed is being parked beside a tree where I have hung a bird feeder and a waterbowl on the ground. Every day I get a great deal of pleasure out of watching the birds come to the feeder. So far I have ID’d grey-headed junco, white crowned sparrow, cactus wren, house sparrow, mourning dove, curved bill thrasher, house finch and pyrrhuloxia. I particularly like the many Gambel’s quail who scurry around letting out a call that reminds me of a baby peacock.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189940104081314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjHAB7Z85cVijXo4YrXY0TbqiQctKcB23rHKKdVkvaf3EDJDcV59Xmuo40IUXUouSJJVHmGV8TlGPDlzuNGp3arCbayiouBjnsX5Htf-PKaC-ZOGdS_67xoFmGP8-aQp0sQL-2Ld4Jd77/s400/2009+04+17+12+USE+Gambels+Quail+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+017.jpg" border="0" /> They have a bobbing plume on their heads that makes them look particularly charming. And in the evening the rabbits come out to forage for any dropped seed, as they make their way over to the patch of grass surrounding the office and clubhouse. They don’t seem afraid of dogs and will just stand motionless as we pass by.<br /><br />Because the park is virtually empty, I have been able to get caught up on some outstanding projects rather than being distracted by activities and friendly people. Not that I don’t like friendly people, but at Indian Skies I was finding it difficult to get anything accomplished.<br /><br /><strong>Writing as a New Hobby</strong><br />One project that I have been working on for the past few months was to write articles on the various wildlife habitats of the world for a friend’s website. I have finally finished the remaining two, which were freshwater and marine habitats. I have to admit that I learned quite a bit in doing the research to write these articles and have enjoyed the work – my first paid job as a writer!! Hopefully, there will be more opportunities in the future. You can check out these articles on the website of <a href="http://www.thewildcarnivore.com/">http://www.thewildcarnivore.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>Food Poisoning Yet Again</strong><br />You would think that, after my experience last year, I would be more careful about the food I eat. But I had bought a carton of eggs from free-range chickens, thinking that I would be getting some good wholesome food. As it turned out I ended up with a mild dose of food poisoning after eating two eggs and spent most of April 5th in the bathroom as a result.<br /><br /><strong>Bird Walk</strong><br />The local Sierra Vista Herald had mentioned that there would be a guided bird walk at San Pedro House, located just southeast of the town, on April 8th, starting at 7:00 a.m. I dutifully got up at 5:00 in order to be there on time and met up with the leader Alan and several local birders. San Pedro House is the former ranch manager’s house when the area was owned by the Boquillas Ranch. It is now part of the Bureau of Land Management acreage. The San Pedro River runs through this area as well as further north by Benson, and Alan led us on a walk through the grasslands, along a wash and then along the river, where we saw many many birds. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189486909801858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_32kfXdieeE-i7fLVVuAHTS-trEc3-Zp9sPzPqljStQAgZXGKZKgy5uTd9Z0hKXfA54CgzWJRTRZRkzrSDqIWTboWRgrR4TtpO9C1BnUsqybZ8EIw8WB8hV9UkEiStB7f3BN8Ow4qdAA/s400/2009+04+07+09+Birders+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+071.jpg" border="0" />It was great to have along the local experts who easily ID’d the birds for me. For those who might be interested, here is the list from that walk: Sayre’s Phoebe; black chinned hummingbirds, straw headed woodpecker, hooded oriole, calliope hummingbird (migrant), white winged dove, Eberts towhee, pine siskin, pyrrhuloxia, lark sparrow (migrant), Brewer’s sparrow, a large whirling flock of yellow headed and red wing blackbirds (migrants), kestrel, loggerhead shrike, Vesper sparrow, tree swallows, vermillion flycatcher, mallards and Bullock’s oriole.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189497549614882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B-0Wwptf3uyStQ2F2Oq47Y3HoNisA9IMW6DA55SryaHRvn_t4spfktpLECqUU7qTHGVIuRgSnW-SZ7yrp7XgUTIWd0IUsH-D-wNjAvigczc7WCOWYXK4RIyBSaz-rX1RJxaO3eTVPXhh/s400/2009+04+07+17+Beaver+Chewing+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+079.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Evidence of Beaver</span></em></strong></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong> </p><p><br />After two hours of walking, I had had enough and left the group to return to San Pedro House, passing three white tailed deer on the way. Because of my arthritis, I am no longer able to walk as far as I once did, and the next day I ached from the exertion. Perhaps if I did this more often, I might be able to build up some more stamina. In any event, it was a very enjoyable morning, and when I returned to the car park, I took Ripley on a walk so that she could get exercise too.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189491080737202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPBQVr9leIhBILp3tAI6_E8uMD-rg01QdBS1deTVOn8AB0l4GVBjA8RfTaMUDhUcO78syv0Y5GEic3HZNyprg74BHM8MFtZszCXrbiXeIUVD4MMVjTI0ESvFK0P6tkXYSSWie5rkD2zQE/s400/2009+04+07+22+Self-Photo+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+085.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Calendar Girl<br /></strong>Speaking of Ripley, I should mention that her photograph is the featured dog for April on the Jack Russell Rescue Group’s calendar. The photo is one I took of her looking into the shallows at Shad Bay, Nova Scotia last year, and is one of my favourites.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189930559192930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzk-QjR0ZRfgC3jBGvf6u41gDYewTNJvcdcPm-UZCVbLn2vDQJQdVppyK32bxSJgDC0M7LbzMi7Na_2MRSvutY_4SfDPabSO35y9vO-EDHRlwZg_iO0TPrRaiIrLJSevooEM1hy9n62yl/s400/2009+04+09+29+USE+Ripley+in+River+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+119.jpg" border="0" /><br />Her birthday is coming up on April 23rd, when she will turn eight, so I think we’ll have steak that day!<br /><br /><strong>Benson Library</strong><br />Since I was at the Benson library daily while I stayed there, I asked the librarian if it would be possible for me to take books out. Because I am not a U.S. citizen, unfortunately I was denied the privilege, but she did point out that there was a large section in the back of the library where I could take out paperbacks on the honour system. In this way I have been able to continue to feed my insatiable appetite for mystery books, and have even discovered a new author (new to me). Lee Child writes some of the best mysteries that I have encountered.<br /><br /><strong>Fairbanks and Other Hikes</strong><br />As mentioned previously, there are many hiking trails in the neighbourhood and I have taken Ripley with me to several. Fairbanks is a ghost town with some restored buildings, plus a cemetery marking where many of the previous occupants ended up. The path from Fairbanks can eventually take you up to St. David’s Monastery if one has the stamina to walk that far – a distance of about 20 miles. I got as far as the cemetery ¼ mile up a hill from the town itself and enjoyed sitting on a rock contemplating the fate of the people buried around me. It seemed like a fitting thing to do on Good Friday. I was startled by an English couple who came up the hill behind me and we chatted briefly before they headed back.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189920727513986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmcVgbItPk3Csh-hr6fJkONJmN53PyPpFYixaNhaZ-beUTfosOcFOQV2BVhDsiGlD0U6cjOVGDeAGrCn9j-ZpNprtBXup2QH0nAYeJzZ-zxrF7QkkgfN01qSpBdbU4HfDt5dpIWf7r6KR/s400/2009+04+09+16+Fairbanks+Cemetery+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+106.jpg" border="0" /><br />On our way back to Quail Ridge, I stopped and parked beside the San Pedro River itself and took a path leading down to the river. I sat on a rock and watched a vermillion flycatcher on the other bank (the river here is only about 5’ across at this time of year), <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329189922279689746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToVpfM7USL6f9q2v1pwxuogJldV1QKUFJP2QsNsUKC_QoZxoDR-II7BO4pKbhsX_wS9R3YpOK-Y2w_CQViHe-GN4M6WOeulwwDCpV24GmonUQcwlR3BVFe08DYQbDcVI_gnBdQSS2e113/s400/2009+04+09+33+Vermillion+Flycatcher+or+Bullock%27s+Oriole+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+123.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Vermillion Flycatcher</span></em></strong></p><p> </p><p>who seemed just as curious to watch Ripley and me. Usually Ripley doesn’t like going into water, but she seemed to enjoy walking in the shallows and cooling off on this hot day. We remained there for awhile, much to the consternation of a flock of sandpipers who loudly protested our presence.<br /><br />Another hike we have taken is on the Little Boquilllas Ranch area, also along the San Pedro River, where I saw my first two lizards this year. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329190291669416050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSXsrLWqF14ZU3BlJCpgDRaj1NKoEQ63Zqrsp1o7bzlId50ZVZXIRSNedPh8hMHLCVUE56Yjek0icfYYBCQP0sDyWjTtyBbLOkYrZJ1MnDaoCr-tjRkfNYTGa1adk_4lqKrpu_evS0MK0/s400/2009+04+14+04+Ripley+on+Trail+at+LIttle+Boquillas+Ranch+Trip+to+Arizona+Part+Two+004.jpg" border="0" />They were just little guys and scurried away before I could identify them. I thought by now that I might have seen a snake or two, as the temperature has risen enough to bring them out of their hibernation. But I don’t venture off the pathways anyway, because there are a number of venomous species in the region. I have had Ripley vaccinated for rattlesnake bites but hopefully she’ll manage not to anger a snake, as she makes her way poking her nose down various holes that she encounters. But she also does not venture off the pathway – perhaps an innate knowledge of what might lie in wait in the grassland area.<br /><br />We’ve also gone back to San Pedro House, and I’ve bought a hiker’s guide to the area for future walks to enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Nuts Anyone?<br /></strong>I hadn’t realized that this region grows pecans, but stopped at a roadside stand outside one of the orchards near St. David, to sample them. I have been accustomed to pecans that were old and hard to crack from my childhood memories at Christmastime; however, the pecans that I found here were easily cracked open and were very tasty. I bought a pound for $3.00 and as they were also selling pistachios (my favourite nut), I bought them, despite the bad publicity lately about e coli. Just because one particular grower had a problem doesn’t mean that all pistachios are tainted and I can attest to the fact that the ones I bought were just plain delicious with no side effects – other than wanting more.<br /><br /><strong>Rain???<br /></strong>It rains very seldomly in Arizona, so I was very surprised to hear a heavy rainstorm during the night of April 11, which continued on into the day. I had unwittingly left my folding chairs outside and of course they were soaked. At least I had closed the car windows!. The rain brought on cool temperatures of 53ºF.<br /><br />Saturday was also the swap meet in Sierra Vista, so I headed back down there hoping to meet up with the man who sells gems again, but he didn’t show up. And because business was slow I bargained for a whole bunch of vegetables (zucchini, peppers, tomatoes) for $3.<br /><br />I don’t usually eat out, but after going to the swap meet and then on for a hike at San Pedro House, I decided to look for a fast food place in Sierra Vista to get lunch for me to share with Ripley. I decided to try Carl’s Jr. burger because of the ads on TV. Mistake. The beef was mostly filler, but at least Ripley enjoyed it.<br /><br />As I was returning to Quail Ridge, I ran into hailstones!<br /><br /><strong>Migraine Again</strong><br />I really thought that I would suffer fewer migraines here in Arizona because of the low humidity, but after the rainstorm I had another serious attack. Having run out of my regular prescription medication, I decided to try one of the samples that my doctor had given me. Maltex must be very powerful as it made me sleepy for the rest of the day, and gave me an upset stomach to boot. Since I have no more Amerge left, I will just have to get by until I return home (or else get some in Mexico, where you can get just about anything without a prescription).<br /><br /><strong>Tax Time Again</strong><br />April 30th is the deadline for filing income tax forms in Canada, so I spent some time gathering up my documents, only to find that the government had not furnished me with statements for my pension. A lengthy phone call to their office in Ottawa soon got me the required information, and I was able to mail all the details to Scott, who will take care of filing it for me. I am still awaiting a response to my revised submission for 2007, in the hope that I will recover at least part of the $4,000 extra that I was forced to pay last year. That would be very helpful.<br /><br /><strong>Exchange Rate</strong><br />Speaking of money, a Canadian dollar is worth approximately 33% less than an American dollar, making it extremely costly for me to exchange money to use here in Arizona. This has put a real damper on my disposable income, and for this reason I have had to re-consider visiting several attractions that have admission fees, as well as any excess purchases. I try to buy only what I need in groceries and not to do any impulse shopping. I would really like to buy some expensive, supportive running shoes, but don’t want to spend the $100 needed to get such a shoe. Instead I have bought a $20 pair that are okay but don’t make it easier for me to walk long distances – one of the reasons that I can’t walk too far.<br /><br /><strong>Border Patrol</strong><br />As most people will have heard, the U.S. has a serious problem with drug smugglers along the Mexican border as well as illegals being smuggled into the country. Consequently, there are a lot of highway stops along the main arteries coming out of Mexico. Because Quail Ridge is near two of these, I often get stopped. I have no problem with this, but it was interesting that the last time I was stopped, the officer asked for my passport, which I am not in the habit of carrying with me when I drive locally. He did let me go after consulting with a more senior officer, but I was told that after July I will have to show my passport every time. I am glad to oblige them, as they have a very difficult (I would say almost impossible) task.<br /><br /><strong>Music<br /></strong>Although I don’t have television, I have been fortunate enough to have a radio strong enough to bring in National Public Radio (NPR) which features glorious classical music 24 hours a day, along with knowledgeable announcers who recount interesting facts about the music, the composers and the performers. Otherwise, I would have a choice only of rock or country on the local stations. I do enjoy small doses of these genres, but my preference, especially when working on my computer, etc. is to listen to classical music.<br /><br /><strong>Meeting People<br /></strong>One thing that I truly enjoy traveling around like this is meeting very interesting people, and yesterday, April 14, I ran into Kitzie in the laundry room. She is a former school teacher (algebra and English literature) who had lived on military bases most of her life, first as an army brat and then as an army wife. She lost her husband eight years ago and since then has been traveling around the U.S. and Canada in an RV with her two dogs, a Rottweiler named Boo Bear and a dachshund named Ferd. While waiting for our clothes to complete their cycles, we exchanged tales about experiences on the road. She left today to head to New Mexico and then north to visit her children.<br /><br /><strong>Maybe Housesitting</strong><br />As I mentioned earlier, I subscribe to a website that features housesitting opportunities and I had contacted one about a possibility very near Quail Ridge, in the nearby town of Sonoita. Susan is looking for somebody to housesit for a week and is interested in me, but is a bit concerned about her dog Zoe getting along with my Ripley. She said that she would contact me about setting up a time to meet to see if it might work, and I’m looking forward to hearing from her. It would be very pleasant to stay in a house for a few days (and even have a bath as opposed to a shower). We shall see if she gets in touch.<br /><br />Today, April 15th the winds are gusting up to 50 mph and it is too unpleasant to sit outside. The motorhome is rocking back and forth. I do hope that these winds die, as I’m told this is most unusual for this time of year. Apparently they get monsoons during the summer, so I’m glad I won’t be here then!</p>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-16849823936940926252009-03-26T18:06:00.000-07:002009-04-24T11:46:00.493-07:00BLOG NINE - MARCH, 2009<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>BLOG NINE -NOW WITH PHOTOS!<br /></strong><br /></span><strong>March 20, 2009<br /></strong>I can’t believe it is almost the end of March already. Today is the first day of spring, but here in Arizona there is no winter as such. The temperature today is 87 º F and I would hardly call that spring-like weather! The climate is so gentle and generally unchanging that one day folds into the next. I know I am way behind in my blog, so here goes an attempt to give you an update.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj8CTS6pIudIMfLVytnRhntpHL5BuWQC6U2rIXJtykGvSZDCVoF4-YKx8L0E4UZH9yv5BHI3WY1d3pUAeBuc1e5-RE8I2LDCo9P5hSr1MKEk2wlopqerTQOwo4rszglrxozV4E2SGmqRk/s1600-h/2009+03+06+09+Sunset+Trip+to+Arizona+114.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325360698965304738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj8CTS6pIudIMfLVytnRhntpHL5BuWQC6U2rIXJtykGvSZDCVoF4-YKx8L0E4UZH9yv5BHI3WY1d3pUAeBuc1e5-RE8I2LDCo9P5hSr1MKEk2wlopqerTQOwo4rszglrxozV4E2SGmqRk/s320/2009+03+06+09+Sunset+Trip+to+Arizona+114.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Typical Arizona Sunset</span></em></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Craft Show<br /></strong>On March 1st, we were invited to exhibit our crafts and handiwork so that all the residents here could come and appreciate the talented people who stay here. There were gorgeous quilts and other sewing work; some spectacular woodcarving including two beautiful Egyptian pieces in colourful reds and turquoise; acrylic and oil paintings; gourds made to look like birds and a Disney hot air balloon, drums made out of goatskin and other southwest artifacts and of course, jewelry mine own included. Several people admired my new collection of bracelets and I took orders for four over the course of the next few days.<br /><br /><strong>Happy Hour<br /></strong>That evening Stephen and Anna (from Collingwood, Ontario) invited everyone over for margaritas at sunset. Anna and Betty set up a bar and Stephen dispensed the drinks. It is the custom for the invitees to bring food and there was much to choose from.<br /><br /><strong>Off to Mexico<br /></strong>Dentists in the United States and Canada charge a considerable amount of money and it is the tradition here to slip down to Mexico to the highly qualified dentists who charge much less there. I was feeling a twinge in one of my lower teeth and also was overdue for a cleaning, so made an appointment with Mr. Nogame for Monday, March 2nd.<br /><br />Georgia very generously offered to accompany me on the 175 mile (one way) trip and we set off around 8:00 a.m., stopping at Gila Bend for breakfast at a restaurant that resembles a spaceship. It was great to have Georgia along for company and she also shared the driving. We arrived at the border around 11:30, parked the car and walked across to Los Algodones, Mexico. I know that Americans have been warned to stay away from Mexico, particularly Nogales, but many, many tourists cross here and return safely and I didn’t feel endangered at all. As Dr. Nogame was behind schedule, Georgia and I wandered around the streets where vendors eagerly try to persuade you that they have a good deal for you. We did stop at the farmacia where I bought a large bottle of authentic vanilla for $1.00.<br /><br />Finally it was my turn to sit in the dentist’s chair – something that I really hate doing. However, Dr. Nogame was very skilled and in no time he had replaced my cracked filling and cleaned my teeth. I wish I could say the same for his assistant, who was obviously just learning. She did not seem to know what she was doing and kept pressing the instruments down pinching my lip. The new filling and cleaning came to only $100.<br /><br />We then headed home via Yuma, arriving back in Coolidge around 5:30. The local pub, the Galloping Goose, features $5 hamburgers on Mondays, so we joined Georgia’s husband Hoppy plus four others from the RV park for a very good hamburger, french fries and a beer.<br /><br /><strong>Observations on Life at Indian Skies</strong><br />The RV park reminds me of a small village where everyone knows everybody and will unhesitatingly help a neighbour. Anna and Stephen, Penny and Doug, Georgia and Hoppy have been particularly helpful, fixing things, offering advice, providing materials when needed, etc. Their help has really made my life easier, and even though people take an interest in your life, you are also given the space to do whatever you like.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cC3FBC-Dj8QRg2Ll3vmgQFIOgVYbYDLlAN7ebHGJwhYYc_9YrHxUOL-3ATIoeamRx4zc3J_J1vyumf_j4tW5D9wqW1b_RVcr9BydpNquaICBNdOchvIgdBUiamQwLwIcQf46Pi5nmpE4/s1600-h/2009+01+23+14+Indian+Skies+Pool+Trip+to+Arizona+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325360689547646914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cC3FBC-Dj8QRg2Ll3vmgQFIOgVYbYDLlAN7ebHGJwhYYc_9YrHxUOL-3ATIoeamRx4zc3J_J1vyumf_j4tW5D9wqW1b_RVcr9BydpNquaICBNdOchvIgdBUiamQwLwIcQf46Pi5nmpE4/s320/2009+01+23+14+Indian+Skies+Pool+Trip+to+Arizona+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />But in a park where the population is 55 plus, there are bound to be casualties. Two people had the misfortune to pass away while here, and memorial services were held for each in the clubhouse.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiUSvu6YPZPxXg7MnPaAgjwFS9CSTDeiatcCr2deCIu6-aimw9gvQBActT7VZiU-HI5vKxyCZgfeGzPmcMlYVMSz7vsamT6hQxejXz-grVb5YiupRtcPxCuAJDpAbLQrssNfdRp88-ZV0/s1600-h/2009+02+01+02+Munchkin++Trip+to+Arizona+001+(1).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325360689433370930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiUSvu6YPZPxXg7MnPaAgjwFS9CSTDeiatcCr2deCIu6-aimw9gvQBActT7VZiU-HI5vKxyCZgfeGzPmcMlYVMSz7vsamT6hQxejXz-grVb5YiupRtcPxCuAJDpAbLQrssNfdRp88-ZV0/s320/2009+02+01+02+Munchkin++Trip+to+Arizona+001+(1).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Munchkin on one of her many walks</strong></span></em></div><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />At dusk rabbits hop around my campsite and during the day the various birds are busy vocalizing (mourning doves, starlings, etc.) and building nests in the palm trees. The butterflies are beginning to appear, along with insects of various types including pesky flies. I am told there is a giant skunk who wanders around the park at night, but I have yet to see it.<br /><br /><strong>St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery</strong><br />Many people had told me about the monastery nearby and I decided it was time that I visited it. I must say that the architecture is quite spectacular and the paintings within the various chapels quite beautiful. I decided to head on down on Thursday, March 5, taking Ripley along. But of course I left her in the car, in the shade, while I went into the monastery grounds. I was greeted by women who provided me with the requisite long-sleeved, blouse, long skirt and headscarf. These particular monks have chosen to be celibate, although I do believe that the Greek Orthodox faith does allow the priests to marry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8gqkahEAQZTFSWJ8O1XPqvQqbRrowtfNxKgjSBZ-BDDSaUoaDvoFrVJDJ5e-OHI8UCoYu1BSrXgoRTSotW0Ks9B-BYwyPEWEmz1vVn8cphjHdhdFuWRdMXuf0o1TQVuivaLrx9GQdCiR/s1600-h/2009+03+05+38+Another+Chapel+Trip+to+Arizona+078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325360696241437058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8gqkahEAQZTFSWJ8O1XPqvQqbRrowtfNxKgjSBZ-BDDSaUoaDvoFrVJDJ5e-OHI8UCoYu1BSrXgoRTSotW0Ks9B-BYwyPEWEmz1vVn8cphjHdhdFuWRdMXuf0o1TQVuivaLrx9GQdCiR/s320/2009+03+05+38+Another+Chapel+Trip+to+Arizona+078.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I caught up with the tour group being guided by one of the younger monks who said he was originally from Alaska. He was in his mid-20’s and it always interests me to know what draws a young man to the priesthood. He took us into the main church and pointed out the beautiful ceiling and chandelier, as well as the altar and high-sided chairs in which the priests sit during services. They have one service at 2:00 a.m. and another at 3:30 p.m., so I am assuming that they retire early.<br /><br />The gardens are immaculate and restful, with fountains and gazebos and fruit trees here and there, and as I wound my way around the path I came across small chapels dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. George, each with its own style of architecture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40SHbxkH1K2V4ZeMJY4NAXhauwn2twBv1YxquiIGZMC1zHIzIEjYofpwHZeb50DV-03svpKtjTe6FFFmLjN932sCKGW2fC4Cd_IAByJ8MDrktWw1pw17hJnVClA8DNikQSuRfgjp9XcCi/s1600-h/2009+03+05+54+Another+FountainTrip+to+Arizona+097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325360695314562754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40SHbxkH1K2V4ZeMJY4NAXhauwn2twBv1YxquiIGZMC1zHIzIEjYofpwHZeb50DV-03svpKtjTe6FFFmLjN932sCKGW2fC4Cd_IAByJ8MDrktWw1pw17hJnVClA8DNikQSuRfgjp9XcCi/s320/2009+03+05+54+Another+FountainTrip+to+Arizona+097.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There is a new church being built on a small hill and it reminded me so much of the snow-white buildings with blue accent that one sees in Greece.<br /><br />There is no admission fee, but a donation is welcome in the gift shop where one can buy homemade breads and preserves, as well as religious items. After returning the borrowed clothing, I left the grounds, stopping to pick up three lemons which were offered to each visitor.<br /><br />Ripley and I then headed out to a part of the unfenced area of the desert so that she could get a good run in. I often take her to an alfalfa field directly behind the Indian Skies RV Resort where she loves to poke her nose down the gopher holes. She can smell them down there, but just can’t reach them – but that doesn’t stop her from trying!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Ouch!<br /></strong>On March 6th I was making my way over to the office when I stepped in an invisible hole in the grass and went down hard, hurting my knee, hand, elbow and neck. I must say that Rosemary, the office manager, was quite unsympathetic when I hobbled in to report the accident. She was only concerned about getting the hole filled in after I showed her how difficult it was to see with the grass growing in it.<br /><br />As the day progressed, my hand swelled up and I was sore in various parts of my body. I resorted to ice and a product called BioFreeze.<br /><br /><strong>Fun Day<br /></strong>Once every year the resident committee hosts Fun Day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UoZkz2-ZXm2cKFXf6xarUtV7OdohpVfHp0YbICtpxZt0ld6Z6AIz7GaZSSk_vPOQXFurUg6HwBxqLh6nIWrufKnrn9uVygwGcJpkt4aWrR5OMTnMfIWiNO18hSCW1RZUbqUFIOM5LtMo/s1600-h/2009+03+07+06+Hoppy+Trip+to+Arizona+123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325361020310796178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UoZkz2-ZXm2cKFXf6xarUtV7OdohpVfHp0YbICtpxZt0ld6Z6AIz7GaZSSk_vPOQXFurUg6HwBxqLh6nIWrufKnrn9uVygwGcJpkt4aWrR5OMTnMfIWiNO18hSCW1RZUbqUFIOM5LtMo/s320/2009+03+07+06+Hoppy+Trip+to+Arizona+123.jpg" border="0" /></a>There are various fun games, like bean bag tossing, miniature golf, ball toss, metal washer toss, and plastic egg passing to music. When the music stops, each participant opens their plastic egg, one of which has a stone inside. I was the lucky one and won a loaf of homemade bread. I also managed to win six cans of soda and beer at the other booths. The day progressed with a free lunch, followed by a horse race in which the human “horses” had to answer questions before progressing towards the finish line.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPPTPf0OxXW17qAjcSUGcS-u6DmJFjYbve3plbqVK2zTQe9bhpnzPaC1ugLqbC8xqpe2HnjdT7e6iQabCeS2WE2puDZJDESO3-7E5arh-KJnSoX-DOV8x5qCHJ3OzLu223q4mPdFINN7V/s1600-h/2009+03+07+07+Dick+%26+Lorraine+Trip+to+Arizona+124.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325361026872172866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPPTPf0OxXW17qAjcSUGcS-u6DmJFjYbve3plbqVK2zTQe9bhpnzPaC1ugLqbC8xqpe2HnjdT7e6iQabCeS2WE2puDZJDESO3-7E5arh-KJnSoX-DOV8x5qCHJ3OzLu223q4mPdFINN7V/s320/2009+03+07+07+Dick+%26+Lorraine+Trip+to+Arizona+124.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong></strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong></strong></span></em><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Dick and Lorraine</strong></span></em></div><br /><br /><br />Later in the day, I headed to the VFW for a Mexican dinner of beef fajitas, refried beans, rice, salad and beer while listening to a very good Mariachi band. This was part of the festivities for Cotton Days in Coolidge, an annual fair and festival.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iaewzLAhnQcBjI7c_t3Qxd71UnrZc_qbrnBngTE5kAsrOj0SV7X2JJLc7uuoyUrr_SGxAc880PGPEohUYINl8CBoTUp2a4sZtA-BGXo0fMu65LqqGpIyY-Djoelfz-akAObKgiaDX2NL/s1600-h/2009+03+07+16+Mariachi+Band+Trip+to+Arizona+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325361025633488898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iaewzLAhnQcBjI7c_t3Qxd71UnrZc_qbrnBngTE5kAsrOj0SV7X2JJLc7uuoyUrr_SGxAc880PGPEohUYINl8CBoTUp2a4sZtA-BGXo0fMu65LqqGpIyY-Djoelfz-akAObKgiaDX2NL/s320/2009+03+07+16+Mariachi+Band+Trip+to+Arizona+135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There are so many attractions and activities in this region that you could literally keep occupied in just these things. Not to mention that I take Ripley out three or four times daily, and also try to squeeze in water aerobics. Consequently, I find there is little time left for some of the writing that I should be doing.<br /><br /><strong>Curtains for my RV<br /></strong>Besides continuing to make jewelry, especially bracelets that are very popular here, I have begun to make new drapes for my motorhome. I have endured looking at very unsightly and broken dirty pink venetian blinds, and have long wanted to replace them with curtains. Penny very generously gave me some lovely ivory-coloured material and I have slowly been turning it into five sets of drapes, all lined. She also loaned me her sewing machine, and I have taken advantage of the long tables in the craft room to cut and sew. As I didn’t really know what I was doing I have made many mistakes, having to start over again and ripping out stitches, etc. However, as of today, March 20th I have only one pair of drapes left to go. I then have a southwest pattern for the valences and pillows. It really is making a difference to the interior appearance of good old Philippa.<br /><br />I did, however, have to make a special trip in to Phoenix just to buy pleater tape, as there is no store near here that sells fabric and supplies.<br /><br /><strong>More Ouch</strong><br />By March 11 my neck and back were really paining me as a result of the fall I had earlier, and I called Kathy to see if she could fit me in for a massage. Unfortunately, she had no openings, but recommended Vivian. She did a wonderful job in easing the pain, particularly in my neck which is an area that gives me a lot of trouble even when I don’t fall down.<br /><br /><strong>Happy Birthday, Georgia</strong><br />Hoppy invited many people to a birthday party for Georgia at their campsite on March 11, including myself. The tradition is that you bring your own chair and contribute a dish to the food. But there was so much food, that it really wasn’t necessary. As I mentioned earlier, the park is like a small village and the party was another reason to have fun and share experiences.<br /><br /><strong>Sick<br /></strong>I did stay for about two hours, but was beginning to feel very tired so left early. The next morning I realized that I had caught an intestinal virus that has hit several people here in the park. I spent the next two days evacuating everything in my stomach and sleeping.<br /><br />When Brenda found out I was ill, she offered to take Ripley out for a walk and I was very grateful for her offer. And then Anna learned that I was sick and also offered. She came by early on Saturday morning and took Ripley out to do her business. This is the type of kindness that is so predominant here.<br /><br />By the afternoon March 14th I began to feel better and hungry. Just in time for the evening’s planned corned beef and cabbage dinner, in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Most people dressed in green for the occasion and we were treated to Stephen’s idea of funny limericks as we ate, in between listening to Irish music. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxW7tblfZ6od3p4QWOioL729nsiAWIbpGxkHfCJJKgUvDIEIY_i8GZpObj8_5YE1cXl7vHnxcBjgnbjUvl-rVZp1lgjtHBEtqRWz_GBGtusDGv3MSiUAS2TvtKTYrh5Dy3Ht4_H4jkG_g/s1600-h/2009+03+15+03+Stephen+Trip+to+Arizona+139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325361029603569922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxW7tblfZ6od3p4QWOioL729nsiAWIbpGxkHfCJJKgUvDIEIY_i8GZpObj8_5YE1cXl7vHnxcBjgnbjUvl-rVZp1lgjtHBEtqRWz_GBGtusDGv3MSiUAS2TvtKTYrh5Dy3Ht4_H4jkG_g/s320/2009+03+15+03+Stephen+Trip+to+Arizona+139.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRro_8wqtlY0OpXdKQJDtI_chEbmg8Pvvwh4EYw7HozacKzXO0LUyt4oYecdsi0Ui-Mjp370l2B4CEyweoxq4HF5Tz44SoLTEQ90kx9oHjlf8I5O2kZkeOBCzLvwUSeqrClzJogNajwTOA/s1600-h/2009+03+15+02+Harriet+%26+Bob+and+OthersTrip+to+Arizona+138.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325361026427282370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRro_8wqtlY0OpXdKQJDtI_chEbmg8Pvvwh4EYw7HozacKzXO0LUyt4oYecdsi0Ui-Mjp370l2B4CEyweoxq4HF5Tz44SoLTEQ90kx9oHjlf8I5O2kZkeOBCzLvwUSeqrClzJogNajwTOA/s320/2009+03+15+02+Harriet+%26+Bob+and+OthersTrip+to+Arizona+138.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Harriet (in pink) from Chatham, Ontario and Bob (in white t) from Ottawa, Ontario</span></strong><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>TV Converter Coupon</strong><br />Here in the United States, all the television signals were supposed to switch to digital by now, but the date has been extended to June. However, the government will provide a $40 coupon towards the cost of a converter box, but you must apply. I did that as soon as I arrived, and finally received coupons for two boxes. I took advantage of this coupon to purchase one box at a cost to me of $19.95. I’ll hold on to the other coupon just in case. But in the meantime, I have really good reception and get about ten channels (including three in Spanish) with just my rabbit ears.<br /><br /><strong>Ice Cream Social<br /></strong>On Sunday March 15th at the evening’s ice cream social, we were treated to a concert by the resident gadget band. The “musicians’ played every kind of strange-looking contraptions that you can imagine – everything from a kitchen mop to a kazoo to tambourine. We sang Irish songs to their accompaniment.<br /><br /><strong>My Brother in Japan</strong><br />My brother Carl and his late wife Jennie had planned to visit their son Brad and his family Brad who live in Japan, during early March. After losing his wife, Carl wisely decided to go anyway. I have been getting photos of him visiting various places and he is truly enjoying himself. I’m glad for him.<br /><br /><strong>How to Get My Car Home?<br /></strong>In a previous blog I had mentioned that my friends Blue and June Enright had driven my Chevy Malibu down here, so I was left with the problem of what to do with it once I leave here. Should I just store it here? Should I buy a towbar? Should I buy a tow dolly?<br /><br />After checking out the various options and consulting with a knowledgeable mechanic here, I decided that I would advertise that I was looking for a used tow dolly, as the most economical alternative. And low and behold, a resident right here in the park had one for sale at a reasonable price. So, I now have the dolly attached to my motorhome in preparation for leaving. I did take it into the mechanic along with my motorhome, for servicing, and Loren repacked the bearings in the wheels of the dolly. This will enable me to tow the car behind the motorhome wherever I go – a great thing since I’m heading further south to Benson for awhile and I want to explore the area there.<br /><br /><strong>My Cousins<br /></strong>Jerry and Diane Ziolkoski, my cousins from Winnipeg, Manitoba have been renting an apartment in Mesa. I wanted to see them one more time before I leave the park, and invited them over for a barbecue. The beef here is really good and very reasonable, so we had some wonderful hamburgers, and one last visit. They did invite me to visit them at their cottage in Kenora, Ontario this summer, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get up there. It is quite a distance from southern Ontario.<br /><br /><strong>A New Printer</strong><br />Like all things that eventually wear out, my printer has stopped printing. I went searching in the two thrift stores in Coolidge, and came across an HP printer/scanner/copier/fax machine for $5. What a bargain!<br /><br /><strong>Spring in the Desert<br /></strong>The desert plants are all beginning to bloom, showing a remarkable variation in colour and design – from bright reds, to yellows, mauve, pink and blue. The orange blossoms are out, wafting a wonderful fragrance over the entire park, and the many oleanders here are starting to open their white or red flowers as well. It truly is remarkable how the desert comes alive at this time of year.<br /><br /><strong>Another Barbecue<br /></strong>There are three couples here in the park who have been extremely helpful in one way or another, and I decided to repay their kindness with a steak barbecue. In Canada there is no way that I could afford sirloin steaks, but here the prices is so much cheaper that I was able to buy six very huge steaks for $12. I added Cajun style black beans and rice, red potatoes. Georgia and Hoppy provided a salad; Anna and Stephen provided wine, and Penny and Doug brought two wonderful banana cream pies. All in all, a wonderful meal enjoyed by all.<br /><br /><strong>Amish Dinner<br /></strong>Because I am still working on finishing my curtains and valences for the motorhome, I decided to remain for awhile yet, past my original departure date. On Saturday, March 21, a group of the residents hosted an Amish pork dinner – deliciously cooked pork, potatoes, sauerkraut, with ice cream for dessert. Stephen acted as narrator, and provided us with interesting historical tidbits about the Amish lifestyle.<br /><br /><strong>Owls<br /></strong>I am sorry to report that something has happened to the pair of burrowing owls that I reported in an earlier blog. One of the pair has disappeared and the remaining individual is spooked now whenever I drive by. Instead of standing quietly as it used to, it flies away, over to another owl’s neighbourhood. It looks a though one of them may have been the victim of a predator, perhaps a hawk or perhaps a coyote or bobcat from the nearby mountains. What a shame. I was really crossing my fingers that they might have had a nest. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc0u31_0L80BlYE7TlEoN-VAorZCLwvfVzm3uc5eOeTbRsgvIJMLmPyzkhmZ_qeZ2BX51DSURAvdPxmPTjLTCkJ6YgYJzfwj609QeVl5klz3U2Y8SuMyKJ8li-uhH_Gs8sLWnIuT2fx_a/s1600-h/2009+01+26+18+Burrowing+Owls+Trip+to+Arizona+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324987292962729394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc0u31_0L80BlYE7TlEoN-VAorZCLwvfVzm3uc5eOeTbRsgvIJMLmPyzkhmZ_qeZ2BX51DSURAvdPxmPTjLTCkJ6YgYJzfwj609QeVl5klz3U2Y8SuMyKJ8li-uhH_Gs8sLWnIuT2fx_a/s320/2009+01+26+18+Burrowing+Owls+Trip+to+Arizona+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><strong></strong><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong>Observing Water Aerobics<br /></strong>Whenever I can spare the time, I have been joining a water aerobics class. I find it is very beneficial, especially for my back and neck and it is nice to do the exercises with other women my age. What I find very amusing is that there is one particular mourning dove (at least I’m assuming it’s the same bird every time) who flies down to the pool deck and watches us while we go through the various exercises. I imagine that we must look very strange to this bird, as we wave our arms in the air, jog across the pool and perform all sorts of contortions, but I’ve never seen a bird take an interest in human activity like this one.<br /><br /><strong>A Lucky Cat<br /></strong>Early in the year a very skinny black cat began to hang around one particular trailer at the end of one of the rows near the back of the park. The people there felt sorry for it and started to feed it, and eventually it lost its fear and allowed herself to be stroked. I don’t remember the name of the husband and wife, but the wife took the cat into the veterinary office and had her spayed and vaccinated, and named her Ebony. Well, the cat is now looking sleek and healthy, and the wife mentioned to me a few weeks ago that she is concerned about leaving it behind. She had asked the staff in the park to feed it until they return next year, but she was concerned that they would not do so and the cat would deteriorate once again.<br /><br />Thank goodness there are still kind-hearted people in this world. Lucky Ebony is going home with them on the plane – all the way to the Yukon!<br /><br />Today is March 26. I was planning to head down to Benson today, but there is a wind advisory, with winds gusting up to 40 mph. I decided that it would be prudent to wait another day until the winds die down, especially since I will be towing my car for the first time.</div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-10855656187756779142009-02-28T18:53:00.000-08:002009-03-07T08:07:11.699-08:00BLOG EIGHT<span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">BLOG EIGHT</span><br /><br />February 28, 2009<br /></strong><br />It doesn’t seem possible that it is the end of February already! The time just seems to fly by here in Arizona. There are so many activities and events, both inside and outside the park, that one could be busy all day long, every day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbKd6-8QghbYvoGWZTIXFThWSdiDDSG2KDWaEEk8HYdnVpjSo_LMoSpiJ6XEN_WsbNBZasSHdplHioDOlXtK_gnLuzALd7N8VeG8eaGGIhnpwCnTXyRF3e_1uJqaerAi5mbREjAuG10zb/s1600-h/2009+02+17+Indian+Skies+Site+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308077161798129234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbKd6-8QghbYvoGWZTIXFThWSdiDDSG2KDWaEEk8HYdnVpjSo_LMoSpiJ6XEN_WsbNBZasSHdplHioDOlXtK_gnLuzALd7N8VeG8eaGGIhnpwCnTXyRF3e_1uJqaerAi5mbREjAuG10zb/s200/2009+02+17+Indian+Skies+Site+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">My site at Indian Skies RV Resort</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>Canadian Dinner</strong><br /></em>However, I have been picking and choosing and still have enjoyed some interesting events. On February 14 the Canadian contingency put on a delicious roast beef dinner for the crowd. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89kG2LjbyT8-MEyw4FLY1C8bjB21x6QeSzd4cw-x_2gNUHDnWVSYJ6hcHtOyQWf1FmjbZX3hYbuUrQyd3sq_KPx4HjO7j2yx2aas4M0-b1RtChtw6a_vBb_98dr_GkzjUqdz4FuQ7NwyE/s1600-h/2009+02+14+17+Stephen+%26+Anna++Trip+to+Arizona+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076143183638626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89kG2LjbyT8-MEyw4FLY1C8bjB21x6QeSzd4cw-x_2gNUHDnWVSYJ6hcHtOyQWf1FmjbZX3hYbuUrQyd3sq_KPx4HjO7j2yx2aas4M0-b1RtChtw6a_vBb_98dr_GkzjUqdz4FuQ7NwyE/s200/2009+02+14+17+Stephen+%26+Anna++Trip+to+Arizona+051.jpg" border="0" /></a>252 people showed up, each paying $6 for a complete meal of salads, roll, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, roast beef and gravy, plus a Jello dessert with a small Canadian flag inserted into the whipped cream on top. This is a popular annual affair.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><strong><em></em></strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">Stephen and Anna </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3o9f_LsbMczQR5068dVVvCd093eyzxiVg52Ix5dRc3d7UCNplCYzRvg_aIGpyR9NgrnKWfuD3o32LMwba6RClPKwK_FLUJ4Bg0O55T-TXgjFXZ9x-tDxw2ZTMFhS2kkerkWYDl0IeWpV/s1600-h/2009+02+14+14+Sandra,+Penny+%26+Doug+Trip+to+Arizona+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076438514892178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3o9f_LsbMczQR5068dVVvCd093eyzxiVg52Ix5dRc3d7UCNplCYzRvg_aIGpyR9NgrnKWfuD3o32LMwba6RClPKwK_FLUJ4Bg0O55T-TXgjFXZ9x-tDxw2ZTMFhS2kkerkWYDl0IeWpV/s200/2009+02+14+14+Sandra,+Penny+%26+Doug+Trip+to+Arizona+048.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"><em>Our table - Sandra, Penny, Doug</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em>Native Indian Music Festival</em></strong><br />The local national monument Casa Grande Ruins held its first ever Native Indian Music Festival from February 13 through 15. Penny, Doug, Sandra and I went on the Friday evening, stopping to view the various stalls where native Indians were demonstrating their crafts of jewelry making, pottery, basket weaving and flute making. I have always been fascinated by the haunting music of the flute and ended up buying one from Odell Borg, who gave me my first lesson as well. He showed me how to hold the instrument and how to attain the various notes. He suggested that I not look down while playing, but rather look in the mirror, and I have to admit that it made it easier to close the holes to make the appropriate note. I look forward to practising so that I might even be able eventually to play this ancient instrument. It’s a bit difficult with my arthritic fingers, but not impossible, and gives me pleasure. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvykXVQv_soGlrqJAZrnVSAT4bwy2kZCC3vWLGIaL8i7wWDUIaYnF-1138zTBFgrPXbbiGJNGOWWw9TGQWXuMX7pGJ4Ahjt6nB2HFF1FVlPg30x61YS2Ex8F-R13uo-MHGLFqMpymCFXC2/s1600-h/2009+02+15+10+Flutes+Trip+to+Arizona+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076942031230050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvykXVQv_soGlrqJAZrnVSAT4bwy2kZCC3vWLGIaL8i7wWDUIaYnF-1138zTBFgrPXbbiGJNGOWWw9TGQWXuMX7pGJ4Ahjt6nB2HFF1FVlPg30x61YS2Ex8F-R13uo-MHGLFqMpymCFXC2/s200/2009+02+15+10+Flutes+Trip+to+Arizona+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">Some of the more expensive flutes</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On the Friday evening we sat in the seats set up at the music tent right beside the sacred ruins. We were just in time to watch Brian Hammill, a skilled hoop dancer.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitJntiw6ZM9LXovlOuhW1P2z5GXTvR7SS-p_P-xO0eYspWQvddEBXaTwKrto8BZ9H_iZ_oc9d7yYl31V2AVeWq4QQvszTi9sZEH0b8RBboTiQBJsFszVB_jJrztWKwn5qciQhBjCoyBR9/s1600-h/2009+02+13+02+Hoop+Dancer+Trip+to+Arizona+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075567847290482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitJntiw6ZM9LXovlOuhW1P2z5GXTvR7SS-p_P-xO0eYspWQvddEBXaTwKrto8BZ9H_iZ_oc9d7yYl31V2AVeWq4QQvszTi9sZEH0b8RBboTiQBJsFszVB_jJrztWKwn5qciQhBjCoyBR9/s200/2009+02+13+02+Hoop+Dancer+Trip+to+Arizona+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Afterwards, an elder from the nearby tribe did a blessing acknowledging that we were in the presence of a structure sacred to his people. The evening program continued featuring Loren Russell, flutist and Randy Granger, playing the Hang – a type of kettle drum. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00flJTH2Oddy-k2oOjxJAz4iTmQzRuA0t0J5H9clKgzh37cbx7dRuBWrbDDSG9Nr-Hrm7UfeMcXyC0RyEqmvUk9JR-fdeI421YpKh2jQUXRECMixTCXYF1PQE8-6wS39EBYc-J-slYQH/s1600-h/2009+02+13+07+Loren+Russell+%26+Randy+Granger+Trip+to+Arizona+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076290759711314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00flJTH2Oddy-k2oOjxJAz4iTmQzRuA0t0J5H9clKgzh37cbx7dRuBWrbDDSG9Nr-Hrm7UfeMcXyC0RyEqmvUk9JR-fdeI421YpKh2jQUXRECMixTCXYF1PQE8-6wS39EBYc-J-slYQH/s200/2009+02+13+07+Loren+Russell+%26+Randy+Granger+Trip+to+Arizona+013.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They played separately and together and as the sun set, the music added something very special to the setting. Unfortunately, Penny, Doug and Sandra had not brought jackets and retreated to the Visitor Center to keep warm. I stayed on to watch the Akimel O’odham Basket Dancers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqDgTul18YZ7eJlonurDpOpzmHQhsEIR_i3MJQAqheyWCC9NuDy1VRBrtj1LA9wAygh0TrzfcWDq73necciSLF1iTgflWkG4BuKhl1kUSBiKAtM_ZYu5x-2lUCeiLqqQzfjByoqRTg7HH/s1600-h/2009+02+13+10+Basket+Dancers+Trip+to+Arizona+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075887445094642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqDgTul18YZ7eJlonurDpOpzmHQhsEIR_i3MJQAqheyWCC9NuDy1VRBrtj1LA9wAygh0TrzfcWDq73necciSLF1iTgflWkG4BuKhl1kUSBiKAtM_ZYu5x-2lUCeiLqqQzfjByoqRTg7HH/s200/2009+02+13+10+Basket+Dancers+Trip+to+Arizona+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> from a nearby village. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for them as they danced in their bare feet. When the sun goes down, the temperature turns cold very rapidly.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My cousin Jerry and his wife Diane have again rented an apartment in Mesa, about an hour away. They live in Winnipeg, Manitoba so I don’t see them very often. They came down to my park on Sunday February 15, and after lunch we headed over to the Casa Grande American Indian Music Fest for the afternoon where we saw performances by classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZsqBXOXkqgpft-BRT78xFKd-LjlH8LV32PLuc0y74ssXKgknP5tDfrH9tbFJuqqCblfa9e89MwwuUgG5hwDuRi0KpSgwQXFDZIiPKEZVXWWIkZ4U-FRiAsIPsVnn3TT1oPoObeGBLWiY/s1600-h/2009+02+15+02+Gabriel+Ayala+Trip+to+Arizona+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075713457192594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZsqBXOXkqgpft-BRT78xFKd-LjlH8LV32PLuc0y74ssXKgknP5tDfrH9tbFJuqqCblfa9e89MwwuUgG5hwDuRi0KpSgwQXFDZIiPKEZVXWWIkZ4U-FRiAsIPsVnn3TT1oPoObeGBLWiY/s200/2009+02+15+02+Gabriel+Ayala+Trip+to+Arizona+056.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Loren Russell and Randy Granger performed once more as well.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"><em>Gabriel Ayala</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This was the first attempt the rangers in the park had made in putting on the Music Festival. I have to compliment them on the excellent job of organizing the entire event, including the shuttle buses back and forth to the shopping malls nearby where we parked our cars, the food stalls and vendors, but most especially the performances by the talented American Indians. I’m sure it will only get bigger in future years.<br /><br /><strong><em>Alterations to the Motorhome</em></strong><br />My neighbours Stephen and Anna (also from Ontario) had shown me how they had removed a seat in their bus and replaced it with a computer table which they had bought in Coolidge here. So I thought that it work well for me too. Stephen and Gorm removed my seat and installed the 24” wide computer table that has a shelf on the bottom for my printer, a slide-out for the keyboard, a desktop for the laptop and two shelves above that for paper, pens, etc. It’s perfect! I was then able to pick up a steno chair for $13 from a thrift shop here. It makes all the difference for working on the computer. Now, if only I could get a signal on my wi fi whenever I wanted it, instead of intermittently, things would be perfect!<br /><br /><strong><em>My Attempt at Line Dancing<br /></em></strong>On Monday February 16 I joined the beginner’s line dancing class in the clubhouse. I had no idea it would be such a workout! By the end of the hour my leg muscles were telling me they needed a rest – but it was lots of fun. Now, if I can only remember the steps. I had hoped to continue the next week, but I came down with the flu and was too weak to attend the next class.<br /><br /><strong><em>Local Wildlife</em></strong><br />Even though we live in the park here, there have been lots of wildlife sightings. There are lots of mourning doves and magpies hovering around first thing in the morning, greeting us as the sun rises. However, I didn’t expect to see a roadrunner or small rabbits running between the trailers. I also identified a Scott’s Oriole <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBvmuYr9BvgT_BQDj_AdNzdphC-1i2m_WJuIH7nv9rFRhcYWDHyzLOaomfPRSZ6r7gqVLHyAhG_24RwhJfdvKagSWgi0rcrsAY0WibUSCRhHpAno01DV7aFMIBDdc94VhO8U8-XBfqKi4/s1600-h/2009+02+12+02+Bird+on+Dish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074428338406898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBvmuYr9BvgT_BQDj_AdNzdphC-1i2m_WJuIH7nv9rFRhcYWDHyzLOaomfPRSZ6r7gqVLHyAhG_24RwhJfdvKagSWgi0rcrsAY0WibUSCRhHpAno01DV7aFMIBDdc94VhO8U8-XBfqKi4/s200/2009+02+12+02+Bird+on+Dish.jpg" border="0" /></a>perched on my neighbour’s antenna. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I didn’t see it myself, but I am told there is a giant skunk that makes the rounds after dark.<br /><br />In the abandoned subdivision I still see the five burrowing owls, and am crossing my fingers that one day I will see chicks beside the pair. I would love to photograph the family!<br /><br />As I drove along the street that takes me to the abandoned subdivision, I spied several gophers in the raised ditch that runs very near the road. They don’t seem too perturbed by cars driving by, but are equally prepared to scoot down their burrow hole if necessary. Sometimes all you see is a head peeking out of the hole. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMUdyDLBZUWxkV4CQj_5eBeIyMa28a7lCoA8hEn2NXS1nBIBc9-WeAsvycBqDiYXSIN9cPeTS2IceXIPrgh3ihFgcKTCPRQEuu6L5D-K-yu_zgrr-VzXJk-at2FUGHKfYfCj4M5-fXNpc/s1600-h/2009+02+14+06+Prairie+Dog+Trip+to+Arizona+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076745730465730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMUdyDLBZUWxkV4CQj_5eBeIyMa28a7lCoA8hEn2NXS1nBIBc9-WeAsvycBqDiYXSIN9cPeTS2IceXIPrgh3ihFgcKTCPRQEuu6L5D-K-yu_zgrr-VzXJk-at2FUGHKfYfCj4M5-fXNpc/s200/2009+02+14+06+Prairie+Dog+Trip+to+Arizona+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> I know they are considered a nuisance by farmers, but I enjoy seeing them.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><strong><em></em></strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em>Sunset Barbecue</em></strong><br />On February 19 a group of us took advantage of the new gazebo that has been built at the rear of the park for a sunset barbecue.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24SNttptiTJYY_-9Nk214mpjTSn7Tkn5OQ1d9xrxDj4sbg1X3UIXnZ-ctw-WgK25IdvqrAF5tv3CWu8Ft2vHxEaiXjkq_VWT9JkqVH9skWmboTPnug-zga_W9EqFlzUr9zw2Mk56TY1eQ/s1600-h/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+001+Don,+Don.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074503510359298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24SNttptiTJYY_-9Nk214mpjTSn7Tkn5OQ1d9xrxDj4sbg1X3UIXnZ-ctw-WgK25IdvqrAF5tv3CWu8Ft2vHxEaiXjkq_VWT9JkqVH9skWmboTPnug-zga_W9EqFlzUr9zw2Mk56TY1eQ/s200/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+001+Don,+Don.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyone contributed to the meal – hamburgers, salads, cheese and fruit plates – and plenty of homemade desserts. We christened the new firepit, and I was called upon to rescue a small lizard that had made its way into the woodpile used to start the fire. It wasn’t able to climb the wall of the concrete firepit, so while several people became alarmed but didn’t react, Zoo Keeper Marilyn took care of this little creature, carrying it safely away from the fire. Once in a while my old training comes in handy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQFwWGkQ6DvG7ILYgypDstlEW5A9QHm21i4ExUzXlgiLVx8F2VlhD-RSwjL9AJQCuHmjMwa_mXW8xWYtk5ZzVOgSB1ETI1bgGRAuwUbg8lIkrc96sq2cO4kiLJXaFXARrI-qwv92umpIb/s1600-h/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074573401630786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQFwWGkQ6DvG7ILYgypDstlEW5A9QHm21i4ExUzXlgiLVx8F2VlhD-RSwjL9AJQCuHmjMwa_mXW8xWYtk5ZzVOgSB1ETI1bgGRAuwUbg8lIkrc96sq2cO4kiLJXaFXARrI-qwv92umpIb/s200/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></p><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The new gazebo also sports the flags of the home provinces of the residents, representing British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Yukon Territories, Ontario and Quebec. We’ll have to persuade some Maritimers that it’s worth the trip too.<br /><br /><strong><em>Craft Class<br /></em></strong>Every Friday Penny teaches a different craft and February 20 we made a lovely decoration from a gourd grown locally. I painted a scene of three stylized horses on mine, and decorated the stand it sits on. I have no idea where I’ll put it, but it was lots of fun to make it. Penny has such a wonderful way of encouraging everyone to try. I am not much of a painter, but she really helps.<br /><br /><strong><em>Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show</em></strong><br />This is the 54th year for this annual event! I recall that when I was a teenager, it was my sincerest wish to be able to attend this show – and now this is the second year in a row that I finally have.<br /><br />On Sunday, February 22 I drove to Jerry and Diane’s apartment in Mesa and the three of us drove to Scottsdale to the Westworld show grounds, spending the afternoon watching several exciting events including English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Park Horse, cow wrangling and Costume class. The latter class was quite spectacular with both rider and horse bedecked in Arabian costumes. It was just wonderful to watch these magnificent Arabian and Half Arabian horses as they went through their paces.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4yrxvX69CQdeJfZM3v8lbN3H-Fuiamvxpp9s6eQ3utXwh2FrMnaAWtS0A2eIAjghOKFl0cI2CRheQRZswgqtO7rdpgYEtz-n3LeqbijFspgA_SfFiaU6DgDNbIb0ucidS1Ai7NbjYe3L/s1600-h/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074694587303170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4yrxvX69CQdeJfZM3v8lbN3H-Fuiamvxpp9s6eQ3utXwh2FrMnaAWtS0A2eIAjghOKFl0cI2CRheQRZswgqtO7rdpgYEtz-n3LeqbijFspgA_SfFiaU6DgDNbIb0ucidS1Ai7NbjYe3L/s200/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVB3-n9myQQ-oDzaTg4ZxixDRWKZM1Wstrsq3w0xN2r76sdNERnm7mrNlx1nHKsiN_zL4f8813tkwGKTpYRpxjTNGeJGss6vply1PGd5htXe3n_qMYbhtCM08tbDVleaSTvD72HUrkkXL/s1600-h/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+043.jpg"></a></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkM9Hw4fh_XWo-92C-u1lr3Kf4qzwFz9OFc3Sg3Tf6YqyW03l6unb6n9mbLQUsAY9IcwQA7GYqvndA34-dDEvnQzBPIXGhC0VC9A-66DOPivsXpZqwx_0uEq3Mb1J3HFwZmancd-bAROC/s1600-h/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074870151295490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkM9Hw4fh_XWo-92C-u1lr3Kf4qzwFz9OFc3Sg3Tf6YqyW03l6unb6n9mbLQUsAY9IcwQA7GYqvndA34-dDEvnQzBPIXGhC0VC9A-66DOPivsXpZqwx_0uEq3Mb1J3HFwZmancd-bAROC/s200/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+009.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBMvkP11GgShz-2PwFgibS1xTigOPSS47YUSTz-9oMs1SstSag_3dCEWK2YQLLtUIO2s-h3aVHe7OOnqjTElEPC9vqmtz_jODWX8vR20WPV20JLaxf-B8_yrPBBxLGTYLtcGIitUZQKar/s1600-h/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074934490891314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBMvkP11GgShz-2PwFgibS1xTigOPSS47YUSTz-9oMs1SstSag_3dCEWK2YQLLtUIO2s-h3aVHe7OOnqjTElEPC9vqmtz_jODWX8vR20WPV20JLaxf-B8_yrPBBxLGTYLtcGIitUZQKar/s200/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+059.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNxC3AmfIVU2d_u2vJE8z0sIe6nLsLbwAcx3wmlf5ZmEAEVyhM4w2sy6Z0E21xlbRJgKIGF1Lbwmmd50LaGgSoCSWIf0dRr9_0KtLhPrI0f-dU1sbtjdLpbj0R1jtbbOvCVSTRbvslLoJ/s1600-h/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075008292647938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNxC3AmfIVU2d_u2vJE8z0sIe6nLsLbwAcx3wmlf5ZmEAEVyhM4w2sy6Z0E21xlbRJgKIGF1Lbwmmd50LaGgSoCSWIf0dRr9_0KtLhPrI0f-dU1sbtjdLpbj0R1jtbbOvCVSTRbvslLoJ/s200/2009+02+21+Arabian+Horse+Show+Scottsdale+062.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We stopped at the booth for Casino Arizona on the way out and spun the wheel there. I won a stuffed horse!<br /><br />However, I was fighting off a sore throat and aching muscles that day and the next morning I knew that I had the flu. Penny very thoughtfully made me some homemade chicken soup, the old standby, and it must have worked. By Wednesday I was feeling fine.<br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em>My First Teaching Gig Here</em></strong><br />It’s just as well that I was better by Wednesday, February 25, for that was the day that I had scheduled a class to teach beginners how to make a necklace. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy2OWI8bZZTHPNVKjvdOwvGmV4BfzcvrQXLSLN-Bobud3Xk4LUCuhjp8ZwieyUlGweMNZ6b-sEojMy_r-dZcWZJK9r-tA11xefmgE53t4Ag6opHx-rXq5wl2RnMIWXhmYhiWDDVDyftex/s1600-h/2009+02+25+Jewelry+Class+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075205609941762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy2OWI8bZZTHPNVKjvdOwvGmV4BfzcvrQXLSLN-Bobud3Xk4LUCuhjp8ZwieyUlGweMNZ6b-sEojMy_r-dZcWZJK9r-tA11xefmgE53t4Ag6opHx-rXq5wl2RnMIWXhmYhiWDDVDyftex/s200/2009+02+25+Jewelry+Class+002.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oZiSg3VNX-beohkohnTLu7AK4GvBHbPWii7p4wvT5j8S88rKdkXicethfxlEd6ZEDVh0jx3qyWujvFGiuiAnDcEEp3bUukJG4Mw1RQayaBsnjNluhEhBb9WviFKjhRhV1ljPV33Wusra/s1600-h/2009+02+25+Jewelry+Class+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308075363627306226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oZiSg3VNX-beohkohnTLu7AK4GvBHbPWii7p4wvT5j8S88rKdkXicethfxlEd6ZEDVh0jx3qyWujvFGiuiAnDcEEp3bUukJG4Mw1RQayaBsnjNluhEhBb9WviFKjhRhV1ljPV33Wusra/s200/2009+02+25+Jewelry+Class+012.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There were nine women who attended and I am very proud to say that they all made a lovely necklace with guidance from myself, Penny and Lorraine. And it provided me with a little extra cash, some of which I used to schedule an appointment with Kathy Burchett, a wonderful massage therapist in nearby Casa Grande. I enjoyed meeting her last year, and we’ve kept in touch via email, so I truly looked forward to undergoing her tender ministrations on the Thursday. She has a natural ability to understand the body and what needs working on. I came out of there feeling euphoric.<br /><br /><strong><em>Fresh Fruit – and Plants<br /></em></strong>This is the season for oranges and grapefruits locally grown here. I picked up a bag of about 2 dozen oranges for $4.00 from a roadside stand, and a lady neighbour of the park dropped off bags and bags of free grapefruit for the residents. So my fridge compartment is loaded with these delicious citrus fruits. They are so much better than what can be bought in Canada at this time of year.<br /><br />As for the plants, well, I just couldn’t resist visiting a nursery called Distinctive Landscapes, which is located on the road into Casa Grande. I actually stopped by to see if I could buy some eggs from their free-range chickens, but alas, there were 32 orders ahead of me! But I added my name to the list and hopefully I’ll be able to get some before I leave.<br /><br />As I was wandering around the gorgeous rows of cacti, citrus plants and geraniums, I spied some flats of lithops (stone flower) and euphorbia obesum, both of which I used to have back in Pickering when there was a greenhouse. These are succulents that are hard to find. I couldn’t resist buying one of each, especially since the prices were so reasonable – only $1.98 each. Then of course I had to find a nice pot to put them in. I headed off to the nearby thrift store where there are all sorts of bargains available and found a suitable small pot for only $4.<br /><br /><strong><em>A Published Author</em></strong><br />Doug Thompson is a free spirited man who travels wherever he wishes in his trailer, writing. He has several books that he has published and so far I have finished one called Trapper Lake (the story of a woman who lives in the Minnesota wilderness), and am about to start on another one called The Human Tribe. It is refreshing to meet and chat with someone who can challenge you intellectually. He seems to have lived quite an interesting life, and is leaving here in early March to head south to Benson, Arizona. Since I will be heading that way myself, we will probably meet up and explore some of the area together.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Jane Webster</em></strong><br />One of the ladies who took my jewelry class is Jane Webster. She and her husband Charlie live in one of the double wides here during the winter (Wyoming is their permanent home), and she had offered her place to do some beading together. I took her up on her offer on Saturday, February 28, and we spent several pleasant hours together helping each other with suggestions. I managed to make a few necklaces and a bracelet and plan to exhibit mine at the craft show that is planned here in the park for tomorrow. Jane, in turn, repaired a couple of gorgeous necklaces that she already had, including one spectacular turquoise and silver necklace, so we each probably accomplished more together than we would have separately. I don’t really have room in my motorhome to spread out my materials and that hampers me from starting, so going to Jane’s gave me the incentive to work on this craft that I really enjoy.<br /><br /><strong><em>Ripley<br /></em></strong>I realized after reading this blog that I hadn’t mentioned Ripley, so thought I should add a few lines about my wonderful companion. She still charms everyone and has made many friends in the park. As we walk around she greets them all and has to growl at some of the resident dogs too. There are plans to build a dog park in the back area, so it will be nice to let them run loose.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6tdj34VSd7Y36yNDw-nOYi16xQ5vFRAQmAucWJfK8cG8m0peuY0L5vDXWWUJ9AdEQFfeeGtV1YnkZxWl2ohHgfgwweIsTawdH6g0AJJ5zRqZXVa6YttC0m3U-LnQzZ_N4gdN8D5d9jcM/s1600-h/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308074316320927794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6tdj34VSd7Y36yNDw-nOYi16xQ5vFRAQmAucWJfK8cG8m0peuY0L5vDXWWUJ9AdEQFfeeGtV1YnkZxWl2ohHgfgwweIsTawdH6g0AJJ5zRqZXVa6YttC0m3U-LnQzZ_N4gdN8D5d9jcM/s200/2009+02+19+Sunset+BBQ+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><em>Penny with Ripley</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I do make a point of taking Ripley out of the park every day to let her off leash to chase her ball – still her favourite activity.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG5t8B6UP1yjidqmKzLD4ClU1p23cR7F-EYQE2bKkCGLcbDcBQdW221Jo3A2g8_hRNbzROdPclvP03H2h4HmF_SU8rUxCyqLzbASKmTWY23Z8XDj6XhzFrggQER3bg1-BOniLjAcY32sB/s1600-h/2009+02+14+04+Ripley+in+Empty+Subidivision+Trip+to+Arizona+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308076608694115330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG5t8B6UP1yjidqmKzLD4ClU1p23cR7F-EYQE2bKkCGLcbDcBQdW221Jo3A2g8_hRNbzROdPclvP03H2h4HmF_SU8rUxCyqLzbASKmTWY23Z8XDj6XhzFrggQER3bg1-BOniLjAcY32sB/s200/2009+02+14+04+Ripley+in+Empty+Subidivision+Trip+to+Arizona+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-54601437040485556992009-02-12T21:27:00.000-08:002009-02-12T22:21:14.277-08:00BLOG SEVEN<strong>February 12, 2009</strong><br /><br />I am now back at Indian Skies RV Resort here in Coolidge, Arizona. What a contrast to the weather in Ontario! The sun is shining; the temperature is 65ºF. I’ve just taken Ripley for a walk around the park, and stopped to visit with three different couples, all of whom happen to be from Ontario too.<br /><br /><strong>Sad Days</strong><br />The trip home was very sad, of course. But I was pleased to see that about 100 people came to Jennie’s funeral, and many more to the visitations. Jennie was a very kind and generous person and touched many people, including myself. Her oldest son Chris, read a very touching tribute to Jennie at the funeral, and her daughter Sheri read a letter from a dear friend of Jennie’s who could not attend because she was presiding at someone else’s funeral in the little town of Kearney where Jennie grew up. There wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel. I still have trouble taking in the reality that Jennie is gone. I will miss her dearly.<br /><br />The six grandchildren had an opportunity to say goodbye, something they might remember as they get older. The youngest, little Dima who is only two years old, and possibly Tyler who is three, may not remember much, but the four older ones will, I’m sure. They all loved visiting Grandma. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPIweM_B_FaJNULRF8S-OAYoHygBNlXlE3Wy7-hQlle1NEvrIaux7tilBKfA5JyzvR8T9a6i47HDUZlrR5PB0awryHK8Bljo1bO5AtBWjM3nmwIax5aP6jNd8Mf4IRQbJkc2fIDuFSCcq/s1600-h/2009+02+08+09+Cassandra,+Dasha.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302150703022035362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPIweM_B_FaJNULRF8S-OAYoHygBNlXlE3Wy7-hQlle1NEvrIaux7tilBKfA5JyzvR8T9a6i47HDUZlrR5PB0awryHK8Bljo1bO5AtBWjM3nmwIax5aP6jNd8Mf4IRQbJkc2fIDuFSCcq/s320/2009+02+08+09+Cassandra,+Dasha.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>My great-nieces Cassandra and Daria</em></span></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Brad, Carl and Jennie’s middle son, flew over from Japan and had an opportunity to say goodbye to Jennie before she passed away (although she was unconscious); his wife Kazuko and two children Taiyou and Mizuki, flew over for the funeral. I had not seen them since they left three years ago, and so it was with mixed emotions that I greeted them again.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsVyRNYAgRk_SjvjSvwLotBDZmI5U0gHhyphenhyphenvVvl_ROGugmuqbIvvvB1UNlExBI2xLiM5VWCZGG5SfYClCASSFcgX5uS_27i3jRPDrTcort22AMeRIMH4EYRuwyjCyWo_X9JzPeo_WRjjP7/s1600-h/2009+02+08+05+Kazuko,+Brad,+Gerald,+Sheri,+Tyler.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302150361916625858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsVyRNYAgRk_SjvjSvwLotBDZmI5U0gHhyphenhyphenvVvl_ROGugmuqbIvvvB1UNlExBI2xLiM5VWCZGG5SfYClCASSFcgX5uS_27i3jRPDrTcort22AMeRIMH4EYRuwyjCyWo_X9JzPeo_WRjjP7/s320/2009+02+08+05+Kazuko,+Brad,+Gerald,+Sheri,+Tyler.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Brad's wife Kazuko, Brad, Gerald husband of my niece Sheri,</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sheri and their son Tyler</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div></div><div>My brother Carl is handling his grief; he and Jennie were married for 42 years and it will not be an easy transition for him. Before Jennie became ill, the two of them had planned to visit Brad’s family in Japan. I’m pleased that Carl has decided to go anyway, and he leaves on February 28th for three weeks. Brad will see that he has a good time there.<br /><br />Carl and I had an opportunity to chat about our futures, and it looks as though he will follow in my path – winters in the south (although he favours Florida) and summers at an RV park in Ontario. If he is fortunate enough to find and make friends as I have here in Arizona, he will enjoy himself.<br /><br />Because Brad and his family were staying at Carl’s house, I opted to stay in a motel nearby and found an excellent package deal for the airfare and motel. It only cost me $8 U.S. extra for the five nights in the motel over the cost of the airfare. The Comfort Inn in Mississauga was quite comfortable and even had a fridge and microwave in the room, so I didn’t have to put out money for restaurant meals all the time. Of course, I shared meals with my family too.<br /><br />On Sunday evening, Feb. 10 Chris invited all of us to his house for dinner. His wife Natalya makes wonderful cakes for a living and supplied two for the reception after the funeral, plus she made my favourite dessert – tiramisu – for the Sunday dinner. It was an opportunity for Carl, his three children and six grandchildren and me to sit around and relax after a very stressful couple of days.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl8o94LBAA2dl-VatwlgtgsTidu7FaT3avfTMKLMtqpVUGg4_RtW_zu4O5sXeLtpIbxa2bPU9dU8mL1Im-vvCAakystgMv-xUcTylq-usceaADrR5Dn5rubAbbx4Pmv2ZRHy4zodoQt5B/s1600-h/2009+02+08+06+Natalya,+Dima,+Dasha,+Carl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302150491930887346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl8o94LBAA2dl-VatwlgtgsTidu7FaT3avfTMKLMtqpVUGg4_RtW_zu4O5sXeLtpIbxa2bPU9dU8mL1Im-vvCAakystgMv-xUcTylq-usceaADrR5Dn5rubAbbx4Pmv2ZRHy4zodoQt5B/s320/2009+02+08+06+Natalya,+Dima,+Dasha,+Carl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><strong></strong><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Chris's wife Natalya, their son Dimitri, their daughter Daria</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">and my brother Carl</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Back to Arizona<br /></strong>On Monday I was up at 3:00 a.m. in order to be at the airport by 4:00. The first leg of the flight was Toronto to Cincinnati, and then after an hour’s wait I flew on to Phoenix. Stephen collected me at the Phoenix airport and we drove back to Indian Skies, about an hour away. Many of the park residents offered me their condolences and most importantly of all, many people ensured that Ripley was kept occupied in my absence. They took her for walks, played ball with her, allowed her to lie on their couches. Penny and Doug Poyntz allowed her to sleep in their bed with them. I did worry about her while I was gone, and of course she was pleased to see me, but also was quite happy with the people who generously gave their time to her so that she wouldn’t feel abandoned. I had left my sweatshirt with Penny and Doug and I’m told that she did sleep on it. I am blessed to have such good friends.<br /><br />Since returning I haven’t done too much. I feel tired and listless, but I did go to a potluck dinner in the rec hall last night, and met some more people. There are about 250 people here in the park, with more arriving all the time, so it is impossible to know everyone. I sat beside Noella and Tom, who live on a farm near Exeter, Ontario. On my other side was a couple from Oregon whose names I now forget. The hot tub has also been very soothing.<br /><br /><strong>Penny’s Purchases</strong><br />Penny had gone back to the Tucson Gem Show and bought three kachina dolls for me. These are hand-made and signed and are just wonderful. I have a hoop dancer, a lizard and a badger, all of which symbolize something to the Navajo. They will make great gifts, and I will be donating one to the annual COTERC fundraising dinner next fall.<br /><br />Last Saturday, Feb. 9 there was a craft sale here at Indian Skies. Penny, Sandra and Linda set up a table on my behalf, and sold some of my necklaces and earrings.<br /><br /><strong>Ontario Flag<br /></strong>When I left to return to Canada, I noticed that there were many state flags flying here in the park but nothing from Canada’s provinces. While I was home, Carl drove me over to the local Member of the Provincial Parliament, who gave me an Ontario flag to bring back. He was very considerate and pleased to provide a flag when I explained to him that it would be flying at an RV park in Arizona where many Ontario residents spent the winter.<br /><br />However, when I returned here I discovered a whole new set of flags of all the provinces of the people staying here had been erected at the back of the park beside the new gazebo, so the one I obtained was redundant. Doug Poyntz is a great scrounger and he found an IV pole in the junkpile at the back of the park. So, together we fashioned a flagpole and hung the flag in front of my RV. It needs to be a bit higher, so I will go to the local hardware store to get a dowel to add to the height.<br /><br />I also had scrounged a lovely round clay pot and went over to nearby Earthscape Design where they sell a wonderful variety of cacti and other plants. I bought an ice plant, which now resides in the pot in front of my RV. Many of the seasonal residents here have decorated their little yard with plants and other assorted southwestern artifacts, and I would do the same if I were here for the entire six months.<br /><br /><strong>Another Melancholy Day</strong><br />February 11 was another memorable day for me. It was three years ago today that I lost my precious meerkat Timon to liver cancer. My female meerkat Timona lived another five months before succumbing to insulinoma on August 1, 2006. All my pets have been wonderful and each has left an indelible mark on me, but the two meerkats were like my children, and I still mourn them.<br /><br /><strong>Munchkin<br /></strong>There is a calico cat down the road in the park who thinks she’s a dog. Her name is Munchkin and she saunters along on a leash as she is taken for walks a few times a day. She’s quite comical to see and her owners (also from Ontario) enjoy the comments that passersby make.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj9Kj9yAsefWv5yvaA-slHk-_cUVgFgr9r7hYmLrO1sdnazwkyubTMddpUNwjxyaSMDXj6f9xjinViD5fLimY6e0iBLNeY16n3WRhmOUmRytdc7s8Fmc2IlW_kkRBAGP_ODgp2UfN2yLR/s1600-h/2009+02+01+02+Munchkin++Trip+to+Arizona+001+(1).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302150856199472882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj9Kj9yAsefWv5yvaA-slHk-_cUVgFgr9r7hYmLrO1sdnazwkyubTMddpUNwjxyaSMDXj6f9xjinViD5fLimY6e0iBLNeY16n3WRhmOUmRytdc7s8Fmc2IlW_kkRBAGP_ODgp2UfN2yLR/s320/2009+02+01+02+Munchkin++Trip+to+Arizona+001+(1).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><strong></strong><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Munchkin on one of her strolls</span></em></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>What Lies Ahead</strong><br />There is a busy weekend coming up. The nearby Casa Grande Ruins is having a 3-day event featuring native musicians, dancers and artisans, and I’ll be going there at least once, if not more.<br />Tomorrow morning Penny is teaching yet another craft class to make a spirit doll. I will go to help, but since I made one last year, I won’t be participating in the actual class. Penny has asked me to teach an introductory class on making jewelry, and I’m flattered to be asked, considering that I only began doing this a year ago under her tutelage.<br /><br />On Saturday evening, St. Valentine’s Day, there will be a Canadian dinner featuring roast beef with all the trimmings, for only $6 each. I was lucky that Penny and Doug had reserved a ticket for me, as it is sold out. Last year it was a wonderful meal and there was entertainment as well. There will be a dance with local musicians later, but I probably won’t go to that, since I don’t have a dancing partner.<br /><br />February and March are very busy months here in the park, and there are many events coming up in addition to the regular card games, water exercises, craft classes, etc. Besides these, the Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale is fast approaching, and later in March is the Indian Fair and Market at the Heard Museum. I went to both of these events last year and enjoyed them tremendously, so will definitely add them to the calendar.<br /><br />This morning, on my walk with Ripley, I stopped to watch bees feeding from the nectar on a flowering bush at the back of the park. There are rabbits that hop about my site in the park. And Yesterday, I photographed a cactus wren perched on my neighbour’s satellite dish. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlupMwsanaBEwVJcC26lkriPF-CRhMQidAP4ObNg_9G6WCdA84gpzyYreaPEq5s6jX0lrUgHNOvRDtNIiFze28wEarsHEGYcFrEnljMT6s4-N3P1c0RhVtOuEgE0LibrP8Tdc0Fx6-1ri/s1600-h/2009+02+12+02+Cactus+Wren+on+Dish+at+Indian+Skies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302150958025414466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlupMwsanaBEwVJcC26lkriPF-CRhMQidAP4ObNg_9G6WCdA84gpzyYreaPEq5s6jX0lrUgHNOvRDtNIiFze28wEarsHEGYcFrEnljMT6s4-N3P1c0RhVtOuEgE0LibrP8Tdc0Fx6-1ri/s320/2009+02+12+02+Cactus+Wren+on+Dish+at+Indian+Skies.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Cactus Wren</span></em></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I often go over to visit the burrowing owls in the abandoned subdivision behind the park, and hope to see some chicks on one of these visits. Ripley loves to go there because I can let her off the leash and play ball with her. Later today we went over there and discovered a fifth burrowing owl! It has its burrow amongst some tumbleweed and is completely hidden from the road, but Ripley went in to retrieve her ball and flushed the bird out. It flew off a little way, so I’ll know now to keep Ripley away from that area.<br /><br />Tonight I’m indulging in perogies and cabbage rolls, courtesy of Penny. She is of Polish descent and made up a huge bunch to share – a typically generous gesture of hers. They were delicious.</div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-56162333580922155822009-02-03T17:01:00.000-08:002009-02-03T17:02:14.668-08:00BLOG SIX<strong>BLOG SIX<br /><br />February 3, 2009<br /></strong><br />Jennie, my sister in law, passed away last Friday. I will be flying home tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4. Visitation is on Thursday and the funeral is on Friday. I’ll be staying in Brampton until Monday and then will fly back down to Arizona.<br /><br />The people here in the park have been extremely supportive. Stephen and Anna offered to drive me to the airport; Linda and Wayne (also from Ontario) are flying home tomorrow and also offered to take me to the airport, so I will go with them. Stephen will pick me up when I return on Monday.<br /><br />Penny and Doug unhesitatingly offered to take care of Ripley while I’m away. They’ve got it worked out so that when one of them is busy, the other one will stay with Ripley. It is very reassuring to know that Ripley will be in good hands, and she really likes Penny and Doug. And, as a back-up, Anna has offered to look after Ripley if Penny and Doug are busy. Anna lives on the no-pet side of the park so she can only do it for short periods of time.<br /><br />Those people who know about my bereavement here have been very kind, offering sympathy and encouragement. It really is like having an extended family.<br /><br />Since life goes on, I have still been getting involved in activities here. Penny taught another craft class last Friday (that was before I learned of Jennie’s passing) and I made a skin drum noisemaker under her guidance. I did skip the potato bake that evening, having just learned about Jennie.<br /><br />On Monday, February 2 eight of us drove down to Tucson to the huge Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Lorraine, Penny, Doug, Sandra, Karen and I went shopping while Denny and his 86 year old father sauntered around. I found some wonderful beads for future projects – things that I probably couldn’t have found in Canada, at excellent prices. The highlight for me was finding a booth where I bought six hand-carved wooden animals suitable for pendants. My animal friends will love these. All in all, we had a really fun day.<br /><br />So today, February 3 I have pulled out my winter snowboots, sweaters, etc. and packed up ready to head north to the land of ice and snow tomorrow.<br /><br />During my absence this coming Saturday is the craft sale here at Indian Skies. Penny, Sandra and Linda have very kindly offered to man my booth for me and hopefully sell some of my jewelry. I can’t thank them enough for all their kindnesses.Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-66675798733968858712009-01-28T17:34:00.000-08:002009-01-28T17:45:02.385-08:00EPISODE FIVE - JANUARY 2009<strong>BLOG FIVE<br /></strong><br /><strong>January 24, 2009<br /></strong><br />Blue and June Enright arrived on the afternoon of Saturday, January 24, with my car after journeying cross country from South Carolina. They had a good time, stopping in New Orleans, but mostly just driving. It’s a long way.<br /><br />I’ve arranged for them to rent one of the park’s trailers for the two nights that they are here. We got together for awhile for a beer, but they were tired, so we retired early.<br /><br />This has been a very difficult day for me. Last night I received an email from my brother Carl back in Brampton, Ontario to tell me that his wife Jennie has been in the ICU at the hospital since January 16th, suffering from pneumonia. She is now heavily sedated and is breathing through a tube down her throat. The doctors don’t seem to hold out much hope for her recovery. I am devastated and am preparing to fly home; however I called Carl today and he suggested that I wait until Monday. His middle son Brad lives in Japan and is flying home.<br /><br /><strong>January 25, 2009</strong><br /><br />Blue treated us to breakfast at Tags Restaurant here in Coolidge, but first I took them by an empty subdivision where I had seen a burrowing owl last year. They were as excited as I was to see that there were a pair together in that spot,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgEw9rgslNVBjwL2wKDDlJUHmJvv5xwudsc4hTreAOKM7aHz80CJ4u3YiijEWRZf7w7LysLz8_Njuax824weQ9YPKz18nnWNhaZ4GB3-RYK6TXZ2PUzrRbplYeeh0_3AuSR0KqgbLJkXQ/s1600-h/2009+01+26+18+Burrowing+Owls+Trip+to+Arizona+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296523789983484114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgEw9rgslNVBjwL2wKDDlJUHmJvv5xwudsc4hTreAOKM7aHz80CJ4u3YiijEWRZf7w7LysLz8_Njuax824weQ9YPKz18nnWNhaZ4GB3-RYK6TXZ2PUzrRbplYeeh0_3AuSR0KqgbLJkXQ/s320/2009+01+26+18+Burrowing+Owls+Trip+to+Arizona+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />PLUS we saw two other individual owls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBVpO72tam0vjqYJRINF-m_jmeuhLZrRFbuUthIU12MwRfiDqMP2RfiJXsX3A-XuoJDjJlSy3dlVhwHn9x1d3PWpwP-Cw-Q_jEhyphenhyphen-9abVRaidL0HGPWxy0M_qMJfwQmKCMzkzotwg1aK4/s1600-h/2009+01+26+12+Burrowing+owl+2+Trip+to+Arizona+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296523677153266194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBVpO72tam0vjqYJRINF-m_jmeuhLZrRFbuUthIU12MwRfiDqMP2RfiJXsX3A-XuoJDjJlSy3dlVhwHn9x1d3PWpwP-Cw-Q_jEhyphenhyphen-9abVRaidL0HGPWxy0M_qMJfwQmKCMzkzotwg1aK4/s320/2009+01+26+12+Burrowing+owl+2+Trip+to+Arizona+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> in the same subdivision. There are no houses built there; only the underground stuff and cement sidewalks have been built and hopefully, it will stay that way. It was great to be with two people who get as pumped as I do when sighting animals in their own habitat.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After this exciting start, we drove up to the Apache Trail around the Superstition Mountains, stopping first at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, featuring a wide variety of cacti and succulents from North America as well as Africa, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zM0NGs1anFyXtiR71yKQTDsu1LoprpYNVhpvCenQ8SRWnCVXDwofwYhZ2fpswiFO1Kmc2T1vLcKUXN95ki1xhLME2jFqDw2nngVpQxikQ58AwY1l7pAifT8hX3nl_ejjDCJTzJjA0jcT/s1600-h/2009+01+26+34+USE+Blue+and+June+at+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296523890868069218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zM0NGs1anFyXtiR71yKQTDsu1LoprpYNVhpvCenQ8SRWnCVXDwofwYhZ2fpswiFO1Kmc2T1vLcKUXN95ki1xhLME2jFqDw2nngVpQxikQ58AwY1l7pAifT8hX3nl_ejjDCJTzJjA0jcT/s320/2009+01+26+34+USE+Blue+and+June+at+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+036.jpg" border="0" /></a>plus Australian trees. Blue and June were snapping photos like crazy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1nhvcNWe9tgKyScQwS6GbIzlpW5TPIFtLDunasYZK4p-6311MoukSD9nJd0NDVBR6JYr6gK3UNH77LjScLcqhyPqFP66TN8uOnM9XwsUwtFkeXKWfD8hbCwPPQlIN0fGyQJPvDny1dxR/s1600-h/2009+01+26+42+Yucca+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524119782128178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1nhvcNWe9tgKyScQwS6GbIzlpW5TPIFtLDunasYZK4p-6311MoukSD9nJd0NDVBR6JYr6gK3UNH77LjScLcqhyPqFP66TN8uOnM9XwsUwtFkeXKWfD8hbCwPPQlIN0fGyQJPvDny1dxR/s320/2009+01+26+42+Yucca+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+044.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3p9S7aCRXZKNXVrKzAK0LWCHZU9ASvo_anbXndt5hgJs0ZSoc4DcOyieHCFs_OQ9iVTqh1yZdVZmB0b34ovYC-6wScjepeV5rduaRw4_vfG0DMwf1l1wkPuMyhkJZgJa2P6l1DxWsLeN/s1600-h/2009+01+26+43+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524575669355794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3p9S7aCRXZKNXVrKzAK0LWCHZU9ASvo_anbXndt5hgJs0ZSoc4DcOyieHCFs_OQ9iVTqh1yZdVZmB0b34ovYC-6wScjepeV5rduaRw4_vfG0DMwf1l1wkPuMyhkJZgJa2P6l1DxWsLeN/s320/2009+01+26+43+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+045.jpg" border="0" /></a>Blue was born in Australia, and was particularly interested in seeing the gum trees, but he also is fascinated by cacti. I once had quite a collection of succulents so it was fascinating for me also to see them growing here. And of course, Ripley was with us and enjoyed the walk around the vast grounds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEIjo0eh3fifCqFn0i3cO-Advou2er9rE6aNFuLr3EOf3Lc6oXnNlYSl4hZUTScjqPOjpt5EK7Xh3ATTmnbIUcgBxlw7RfqAzIhEQFJRH2IBTNfRH8Rolo8_jxpQ1lrZB_0_35toZQD7K/s1600-h/2009+01+26+47+Prickly+Pear+Trip+to+Arizona+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524207590760034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEIjo0eh3fifCqFn0i3cO-Advou2er9rE6aNFuLr3EOf3Lc6oXnNlYSl4hZUTScjqPOjpt5EK7Xh3ATTmnbIUcgBxlw7RfqAzIhEQFJRH2IBTNfRH8Rolo8_jxpQ1lrZB_0_35toZQD7K/s320/2009+01+26+47+Prickly+Pear+Trip+to+Arizona+049.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PYhPJUU-n4GtsRVQBtrBUJOXuurygyAybzr0qAhvaAGCFawlIihH6yjBGrhjKXznuKGhVfRAI67eU1kBi0oB8KgpYx6q_baUCMJv2HvOhjpC11kIrkswgo3jBtp8ET0UmB6SDwY6eLIT/s1600-h/2009+01+26+35+USE+Marilyn+Ripley+at+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524019252570130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PYhPJUU-n4GtsRVQBtrBUJOXuurygyAybzr0qAhvaAGCFawlIihH6yjBGrhjKXznuKGhVfRAI67eU1kBi0oB8KgpYx6q_baUCMJv2HvOhjpC11kIrkswgo3jBtp8ET0UmB6SDwY6eLIT/s320/2009+01+26+35+USE+Marilyn+Ripley+at+Boyce+Thompson+Arboretum+Trip+to+Arizona+037.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We then pressed on to Tonto National Monument to climb up to the cliff dwellings there. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf2YAApX_NU8r-RJVcr4rXo5V-8RcJ-bO0yFe5ZMKfBaqPoD3IL8goty_v5hkxPR1s9XnJOABATpm9WKS7DgIoAEeqUQaKCJEovxW5KjwNGESrej9HhynSBjzDD04-lI4kqiyMlbzGhzS/s1600-h/2009+01+26+65+June+Marilyn+and+Ripley+USE+at+Tonto+National+Monument+Trip+to+Arizona+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524400893442898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf2YAApX_NU8r-RJVcr4rXo5V-8RcJ-bO0yFe5ZMKfBaqPoD3IL8goty_v5hkxPR1s9XnJOABATpm9WKS7DgIoAEeqUQaKCJEovxW5KjwNGESrej9HhynSBjzDD04-lI4kqiyMlbzGhzS/s320/2009+01+26+65+June+Marilyn+and+Ripley+USE+at+Tonto+National+Monument+Trip+to+Arizona+067.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuNIykJAaGEZ3fdVFXaFTkUd0NENQ0bBQ7WtngLPqwE5uYRKNInzrpK9HSDVsqEsv8875nEoN1zQVw2MgHT2yhSRyQ-oHJqNoM1tdPNU1MWj0kQu2jxLM2Fk97p8Jpf56nCHiHUyvdcWH/s1600-h/2009+01+26+67+Cliff+Dwellings+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524478380361554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuNIykJAaGEZ3fdVFXaFTkUd0NENQ0bBQ7WtngLPqwE5uYRKNInzrpK9HSDVsqEsv8875nEoN1zQVw2MgHT2yhSRyQ-oHJqNoM1tdPNU1MWj0kQu2jxLM2Fk97p8Jpf56nCHiHUyvdcWH/s320/2009+01+26+67+Cliff+Dwellings+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+069.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Salado people lived here, going up and down the steep hills to get their water from the rivers below, which have now been dammed to form Lake Roosevelt. I had visited here last year, but I enjoyed visiting a second time and the Enrights found it quite fascinating.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcya_jnISoPtVvIDXkP-nnqLc948gly2v-T3hFxRrGiootoyDHTdjQsLELWr3SuG5ybL9a7KoMmTfz73oveBDa-GI2Oi6SSMn6Rw_q4Lm-lMfnu_fa033P4PtmyekRtTySdKeohV9UrSY/s1600-h/2009+01+26+58+Saguaro+at+Tonto+National+Monument++Trip+to+Arizona+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296524304069246578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcya_jnISoPtVvIDXkP-nnqLc948gly2v-T3hFxRrGiootoyDHTdjQsLELWr3SuG5ybL9a7KoMmTfz73oveBDa-GI2Oi6SSMn6Rw_q4Lm-lMfnu_fa033P4PtmyekRtTySdKeohV9UrSY/s320/2009+01+26+58+Saguaro+at+Tonto+National+Monument++Trip+to+Arizona+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It was then time to turn around, and I was pleased to be a passenger today while Blue did all the driving. </div><div> </div><div>We arrived back at Indian Skies just in time for June and me to go to the ice cream social where we sat with Penny and Doug and many others whose names I can’t remember. Blue and June are quite taken with the place and are seriously considering renting a trailer next year.<br /><br />It was a wonderful day and being with Blue and June really kept me occupied and my mind off my sister in law. However, the news is not good back home.<br /><br /><strong>January 26, 2009</strong><br /><br />I drove Blue and June to the airport in Phoenix for them to catch their plane back home. It’s a shame that they really only had one day to see Arizona, but I’m sure they will be back.<br /><br />Afterwards, I headed over to Mesa to visit with Jerry and Diane Ziolkoski. Jerry is my father’s brother’s son (cousin) whom I have had the pleasure of seeing last year both here in Arizona as well as at their cottage in Kenora, Ontario on my way through. My phone has not been working well here, so Diane took me over to Wal Mart so that I could purchase a new phone that will provide better service in this area. My new phone number is (520) 709-0708.<br /><br />When we returned, Diane invited me for lunch but when she checked with the park manager, she was told that Ripley could not even remain in the car. I knew it was a No Pets park, but I thought that she would be alright staying in the car. So, Diane wrapped up a sandwich to go. A quick visit, but I’m sure we’ll get together again.<br /><br /><strong>January 28, 2009<br /></strong><br />I’ve been gradually sorting out everything in the motorhome, and today I went over to painting class, just to check it out. There is no teacher, but Peggy and Jan offered to help me. I’m not sure that I would be any good at it, but I will try first by tracing a pattern, and then go from there.<br /><br />I have been in daily contact with my brother and the news is not good. Jennie has now developed pancreatitis. We discussed whether I should fly back, but Carl said there would be nothing for me to do. Jennie is unconscious and doesn’t recognize anybody; he has his three children and two close friends for support, but we’ll just play it day by day. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-27317594640707657812009-01-23T21:15:00.000-08:002009-01-23T21:20:03.069-08:00EPISODE FOUR - JANUARY, 2009<strong>BLOG FOUR<br /><br /></strong>Since my arrival at Indian Skies RV Resort, I’ve been busy organizing the interior of the motorhome, as I never did get a chance after my return last summer. Almost immediately I had taken it over to Owasco RV to do the necessary repairs after the damage I did last summer in Revelstoke, B.C. I pulled out too tightly from the curb where I was parked and hit an ornamental iron lamppost with roundels on it, and managed to slice three holes in the side of the RV. It took some time for Owasco to work up an estimate for the insurance company ($8,000!!!), and then some time for the insurance company to approve the work. Thank goodness for insurance companies that play fair—I was very concerned that they would say that the RV was too old and refuse to pay, so I was greatly relieved when I finally heard that the work was going ahead. However, it took Owasco RV until December to do the extensive work involved.<br /><br />And after that I took it over to Blue Enright for him to look at the generator (which wasn’t working). Blue and his neighbour Winston spent many, many hours on it, replacing parts (one of which had been installed upside down), but they persevered and it is now operational again, and I will now be able to do some boondocking in the desert when I leave Indian Skies in early April.<br /><br />But I digress. As a consequence of all the time spent getting repairs done, I never did get a chance to take out the stuff from last year’s trip and only threw in boxes of new stuff (including all my beading materials). And now I am slowly sifting through everything to make some semblance of order inside.<br /><br /><strong>Social Stuff</strong><br /><br />If I were so inclined, I could be busy with one activity or another every minute of the day here at Indian Skies. So far I went to a bingo (didn’t win); donuts and coffee morning (won some delicious cinnamon buns made by Betty here); visited the lending library in the park; attended a craft class to help Penny and Doug; visited with various people here; spent time at Happy Hour hosted by Stephen and Anna; gone shopping with Anna (in her car); spent time in the hot tub etc. etc. That leaves precious little time to re-organize everything, but I’ve managed to tackle the kitchen area and the bedroom area, stow away my winter clothes and get started on unpacking boxes. But there is still quite a bit to do. And of course, I want to complete the writing I have been doing for the Wild Carnivore website. I still have two more habitats to research and compose. And after that I want to try my hand at writing a book based on my blog of last year. And I have a few other projects also in mind to tackle, as well as participating in the activities here and getting around Arizona more to see things I missed last year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aNQr3r7p9gLt3cNntorv2fkArzSjNLCRbzzFjJqzoxYzXxd959iWIR0goOovsHqX0l5xWBAxDWAPAoFDXKXSBbgTz_Morx0As__h8uj0mVyjSR2vPzCQ6cEJpqMNBupuTFR6iCIwVTRw/s1600-h/2009+01+23+04+Billiards+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294725049525251234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aNQr3r7p9gLt3cNntorv2fkArzSjNLCRbzzFjJqzoxYzXxd959iWIR0goOovsHqX0l5xWBAxDWAPAoFDXKXSBbgTz_Morx0As__h8uj0mVyjSR2vPzCQ6cEJpqMNBupuTFR6iCIwVTRw/s320/2009+01+23+04+Billiards+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+085.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Billiards Room, Indian Skies</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5e93jr2TwaRBpBjoFfq0Gk49QoRPKV073AEd-ZlH8LyBGQTFTkqE6wlq2-dpxauHljPrAfcZI5-tBWrr8dv6MACyjjkM_k0bhvJt7L4xcKj6qenloNJJAwi3SBnxZ6DDUtIad9jXLIEf/s1600-h/2009+01+23+08+Marla+and+Mother+(She+makes+her+jewlery)+Trip+to+Arizona+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294725141607167826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5e93jr2TwaRBpBjoFfq0Gk49QoRPKV073AEd-ZlH8LyBGQTFTkqE6wlq2-dpxauHljPrAfcZI5-tBWrr8dv6MACyjjkM_k0bhvJt7L4xcKj6qenloNJJAwi3SBnxZ6DDUtIad9jXLIEf/s320/2009+01+23+08+Marla+and+Mother+(She+makes+her+jewlery)+Trip+to+Arizona+079.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Craft Class</span></em></div><div> </div><div>On Saturday, January 24 I am going to a pancake breakfast, and then going with Penny and Linda to a craft sale at a neighbouring RV park. And so it goes every day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHjSLl13g161avJOzwIzU5TeOidG3yo3ksxUrjXOiwAlBqTb2ASmiWeGkHt0xTGsY7P7jPC-QQhAtb2wE6XU0iO5GxRdjJ1pN2yPky1WBJ11HbkAIhciNlJaHKkFSMky_sBH5ePJtXYxV/s1600-h/2009+01+23+14+Indian+Skies+Pool+Trip+to+Arizona+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294725205165648258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHjSLl13g161avJOzwIzU5TeOidG3yo3ksxUrjXOiwAlBqTb2ASmiWeGkHt0xTGsY7P7jPC-QQhAtb2wE6XU0iO5GxRdjJ1pN2yPky1WBJ11HbkAIhciNlJaHKkFSMky_sBH5ePJtXYxV/s320/2009+01+23+14+Indian+Skies+Pool+Trip+to+Arizona+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Pool Area, Indian Skies</span></em></div><div> </div><div>Blue and June Enright are driving my car down here after first going to a friend’s birthday party in South Carolina. As of Friday, January 23 they had made it to El Paso and expect to arrive Saturday evening. I’ve arranged for them to rent a trailer here in the park, but unfortunately they are flying home on Monday, so they will really only have one day to sample Arizona.<br /><br />It will be nice to have a car to travel around in.<br /><br />And so, I will update my blog from time to time, but it won’t be detailed like last time. </div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-70481170660640414622009-01-23T21:01:00.000-08:002009-01-23T21:29:52.848-08:00EPISODE THREE - JANUARY, 2009<strong>January 19, 2009<br /></strong><br />Mileage 125,100<br /><br />Just in case the camping really wasn’t free and fearing that someone might come over to charge me, I got up early and headed westward once again. Listening to the radio, I concluded that they really like the group Nickleback out here. They play them often. Carrie Underwood is another favourite.<br /><br />Just past Holbrook I detoured to see the Meteor Crater that is a National Natural Landmark. 50,000 years ago a meteorite estimated to be 150 feet across and weighing several hundred thousand tons, struck the earth at this spot. The resulting shock waves would have devastated the surrounding area and the iron-nickel meteorite vapourized and melted. It left behind a crater 700 feet deep and over 4000 feet across. At the same time over 175 million tons of limestone and sandstone were thrown out to form a continuous blanket of debris for over a mile.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddGlxsl-h0W2eNBRtzCAXWdbyEdyKrECSA_TS_3W0lPJBN7WrEK18PeRiSw-akMjWQR-FFVRECdE7stwQQOAzfhf5YfHz_1bDlH6zxKY6CAb5RNSwSHCNg7u52E6e6LQ_A2_U0SWFzAOR/s1600-h/2009+01+19+38+Meteor+Crater+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294721453682512962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddGlxsl-h0W2eNBRtzCAXWdbyEdyKrECSA_TS_3W0lPJBN7WrEK18PeRiSw-akMjWQR-FFVRECdE7stwQQOAzfhf5YfHz_1bDlH6zxKY6CAb5RNSwSHCNg7u52E6e6LQ_A2_U0SWFzAOR/s320/2009+01+19+38+Meteor+Crater+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Don’t get the idea that I am well-learned. I’m taking this information from the brochure at the site. Since the crater resembles that of the craters on the moon, NASA astronauts trained in this area from 1964 to 1972, in preparation for the moon landing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After taking in this site (Ripley had to stay in the motorhome), we continued on our way to Flagstaff and then south through snowy mountains. We slowly dropped in elevation until the snow disappeared and stopped for the night at Fordes Junction RV and Motel. The site cost $11 with my Passport America membership, but they wanted an extra $5 to use the showers!! I’ve never encountered that before, and needless to say, I passed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FeNFInCh0f4xhdB0JEViQaz-YRl8DvNlfYRhEoAv6bybZuapogYdiRuNnOXCSuKWrhtWAllSHAh-QR15KleQe93EyHnxcyYP27TY149v-j4_r_esQ7hUj0753_pR6SO7TK5Fu66eHQ3i/s1600-h/2009+01+19+55+Ripley+at+Cordes+Junction+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294721658364256834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FeNFInCh0f4xhdB0JEViQaz-YRl8DvNlfYRhEoAv6bybZuapogYdiRuNnOXCSuKWrhtWAllSHAh-QR15KleQe93EyHnxcyYP27TY149v-j4_r_esQ7hUj0753_pR6SO7TK5Fu66eHQ3i/s320/2009+01+19+55+Ripley+at+Cordes+Junction+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+072.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Ripley at Fordes Junction, Arizona</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mileage at the end of day – 125,417 – Total for day 317 km.<br /><br /><strong>January 20, 2009<br /><br /></strong>We were only two hours away from our destination, so I got up leisurely and watched the historic inauguration of Barack Obama before moving on. It was an event that I wanted to watch because of its place in history. Ripley noticed three quail scooting past – a great sight after not seeing any wildlife for days, except for the odd crow/raven.<br /><br />We then were on our way once again, stopping at Love’s Truck Stop for gas and some snacks. But I am now wearing a t-shirt, having discarded several layers of sweaters, etc. along the way. What a glorious feeling to be back in the warmth and sunshine of Arizona! And to see that the vegetation is starting to flower.<br /><br />After having driven through slush, salt roads and snow, Philippa was looking pretty filthy, not to mention my bike attached to the back. I treated them both to a truck wash, where four people with heavy pressure sprayers worked them over, and they came out sparkling clean – for $27. Worth every penny.<br /><br />On the way through Casa Grande I stopped at Petsmart to stock up on Ripley’s kibble, but they didn’t have the brand that I have been using (Solid Gold), so I am trying out Wilderness brand, which is also supposed to be a natural dog food containing little or no grains. Hope Ripley likes it when I switch (adding some of the old with the new of course).<br /><br />We finally pulled into Indian Skies RV Resort around 3:00, checked in with RoseMarry at the office and pulled into our old site between Hoppy and Georgia (from Montana) and their dog Shaggy (a shitzu) and Lorne and Eileen from Whitby, Ontario on the other side. The only problem is that there are two large holes near the water taps and electric hook up, so I’ll have to see what can be done about that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqSNlijTtYt97y295Oe6QZHu8ryrVpxoNf9ehvSCfjJ0niuHLtGQhYNfRmNUAEW2tLwQVr2Pa25bM2pSJibM0lfXbATN0VBBDZZ_iffVgifue4PM72ifSGyFIAg76Tf7EtNeFN8sEz-Ew/s1600-h/2009+01+23+13+Indian+Skies+Bldg.+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294722036261803938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqSNlijTtYt97y295Oe6QZHu8ryrVpxoNf9ehvSCfjJ0niuHLtGQhYNfRmNUAEW2tLwQVr2Pa25bM2pSJibM0lfXbATN0VBBDZZ_iffVgifue4PM72ifSGyFIAg76Tf7EtNeFN8sEz-Ew/s320/2009+01+23+13+Indian+Skies+Bldg.+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Indian Skies RV Resort Office and Rec Areas</em></span><br /><br /><br />Ripley and I went around renewing old friendships with Penny and Doug (from Bayfield, Ontario), Klara and Mick (Perth, Ontario) and Stephen and Anna (Collingwood, Ontario), as well as several others whose names I can’t remember. Everyone here is friendly, whether you know them or not. They’ll say hi as they pass, and people like Hoppy and Stephen are there to help you if you have a problem. For instance, Hoppy came over to get my hot water going.<br /><br />It’s good to be back.<br /><br />Mileage 125,648 km. Total from home – 4,025 km. or 2,501 miles.<br /><br />From now on I will not be providing information on a daily basis. I simply have too many projects to work on (writing for money; doing crafts; traveling around Arizona; joining in the many activities here at Indian Skies. But I will give you highlights and hope you won’t mind. Thanks to all of you who did request that I continue writing a blog on this trip. It’s really nice to know that people are interested in what I am doing.Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-50030250016557048332009-01-12T16:40:00.000-08:002009-01-23T21:29:28.223-08:00EPISODE TWO - REVISED WITH PHOTOS - JANUARY, 2009<div> <strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">January 12, 2009 </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I had forgotten to write in the previous blog that I met a fellow at the East Mount Motel who was also travelling to Arizona (Magic Junction) and had travelled across country from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He said it was a 3,400 mile trip and he and his wife made it annually. And I thought that I had a journey!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The windshield washer fluid in Phillippa was summer type and was frozen and no use to me when driving along the sloppy highways. Not much I could do about it except wait until I'm further south.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I did see quite a few hawks as I drove along the 401 back in Canada. It had been a relatively mild day and I suppose they were out hunting.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I might as well keep this up to date as I travel. There isn't much exciting happening as I'm driving on highways. I started out from Lansing Michigan this morning, feeling much better after resting. Mileage 122,243 kms on odometer. Other than stopping for gas and a few pit stops, I continued on through Indiana, finally leaving the snow behind at Indianapolis. The countryside looks much like rural Ontario -- farms, with some trees along the fencelines. Part of the day was sunny, but it clouded over later. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I wanted to make up some time for stopping early yesterday so continued until dark, stopping in Terre Haute, Indiana. I probably could have parked at the local Wal Mart, as had been suggested by Anna & Stephen Wismer, who had suggested the route I should take. They live in Collingwood in the summer and are already at Indian Skies in Arizona. However, I decided to indulge myself in one more motel night. The Days Inn, featuring wi fi and continental breakfast. However, they did charge me an extra $5 because of Ripley.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I was pleased to see that my American cell phone is still operating (352) 568-5307, so I added some money to my pay as you go account. If I recall, though, it was very difficult to call Canada on that phone. My Canadian cell phone doesn't operate down here.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I've just taken Ripley for her nightly walk, so I'm off to relax in front of the TV.</span><br /><br />Total kms. today - 522<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>JANUARY 13, 2009<br /></strong><br />Start mileage 122,765 km. at Terre Haute, Indiana<br /><br />Spent the night at Days Inn. Needs work. But at least the price included continental breakfast . Charged $5 extra for Ripley. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br />It is bitterly cold, starting out with snow flurries and very strong winds as I head west.<br />At a rest stop, I noticed that a clamp holding up a long tubular “thing” had broken off. I don’t want to stop somewhere to get it fixed, so I used some bungee cords to tie it up, and hopefully this will work until I get to Arizona. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Gas costs $1.64 in Illinois.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br />The “Check Engine” light came on again, but when I unscrewed the gas cap and screwed it back in again, the light stayed off. This is very disconcerting.<br /><br />As I headed into Missouri, I gained an hour as I hit another time zone, and this inspired me to keep on driving until the sun was so bright in my eyes as it was setting. It made driving on precarious, and I chose to stop at St. Roberts, Missouri. The weather is predicted to go down to 17ºF tonight, so again I opted to stay at a motel – this time Motel 6 – very basic, but at least they gave me a seniors discount and didn’t charge extra for Ripley.<br /><br />Stop mileage 123,240 km. Total 475 km. </span><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>January 14, 2009<br /></strong><br />Mileage 123,240 km<br /><br />I was sneezing quite a big yesterday and it seems that I’ve picked up a cold. Hopefully, downing large doses of Echinacea will keep it in check.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that, while driving through Michigan I passed the scene of a bad accident. It looked to me like the driver of a tractor transport may have fallen asleep, crossed the median to the other side of the interstate and went into the ditch on the far side. The transport was still in the ditch but the truck part had been brought back up to the road. It had a huge hole in the windshield and I wonder whether the driver went through it and if he survived.<br /><br />After a comfortable night at the Motel 6, I played ball with Ripley for awhile. The weather seems milder this morning. Treated myself to a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream at the Waffle House.<br /><br />The terrain is getting hilly as I passed through the northern part of the Ozarks across Missouri. The winds were very heavy and pushed the motorhome around the road. I’ve noticed lots of horse trailers on the road and saw some gorgeous paints in the fields.<br /><br />I got a call on my US cell phone from Margaret. Hi there. Of course I remember you and it was great to hear from you. I’m sorry I missed your call but I didn’t realize the phone was ringing in my purse and it stopped by the time I fished it out! Thanks for the good wishes. I still miss the ACC and hope to be able to return there in the future.<br /><br />Gas costs $1.68 gallon in Missouri.<br /><br />There is a curious apparatus in the restrooms in the rest areas in Missouri. It is a combination soap dispenser, tap and dryer, all in one! Never seen this before.<br /><br />The day was mostly sunny and mild, but turned bitterly cold late in the afternoon. I got as far as Miami, Oklahoma and opted to stay in another motel because of the temperature. Deluxe Motel.<br /><br />I discovered a Rotary park right behind the motel and Ripley enjoyed a romp, but it had to be short because of the bitter cold.<br /><br />Mileage 123,527 – Total today 287 km.<br /><br /><strong>JANUARY 15, 2009<br /></strong><br />Mileage 123,527<br /><br />We got on the road early, starting out in blowing snow. I thought it was supposed to be warmer down here in Oklahoma, but so far it has been below freezing and pretty unpleasant.<br /><br />Passed a sign declaring “Girls and Beer”.<br /><br />Most of the radio stations play country and I found one that played only the old style country “hurting” music. Plus some gospel stations.<br /><br />I decided to make a run for it across Oklahoma today and managed to get to Exit 1 at the Texas state line by 4:00 p.m. Decided to stop at the Double D RV Park. Price was $11 with my Passport America membership (half price). There are two other RV’s staying the night here as well. It was warm enough to play ball with Ripley for a brief period before retiring into the relatively warm inside of Phillippa. Hopefully the furnace will work sufficiently well to make it fairly comfortable here, as the temperature outside is still below freezing. My RV has been winterized which means there is no water, and therefore no toilet, but the restrooms are only about 100 feet away inside the restaurant.<br /><br />Mileage 124,073 – Total today 542 km.<br /><br /><strong>JANUARY 16, 2009<br /><br /></strong>June and Blue Enright should be leaving for Carolina this morning. Hope all goes well with the car.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I made my way across the Texas panhandle, passing by some small buttes near Dooley. The headwinds were very strong. I saw my first wind turbines on this trip.<br /><br />Came across a sign advertising an RV park with “Texas sized spaces”.<br /><br />There is a county called Deaf Smith.<br /><br />Passed into New Mexico and entered Mountain Time Zone, so am now two hours behind Toronto time.<br /><br />As I headed to a rest area 25 miles west of Santa Rosa, the RV broke down. It started to chug, and I just made it into the rest area before she gave up for good. This reminded me of the episode I had last year in the middle area of Texas and I’ll bet that once again it is a plugged fuel filter causing the problem. To make matters worse, my cell phone did not have a signal, so I was forced to ask a trucker if I could borrow his phone to call the Emergency Roadside Assistance Insurance hotline in Montreal. The idiot who responded told me in no uncertain terms that he could do nothing until Monday morning because all the garages in New Mexico are closed on Saturday. I found this unacceptable and insisted that he search around to find a towing service, and with the help of the trucker who had loaned me his cell phone, he eventually did find Ortega’s Towing back in Santa Rosa. But this happened only after I called him back three times. Needless to say, I will be looking for another insurance carrier when my policy expires!<br /><br />The two fellows from Ortega’s Towing eventually did come and spent a lot of time hooking up the RV because they could not disconnect the drive shaft. Apparently, this is necessary in order not to wreck the transmission (although I know for sure that the person who towed me in Texas last year did not disconnect the line). It took them forever and finally they had to break the plugs holding the drive shaft. Lorenzo took me back to the station in Santa Rosa, plugged me into the power outlet there and assured me that the mechanic would be on duty in the morning. However, the tow cost $323!! Here we go again.<br /><br /><strong>JANUARY 17, 2009<br /></strong><br />I didn’t sleep very well, worrying about the breakdown. However, the temperature is much milder here and, with the furnace operating, it was quite comfortable inside the RV.<br /><br />Eventually Jimmy the mechanic came in about 9:30. He was slow and methodical, but did a diagnostic exam first and didn’t find any warnings. He was concerned that the fuel pump might be the cause, but he went ahead and replaced both fuel filters (I didn’t know there were two). He also replaced the pieces that Lorenzo had to break on the drive shaft. While he was at it, I asked him to fix the broken clamp on the generator muffler that had broken a couple of days ago.<br /><br />It was very nice to hear birds singing – the first I’ve heard so far.<br /><br />While waiting for Jimmy to finish, I took Ripley for a walk around the area, but we didn’t get away until 2:00 p.m. That cost me another $287, for a total of $611. It is my own fault. I should have had the fuel filters replaced before I started out. But just the same, I wasn’t happy.<br /><br />Since it was already afternoon by the time we got started, I only made it to Hidden Valley RV Resort 20 miles east of Albuquerque. There are quite a number of RV’s here, many of whom live here permanently. I am assuming that many of them probably commute to work in Albuquerque and the children probably attend the local school.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8IjxZjg4zf_reBXXHsnkkxD-aoD_U0hLHOFmunmG6zwkQvyKtedcPLo6CUyKzrz9fbeCXHO6TtESAYJPhCAyTWmqGtqJyUg_KTlclCuF_iaA2TQbofbKi2YPbP8a2pB89lr_kmRAA6pX/s1600-h/2009+01+17+Hidden+Valley+RV,+New+Mexico+Trip+to+Arizona+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294726025867744834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8IjxZjg4zf_reBXXHsnkkxD-aoD_U0hLHOFmunmG6zwkQvyKtedcPLo6CUyKzrz9fbeCXHO6TtESAYJPhCAyTWmqGtqJyUg_KTlclCuF_iaA2TQbofbKi2YPbP8a2pB89lr_kmRAA6pX/s320/2009+01+17+Hidden+Valley+RV,+New+Mexico+Trip+to+Arizona+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Hidden Valley RV Resort, New Mexico</span></em></p></span><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>JANUARY 18, 2009 </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mileage 124,542<br />I’ve decided to deviate from the directions given to me by Anna and Stephen, and continue west along Highway 40 instead of going south on Highway 25. I’m not quite sure why they suggested that detour as it is a longer route, but Highway 40 takes me through some lovely mesas and buttes and Phillippa should be able to handle the gentle inclines. I’ve decided it’s time to start playing tourist.<br /><br />Got up early and hit the road, stopping at a roadside rest area in the Pueblo Indian region. There were two booths there selling jewelry and pottery. I had a look at the jewelry and now that I make some myself, I looked at everything with a critical eye and decided that I could do just as well. However, my eye did catch on a small pot and I managed to get it for $15. I was told that it is a Laguna traditional design.<br /><br />Later on, I stopped at a truck stop near Gallup and saw three of the most obese people I think that I have ever seen. An older man weighed probably 300 lbs.; a young man (maybe his son) who weighed around 400 lbs. and a young woman (maybe a daughter) who weighed around 250. Don’t they realize they are shortening their lives and contributing to all kinds of health problems with their obesity?<br /><br />I finally crossed into Arizona! Yea!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaGNKF3P_UTbDcJkGcoBqSBdblvmonrqvyiWRkRiey3N9Iiw6Yg56weoEQ1lsLY3lfMg5A7RaOJLZDWbDpFUgibVKZE0g-D4VtqoamvvykcQ0h2TnZKxt0HXukKj7vCtK5vNPq4fxRIkB/s1600-h/2009+01+19+06+Painted+Desert+Arizona+Trip+to+Arizona+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294726112516704770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaGNKF3P_UTbDcJkGcoBqSBdblvmonrqvyiWRkRiey3N9Iiw6Yg56weoEQ1lsLY3lfMg5A7RaOJLZDWbDpFUgibVKZE0g-D4VtqoamvvykcQ0h2TnZKxt0HXukKj7vCtK5vNPq4fxRIkB/s320/2009+01+19+06+Painted+Desert+Arizona+Trip+to+Arizona+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Painted Desert - yes that's snow</span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Petrified Forest/Painted Desert was my destination and I got there later than I had hoped at 4:00. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLW0jTy1NWSWoRswd2IW9m6XRmtH_eLh09x_Hg_H8Qgb8NDj5_xGFWXitDaSi53kvQAJL1h7cYNz9QHwppEs8T_n6hAK5gX1rVgaccSKx4RIwlZ70egR6kHYxQ_YqV_AQyABtjCJGE3pF/s1600-h/2009+01+19+26+Crystal+Forest+in+petrified+Forest+Trip+to+Arizona+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294726467022748466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLW0jTy1NWSWoRswd2IW9m6XRmtH_eLh09x_Hg_H8Qgb8NDj5_xGFWXitDaSi53kvQAJL1h7cYNz9QHwppEs8T_n6hAK5gX1rVgaccSKx4RIwlZ70egR6kHYxQ_YqV_AQyABtjCJGE3pF/s320/2009+01+19+26+Crystal+Forest+in+petrified+Forest+Trip+to+Arizona+039.jpg" border="0" /></a>The park closed at 5:00, so I had to rush through, but I still got quite a few photo – and I saw a herd of pronghorn antelope!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em>Petrified Forest -- Prehistoric wood that has turned to stone</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"> I stopped at the historic Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, and couldn’t resist buying a Tony Hillerman audio CD, plus a CD entitled “Ancient Voices”. The park guide gave me a great teacher’s discount and the two cost only $24. He was very nice and we chatted about American politics and his love of Canada. He wants to go to the Edmonton Mall!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaccCS1y_xiBADmhe4zbbFfijtO6AVEonNB7cLIZD8fFXvujt9KmtbavXQ_Tq5t7gFtiB5wfc4PRIe-HzvnXM2isFjERi5qncumhvfLV5R_Fr7Aw-5SDDEHERtIIu602aZZht7LqewOEP/s1600-h/2009+01+19+17+Historic+Painted+Desert+Inn+Painting+Trip+to+Arizona+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294726364341082690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaccCS1y_xiBADmhe4zbbFfijtO6AVEonNB7cLIZD8fFXvujt9KmtbavXQ_Tq5t7gFtiB5wfc4PRIe-HzvnXM2isFjERi5qncumhvfLV5R_Fr7Aw-5SDDEHERtIIu602aZZht7LqewOEP/s320/2009+01+19+17+Historic+Painted+Desert+Inn+Painting+Trip+to+Arizona+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p></span><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em></em></span> </p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Wall painting inside Historic Painted Desert Inn</span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNtdG4b1BpwwMrgR53-qWmqOJtGUWxcYE9TZijPe-Gdxa9f-T6TobA0S4-5jzcGZX2C5QMnNef7vELLzYcUDGFmiIavdSxVEsj06RzrBVAh4ht-bQ_CzbWNbhegRAfdxIWAq7QbrtdoZT/s1600-h/2009+01+19+11Painted+Desert+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294726268907491570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNtdG4b1BpwwMrgR53-qWmqOJtGUWxcYE9TZijPe-Gdxa9f-T6TobA0S4-5jzcGZX2C5QMnNef7vELLzYcUDGFmiIavdSxVEsj06RzrBVAh4ht-bQ_CzbWNbhegRAfdxIWAq7QbrtdoZT/s320/2009+01+19+11Painted+Desert+USE+Trip+to+Arizona+044.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Painted Desert</span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Anyway, I did stop at various lookout spots including Tiponi Point, Newspaper Rock (there are petroglyphs there) and the Crystal Forest where there was large petrified logs lying around. It is there that the park ranger stopped me and told me that as it was now 5:27 I had to leave and not stop anymore. He was very pedantic, so I decided to humour him and just get going. It was getting dark anyway.<br /><br />I had thought of stopping at the Flying J Truck Stop for the night, but just outside the park gates, I saw a sign saying free camping beside one of these tourist stores. As there was no one around, I hooked up to electricity and made myself comfortable for the night.<br /><br />Mileage 125,100 km – Total mileage today 558 km. Total for the trip so far 3,477 km.<br /><br /></p></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></p><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-71123354763096536542009-01-12T04:11:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:01:29.900-08:00NEW ADVENTURE<span style="font-family:Arial;">January, 2009</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Winter is here yet again in Ontario and it is time for me to head off to sunnier climes. After a very lengthy time at Owasco RV, Phillippa is now repaired. Last year I damaged the motorhome when pulling out from a curb, scraping three holes in the side. Little did I realize that the damage was quite extensive because the entire side had to be re-covered in order to prevent water damage, and a new compartment door, shower door and bumper had to be replaced -- $8,000 damage in all! Thank goodness for insurance.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">However, the generator still was not working. I asked my friend Blue Enright to take a look and great friend that he is, he and his buddy Winston spent hours and hours solving the problem. They weren't about to let it go until the generator was fixed. They replaced the fuel pump, condensor and some other assorted parts and finally, after many days -- success! So I now have the option of electricity and heat when parked.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Starting Off - January 10, 2009</span></strong> JANUARY 12, 2009<br />Start mileage from Pickering - 121,623 km<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">There have already been a few snowfalls in Ontario and ideally I would have left just after Christmas. Nevertheless, Ripley and I started out around 9:00 a.m. from the Enrights' house. I dropped my car off there because June and Blue will be driving it down to Arizona for me. It's going to be great to have a car to drive around in once I arrive, instead of having to unhook Phillippa when I want to go somewhere.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">After a stop at my brother's house in Brampton to pick up my mail, we headed down the 401 and managed to get as far as Sarnia. I didn't expect to get that far, but the roads were clear most of the way. Because the weather is bitterly cold, I chose to stay at the East Mount Motel in Sarnia ($50 with seniors discount). The furnace in the motorhome is not really equipped for such an extreme temperature. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm concerned about the pain in my arthritic neck caused from the posture of driving. I'm trying a neck pillow and it helps somewhat, and I have an Obusform for my back, but I'm still having trouble. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">January 11, 2009</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">We got off to an early start, crossed the border at Port Huron without any problems, and took Highway 69 in Michigan. Unfortunately I have a migraine today and feel quite nauseous, so I didn't drive as far as I had hoped. I got as far as Lansing and decided to stop at Motel 6 to recover. There's lots of snow here. I went to Denny's to try to eat something, but ate only a few bites of my BLT sandwich. Ripley will be the beneficiary.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Odometer reads 122,243 km.<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></span><br />Mileage at Lansing, Michigan - 122,243<br /><br />Total today – 522 km.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-73851992604962146432008-06-21T17:37:00.000-07:002008-06-21T18:13:53.817-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-EIGHT - ONTARIO MAY 31 - JUNE, 2008 - MY FINAL ENTRY<span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-EIGHT - ONTARIO - MAY 31 - JUNE, 2008 – MY FINAL ENTRY<br /></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SPANISH, ONTARIO<br /></span></strong><br />Before leaving Mitchell’s, I took Ripley for another walk along the shore towards the mouth of the river. A cormorant flew over and the black flies were terrible. I suppose I will be encountering these little pests for the next couple of weeks until the weather gets warmer.<br /><br />I have really enjoyed my short stay here because everyone has been so friendly and helpful, but it’s time to move on.<br /><br />At Massey I stopped to treat myself to a butterscotch ice cream. Everyone seems to be towing a boat behind them in this region.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MANITOULIN ISLAND<br /><br /></span></strong>At the turnoff to Espanola and Manitoulin Island, I stopped in at Goodman’s Hotel to make a reservation on the ferry that goes from the tip of the island over to Tobermory and southern Ontario for Monday, June 2. I have decided to go this way instead of traveling around Georgian Bay, partly because I have never been on the island and partly to save on gas. The people at Goodman’s very kindly allowed me to hook into their wi fi so that I could update my blog. It has been really difficult to find wi fi connections in northern Ontario, so I was grateful for the opportunity.<br /><br />The island itself is home to several First Nations tribes. The peninsula leading to the island is still very rugged – trees and rocks. There are no farms visible until you get to the island itself. I don’t know for sure how large it is, but it is a gigantic island that lies between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, and is considered a sacred site where the god Manitou lives.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">IDYLL GLEN RESORT<br /></span></strong><br />Instead of heading south to the ferry terminal, I decided to go west along Highway 540 on the North Shore, to search for a nice, scenic campground to settle in for the next two days, and I found what I was seeking at Idyll Glen Resort on the shore of Lake Mindemoya. This is another one that is not listed in the Camping in Ontario directory, but I happened to come across their sign on the road. It led down to a beach area and the entrance where Linda greeted me and set me up with a site with electricity and water for $25. She and her husband Dan just bought the campground in March after having stayed here as campers for the past twenty years. They are in the midst of upgrading the playground, bathrooms and other parts and are looking at this enterprise as their retirement career.<br /><br />I set up on a shady site at one end of the park but away from the beach because many seasonals have claimed those spots. The shore today was choppy from the strong winds and chilly, overcast sky. One advantage is that there were no black flies or mosquitoes.<br /><br />Ripley and I took a walk up the road, passing For Sale signs on either side. One appeared to be a bed and breakfast place, judging from the size and the other was a very nice summer house on a large lot on which lilacs were blooming. As the house was vacant, I couldn’t resist taking some of these beautiful fragrant flowers back to my RV.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Well, here we are on the first of June, the start of summer more or less – but only 20 days away from the Summer Solstice.<br /><br />Today began with a light breeze, sunny and warm and the birds were joyfully singing their individual songs as I sat at my picnic table working on writing the next part of my blog.<br /><br />I am too far away to pick up the wi fi at my site, but Linda invited me into the office/store/rec area. As the store offers a variety of coffees, I couldn’t resist ordering a latte. It also features jams and jellies made on Manitoulin Island – a nice gift to bring along with me.<br /><br />Linda is an enthusiastic woman, who is a teacher assistant in a town near Sudbury and is fluently bilingual. She was very proud of herself in mastering the intricacies of working the cash register since yesterday – her first day on the job, and we chatted about herself and her husband who is a part-time actor/comedian as well as having a full-time job, and also working around the campground. I suspect that they are both going to find that running it will take more time than they had anticipated.<br /><br />I would like to have stayed longer in this hospitable, pretty place and would consider returning here in the future.<br /><br />As Ripley and I walked along the beach in the evening, we encountered a family of Canada geese – Mom, Dad and three goslings swimming just offshore. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501559224514610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1sXPb4oP4zE0Es-mBY5Qe4vypynaiU2QZb7asa76kXmyK0sy3oKpkLFUkcjowAtBNwfW3Kkn9CSJeQRDPxsmVXqazLRA-Q7K2UOVPs7oX1DjUGyYU7TJdNheehR7IBYppt0foH-uSjV-/s200/2008+05+31+08+Canada+geese+family,+Idyll+Glen.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I was up early in order to get to the ferry, some 45 minutes away, passing through the town of Mindemoya, a typical small town in rural Ontario that caters to tourists with a grocery store, gift shops and restaurants.<br /><br />The wind is helping pollination as I encountered many seedpods blowing across the road as I drove along the twisting, winding road to South Baymouth. I arrived in plenty of time and got into the lane directed about two hours prior to departure time. With that much time to kill, I joined the other waiting passengers in cars and trailers to visit the various gift shops and restaurants. Because of Ripley I went to a take-out window to order a BLT for breakfast.<br /><br />The ferry was scheduled to leave at 11:15 but didn’t arrive until around noon. It seems that the ship had to return to Tobermory because of a passenger who became ill and had to be taken away in an ambulance. <div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501646737907106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxCNklu1-V0hQbwDyACVi2Qi-s2WYrCoX1ytCBFGTcUX0VjK5Po7n5JkR3RtMIRJqHdET77DdPPf1Pd2XcnFxSCKQMtEIhLOl-6FvLaxdM9hUTwYtARVy5vEdltF2EOeNaFRy3_krTYRk/s200/2008+06+02+01+South+Baymouth,+Manitoulin.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>The crew quickly got us all boarded, cars, trucks and RV’s and I guided Ripley up to the area designated for dogs on deck. It was very cold despite my having a sweater and jacket on, so I sneaked Ripley into the closed-in area, just inside the doors. A crewman came along and kindly showed me an area where I could sit out of the weather and out of the way, and I gratefully accepted. It would have been a very long two hours outside, otherwise!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CYPRUS LAKE CAMPGROUND<br /></span></strong><br />When I departed from the ferry, I sought out the entrance to Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory. The Cyprus Lake Campground is about 7 km inside from the main road, nestled around scenic Cyprus Lake. As is usual in national parks, there were no hook-ups but the site was large and shaded by tall trees. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501720423596242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVo8bMKIvdZ_AKGquf5R3L3Zub3TdxasIUQ-AMoJ_TwJ9VEyS1MaGYfcW78QjCEKg30MUQwaLMv2EOO3VNKozhyXmMzzDZT10N7Zrwc99jPWV-faOGs-r2ISANwHumIL8yKDk-sa8zSQF/s200/2008+06+02+08+Cyprus+Lake+Campground.jpg" border="0" /><br />I was warned at the gate that a bear had been sighted in the area, so I kept Ripley on a leash any time she was out of the RV. I armed myself with bear spray and took her for a walk on the hiking trail around the lake. The environment was simply beautiful, with the myriad trees, bushes and wildflowers as we walked around about one-third of Cyprus Lake and a bit of nearby Horse Lake on the well-maintained trails. On the way back we sat on a bench by the water dedicated to a volunteer who apparently passed away at the age of 18. So young. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501783245558114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yNIVBnVlWtur8IL2XY5b3te7z0YE3DWdBROXSZBynj_7aqqISwVH7fEuGj9sGXqoY0vmbRf4iWIhyphenhyphenmzoXQ9S70D-Xogv3liucbgMRIZZAl9Uw44aZ6HmMUFqmd87CYUWpNAzsKtgJe1A/s200/2008+06+02+23+sunset+at+Cyprus+Lake.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;"> Sunset at Cyprus Lake Campground</span></em></div><div><br />The brochure mentioned that the Bruce Peninsula is designated as a World Biosphere Reserve (so is the Grand Canyon, amongst others) and that 44 of the 66 species of orchids in Ontario can be found in this region. It’s too bad that the black flies made it almost impossible to sit outside to enjoy the beauty.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I heard a loon calling on the lake early this morning before pulling out.<br /><br />I passed through several small towns on my way south down the peninsula, and since I hadn’t had access to TV or radio asked the gas station attendant who had won the hockey game last night. I was happy to hear that it was Pittsburgh, forcing a Game Six and hopefully a Game Seven.<br /><br />At Wiarton, I couldn’t resist making a stop to visit the home of Wiarton Willie, the albino groundhog who supposedly comes out on Groundhog Day every year to predict whether winter will continue for awhile or not. I’m sorry to say that his home is not very large, and that he was confined to the indoor area which seemed very barren. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501854471951586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-gMpDfX7I2XrnEFqkhyW2OnSiOrOQRvocUCXX5zRPYBrWk3C6PgUCS6LsR-T-rkiXbw7i0-miyq97st6zsXRN2B8ATHN8uTBKiXzqflFN7-QcvZwW4IwtO_LFP-n40VXzDd1X8Z7mWfF/s200/2008+06+03+01+Wiarton+Willie%27s+Home.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CATHY AND GARY CHAMBERS</span></strong><br /><br />Cathy Chambers volunteers as the placement person for the Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario and was responsible for putting me in touch with Ripley. She has been following my adventures on my blog and graciously invited me to stop in to visit on my way through.<br /><br />Cathy is retired from retail sales and Gary was a police officer in Toronto before his retirement. They have a gorgeous country home near Owen Sound and own a Schnauzer (Roxy) and two Jack Russells (Buddy and Rica). When I arrived, Gary brought out each dog individually to check out Ripley before we attempted bringing her into the house, and I’m happy to say that it was a peaceful encounter.<br /><br />Their home is a tranquil haven on a country road, with a view of woods and ponds in the back. Cathy told me that they had done quite a big of renovating when they first moved in here and it features a deck with hot tub, yard for the dogs, an open kitchen/dining area, a living room and three bedrooms (one is an office) plus a finished basement. Gary is an avid gardener and the grounds are filled with plantings of flowers, bushes and vegetables. <div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214503377192721698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6LwUNKv6VXX6-HL44I0YpbXkedufV8SN5_fSfCm8DSFJSkxeUOxtpmpXYj3YpkWyFhcCUxW-kOKY1SI7m-BoNpsli6aOqk52FFx8clO1ns35HlCoTYFl5KgXe_-SpKzZZspgeVRrMo9f/s320/2008+06+05+03+Chambers+Garden.jpg" border="0" /><br />I suggested sleeping in my RV rather than in their lovely guest bedroom, just to make things easier all around.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />A lot of different species of birds are attracted to the many feeders around the property, and just today I saw bobolinks, phoebe, red wing blackbirds, Baltimore orioles and ruby throated hummingbirds. A mother robin hatched her brood of four babies in a hanging flower pot right beside the side door, at eye level, so it is possible to witness the development of these precocious youngsters.<br /><br />I contacted a local garage to see about getting the RV serviced, which it needs badly, but couldn’t get an appointment until Monday. Cathy and Gary have kindly allowed me to stay until then.<br /><br />The local newspaper has been featuring the plight of a woman who worked as a server at a restaurant called Nathaniel’s. She had shaved her head as a fundraiser for cancer, and her employers told her to stay home for the summer because she was inappropriately attired, according to their standards. Well, this pseudo “leave of absence” has caused quite a furor, both locally and abroad, as the feature was picked up by other press as well. There have been many furious letters to the editor, mostly supporting the woman. She has received several offers of employment, and many are suggesting that they boycott Nathaniel’s. The owners have refused to apologize, making matters worse.<br /><br />The day was rather cool, so it seemed like a good time to hop into the hot tub—not that I need an excuse!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Cathy arranged for both of us to have our hair cut by her favourite stylist in Owen Sound, and I have to say that he did an excellent job. Ever since I had the butchered job back in California, I have been waiting for my hair to grow long enough to be styled, and now it is. It is easy to look after and that’s what I like. No fuss. No muss. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502107870611410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUQF1zQLicURGVEyjI0ZYin3dU9TBEmMZkNGQRvSOvzUJnK9cIEDfNSWtSx0394OSUquDmhTeewXzx-ogHNKrvLrRqwHW11yzTjfbBF8WmrC4dd_2gmMSwuy_APKJBYDDUkuxumm0BPyL/s320/2008+06+10+03+use+this+Cathy,+Gary,+Roxy+%26+Buddy+Chambers.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;"> Cathy, Gary, Roxy and Buddy</span></em></div><div> </div><div><br />Later on Cathy and Gary took me to a popular restaurant called Rocky Raccoon, owned by a Nepalese and his wife. Although we had a long wait for our food (they seemed to be short of wait staff), the meal was excellent. Cathy and I had barbecued ribs and Gary had vindaloo chicken. As usual, we were given too large a portion, so we had a doggy bag or ribs to take home and enjoy for lunch the next day.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>There was a terrible thunderstorm overnight and poor Ripley just shook all night. Her eyes were bugged out of her head in terror, and nothing I did would soothe her. The lightning was crashing very close to the RV with loud booms that frightened even me.<br /><br />I offered to provide the food for dinner tonight, and we drove into Owen Sound where I bought some rainbow trout and a lemon meringue pie for dessert. As it happens, the person serving us at the fish counter suggested that we boycott Nathaniel’s! I doubt very much if the owners had anticipated such a backlash. But you don’t mess around with cancer fundraisers! I wouldn’t be surprised if this incident puts them out of business. They have already been closed for the past couple of days since the word got out.<br /><br />It is extremely hot today, and consequently I have moved into the house, which is geothermally cooled. One of the baby robins has left the nest and I suggested to Gary that it would be a good idea to spritz the three remaining ones because the sun is shining on them. They seemed to appreciate the cooling down.<br /><br />Cathy spends a great deal of time on her Jack Russell rescue work, interviewing potential new owners, learning about new dogs needing foster homes, talking to foster parents and discussing matters with the president of the group. She is a very dedicated woman, and thank goodness for people like her! I will always be grateful that she found Ripley for me – a perfect companion. Not all the dogs are as easy to place, however, as some come with problems. Jack Russells do not necessarily make good pets for inexperienced people, as they are extremely intelligent, with minds of their own.<br /><br />Rica and Ripley had a little spat over a ball. Jack Russell terriers are known for their feistiness; neither would back down and Ripley ended up with a small cut. After that, she avoided Rica and there were no further incidents.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />There was another severe storm last night. Cathy had mentioned that some people give their dogs Gravol, so I tried this approach with Ripley, but she still cowered. I woke up with a migraine, thanks to the bouncing barometer and spent much of the day in bed as a result. It gave me an opportunity to start reading a book that Gary loaned me -- The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold. He is an avid read of fantasy and science fiction, a genre that I used to enjoy a great deal. I greatly enjoyed the character development, and have added the author’s name to my list of ones to seek out in future.<br /><br />Later Ian Parker, a neighbour, came over to have a look at my RV to see if he could do the servicing on it, at Cathy and Gary’s suggestion. They felt that I would not be cheated by Ian. However, he didn’t feel that he could tackle the job in a timely manner and made a call to Johnny B’s garage in nearby Meaford, on my behalf, and arranged an appointment for Monday. So now I have two appointments for Monday; I’ll cancel the first one. Ian is an interesting outgoing character; he is a mechanic as well as a part-time musician who plays at some of the local pubs<br /><br />There are now only two robins left in the nest. Since it is still very hot, I got out one of my syringes from my animal first aid kit and gave them each a drink. They greedily opened their beaks to sip the water. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214501933253561394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9oDnTU2E64w1iqsBEPh6kWM1E5qJvK53B8_8MkbcJ17zALcDPnDk_pqrb_ywSLpwPsqyQ7HYQjlbZfFfykf8_8VgLIBVprpL60HfO4QpzaOQCswwdwPlcay_WCVU7r2cZURTG914lz4v/s200/2008+06+03+03+Use+this+Baby+Rob+ins.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />This morning there was just one robin left in the nest. We all hope that the other three are safe and enjoying their newly-found flight. I did give the remaining chick more water by syringe, which it readily accepted.<br /><br />Although the sky is overcast, the temperature is still very hot, and I am grateful to be able to remain inside the cool house rather than to roast in my RV.<br /><br />Gary drove Cathy and me into Owen Sound so that I could do a few errands and also to go to some garden centres where Gary bought even more plants. I remember that when I had a garden, I couldn’t resist getting more plants whenever I was near a garden centre, so I fully related to Gary’s enthusiasm.<br /><br />When we returned, we found that the last remaining robin baby had left, much to Gary’s relief. The flowerpot in which they had been living was very soiled, and he could now remove it. I thought that it had been very thoughtful of Gary and Cathy to allow the nesting process to be completed, even though it had been inconvenient and slightly messy on their porch, but then they are both animal lovers.<br /><br />Even without air conditioning, the house remains nice and cool, thanks to their foresight in installing a geothermal unit when they moved into the house.<br /><br />The evening brought a lot more rain, extending overnight, making the walking trail around the property very soggy and impassable. So, we had to change the route for walking the dogs.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I was up early to take the RV in for 8:00 a.m. and Gary followed me in so that I wouldn’t have to sit and wait. Later in the day, Johnny B’s receptionist called to say that all the work had been completed except for the generator and that it might be quite late this evening before he could finish that. He thinks I need a new fuel pump. Despite all the money that I spent to have the generator repaired while I was in Tucson, Arizona, it still doesn’t work properly, so I agreed to let him go ahead. I expect to be boondocking next week, and it would really be handy if the generator worked.<br /><br />Later, he called to say that he needed to keep the RV overnight to finish the work on the generator in the morning.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It is pouring again this morning. Both Gary and Cathy mentioned that they haven’t had this much rain in a long, long time.<br /><br />More bad news about the RV. It won’t be ready until tomorrow morning because Johnny B is very busy and hasn’t yet had time to work on the generator. Thank goodness Cathy and Gary are tolerating Ripley and me, and don’t seem to mind the delay in my departure.<br /><br />Ripley is going to be a celebrity! We spent some time taking photographs of her because she is going to be one of the featured animals on the 2009 Jack Russell calendar. The person who is in charge of putting the calendar together asked for an action shot – not an easy thing to do, but Gary has a good digital camera and he managed to get a couple of good ones, including this one.<br /><br />Later on the receptionist at Johnny B’s called to say that my generator needed some new parts for the carburetor as well as a new fuel pump so he took out the new fuel pump, thinking that I probably would not want to go to the added expense. He was probably right. The total bill for everything came to $784, quite a bit more than I had anticipated. And I still don’t have a working generator.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ON THE ROAD AGAIN<br /></span></strong><br />It was time once again to move on. I can’t thank Cathy and Gary enough for putting up with Ripley and me for over a week.<br /><br />My holding tanks were full, and I found nearby Roebuck Campground where I could dump for a fee of $5.<br /><br />The Meaford area is known for its apples, with several roadside stands selling delicious apples. I chose to stop at Almond’s market where I got some crispy Empire apples and fresh asparagus from their garden.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">STEVE AND ANNA WISMER<br /></span><br />Steve and Anna were the first people whom I met after registering at Indian Skies RV back in Arizona. Like many of the campers there, they are from Ontario, close to where Cathy and Gary live, and had invited me to stop in on my way through.<br /><br />Steve and Anna now live in what used to be their cottage in Craigleith, Ontario but really don’t spend a great deal of time there. They were packing to leave for a two-month trip to Alaska in their large motorhome, and from there they will slowly make their way back down to Arizona for the winter. So, if all goes well, I’ll meet up with them yet again down south. In the meantime, Anna prepared lunch of bacon and eggs while we caught up on what had happened to each of us since we last saw each other. What I really appreciate is the genuine friendships that have been made on this trip, and the open hospitality that I have received as I have moved around the country.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MONIKA AND PETER HARMATHY<br /></span></strong><br />After saying goodbye to Anna and Steve, I continued onward to Barrie to visit my old friend Monika, her husband Peter and their son Phillip. Monika and I first met at York University where we were each pursuing our Master’s degrees in Environmental Studies as mature students in the early 1990’s, and we have stayed in touch since then. She and Peter have had many adventures before and after the birth of Phillip (including a lengthy canoe trip through the Northwest Territories) and will be leaving for Hawaii shortly for yet another trip. <div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502388232165074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq64QmSHpIV-QhsWLbFnNZtd-U1ch1xcgx9bxBDdDMJKHZK4hMhNLbjdf8DHKVMAoFsCh3fK7rJZVrx-soU2Cg6eKhuaHLD0iX4UrQWG63K6cpQXc6GSqa2GPZedSk74AO8H_BMEfsFBe/s200/2008+06+15+02+Peter,+Monika,+Phillip,+Marilyn+%26+Ripley.jpg" border="0" /><br />They very kindly invited me to park the RV in their driveway, but it was too big! So we settled for parking it on the street. However, Monika had checked with the local authorities and found that my living in the RV is not allowed in Barrie. Because a by-laws representative lived just up the street, we could not leave the water and electricity hook-ups on it during the day. We just waited until dusk and plugged me in. Their house is small, and they do not have a spare bedroom, but it worked out just fine. <div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502205052040450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdmY78YojIFMsvtkropdmEYwk21_KsIKHjLfwu9JH5B8avMul2pGNooQjm5qg0W2PxwOKVLkHA4G_kGAIJHMhJfpbilzDIWWnO47VFhsPvLFZtNv2E7SgtXP6r0W28G4bAKUuWD4Ifui/s200/2008+06+14+02+Ripley+%26+Friends.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;"> Ripley and Friends</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Peter left for his teaching job at a nearby high school and Phillip went to school, so that left Monika and me to go for a walk in the park with Ripley along Lake Simcoe.<br /><br />Monika and her family are very nutrition-conscious and she spends a good deal of time in the kitchen preparing healthy food, as compared to the ready-made preservative-loaded foods that many of us, including myself, indulge in. She was very sweet to make a special cake for me!.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502311069937234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNn7nc92M4CKfNQEvgXHSq0P9-0b5erZYWXA2-ANe4mZmG7ZaO7X7ckkI2SczFuWr58ir3_9f27xmF6rK4Vb7sVwYmLP2fQgJeCLu7dlkv2fFp6IAIRseI19ZIROl5KqYn0chtMlg5XbM/s200/2008+06+14+06+Monika%27s+Cake.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br />There was yet another storm tonight.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I had mentioned to Monika that my parents are buried here in Barrie in St. Mary’s Cemetery, and that I hadn’t been to visit their grave for many years. She very kindly offered to take me there, and we spent some time trying to find it.<br /><br />From there we headed to an off-leash park where Ripley and several other dogs enjoyed their freedom to romp around. I was surprised at just how many Jack Russells we encountered, one of whom had enjoyed rolling in a muddy bog, and then into a small stream. It was a hot day so Monika and I took off our shoes to wade in the stream, and I managed to persuade Ripley to join us to cool off.<br /><br />That night I was reminded why I hate subdivisions. The weekend is the time for Party Central and as a result I got very little sleep. The last “guests” didn’t arrive until 2:30 a.m. and of course I heard it all since I was in the RV. I was still awake at 4:00<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Phillip wasn’t feeling well this morning, having probably picked up one of the many bugs that children at school seem to be susceptible to. Monika was just completing her seven-day detox diet, and they had plans for today. We sat for a group photo after Peter set up the timer on my camera and then I was on my way once again, this time heading north to my own property in Muskoka.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WYE MARSH</span></strong><br /><br />On the way I stopped at the Wye Marsh where Ripley and I went out on the trails, despite the ubiquitous black flies. We came across some Trumpeter swans who are being rehabilitated from injuries, etc.,</div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502496748381714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKxSvJB6QfZJLJLfDnXJYgXgupmAXo5wiKnW9VthWsETlGbvHHmTbH9Qz1p1TnaXNGl-rTCUbceXIHGOH8BOInFAMmkaUJf6ZR-Ds-PDKJT1T8ElwB3D0lh8Mapt-eaFRW6IkM5ttAGXZ/s200/2008+06+15+06+Use+this+Trumpeter+Swan.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> and I was pleased to hear several different species of frogs in the marshes. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502572602973986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-YgKoV5188ep4acjhxzp4lBhVWXVqb0bwmtnaZhyphenhyphenHDQrz7g69xDWdQOPHgccyy7L_qV2NGdi8rJ1_S1FiZixi610FcRxWhgOTaa14I2JYC0UnH3gzhP67E_AeRjrm0HoyW8604AR9pKa/s200/2008+06+15+10+Use+this+Leopard+Frog.jpg" border="0" />On the way back, we stopped to see two barn owls that are used as part of the raptor program.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BELLS FALLS<br /></span></strong><br />It was getting late by the time we finished our walk and I looked in my campground directory for something nearby. Bells Falls sounded good and we headed there where we found a very friendly manager who directed us to a large, shady site. The park seems to have mostly seasonal trailers parked there. Despite the hot temperature, their outdoor pool unfortunately was closed because it had not yet passed inspection by the Health Department. Down a path at the back Ripley and I came across Bells Falls with its inviting waters.<br /><br />As there were many children in the park, I had anticipated a nice quiet evening. Imagine my surprise, then, to find that here too a party was going on until 1:30 a.m. But what I really objected to was the amount of profanity used by the mostly male group who were sitting around a campfire about 100 yards from my site. I was beginning to seethe when the noise continued after the 11:00 rule for quiet was broken, and probably should have gone down to waken the manager. Instead, I just covered my head, closed my windows and tried to ignore these louts.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">JUNE 15 – 19, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MUSKOKA<br /></span></strong><br />After another sleepless evening, I headed north to Rosseau where I have ten acres of vacant land with a small trailer parked on it. I do have a driveway and managed to get the RV in, despite the overgrown nature of the road. It would have been nice to have a working generator so that I could boondock more comfortably, but that’s life.<br /><br />I hadn’t been parked for long when my neighbour Mary Wood came over to say hello. Mary and her husband Barry have been diligent in keeping an eye on my property and Barry brings his mower over to cut the weeds on the driveway every once in awhile. They moved from their house in Markham, just north of Toronto, a few years ago and have settled in nicely to country living, as there are very few houses along our road. As a small thank you gift for their care of my property, I gave them a bottle of California wine and a jar of preserves from Manitoulin Island. They have invited me to bring my empty water jugs over to fill when needed.<br /><br />I couldn’t believe how bad the black flies are. Normally at this time of year, they are bad, but this year they are horrific! It was virtually impossible for me to spend any time at all outside of my RV, so Ripley’s walks were very quick.<br /><br />I did take Ripley down to the Rosseau waterfront park where the black flies are much less and she enjoyed playing with a soccer ball and two young men from the nearby college. </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502654754882370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNExk6nzPdaTTLoXKqT2P_sYYnE85N6n9sHrQx0BJyrNNhSuOIB0-I70fB1MYXyTB1xSHqn1jHcUv1QV_q8Sm8yPAOze0DCnxpO6PTlJKKDw_1AHulN2F-n2zrdwvfptuPi94sGiNjwG3v/s200/2008+06+18+03+rOSSEAU+wATERFRONT.jpg" border="0" /><br />Rosseau is the home of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, founded by Audrey Tournay on her farm of 300 acres, when she first arrived many years ago to teach there. Little by little, people began to bring orphaned and injured animals to her for care, and she has written many stories about the animals that have come through there.<br /><br />The sanctuary has grown steadily over the years and now cares for hundreds of raccoons, deer, bears, skunks, beavers, porcupines, wolves, foxes, coyotes and any other native animal. Tony Grant is the manager of the staff which numbers about five plus many volunteers. I have always been very impressed with the work they do, and their refusal to give up on any animal needing help. Their mission is to release back into the wild all animals that can be rehabilitated and to give a permanent home to any that cannot.<br /><br />I am privileged to call Audrey and Tony my friends, and I spent time with both during my visit. Audrey drove Ripley and me into Huntsville where we ate fish and chips in a park by the water while Ripley roamed around.<br /><br />I invited Audrey back to my RV on another evening to share a dinner of pork chops, asparagus and baby carrots. She is now 78 years old and doesn’t bother too much with making meals, and it was nice to spend time with her sharing stories. She is a very talented illustrator and showed me her latest project – a children’s book of animal folklore, illustrated by her and written in conjunction with her Ojibway friends.<br /><br />Audrey invited me to her secluded cabin to visit with her latest orphans – two baby skunks </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502819871556994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aukgj8spjd4g7J7hs3-Xj9c8HYCSGdzMyEf5O30bk74YDkPjg-k3fyw2AOVHJgI9ZoqGIJQqV0APryK_swFOjTqaPlJJa0f5bZmMwKDli2ldM9PZhOURksWzuolXR_prYroN6HF5A-Yr/s320/2008+06+30+-+Ontario+110.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>and a baby porcupine named Blackberry. She had a great time sitting on my head and rooting through it. What a unique and delightful experience for me! </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502891887296514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUoJSdCRwAnHaZ22K5A1NWFRNI7rE_v_AfIqDMxqKJGwLM98ypDjgE3ZxrKBdLEx_-Yapn5H4lCpCj015A1Hi9A62ifxyu3VPjvfhj6Q7PqKob1UjSwtIuvcgX2ioewYTGSEOkEXjuihh/s320/2008+06+30+-+Ontario+118.jpg" border="0" /><br />I visited the sanctuary as well, and chatted with Tony in between his many different jobs. He and Ben had returned from dropping off some bear cubs to the officials at the Ministry of Natural Resources in North Bay, as they were ready to be released. At another point he left to pick up some orphan raccoons to bring back for nurturing – just another typical day. While I was at the sanctuary, I walked around to the area behind the buildings and encountered some wild bears who were wandering through. Bernie, a volunteer, was sitting on a pile of logs watching them, and Ripley and I joined him. The bears apparently are quite accustomed to seeing humans as they visit often to see what they can scrounge, and I was able to get fairly close to photograph one. He kept standing up in the tall grass to get a better look at the humans and Ripley, but showed no aggression whatever.<br /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214502742083261922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz487JTtbb4qhFgdFJLBo3CPH3CofTQloTfkI9nsT3p3IR9Qp3FmEkQS5NrNx8S1mojysEAhGdijOlK9FsT1K_tpm936xuLGj7QGjYuH-IbgOtFDQLEsWBXI-xe_AusBTtsUl2pXWZVQ4Y/s200/2008+06+18+08+Wild+bear+at+Aspen+valley.jpg" border="0" /><br />Meanwhile, back at my land I discovered that during my absence, the mice had moved into my little trailer and had used the insulation to make cozy beds over the winter. On top of that, the roof leaks, so at the moment it is uninhabitable and I am considering removing it entirely now that I have my RV to stay in.<br /><br />Rosseau is a small sleepy town until the tourist season begins after school break begins. It hasn’t changed very much since I first began coming here about ten years ago, and I hope it never grows to be like some of the other cottage country towns that have been developed with numerous restaurants, gift shops, clothing shops, etc. etc. to cater to the very wealthy cottagers who flock to this region. Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau have attracted movie and hockey stars, as well as executives from Toronto, all of whom have multi-million dollar “cottages” on these lakes. The town of Port Carling has been ruined, in my opinion, by the demands of these seasonal visitors, but Rosseau still retains a great deal of charm, with only a few gift stores, one general store, one restaurant, one antique store, several quaint churches and houses that have been there for many years. The community centre was built in the early 1900’s and now houses a small library in the basement, that can do double duty as a banquet hall for some of the dinners that are put on there. One improvement that I was pleased to enjoy is the advent of wi fi and internet service there. The library raises funds by having an annual book sale, and I was able to pick up six new music cassettes.<br /><br />On June 19, I said goodbye to Barry Wood, my neighbour who had come over to cut the grass in the driveway, and then to Audrey’s for one last visit with Blackberry before going on to the sanctuary where Tony was giving a tour to some Toronto media people who will be doing a feature on the sanctuary for W-5, a popular local program.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">JUNE 19-21, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />As I headed south on Highway 400 towards Toronto, I encountered many trucks and cars whizzing by, reminding me that I was about to enter a huge metropolitan area where I have spent the majority of my life.<br /><br />My next stop was to stay with my brother Carl and sister in law Jennie at their house in Brampton, just west of Toronto.<br /><br />Jennie kindly loaned me her car so that Ripley and I could visit my old workmates at the Canadian Kennel Club where I worked on contract for six months in 2006-2007. Diane, Lita and Tara had kept in touch via email during my travels, and Diane had invited me to come to see their new office space. Dogs are allowed and I brought Ripley along so that they could meet my traveling companion. Of course, she was an instant hit as we toured the huge office space, which has expanded considerably since I worked in the old place where the toilets didn’t flush properly and the carpet was torn. In comparison the new digs are quite opulent.<br /><br />I enjoyed a lunch at the Swiss Chalet with four of my CKC friends Diane, Lita, Leila and Rachel, all of whom are managers. While I worked at the CKC, I encountered so many nice people, all women, and I am pleased that even after an absence of over a year, our friendships still hold. I look forward to more visits in the future.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK TO REALITY</span></strong><br /><br />Up to this point I have still been on my extended vacation, but the journey is almost over, and hence this will be my final blog entry. From time to time I may add a bit of news but the reality of ordinary life will soon take over. I haven’t yet decided what comes next, but have a few things on the go.<br /><br />My brother Carl had been looking after my mail while I was gone, and handed over a bagful of correspondence, magazines and bills. My insurance company has still not paid my medical bills from my encounter in the US and this will be a priority to follow up on as soon as possible. There are other things that I need to look after and many people to visit as well in the coming weeks.<br /><br />Tonight (June 21), my family is treating me at Montana’s to celebrate my 66th birthday. My niece Natalya made a special cake (this is what she does for a business). It is also the birthday of my great-niece Cassandra and she will have a special cake as well.<br /><br />Tomorrow Carl is coming with me to the place where my car is up on blocks, so that we can get it on the road again. From there I will be taking my RV to my friend Sue’s farm where I will park it, hooked into their electricity and water for the time being.<br /><br />I do know that I will be house sitting for my friend Vanessa while she is in Africa from October to December. Other than that, nothing else is definite yet.<br /><br />At this time I want to acknowledge and thank all of you who helped me in one way or another as I made this journey. I especially appreciated hearing from you via email or letter. Despite the various setbacks with mechanical problems, I would not have missed this for the world. It is definitely not the end of adventure for me, but for now I will be staying put in Ontario. It is my fervent wish to return to Arizona early in 2009 to spend more time with my new friends at Indian Skies. We shall see what unfolds for me and Ripley in the future.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-33393015415151337322008-06-01T14:02:00.000-07:002008-06-01T15:35:25.816-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-SEVEN - NORTHERN ONTARIO - MAY 16-30, 2008<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-SEVEN - NORTHERN ONTARIO - MAY 16 - 30, 2008</strong><br /></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008<br /><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">STILL IN MANITOBA</span></strong><br /><br />Rather than going along the boring Trans Canada Highway, I chose to drive the more scenic route along Highway 44. Rugged Whiteshell Provincial Forest lies through this route passing lots of creeks and trees, giant rocks and very little traffic, at least today. It didn’t help that the winds were gusting up to 70 km/hour. We passed deer casually crossing the highway, and I was intrigued by a sign announcing the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary near Rennie. I wondered whether this was actually a sanctuary for Canada geese, considered a scourge and nuisance in most parts of Canada, and sure enough, it was! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207028689519115394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEired-NWFj54Z4gMKSfMKSnqxlWbgCKup1YmUmV-Km3RE4OdQpgdCV4uvKd8bqquejPFd4wz2ifKIL00XbQXawhIVStyoSUYPqhthCOi6giiU_73ImqHHSw6gemxH5fMpqQWZ26NcMedgDy/s200/2008+05+16+09+Alf+Hole+Goose+Sanctuary.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>The sanctuary was created by Alfred Hole to protect the geese, and the sign announced that there were 105 in residence. Much of the area was fenced off, but there was a trail around the lake for visitors, crossing over man-made rapids. I followed it for part of the trail, before heading back to have lunch in the parking lot.<br /><br />Highway 44 was in no better shape than 101 had been; in fact, we were jounced around so much that the smoke alarm was set off! I had to listen to its annoying ringing for some time until I could find a safe spot to pull off. I was heartened to see that a couple stopped when they saw me on the side of the road, to check to see if I was okay. It’s nice to know that people care.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ONTARIO<br /></span></strong><br />Close to the junction of Highways 44 and 1 is the end of Manitoba and the beginning of Ontario. After a short drive I pulled into the Visitor Centre to pick up some information on local attractions. Even though I grew up in Ontario, it’s a huge province and I haven’t been in the northwestern end very often.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KENORA<br /></span></strong><br />Onward to Kenora, where I pulled into the parking lot of McDiarmid Lumber, as suggested by Diane and Jerry, my cousin. We had previously agreed that I would call them when I arrived, so that they could come to guide me to their cottage. It’s just as well that they did. Not only is the road twisty with several turns, it is also badly damaged after the winter, with giant potholes and parts of boulders exposed. Jerry sat with me to guide me through the obstacle course until we arrived. The land in this area of Lake of the Woods is owned by an aboriginal tribe so the cottage lots are on a 79-year lease. Diane and Jerry have two acres and have built a beautiful cottage with a panoramic view of the bay. There are decks front and back, with a glassed-in porch, leading into the dining room, kitchen and high-ceilinged Great Room. And to top it off, there’s a hot tub on the back deck! There are three bedrooms, which is just as well, as they have a lot of visitors. And no wonder. It is a beautiful, serene location.<br /><br /><br />With Jerry’s help, I pulled into an area close to the cottage where I could plug into electricity and get comfortable, as I will be sleeping in my rig. They are still in the process of opening up the cottage for the season, and the water has not yet been turned on.<br /><br />Despite the strong winds, Diane and I took Ripley for a walk up to the road and around the neighbourhood of adjacent cottages. We had a quick, convenient meal of chicken nuggets while we awaited the arrival of Jerry and Diane’s daughter Lisa and Lisa’s daughter, Mikayla, as well as Jerry’s brother (my cousin too) Peter who all arrived late together, along with Kenny (Mikayla’s Pomeranian) and Oliver (Pete’s Shih Tzu). All three dogs went through the ritual of making acquaintance dog-style by sniffing bums and, thankfully they all agreed to be friendly. At least they are all about the same size!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>Poor Ripley was terribly sick overnight, vomiting several times and having awful diahrrea. She had obviously got into something around the property, but I don’t know what. I was very concerned about her and debated about whether I should wake my cousin to drive into an emergency veterinary clinic. Between puking on the comforter and the rug in the RV, she just lay panting and shivering. By dawn, she was sleeping soundly and was much improved. Jerry thought that she might have eaten either some mushrooms that grow wild here or else a crayfish. The gulls on the lake dive and grab the crayfish, eat only the body and leave the claws. Perhaps Ripley helped herself to one or two of the leftovers. I do hope that she’s learned her lesson!<br /><br />Jerry and Pete worked on hooking up the water again, so we can shower – and fill up the hot tub.<br /><br />It is extremely windy today and overcast. Because I had very little sleep last night, I slept in. I did hear loons on the lake early on, and I’m looking forward to seeing them.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">COTTAGE LIFE </span></strong><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><div align="left"><br /></div></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207028972846895154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7-oLujZlFy9RFs-uLV72GRepNqve50g0Ek-ycs9ktjazcl427BOTNFIAUsAyGSlFOFsHj2RQtod4eV3pXWU9Ox-LIo2h1mbS_AA7I3SISQ46oR-dzvNofsvgLqhyphenhyphen6kapTlYG4pH_YQr1/s320/2008+05+17+04+Diane+%26+Jerry%27s+Cottage,+lake+of+the+Woods,+Ontario.jpg" border="0" /><br />It took some getting used to the slow-paced style of cottage living, but eventually I got into the groove of simply relaxing. Unfortunately, it was too cold and windy to stay outside for very long, but the glassed-in windows on the porch afforded a good view. There are two bird feeders and a hummingbird feeder on the front deck; I sat inside and watched a parade of red squirrels, </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207028775855331954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR-uh5KlLgNpw6oMqNcrA584uEaN3PUAFqVd-iy3IuB8GPaeUateICGOcOhZMXsENYvYiXG5JQDA1r-D4ofyYD7CiiJ4aYNqppjZm9ntG70Zsz_zIuNby2xqR_bQIz71cGMgSnrfZ8pWH/s200/2008+05+17+03+Red+Squirrel.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>blue jays and starlings displacing each other at the feeders. A little TV, an afternoon nap and it was soon time for a supper of barbecued pork steak, salad and peaches & cream corn. Afterwards, we played Scattergory, a word game that I brought along, and then dominoes. A typical cottage-style day.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>The wind has finally died down, and it’s a nice sunny day – a perfect day at the cottage. I walked down to the dock with my binoculars and was rewarded with two loons swimming by. Diane had mentioned that there is an eagle’s nest across the bay on the island, but I couldn’t find any sign that it is occupied at the moment.<br /><br />Lisa’s boyfriend Bob arrived this morning and went off with Pete to buy some minnows. We’re going fishing! Jerry’s boat was launched and Bob, Diane and I went along with Captain Jerry to a quiet cove nearby where some good fish have been caught previously. But, even with Jerry’s fancy fishfinder, none of us got a bite.<br /><br />We returned to the dock where Bob and Pete traded places and Captain Jerry steered the boat to a nearby area to troll. Pete got a strike but it got away (isn’t that the traditional fish story? –“you should have seen the size of the one that got away”). Even though we didn’t catch any fish, it still was fun to see the surrounding area. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029089317584114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EAeOexEbCL6tty1ZBhJouEMKHHrcXN17160Yzkvz6OzUk_NYTTwGiI1Zprj7hcqB5p4kKjiTLRkb45hwNcXycWWXwrqSSMCJYq7RBwbfB-n35OJz1rZOztmce5Fp5hPuF1v8JbAo4Ucw/s200/2008+05+18+01+Marilyn+Fishing.jpg" border="0" /><br />I’m not sure if it’s because the weather is better, but I saw a pair of common mergansers, some mallards and Canada geese.<br /><br />A nice session in the hot tub took out the aches, and after dinner we played dominoes and watched Extreme Makeover, Home Edition.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Ripley vomited twice during the night and did not eat her dinner. However, I suspect that she has been begging food from Mikayla and just isn’t very hungry. All three dogs hover around her during mealtimes.<br /><br />Jerry has bought a boat lifter from his next-door neighbour and the men spent the majority of the day dismantling it and attempting to float it over. However, they were not terribly successful, as the pipes that hold it in place merely sank into the river bottom, and after several hours, they gave up for now.<br /><br />Mikayla and Diane each played my Scrabble game, playing against the computer and soon became as addicted as I am in trying to beat the computer. I’m happy to report that they agree with me that the computer cheats!!<br /><br />Bob, Lisa and Mikayla left for home to return to Winnipeg later in the day. Tomorrow is a work and school day for them. Jerry and Pete, along with their neighbour, made another effort to float the boat lifter but again were unsuccessful.<br /><br />Today is a holiday in Canada, so I am remaining to avoid the crowded holidays. I am enjoying the leisurely lifestyle here and it is a pleasure not to have to drive!<br /><br />The sunset was magnificent as I sat on the dock, and had the experience of watching a beaver swim across from our side of the lake to the island just across. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029187858458258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGSCAX2l5oDoXhhMN4TujWy6smOSbH0AEp_DT8-LbQT5vKibpSNCHtJ5bTE0mTh8V-uxOAzUJWE8EeIgiOdIH0NcOIHc0G8oapKJoNiKsm_cEdtAZIEaChJN6MOA6mgYgO2HOMT6dVNBw/s320/2008+05+18+05+Sunset.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>And just at dusk I saw three pelicans fly over as well as the same pair of common mergansers.<br /><br />Diane got into the Scrabble game again and seems to be enjoying it a lot.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Ripley was again sick overnight and I got little sleep as a result. She vomited on the rugs in the RV, so I spent some of the morning shampooing them. From now on she will have to be on a leash when outside, so as to avoid any further problems.<br /><br />I had intended to leave today, but Diane and Jerry have graciously invited me to stay longer and will drive me to town to take care of some of the important business I need to do. And besides, today is a beautiful sunny day.<br /><br />I have found a few ticks on Ripley, and this morning I found one on Oliver, Pete’s dog. He has long hair and is black and white, so it is very hard to find them. I let Pete know so that he can check his dog more thoroughly. He’s a very sweet dog, but Ripley gets jealous when I pet him!<br /><br />I asked Pete and Jerry if they would look at my generator to see if they can figure out why it doesn’t start. Pete pulled off the spark plugs and checked the wires and concluded that they should be replaced.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KEEWATIN/KENORA<br /></span></strong><br />First, we stopped by a dock and boat lifter company so that Jerry could arrange to have someone come out to move the boat lifter and to build the supports needed at his own dock, but the owner was away for lunch. While I waited for Jerry and Diane, I was visited by a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and a black lab puppy, the owner’s dogs. We will come back later.<br /><br />We headed into the little town of Keewatin to the Motor Vehicle Licence department so that I could report a change of address on the ownership papers of both my car and RV. I should have taken care of this before I left, but simply ran out of time. So it was a great relief to get this chore accomplished, just in case I should get stopped by the police.<br /><br />Keewatin and Kenora have amalgamated under one township now instead of being two separate towns, and we headed into the downtown area of Kenora to Safeway to get groceries, and then to go on to the Provincial offices so that I could report to OHIP, the Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan. Ordinarily, Ontarians may not be out of the province for more than six months in a year, in order to continue to qualify for medical insurance here; but I had obtained permission to be away for a year, and I needed to report in that I had returned. I had to fill out some forms, have my photograph taken, and also sign an organ donor card.<br /><br />Something that I was unaware of was that my previous signed card donating my entire body for medical research is no longer valid. For liability reasons, only organs can now be donated unless I contact the particular hospital to whom I wish to leave everything and get their approval first. So, that is another thing that I will have to take care of. I feel strongly that, once we are dead, we should contribute what we no longer need, either organs or the entire body, to assist others. Unfortunately, there is a serious lack of organ donors in Ontario and many people die while waiting for a transplant. And medical students can only learn their profession by practising on the dead. I don’t want to take up some space in a cemetery and would hope that fledgling doctors might learn something through my donation.<br /><br />It took longer than I had anticipated finishing my business at OHIP, and we hurried over to Cummins Generator in order to get the spark plug wires. They had the wires but not the spark plugs, and directed us to Piston Rings down the road, which did have the plugs.<br /><br />It was getting close to closing time at the dock and boat lifter company, so we hurried back to the west side where the owner agreed to come out tomorrow to assess the situation. We backtracked to McDiarmid Lumber where I checked out generators while Jerry and Diane looked for paint. They had an 1800 watt generator for only $500, and maybe I’ll just get a new generator if it still doesn’t work properly.<br /><br />When we returned Pete spent some time installing the new spark plug wires and plugs. He got it started, but it quit shortly afterwards. So we are back to square one. I did appreciate the effort that Pete and Jerry put in and it’s a shame that it still doesn’t work properly.<br /><br />For supper we had the frozen lasagna and garlic bread that I had bought at Safeway and then watched American Idol Finals and Dancing With the Stars Finals. Kristi Yamaguchi won. Tomorrow the winner of American idol will be announced. I expect that it will be David Archuleta.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Ripley was fine last night. So, I conclude that she has been eating something on the cottage property that has been making her ill, and now that she is not allowed to wander loose, she can’t get at it, whatever it is.<br /><br />Pete called to me to come quickly, and through binoculars I saw that the bald eagles have returned to their nest. One of the birds sat on a branch beside the nest for some time. Diane mentioned that they cause a great deal of excitement during the nesting season, as the eggs hatch and as they raise their young. It’s like having a front row seat, as the tree is directly across from the dock, and I wish I could remain to see the whole sequence. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029289953410274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznPmC7fBHkovZDkn1KIAO8ncI8qk-_wVZhbRDEkJpWe9bRAGY17jnFmvZEnXnleK0WlRExDQWq0cvyt1WtkEE24blJoUr-Km05j8iD601LGSmAZadNlJXVcaUH5ynB-c586dJ4Hs1dymW/s320/2008+05+21+08+Use+this+Jerry,+Diane,+Pete.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Jerry, Diane and Pete</span></em></div><div> </div><div>As lovely as it has been for me to stay at the cottage, I felt that it was time to move on and not overstay my welcome. Jerry and Diane have been very gracious, but I imagine that they would enjoy some time to themselves before they return to Winnipeg on the weekend, although they assured me that I was no trouble. Pete, of course, is here often and pitches in to help Jerry with the various chores that need doing.<br /><br />With the help of Pete and Jerry, I back up my RV and turned it around, ready to go. After taking some last-minute photographs, I said my goodbyes and headed back along the very bumpy road through the native community. Diane told me that they have to pay for the 79-year lease upfront in one go, but then pay a yearly road maintenance fee. They have been informed that there is no money left this year to maintain the roads, so something is wrong. The money from all sources, including the provincial government, goes to the chief and he alone determines what to do with the funds, so this could lay the groundwork for some uneven distribution of funds to the other members of the tribe. I’m not in a position to criticize. However, I could certainly see that some houses were quite modern, even with satellite TV, while others were in disrepair.<br /><br />I passed several deer nonchalantly nibbling on grass at the side of the road during the 10 km drive back to Highway 17.<br /><br />As I continued eastward, I passed through the town of Kenora once again, passing the statue of Husky the Muskie. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029402817151458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuEjOP8s9Ywft_ApYTTnrCSyMm30T0I470iLd_wYECN4zZCy9ZDsyv-6tQGtGKsNNBA9hhnqfekRAxTAn5u7eJ9qkvRFucW7Zh4bvtCUVskrROKsws7sNbCwApNuaJkvysBsHw-BkZbs4/s200/2008+05+21+10+Use+this+Husky+the+Muskie.jpg" border="0" /> Many of these northern towns have a statue of one animal or another. The highway winds through the downtown area, passing several historic buildings that have been renovated into shops, hotels and the town hall, overlooking the harbour of Lake of the Woods. Jerry and Diane can actually bring their boat across right into the marina, if they wish.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">NORTHERN ONTARIO</span></strong><br /><br />Northern Ontario is sparsely populated, with long stretches of trees and lakes between the towns, and I was concerned to see that many of the trees lining the highway were dead. I don’t know if they had been affected by the pine beetle or some other insect, or if there is another factor of which I’m not aware. Nevertheless, it was disturbing to see.<br /><br />I passed several construction zones where the road is being worked on. It looks as though much of it will be converted to four lanes. That would be helpful for the many transport trucks that use this route to cross Canada. I drive only at 80 km/hour and held up many of these trucks who wanted to go faster, until a spot opened up where they could pass me on the winding highway.<br /><br />I had a salmon sandwich for lunch.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">VERMILLION BAY<br /></span></strong><br />I didn’t get too far today, after leaving late, and stopped for the night at the Crystal Lake Campground. The sign on the highway said they were closed, but I took a chance anyway, and sure enough, they were open. They had just opened for the season over the long weekend, and I was the only camper there today. It cost $29.25 for a full hook-up, but they do have wi fi included. The campground is located on Crystal Lake and is quite attractive. I was told that the owners bought the property thirteen years ago, and it was in quite a run-down state. They are slowly putting in improvements, and apparently have the only campground with wi fi in the entire area. They are in the process of digging a trench to erect a strong transponder. However, I couldn’t get a strong enough signal where I was camped and moved to the picnic bench just outside the office. Fortunately, it was a nice warm day, so it was comfortable being there for a couple of hours, while I checked my email and put up two more installments of my blog. I don’t know when I will have another opportunity to add the photographs, but at least the blogs are up to date. One of the emails I received was from Suzanne Chacon, my friend in Seattle, letting me know that her boyfriend Dan was at the 8,000 foot level of Mount Denali and that there were few other climbers there. I sincerely hope that he makes it to the top with his team, and that they descend safely. It was very courageous of him to undertake this climb, his first and I hope that all his preparations paid off.<br /><br />I then discovered that I had left behind my sewer hose at the cottage! I remembered that I had taken it out of the generator compartment in order for Pete to work, and then I completely forgot to put it back! This was serious as my tanks were full. Fortunately, the owner of the campground had a spare sewer connection, so that I was able to dump, but I will have to get another one as soon as possible.<br /><br />When I took Ripley out for a walk, we encountered several rabbits with white feet. That’s unusual and different from the rabbits that I have seen in southern Ontario. I’ll have to check to see if they are a different sub-species or just a colour variation.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It is overcast and cool today. The weather is so unpredictable and switches from spring-like weather to fall-like weather in just 24 hours.<br /><br />I was very itchy overnight and discovered that Ripley had picked up fleas during our walk in the grass yesterday. I had to get up and spray the bedding and carpets, and treat my hair and Ripley in order to get rid of them. This is really unpleasant, and I’m glad that I’ve treated Ripley with her monthly dose of Flea and Tick remedy, although that didn’t help in repelling the fleas. I’ll have to be more diligent when I take her out walking in future.<br /><br />I tried to call Diane on her cell phone to tell her that I had left my sewer connection there, and found that my carrier doesn’t have coverage in this part of Ontario! Darn. That means that I can’t use my cell phone at all.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">DRYDEN<br /></span></strong><br />As we drove along the empty highway, I saw more deer by the roadside and at least one red-tailed hawk. When I arrived in the relatively large town of Dryden, I stopped at the Canadian Tire store to buy a new 20’ sewer connection. They had the hose but not the fitting that attaches it to my drain, so I still need to find that part. I tried the Wal Mart store, but all they were selling was the complete kit with a 10’ hose. It’s too short for some of the connections I’ve encountered.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">IGNACE<br /></span></strong><br />At Ignace I gassed up, at the price of $1.34.9/litre. Across the road from the gas station I spied a chip truck selling fish and chips, a comfort food for me that my family indulged in every Friday. So naturally I had to order one. The haddock was a little sparse, but the fries were freshly made and both tasted just great with malt vinegar on them. This is yet another difference between Americans and Canadians. Americans do not put vinegar on their fries, and look at you very oddly if you ask for vinegar. And you won’t find malt vinegar anywhere there.<br /><br />The skies remained clear with a few clouds as I continued, passing a number of signs for fishing and hunting lodges, some of them being fly-ins. There are lots of wetlands and lakes, but I continue to see dead trees that look like birch. There are lots of transport trucks heading westward, and I’m glad to report that the highway is in good condition so that I am not bouncing along for a change. There are many signs warning of the danger of moose crossing the highway at night, so I suppose that the incidents of accidents are quite high. The railway line follows the highway more or less, winding its way from coast to coast and I noticed a lot of freight being moved. I’ve noticed that there are many cargo boxes doubled up and it appears as though some of the boxes are just perched on top of the one below quite precariously. But I imagine that they are secured somehow – at least I hope so!<br /><br />If I were working in an office, by now I know that I would have had at least a few bouts of flu and cold over the past few months because of working in an enclosed air environment where the germs just migrate around from one person to the next. I am so thankful to be away from that and out in the open fresh air, where I have had only the one incident back in Florida when a sick child coughed on me repeatedly.<br /><br />As I continued along the highway where there is no radio coverage, I listened to more of the tapes that I bought in Calgary – Riverdance, Folkways (renditions of Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly tunes) and Vacation in the Sun (everything from Greek to Caribbean music).<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TIME CHANGE<br /></span></strong><br />At 4:30 it began to get more cloudy, and I pulled off at a picnic site where there was a sign proclaiming a crossing into the Eastern Time Zone, along with an explanation of Sir Sanford Fleming, who created the concept of time zones. That means I lose an hour. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029563000080802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKNRamLvq66pByDBaP01HB0WA5tX6IVhrCuXHewy_3SXefrae-DUFnRdAnJjHGDi3v52k61nlkgBUF2cqRD7OzPoar3ludrLRkkMbUnNzAClqtmRtcwy2ZV2JkjybzUGhidHWPibrkXXY/s200/2008+05+22+03+Eastern+Time+zone+Sign.jpg" border="0" /><br />As I was walking Ripley around the picnic site, I came across a man who was busily picking up bits of garbage, and he seemed quite strange until he went back to his car and put on his orange vest and helmet. I thought it was a big odd that he was just beginning his clean-up at this hour, and he actually worked until 9:00 p.m. Perhaps this is a second job for him. The Savanne River flows by the picnic site, but I didn’t see any waterfowl, maybe because the current is quite strong.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BOONDOCKING TONIGHT<br /></span></strong><br />The weather is mild and I decided to remain at the picnic site for the night, as I didn’t see any signs prohibiting overnight parking. Very soon I was joined by two other rigs and a conversion van. One of the rigs was a home-made job on a Mercedes chassis. I spoke to the owner, who was German, briefly, and he informed me that it was a four-wheel drive heavy duty machine that could go off-road and that he had done all the work himself. I think it may have been imported, as the licence plate was not Canadian, but I didn’t think to ask him that.<br /><br />I also chatted briefly with a woman who stopped briefly in a U-Haul van. She lives in Ottawa where her parents were both elderly and ill, whereas her husband is working in Winnipeg. Her mother has now passed on, and her father is now in a nursing home. She was hauling some of their furniture to him to fill the house that he is in, and will wind up the sale of her father’s house, etc. before joining her husband.<br /><br />I decided to make a beef casserole for supper, using the pound of hamburger adding pasta, garlic, onions, tomatoes, peas and corn, a dash of Montreal steak spice and some leftover tomato sauce. This will be a meal for a couple of days – my favourite as I can then quickly have a decent meal in days to come.<br /><br />I’ve traveled 293 kms. today.<br /><br />During the night a transport truck also pulled in, so I had plenty of company.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I awoke late to find that all the other rigs had departed. I got underway around 11:45 a.m., after walking Ripley and having breakfast.<br /><br />I soon passed a sign announcing that I was crossing the Continental Divide. From here on eastwards, all streams flow into the Atlantic Ocean – a long way from here.<br /><br />Aside from the trees and lakes, I am also passing boulders, some of which have been blasted in order to lay out the highway. Northern Ontario is renowned for these landmarks and there are no visible houses along the highway for miles and miles. It really is a vast wilderness.<br /><br />The weather continues to be warm and sunny.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KAKABEKA FALLS<br /></span></strong><br />Kakabeka Falls is a well-known tourist attraction and is known as the Niagara Falls of the North. The falls are not quite as impressive as the more famous southern Ontario falls, but still worth a visit. The Kaministiquia River was a trade route for early explorers, fur traders and the native tribes, but the portage around the falls was onerous and eventually another route was used, as well as a wagon trail and eventually the Canadian Pacific Railway. I took Ripley with me as I followed the trail to the falls and further. Ripley ate some grass and then vomited. I’m not sure if this is still the after-effects of whatever she got into at my cousin’s cottage or something else.<br /><br />Kakabeka Falls is now a provincial park and campground. Despite the fact that I had only traveled 79 kms. today, I decided that this would be a good spot to stay and after paying the fee of $22.00 I made my way to a nicely treed pull-through site that had electricity but no water.<br /><br />It was actually warm enough to sit outside at the picnic table and enjoy the afternoon sun, while Ripley found a sunny spot in which to lie. I had leftover beef casserole for supper.<br /><br />As it is Friday night, many more campers began to arrive, many with small children and the air was soon filled with their voices as they rode bicycles around the trails.<br /><br />I tried to use my cell phone, but there is still no Telus coverage, which is unfortunate. I thought that I would try to contact another cousin, Bernie Golibowski, who lives in Thunder Bay nearby, but I seem to have lost the information that Pat had given me back in Winnipeg. And I can’t phone him either!<br /><br />I took Ripley for a walk around the park, but saw few birds other than the odd robin or sparrow. The trees are finally starting to bud, but there are still no flowers in this area.<br /><br />For the evening’s entertainment I began to read another of my bargain books – Adrian Mole The Cappuccino Years by Sue Townsend. She has a very amusing style of writing.<br /><br />My hair is now beginning to look very untidy, as it slowly grows out from the style I received back at 29 Palms in California. You will recall that I went to a hairdresser who specialized in military haircuts, but whom I was assured also did women’s hair. I’ll just have to put up with it until it is long enough to be styled properly.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><em>SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2008<br /></em></span></strong><br />I really enjoyed watching the stars in the night sky as I lay in bed last night. The sky was very clear and there were myriads of stars. In the early morning the park was quiet and peaceful, but as the various children awoke, their shouts soon broke the peace.<br /><br />I wandered over to the shower building for a lukewarm shower – all that was provided. I’m glad that the outside temperature is fairly warm.<br /><br />I continued through the town of Kakabeka Falls, stopping for gas ($1.30.9/litre) and propane (89.9 cents/litre), and bypassed a shop selling local amethyst. It was tempting, but I kept on going to Thunder Bay.<br /><br />As I have been driving along, I have also been pondering what I should do when I get into southern Ontario. I can’t decide whether I should head down to the Toronto area or go north a bit to my own property in Muskoka. The disadvantage of my land is that there is no electricity or water on the property, but it is free. If I head south as soon as I arrive, then I would probably have to see if I could find an available spot in one of the campgrounds in the area. In the summer, sites are scarce and very expensive. In August, I will be house sitting for a friend through to the end of December, but in the meantime I would like to find a spot where I can park for awhile and work on my various projects, including jewelry making and self-publishing this blog (as I have been encouraged by several friends to turn my adventure into a book). I still have time to make up my mind, and as with most things, I’m sure the solution will become obvious as I move along.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">THUNDER BAY<br /></span></strong><br />I detoured off the highway to follow my GPS Maude to an RV dealer. It was further north than I had anticipated, but at least I was able to get the sewer fittings that I need to get a workable sewer connection. While there I enquired about the cost of the small portable generators they were selling. The salesman told me that a 2000 watt unit sold for $1250, while a 3000 watt, capable of running an air conditioner, cost $1750. He assured me that these were a far superior unit to the ones selling in Wal Mart at a much cheaper price, ran more efficiently and quietly. It is still a lot of money, but something to think about.<br /><br />The local newspaper is advertising a Senior Star Competition on June 17th, an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their singing talent. I suppose it is based on the “Idol” competitions.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">FORT WILLIAM HISTORICAL PARK</span></strong><br /><br />After leaving the RV store, Maude got me lost. For some reason, she took me in a very wide arc out of my way, but eventually I made it to my destination – Fort William Historical Park. This is another site where costumed people greet you and tell you of their lives as they are in the 19th century. After paying my admission (senior’s price is $10.79), I watched a video describing the history of the fort, an important trading post of the Northwest Company, rivals of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Northwest Company had a different strategy in that they set up outposts near the villages of the aboriginals, enabling them to travel much shorter distances in order to trade their furs for the European goods they coveted. In fact, the NWC established trading routes all the way to the Pacific coast, and then reached an agreement with the American traders in order to obtain goods from China.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030017550252562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBuITbWWXrkVJVz1nle-Uyub3dLwSFxSNdfAx2pf2T-L3nB7lAJRwQ57lIl_fEchOvYliUMXt7TawxI3FSDRHaFPOxul6gsNegulk0IShFCPZFeDjE8SztCgF8SG2Zn91JTVT4b_CWEAV/s200/2008+05+24+06+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(5).jpg" border="0" /><br />The next tour had just started, so I hurriedly caught up with Francois and Registe at the site of wigwams (different from teepees in that they were permanent structures, made out of birch bark instead of portable teepees using animal skins). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207029882571395186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWJz-NXqsowVgFz9DKVT3yTlSzcbj5ue1suQJ4d7fhxpW_GAtqq8tJ5iVz4iqb6gTZRidwRMTLGRMpqlhnDeiD8QzoiwOM1MujdZ97kGpWTZFpqd4YnmQf6RbxglmnOPCKd3kADASH7e-/s200/2008+05+24+04+Wigwam+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(3).jpg" border="0" />Both have the central hearth around which the family would eat and sleep on fur. Francois and Registe (both university students working as a summer job) are voyageurs and told us about their hard life where they would paddle miles each day in large canoes, and at portages they were each responsible to carry six packs each weighing 45 lbs. around rapids or other obstructions, and then carry the canoe to the next launch spot.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030574054478562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrk20UcVAwvnutYbJer1ttF0zAQUIqZ6hn1FUsr9g9u17wrSPlctyOlasC30u1FzkLrGngqAETp_6UEIxKzUZqWEUevi-m_8OWRpEeS_oynJWIp07qxyKYxdwjJufjx8iiM7SbwrS4x2n/s200/2008+05+24+32+Birchbark+canoe+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(32).jpg" border="0" /> At the fort they lived in tents outside the palisades and did not really mingle with the bourgeois.<br /><br />They have a rendezvous early in June whereby the voyageurs who have traveled from Quebec will meet up with those who live at the fort for a large festival. The men from Quebec will then return home with the packed furs and other goods, leaving behind the European goods they brought, such as guns, cooking utensils, cloth, sugar and other luxury items. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030388306275938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwwRs7KKRt19UcbTHa5FWcOwpZ8dyi9L-Dd6OK9La5XYUzi3b56nGDy3n6oOvCYasLZoI9uFPLhRRSkeH9PflSNP6tz85BhSC45Pe7yhMVFnAYpwvp8Y6FzzO8XnkgvLotcELlDkGkGih/s200/2008+05+24+23+Beaver+Pelt+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(23).jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Francois with beaver pelt</span></em><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><div><br />Francois and Registe accompanied us to different buildings within the fort, describing the apothecary’s house and demonstrating some of the harsh tools used by the local doctor to treat such ailments as toothaches and headaches.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030146580259282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqWVC4v2YrO2e0Y02Iok7rfn_3mHdPS3Jy55w_Wc2tMUg74lnwC-ciVDl8oQVi_qfXY-G0OZtr9ZHaMzc9j2TEIaaL95eUDyaw3VV902OeyYni_STy4w_Z4KwJekPJfXtTQh145j5OtRB/s200/2008+05+24+10+Registe+in+Apothecary%27s+House+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(9).jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Registe in apothecar's house</span></em><br /><div></div><br /><div>Voyageurs were not given alcohol to deaden the pain before surgery because they prided themselves on being tough, but just imagine having a tooth pulled out with pliers, and then having the root scraped out with a tool that resembled a small pick, without benefit of anesthetic. The headache remedy was equally as painful and it was a small contraption fitted with a spring that literally cut slices into the scalp in order to allow bleeding to occur. Is it any wonder that the voyageurs preferred to use the herbal remedies of the local natives?<br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030498151637618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQmYVOYXx1PP2OibILelq6RTuNU8iRh0Tq9XXto7b89Jp4YWsPC2JIoYNO6T8H92rqUP0RPnb9kLBfWMhkKOwHIIS2oV-Z01lW3sfmwI-4iYY8NOC3Ajmzqt0qgyajzpdWBYxwdsSLezc/s200/2008+05+24+39+Use+this+demo+of+stitching+spruce+root+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(39).jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Demonstrating stitching the birchbark together to make a canoe</span></em><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><div><br /><div><br />There were many buildings within the stockade (erected to protect the inhabitants from wildlife rather than enemies), and because it is early in the season there are only a few costumed people rather than the full contingency in the summer.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030789025017538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNr7wJJy2tUeVMdHFBgLp3EnjJhyTu3EmMX9TpmRMQIJwc_vU7x80PiAg8GUDu3ULIBgKONTvJrw0wXlpOhd831nneoIoH69rDoCEmwhyphenhyphenvahjIOPkkr7eW6P7F1eLt8tSHModAmvfDTxJ/s200/2008+05+24+55+Fort+William+Historical+Park+(58).jpg" border="0" />Likewise, the demonstrations of local manufacturing of tin, sewing, etc. are not available at this time. However, we did make our way to the trading post where I was astonished at the number of animal pelts to be found here – everything from beaver pelts (the most coveted) to ermine, lynx, bobcat, rabbit and every other furred creature found in Ontario. These were all genuine furs and I wanted to ask how they were obtained.<br /><br />The trading post is also the store where the natives came to exchange their pelts for goods such as blankets, shot, cloth, salt, sugar, etc.<br /><br />We went on to the central dining room where the aristocrats and clerks took their meals, with tables laid out with china, Wedgewood glassware and silverware. Paintings on the walls of this vast central room depicted some of the more prominent residents, many of whom were present only for the summer, and returning to England before winter set in. There were four bedrooms attached to this building set aside for these gentlemen. The clerks had their own building.<br /><br />Francois and Registe left us on our own at this point, as they had another tour coming in, and I continued on my own to the area where the blacksmith and others would be demonstrating their crafts during the summer, but which were unoccupied presently. From there I wandered over to the farm where all the vegetables and meat are grown for the occupants of the fort.<br /><br />By this time I had been walking for 2 ½ hours and it was almost closing time, so I made my way to the greeting area, where a costumed staff member spoke into a box to call for a golf cart – a clash of centuries, but something that I was quite grateful for.<br /><br />I considered just remaining in the parking lot overnight, but found that the gates were locked and no one was allowed to stay there. Consequently, I continued on my way back to Highway 17 eastwards.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TERRY FOX<br /></span></strong><br />The majority of Canadians have heard the story of Terry Fox, a courageous young man who had lost his leg to cancer at the age of eighteen. During his recuperation in hospital, he realized that there were many people suffering from this terrible disease and decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He began by dipping his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean, and then headed across Canada, averaging 26 miles per day running on his good and artificial leg. He had traveled some 5,000 miles before being forced to stop in Thunder Bay because his cancer had recurred. He died shortly after that, at the young age of 21 in 1981.<br /><br />By the time that Terry had reached Thunder Bay, he had raised several million dollars as he became an inspiration to all who saw him. I can recall seeing him on TV as he made his way through Toronto.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">There is a monument to Terry just on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. I had a particular interest in seeing this as my last contract job before taking off on this trip was assistant to the International Director of The Terry Fox Foundation. I worked with Breeda to oversee the Terry Fox Runs that were held around the world, so I had an insider’s look at just how inspirational this young man has been. Twenty-seven years later there are Runs held not only across Canada, but also around the world in Terry’s name and to date approximately $90 million has been raised for cancer research.<br /><br />The monument is life-size and a very accurate portrayal of him, as it looks out over Lake Superior. I had read that earlier this year someone had defaced the statue, but it must have been repaired. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207030898082732418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_l1vaxTK1UzGN_oyILE4wG88Nbfwmb3Qr60ZrAJWMU-JYPl-KLMgk7eV7FZmVpBoHSuN7BHpknpyBhdgwWo0XrvXPx8E3fhZAnFB7RC4sssyqZgMFKcAQA5j5aBAVodgHTik2e_zTsb0/s320/2008+05+24+71+use+this+Terry+Fox+MOnument+Thunder+Bay.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LAKE SUPERIOR</span></strong><br /><br />Lake Superior is one of the Great Lakes, and is huge. I will be crossing the northern end of it for many miles yet. Gordon Lightfoot wrote a very famous song called “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” about a freighter that went down in Lake Superior on one windy day. The lake looks quite foreboding on an overcast day like today and it wasn’t difficult to imagine that many a ship has been lost in this body of water. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207042455048352722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomtp3Y42UDezubujUkxaxFn7APqzH_agR-1HkPMzOL1qk_Xiiksv7FbvkQ5xWlHdCyeZqzKF6lH-S9f4w02lGKKzkkpxAemaiiqjpdxACsiKuMmIMTRdtVoK6ehqh8GwsGwO_vfAicGfI/s320/2008+05+25+03+Lake+Superior.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Camping Directory that I picked up at the Visitor Centre when I first entered Ontario indicates that there are very few campgrounds along this stretch, and when I saw a sign for Eagle Adventure Campground, I decided to stop there even though it was some 15 kms on a side road. However, when I arrived I was told that the fee was $45, including the admission fee to some suspension bridges and that was the fee whether or not you wanted to see these bridges. There was no way that I was going to pay that fee, so I retraced my steps over the gravelly bumpy road back on to Highway 17 and eventually came across the Wolf River Park where I managed to get the last site available (electric only) for $22.<br /><br />Most of the sites are seasonal and people have erected porches and fences and put out decorations around their sites.<br /><br />The Wolf River circles around the park, and I took Ripley down to the beach to collect some river stones.<br /><br />After more beef casserole, I settled down to see if I could pick up any TV and managed to watch a snowy version of the Stanley Cup Finals first game. Although there was a double image of the players, I could at least listen to the play by play. Detroit won 4-0. I’m rooting for Pittsburgh.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It rained overnight, and the river beside the park had risen overnight, with a strong current.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CBC RADIO<br /></span></strong><br />As checkout time wasn’t until 2:00 p.m., I slowly got ready to leave and listened to the CBC , with Stuart McLean. He contacted a young boy who had named his cow after him, and others who had written to him with their stories.<br /><br />After it ended another show came on featuring two characters doing a take-off on a Dr. Seuss story, in which a man had turned into a cockroach and was writing to a prominent doctor in Europe to help him. The doctor would respond in a typical Seuss rhyme, and it ended with the man’s sister writing to the doctor to say that her brother had passed on, but not before starting to show wings so that he was in fact a beetle and not a cockroach after all. You had to hear it.<br /><br />As I drove along, I listened to interviews with three Olympic athletes talking about their preparation for the upcoming games, followed by an interview with Dr. Gabor Matte who has written his fourth book “In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost”. He explained that this was one of the Buddhist concepts of life. The Hungry Ghost realm is one in which people are confronted with their demons that make one dissatisfied with life and make them want to escape from reality. He works with drug addicts in Vancouver and uses this concept to treat his patients. He describes one who is highly intelligent and who can spout Goethe and Proust but who is in and out of jail frequently as he pursues his need for drugs. Dr. Matte also spoke of his own addiction to classical music; he said that he has been known to spend thousands of dollars on different versions of a Mahler symphony in a 48 hour period. The book sounds quite fascinating, and I will have to seek it out in the library when I get home.<br /><br />I have noticed that many of these towns have service clubs, and as a Rotarian I am pleased to see the Rotary wheel prominent on the signs as I travel through.<br /><br />The highway follows the shore of Lake Superior, so I was able to stop at a few picnic sites for views of the lake. There was one site in particular where I was tempted to spend the night, as it was well away from the noise of the highway amongst the trees that overlooked the lake. But I had only driven 60 km so far, and the weather is forecast to be very cold tonight, so I continued on, listening to Donna Summer as I lost radio contact.<br /><br />The lake has whitecaps now and the overcast skies make it look very dangerous.<br /><br />The highway travels through rolling hills and wilderness, and there are a number of moose warnings in the area.<br /><br />I thought to stop in Terrace Bay to fill up with gas, only to find that there was a power outage throughout the area, and consequently the pumps were not operating. A sign on the pumps stated that the outage would be over at 4:30, a half hour from the present time. As my tank was very low, I opted to park and wait and had supper while I was waiting. This time I had pot roast with gravy and mushrooms (a refrigerated package) and mashed potatoes.<br /><br />Just as I was finishing my meal, the power came back on and I was able to fill up. When I started out on this adventure, I paid $80 to fill the tank. Today it cost $128. However, on a lighter note, I won $4 on a lottery ticket!<br /><br />I thought that I might see some interesting birds in this region, but so far I have only seen sparrows, robins, gulls, Canada geese and the odd hawk and turkey vulture.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">NEYS LUNCH AND CAMPGROUND<br /></span></strong><br />After consulting my Passport America book, I found that one of the few member campgrounds in Ontario is located just outside Marathon, so I pulled into Neys Lunch and Campground, paying $12.50 a site with electricity, water and sewer connection. Tammy and John Gillespie bought the run-down campground four years ago and are slowly renovating it. They are setting up wi fi, but for now they have a computer with internet connection in the café area, but they charge $5 for just an hour’s use. Since I haven’t been able to check my email for some days, I forked over the money. The connection was very slow and I wasted ten minutes of the sixty allotted just in connecting to my email.<br /><br />The campground is across the road from Neys Provincial Park, which was a German POW camp during World War Two. After the war was over, it was used for awhile as a work camp, but then the government decided to erase any traces of its former use. It was then discovered that there were many sensitive indigenous plants growing there and it was then converted to a park and campground. I suppose that I could have stayed there, but it would have cost me more and, like most provincial parks there is probably only electricity available and no water or sewer.<br /><br />I checked to see if I could get any TV reception with my rabbit ears, and found that I could again get the CBC. I watched a new show called “Test the Nation” with Wendy Mesley and Ron McLean. The subject of this first show was sports. There were representatives from Olympic medalists, armchair sportspeople, umpires and referees, cheerleaders and mascots, and extreme sports people, each of whom had a voting terminal. There were also terminals available at a sports bar in Toronto for the occupants there, all of whom had to choose the correct answer to fifty multiple choice questions. It was quite entertaining.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, MAY 26, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />During the night the weather turned nasty, with loud thunderclaps and lightning, which frighten the hell out of Ripley. She just quaked most of the night and was very restless regardless of my efforts to reassure her. Consequently, neither of us got much sleep and I awoke this morning to freezing rain and strong winds. Not a good day for traveling, so I opted to remain here for another day.<br /><br />The café offered a full breakfast of two eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee for $5.99, so I decided to splurge, and use up the rest of my hour on the internet. The store is also the local liquor outlet, so I bought a bottle of strawberry wine too. Since arriving back in Canada, I have not bought any beer or wine because the prices are so much higher here, but I made an exception today.<br /><br />When I arrived yesterday, I was surprised to learn that there was only one site available, but I was told that the mill in Marathon has shut down for maintenance and consequently many of the workers have their rigs here. Apparently there are three gold mines in the vicinity, one of which is the largest open pit mine in Canada. I thought that gold was further north, but I guess I was wrong.<br /><br />I took Ripley out to the field behind the campsites a couple of times, despite the nasty weather and she enjoyed racing around off leash, particularly when I brought her soccer ball along. She has fully recovered from her frightening night! On one of these walks I saw a bird that I have identified as an American Redstart. It had a wonderful flash of brilliant orange on its wings and tail. It is described as having a butterfly-like flight, and I have to say that I thought at first that I was looking at a butterfly and not a bird, until it landed and I could get a better look at it.<br /><br />In the afternoon it began to snow, but it does seem that it isn’t going to stay on the ground.<br /><br />I spent part of the day cleaning house, vacuuming and scrubbing. It’s amazing how much dust gets into the rig.<br /><br />Besides catching up with my blog, I also indulged myself in reading another novel, this one by James Lee Burke, called “A Morning For Flamingos”. I have read one other novel of his and enjoyed his main character Dave Robicheaux, an ex-cop from Louisiana.<br /><br />By evening, the sun had come out and the wind had died down, so tomorrow will be a good day for traveling.<br /><br />The radio is saying there is a frost warning tonight, with a low of -3 degrees C. What happened to spring??<br /><br />For a change, I watched a DVD featuring Robin Williams in one of his stand-up comedies. As usual, he was totally irreverent but very funny.<br /><br />The second Stanley Cup Finals game is on tonight, so I tuned in during the second period. Detroit is leading 2-0. Not good.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />The weather is really variable at this time of year in the north. Overnight the temperature dropped to near freezing and the forecast is for freezing rain or snow.<br /><br />After checking my oil and making a sewer dump, I headed eastwards to the town of Marathon to the library to use the free Internet service. That is one consistent service that I have found throughout my travels, and it has been a real boon to me. I checked the American Idol site, and was really surprised to see that it was David Cook who won. In my opinion, he was better ready to get on stage an entertain an audience than the 17-year old David Archuleta, but I was sure that the tweeners would have voted the latter in as winner.<br /><br />On my way out of the library, I passed a table selling remaindered books and picked up Rick Mercer’s book of rants. (Canadians will know who I mean; Rick Mercer is a Canadian comedian who is known for his very humorous commentaries on various political and newsworthy subjects, known as rants.<br /><br />My friend June Barringham will be 80 years old on June 3rd and unfortunately I won’t be back yet; but I did send her a card to wish her well. That is quite a milestone that not all of us will see, and I wish her well.<br /><br />I’ve been passing a lot of construction on the road – certainly something that is needed and an event which heralds the coming of better weather. Many of the people holding the “Stop” and “Slow” sign are women – probably university students working for the summer. Not a bad gig, so long as the weather is good, but today there are ice pellets and a strong wind. I, for one, would not want to be standing outside today!<br /><br />I passed the three gold mines, the name of one being Barrick Gold Mines – an infamous name.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">DEAD AND DYING TREES<br /></span></strong><br />I’m really concerned about the numbers of dead trees that I’ve passed along the highway, and wonder if these are the victims of the deadly pine beetle. They look like giant toothpicks sticking up for miles and miles and are a shocking reminder of what can happen when a non-native species is introduced.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031151075016034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gzE5r4OoplsHwH3WJj6Dk8amodtmysZ2WNHuDyd1etu0vRFL0mz9bdKVUHju9u56eTn6k4JOU8JWyLgINOLQ8MqAL2ByrwU1bpAOuQVGg7VFbk151Nr5wScOri6MHmFp4gBlbB5k_qWf/s320/2008+05+27+05+Dead+Trees.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WHITE RIVER<br /></span></strong><br />White River has a huge sign showing a drawing of Winnie the Pooh, stating “Where It All Began”. I don’t understand this, as I’m quite certain that the fictitious bear was based on a bear found at the Winnipeg Zoo. I didn’t stop to enquire, but probably should have.<br /><br />But I did stop at a picnic site (they are few and far between on this road) between White River and Wawa, for cheese and crackers (President’s Choice crackers and locally made cheddar cheese).<br /><br />Today’s choice of music is the soundtrack from Tequila Sunrise. There is no radio service along this stretch of road. The weather has changed again from this morning and is now sunny, with a high of 11 degrees C.<br /><br />There are quite a number of provincial parks, and I’m glad to see that the habitat is being protected, although I believe that mining is allowed within the park boundaries. There is a lot of rock that has been blasted to make way for the highway, and many travelers have left their own mark in the form of Inukshuks, a popular thing to do now and certainly less damaging than graffiti.<br /><br />At Wawa I stopped for gas ($1.29.9/litre) and of course had to take a photo of their famous goose statue, one of many around town.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031243142056770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zZFLsZGsw6WeHg5bQtWn0DexipujfY7w8mdctqIY13x4IUKUSVfvPuyHRutYYl4XLzpslWfpQPqGjUV6F5vdWMhVWo0fZCT-6xG2lQMVPr2KaezuTWrO5VlDorzkwlBQ-rZL_nT4YCV1/s200/2008+05+27+06+Wawa.jpg" border="0" /><br />There is a great deal of creativity in naming the bodies of water; my favourites today are Fungus Creek and Desolation Lake. I overnighted at Rabbit Blanket Lake inside Lake Superior Provincial Park. There was nobody on duty, so I picked a spot and took Ripley for a walk along the shore of the lake. It is really too bad that it is still too cold. This would have been a perfect place to launch a kayak. I do wish that I had brought mine along instead of lending it to Shana.<br /><br />The computer cheated again at Scrabble. But at least I had strawberry wine to console myself.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I woke up with a headache. Even one glass of wine seems to do me in now. I took Ripley out for a walk on the Peat Mountain Trail to clear my head and to enjoy the beautiful sunny morning. I saw a sharp-tailed sparrow in my binoculars, which I identified from my Eastern Birds book. I am finding this book a bit confusing, and would prefer to find one on just the Birds of Ontario. Ripley desperately wanted to get to a chipmunk she spied through the screen door, and the little mammal seemed to realize that Ripley couldn’t reach her, as it calmly went about foraging for food in the underbrush just outside. That, of course, made Ripley all the more frantic to get out there, but that was not in the cards.<br /><br />When I was ready to leave, there was still nobody manning the booth, so I guess I had a free night!<br /><br />Although I am truly enjoying the scenery, I am finding it quite wearying to drive on day after day. It would be good to set down some roots and stay for awhile.<br /><br />My favourite names for lakes today are Dad Lake, Mom Lake and Baby Lake.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KATHERINE COVE<br /></span></strong><br />Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and goes on for miles and miles. I’ve mentioned previously how ominous it looked, but today the lake is relatively benign, the sun is shining and it has taken on a very different demeanour, especially at Katherine Cove, a lovely sandy beach protected by an outer island. I have no doubt that it is a favourite spot for swimmers and canoeists in the warmer weather. As it is still within the provincial park boundaries, I bought a two-hour permit in order to walk along the shore with Ripley and to sit on the rocks overlooking the lake.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031358527603842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFvTr3oBYtegDJO50078bTtxsGCRJJM4NXlQNIoJNXJS6xXEwwFtbOPRbmfr7ZvFymW8lhDqP8s-qZARoDYh5yV5lsQKaWTuqEsR-r6ACK-SHb9YZmswng013gvNMvcEAnRxny5gXglek/s320/2008+05+28+03+Katherine+Cove.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I watched a solitary loon diving for fish just offshore. There is such a feeling of serenity in places like this, but I do wish that smokers would not drop their cigarette butts to mar the beauty of the natural surroundings.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">AGAWA CANYON<br /></span></strong><br />At 3:30 I continued towards Agawa Canyon, a sacred Ojibwe site where there are pictographs left by members of the tribe in an earlier time. I recall visiting here many years ago and that it was a difficult climb to get to the pictographs.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031454359944018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgAAhZRhsLf6scJO2CalOvx9FuXYQZoX5R0ovssTop-95A4LwNnjY8TXR939okUn_nYeVnxe8RboZvMhf72EuBrn4Cem8SHrA5X19r9PeyNlQFFnMfRtMjkwx0JVIFBSO61xBxUkpVroV/s320/2008+05+28+07+Use+this+Agawa+Canyon.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But I hadn’t quite remembered it as being so hazardous. This sign is not an exaggeration!<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031803474771042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnXLsKAgdMxl_0V4x2m1Y3twLQl0iP6DyJR8dktW_tkVjhTpUJ2KHk_XVhYlV5BplJIbrBewiG5Iq5BR3xNcoxVY1-uDp5O1N64egsSmFYYIa5As2msT3cQtHCm0PJ2GbZ9d4d3FUJZmI/s320/2008+05+28+19+Caution+Sign.jpg" border="0" /><br />The trail from the parking lot takes one down through a rocky trail between giant cliffs, and then over some boulders to the stairs leading down to the ledge where the pictographs are. Any visitor who isn’t steady on his or her feet would have a very difficult time climbing down or up. Quite honestly, I am really amazed that the provincial authorities allow visitors to climb out on to the ledge which drops sharply into Lake Superior. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031712722899554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRZ49LU-i59qv3hJ_ccwmQT3rQGqcGI9eWQCJc8Lb1o-7rK7YdxVD19DI-kV38wVSblDNuhEoFhmipOuLzM6cb2lxYwk8l1egPPfQKcOV8sAG5E7cbRCeBpNri16FI627O1o4cJ9ckmb7/s320/2008+05+28+14+Use+this+Agawa.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There are a few hand grips, but it would be so easy to fall in. The authorities have very kindly provided a lifebuoy and a grappling bar for those who do fall in, but considering all the safeguards that are generally in place in a tourist area, I just don’t understand why visitors are allowed here at all. And what I found so disappointing is that the pictographs have not been protected and have been allowed to fade, and for moss to grow around them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031600898881682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF70ZulvR6TNL1aL0fTZy1PKcq4ZngU3Kkh6z1R-k0rr_iktb2W22bbe2pTdoo4riikurGl9QdYzr10UtKgVAVDHDswOwM9Z_W32Yn3Y8PfeACxqdeBoE4FZZ8Op3hF3c_Zs_lO74CP1up/s320/2008+05+28+09+Pictographs+Agawa.jpg" border="0" /><br />I ventured out to the first two closest to the stairs, but was too nervous to go out any further to view the rest. After Ripley slipped on a rock and hurt her paw, I tied her up and left her behind on the trail; she would not have wanted to go any further anyway, as she was quite scared afterwards.<br /><br />To make matters worse, the black flies were out in hordes, viciously attacking any unprotected skin. That’s the price you pay for hot and sunny weather! The sun glistened off the rocks along the shore, but I did not hang around to admire the beauty for very long!<br /><br />There is still not cell phone service in this area.<br /><br />I thought that I might see some shorebirds or waterfowl, but there has been quite a scarcity of these birds in any of the areas where I have stopped.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ANOTHER TOURIST MECCA<br /></span></strong><br />The Agawa Indian and Wildlife Fine Arts is a group of buildings together where one can buy gas, chain saw carvings, paintings, groceries, fishing and hunting licenses, export permits for deer, moose and bear, liquor and souvenirs and have a free coffee while browsing. I try not to get too engrossed in places like this, but I did find a compact guide to the Birds of Ontario, with large drawings, and I think it will be a big help in identifying the common birds found here.<br /><br />The Ontario Campground Directory does not list all the campgrounds that I have come across along this stretch of highway since I left Manitoba, so I don’t know how they get listed. Perhaps it is only those who pay who are in the directory. At Goulais River I stopped at Blueberry Hill Motel and RV to take advantage of my Explorer’s membership discount, the first I’ve been able to use. Explorers is a Canadian RV club that I joined before leaving, so it cost me $26 for the night with electricity and water. The campground boasts a huge variety of playground toys, plus an arcade building, an indoor pool (the water was too cold), sauna, volleyball, basketball, nature trails and internet access. There are many permanent sites here and it must be quite noisy on the weekends when the children are out of school!<br /><br />After catching up on my laundry, I took Ripley for a walk and came cross a single sandhill crane feeding in the front field.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207031926534792258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AkbrZi8atCkgATkHcVrvGa8IBo3WubX6uc_mpwqWCURLLtwMnYjOl1ARh1x1fnmZ79EzwhUISXH3cUUaqjiqpzt8jaBtPVICuqrSESE_FNS3UhU_695Wdn1vNOEFMsC-TEquSqHzzQ_V/s320/2008+05+28+23+sandhill+crane+at+Bluebery+Hill+Resort.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My new book mentioned that these cranes can be found around the Sault Ste. Marie area as they migrate from the south, so I was quite excited to see and hear this large bird. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes and black flies are also quite prevalent!<br /><br />I am close enough to Sault Ste Marie to pick up a TV signal and watched Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Pittsburgh won!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I don’t believe this. I’ve lost my new sewer hose! The generator compartment where it was stored was not secured the last time I used it, and the hose has dropped out somewhere enroute. Boy, does that make me annoyed with myself for being so careless! It also meant spending $33 for yet another one.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SAULT STE. MARIE<br /></span></strong><br />Some years ago, I had the privilege of attending a function at which Dr. Roberta Bondar was the keynote speaker. She is the first Canadian woman to be in space and her talk and slide show was completely fascinating. I had a chance to speak to her after her talk and admired her greatly for her intelligence and sense of adventure. Sault Ste. Marie is her hometown, and they are justly proud of her, naming a community centre and school after her.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LAKE HURON</span></strong><br /><br />Lake Superior is now behind me, and I am now traveling along the shore of Lake Huron, an indication that my journey is coming to a close, as I get closer to my destination<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CHANGING SCENERY<br /></span></strong><br />Today the temperature is 19 degrees C and sunny. But it is also very buggy and I’ve had to dig out my insect spray. However, it is thrilling to see pussy willows and other bushes in bloom, after so many days of nothing but bare bushes and evergreens. There are lots of deciduous trees, with green leaves now instead of only fir trees.<br /><br />The terrain has changed as well, and there are farms alongside the road now, with hayfields and cattle. There are warning signs for motorists to beware of horse-drawn buggies, so I guess this must be an Amish or Mennonite community.<br /><br />It would have been interesting to take a mine tour at Bruce Mines, but the sign said it was closed. I suppose it’s too early in the tourist season yet.<br /><br />I had lunch beside a fast-flowing river about 100 yards wide near some very old abandoned houses near Blind River. I suppose that, once the mines closed and farming was not productive, some people decided to move on. I am only conjecturing and the reason for abandoning the houses may be quite different. I noticed that there is a sign announcing the territory of the Mississauga Indian tribe, and perhaps the property around these abandoned houses was ceded to the tribe.<br /><br />I’ve seen quite a few seaplanes in the neighbourhood. It is obviously the only way to travel in this land of few roads and many lakes.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BLOCKADE<br /></span></strong><br />I was blithely driving along thinking about where I might stop for the night, when all of a sudden the traffic in front of me came to a halt. I had quite forgotten that today had been proclaimed as a day of protest by various native tribes across Ontario, to indicate their displeasure with the government regarding treaties. Not all tribes were participating, but I realized right away that I had come across a blockade that might last for hours. There was a rented RV in front of me, and a German fellow came back to ask me about where to camp for the night. I explained to him about the blockade and suggested that he might have to wait for several hours before moving on. After standing still for about half an hour, I decided to turn around and head back to a picnic site that I had noticed just a mile or two back along the road, beside the Serpent River.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032044173115474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpeCTKm2IdrFtEBkgDfYlMg0qKMNtd32BzoOK3n2EA3pO0TG-9vIK5Keen6x9qOIS7GJaS4GiHB8eY9keU5cHjqCDR7jkFZ8leaMO3ZhiC1TtUks-4XlAKlY3H8cld7FK42TE6aTpJyou/s200/2008+05+29+02+serpent+River.jpg" border="0" /><br />The picnic site was very attractive, shady and led down to the rocks along the Serpent River, where I had lunch. I noticed a sign for the Kennebec Trail, so Ripley and I headed off for a hike for about a kilometer, through blossoming trees along a gravel trail.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032432887040882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1ibVobDlBNxyXo8qLeVur28WRLyD3DUd6kDqQ6DXwb7QDTykwt-K_bB_gGDT-DDK8obZIj80kWBUkWf389oskeIJ2DA6a_jt66M5nLImGHCkAKa3AKRSOlw9-UBV6kPaplHM2D1VGOE2/s200/2008+05+29+07+Kennebec+Trail.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was happy to see the gravel because it meant that I could make a crunching noise to alert any bears in the vicinity. Black bears generally do not attack people unless they are startled or are protecting young, but I was concerned about Ripley. In any event, we didn’t meet any bears but I did enjoy listening to the various birdsongs in the trees around us and looking at the wildflowers. And I did hear the call of a crane nearby but didn’t see it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032247654316162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5D1T65Lm4yFZLnuG7YAcJWEwpcPEkmLSRRHm1ytCza1f-PHGpNnKU0DH0pA1SytndnLHlGsFZnZr1DksnMviptLd1GwH-jexEgjDxMiHcISqPKc5nxrfvcg6Pp0P3u4xZFpDiY-ixakw/s200/2008+05+29+05+Wildflowers+on+Kennebec+Trail.jpg" border="0" /><br />It was a very pleasant spot and I would have enjoyed boondocking there that night, but there were several signs forbidding overnight camping. I suppose I could have risked staying, but didn’t feel like being rousted in the middle of the night by an OPP official telling me to move on.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MITCHELL’S CAMP<br /></span></strong><br />Instead, I headed back down the road, past where the blockade had taken place, and noticed a sign for Mitchell’s Camp in nearby Spanish. This seemed as likely as spot as any to stop and I’m glad I did. This is another campground not in the Ontario Directory and is on the shore of the mouth of the river leading into Lake Huron. It is used as a boat launch and because of the breeze, there were no black flies or mosquitoes in the grassy campsites. In the office, Mary Mitchell greeted me and for $25 I had water and electricity and shade. I noticed that there were two Norval Morrisseau paintings on the wall. He is a native from Manitoulin Island who has become quite famous locally, whereas at one time he couldn’t even give his paintings away. It seems that her husband used to work on Manitoulin Island and bought these two paintings from Morrisseau himself.<br /><br />Don Mitchell noticed that my bike was not secured properly and offered to fix it for me. He and his neighbour shortly came around with tools, straightened out my bike carrier and re-positioned my bike more securely on to the frame.<br /><br />The camp has wi fi but the signal is too weak for me to pick it up at my site. Tomorrow I will ask if I can sit in the office to get a stronger signal.<br /><br />In the meantime, Ripley and I walked along the shore where I could hear cranes calling on the island just offshore.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032626643240306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPlwXxYQjO1ceBLSKno1JcwlHM_nGbSF84sZI7T8Ypqk4hocCH0Tj_-QDV0fNZdK3iShI38YCzHzaJTnKwWpNsWdO5Zk44LpBl4TMvL6hsWNFPHX6V4YPdE_62yLwSRMlk0k-jo1orR9t/s320/2008+05+30+03+Use+this+Spanish.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />This is a very pleasant spot and I’ve decided to spend one more day here, after sleeping in and having a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, English crumpets and coffee.<br /><br />Mary had mentioned that there was a trail winding along the shore past some of the houses and that it was okay for me to walk along there, so Ripley and I headed out there, in the hopes of seeing some waterfowl or even cranes offshore. There were none there, but I enjoyed looking at the flowering wildflowers amongst the rocks.<br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032521846739442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrfTHPS47TEoHe8Wp-Gb_LNlGWLJ2KUQgqvcdrWGv272ISbJ7trHakzJ3Eg4p7I0E4cEF0O3uXeFgRg3BkZlhg89jYaNiWWD1fZ5_TXhdSouHTLywwblkIb43SN51JrFDXORHApSzzfdD/s200/2008+05+30+01+Wildflowers+at+Spanish.jpg" border="0" /><br />As we headed back along the docks, I came across a single blue-winged teal swimming in the shallows and much to my surprise, Ripley headed into the water towards it. She generally has shied away from getting wet, but she was quite prepared to swim out to the bird when I stopped her. The bird simply moved a little further away.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207032876293778194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbJ_cWjB3s6LiDiE_hPS1sAHt046pEKFjwG_RSGnapB1bkEvWMiu_JAMY4FPvakyR1Eb2sE8hjV_vExZJ1E10u5dA0s5bp8HSwRRKks0eydQmg8w10adGZfjzfVw94bskVkNpFkOH07AB/s200/2008+05+30+04+Teal+or+may+be+domestic+Duck.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />We continued on to the pier where I encountered three fishermen who had just returned from a successful fishing expedition, and just before the rain started. They were happily cleaning their catch of pickerel (limit of four each) when I stopped by to watch and admire. I mentioned that my father had been an avid fisherman, and wondered if they were retired so that they could be out on a Friday. One fellow explained that they worked shift work and got 3-4 days off at a time. After chatting for a few minutes, he generously gave me a filleted and cleaned fish and that made my day! I am looking forward to fresh baked fish tonight for supper.<br /><br />I headed back to my RV before the rain came down too heavily, and read for awhile. Today I am reading The Fifth Angel by Tim Green, about a vigilante who is killing sexual predators, after obtaining their name and address from the Sex Offenders List.<br /><br />Mary allowed me to set up my laptop in the office, but my wi fi is incompatible with Sympatico, it seems. So she very kindly invited me into her house to hook up directly to their satellite connection, and I happily caught up on my blog and emails for a couple of hours.<br /><br />Since they were getting ready for supper, I headed back to my RV, and Don offered to let me use their barbecue when he was finished. I wrapped up my prize pickerel in tinfoil, along with some onions but take advantage of this offer, and enjoyed a wonderful repast of barbecued fish, onions, rice and corn for supper.<br /><br />The people in the North really are friendly and generous, and Don and Mary are good examples of this generosity. Their brochure has a poem on it by an unknown author, and I would like to share it with you.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">WHERE THE NORTH BEGINS<br /></span></strong><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">You tell me you’re a stranger<br />From lands that lie afar,<br />You ask me where the North begins<br />And what its boundaries are.<br /><br />The North is not an area<br />It’s not a piece of land<br />The North’s a spirit and a life<br />Which you must understand.<br /><br />Up where the handclasp’s stronger,<br />Far from the city dins,<br />Up where the smile lasts longer,<br />That’s where the North begins.<br /><br />Up where the sun shines brighter,<br />Where worries easily end,<br />Up where the snow lies whiter,<br />You’re in the North, my friend.<br /><br />Where every man’s a fighter,<br />And no one quits the game,<br />Where the bond of friendship’s tighter<br />And honor’s more than fame.<br /><br />Where you feel the fresh wind blowing<br />From pine woods clean and pure,<br />Where you find the trout-streams flowing,<br />You’re in the North, for sure.<br /><br />Where fewer hearts are aching,<br />And fewer men walk broke,<br />Where the world’s still in the making<br />And all hearts carry hope.<br /><br />Where fellows don’t mind giving,<br />And we ask no creed or name,<br />Where the fun of life is living,<br />For life is worth the game.<br /><br />Have you left the camp at daylight,<br />As dawn was breaking forth,<br />Carried back your deer at twilight?<br />Then you’ve really known the North.<br /><br />Have you smelled the bacon frying,<br />By streams where the big trout swims,<br />Made friends without half trying?<br />That’s where the North beings.<br /><br />For the North is not a country,<br />Measured by terms of land,<br />The real North is a spirit,<br />Which you must understand.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-69042199887086866422008-05-21T14:59:00.000-07:002008-05-31T10:46:26.807-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-SIX - MANITOBA<div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-SIX – MANITOBA - MAY 10 - 16 , 2008</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">PHOTOS NOW HERE</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008</span></em></strong><br /><br />Manitoba runs on Central Standard Time. It was time once again to change my watch and lose an hour.<br /><br />As I continued along Highway 13 (now Highway 2 in Manitoba), I couldn’t help but notice more oil rigs in this southwestern region. It makes me wonder why Canadians are paying so much for gas (even more than Americans) when Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba produce a great deal of oil. I know, it is mostly exported, and the provinces impose a gas tax on top of all the other taxes, but I truly feel that we deserve a break. I really don’t understand the commodities system and why the gas at the pump today costs more than the same gas at the station yesterday.<br /><br />Today the sky is clear of clouds and the weather is mild. Now this is more like it!<br /><br />There are many more trees here than in Saskatchewan and the fields of grain are much smaller.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">LUNCH<br /></span></strong><br />There don’t appear to be any rest stops on this highway, but eventually I found a sign leading me to a picturesque picnic area near the town of Deleau. As with most of the places I’ve stopped at, there was no one parked in the mowed field surrounded by trees with a baseball diamond, playground, picnic tables and a cairn commemorating this as the site of an old school. Off to one side was a small cabin with benches and a guest register inside, an interesting document to read who had been there previously and their comments. I noticed addresses from Alaska to Florida.<br /><br />I indulged in another salmon sandwich, enjoying every mouthful. Ripley and I walked around afterwards and encountered flies – the first I’ve seen this year.<br /><br />It was tempting to stay here overnight, but it was still quite early and I hadn’t traveled very far today, so in the end I moved on. And besides, the temperature tonight is predicted to be -8 degrees C – a little on the cold side with no electricity to provide heat.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">SOURIS<br /></span></strong><br />Souris is a medium-sized town that has some tourist attractions, including the longest suspension bridge in Canada. Built in 1904 by Squire Sowden, the bridge measures 582’ across the Souris River. Ripley and I bravely walked across the swaying bridge (I should say that Ripley bravely walked across while I clung to the sides).<br /><br />I noticed a rock shop on the way in and couldn’t resist having a look. There is an agate pit nearby where for the fee of $10 people can go and collect up to 20 kg. daily. I decided instead to buy some of the polished stones in the shop, all with the idea of turning them into jewelry once I have settled in Ontario again.<br /><br />As I drove down the main street, I spied a bakery and naturally stopped to buy a yummy homemade cinnamon bun and some butterscotch chip cookies, as well as a loaf of all-grain bread – perfect for sandwiches and toast.<br /><br />Like many of these smaller municipalities, there is a campground here and I was pleased to see that the water was operational, although the pipeline to the washroom and showers was still frozen. The campground is located on the banks of the Souris River in Victoria Park and is a haven for Canada geese. Ripley kept them at bay around our site.<br /><br />The bases of all the trees had wire around them, presumably to prevent beavers from cutting them down, although personally I did not see any of these interesting mammals.<br /><br />After checking out the campground, I returned to the main street to fill up with gas and to use the laundromat located behind the gas station. The gas price here was $1.29.9/litre. Ripley and I whiled away the time waiting for the laundry to be done, before returning to the campground and setting up.<br /><br />There are trails around the park, one leading to a fenced-in bird sanctuary which seemed to house mostly Canada geese, but also a pair of mute swans who gracefully swam over to where Ripley and I were standing on the bridge. She was quite fascinated to see these two very large white birds, and I suppose the swans were hoping for a hand-out as they stretched their necks towards us. Peacocks wandered around here as well, and apparently are a great tourist attraction, freely making their way along the town’s streets.<br /><br />We continued on the 2 km. long trail, leading us up the other bank of the Souris River to a 500-year old elm tree, and a lookout point. After being on the open prairie for several days, it was pleasant to wander around through tall trees once again.<br /><br />By this time I was pooped, as well as Ripley (who slept for several hours afterwards), but I had enough energy to prepare a slow cooker casserole, my dinner for tomorrow. This little appliance is a great way to make a meal that cooks itself. This time I used pork, potatoes, green beans, onions, carrots, stewed tomatoes, adding a dash of barbecue sauce for flavour.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008 – MOTHER’S DAY<br /></span></em></strong><br />Since I’m not a mother (other than to animals and they can’t send me flowers) and my own mother is deceased, today is just like any other day for me. But I think it is a nice gesture to acknowledge the contribution and sacrifice that mothers make.<br /><br />Yesterday afternoon I ran into an elderly woman who brings her fifth wheel to the campground, but lives in town the rest of the year. She said that she enjoyed the change and that she was off to watch her grandson play baseball. There are a few rigs parked in the campground but no people around, and I assume that these two are people who are preparing for the nicer weather. Next weekend is the big long weekend which is traditionally the start of the camping season for most people.<br /><br />But for the time being there are just this elderly woman, another family and myself sharing the campground.<br /><br />I have decided that today will be a rest day. The constant driving is very exhausting for me, and I despair that I no longer have the energy I once had. It is something that I have had to come to terms with on this trip and try not to expect too much from myself.<br /><br />Later, Ripley and I took a walk up to the main street. Since it is Sunday, most of the stores were closed, but the restaurants were open, featuring a Mother’s Day special.<br /><br />Souris boasts its own newspaper called the Souris Plaindealer, and here are some excerpts:<br /><br />Kirkup Agencies are celebrating fifty years of being in business<br />High school students get back in saddle and compete at the Triple H Rodeo weekend<br />A Hunter Safety participant is watched by Jack Barrows during target practice at the Hartney Hunting Range<br />A conservation agreement with The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation will protect the many sloughs and potholes on the 340 acre farm of Greg and Judy Esplin<br />Sabres’ rugby season begins<br /><br />And just with my rabbit ears I was able to pick up two TV stations and caught Game 2 of the Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game. Pittsburgh won. Sidney Crosby truly is wonderful to watch.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I had been told that someone would show up to collect the camping fees, but I never did see anyone, so I have had two free nights!<br /><br />Today it is grey, raining and cold, with a high of 6 degrees C, as I headed up Highway 250 north towards Brandon listening to new cassette Operetta Highlights, Part Two. I passed two dead deer on the side of the road, casualties of collisions with automobiles, I assume.<br /><br />At Portage la Prairie I detoured into the two to find a CIBC bank branch to get cash, and weakened to buy a three-piece combo at the KFC. Of course I shared it with Ripley! Taking her out in the pouring rain for a pit stop afterwards, however, was not very pleasant.<br /><br />As we passed through Carman, I was reminded that goalie Ed Belfour was born there, and I believe still runs a custom car operation there.<br /><br />The Trans Canada Highway is a major road that spans the entire country of Canada from west to east, and yet there are still stop lights on it! The wind has picked up considerably in this area where I found the only Flying J Truck Stop in Manitoba, in Headingly, just west of Winnipeg. Instead of heading into the city, I turned north to Warren, to the Rubber Ducky Resort and Campground. It is fairly new and is situated on what was the farm of owner’s parents. He and his wife have done a nice job of turning it into an attractive destination, including a duck pond (hence, the name), mini-golf, outdoor pool, hot tub, rain shelter, indoor children’s play area, wi fi, satellite TV, walking trails and beach volleyball court. The rec hall/office/shower area used to be a barn, as was the owner’s house and they have done a nice job of converting them. One feature that I have not seen anywhere else is that you can rent a hot tub to be installed at your site. Some rigs were parked, but I believe that I was the only camper there at that time.<br /><br />I watched Dancing With the Stars on the rec room’s TV.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Since Rubber Ducky offers a breakfast, I decided to take advantage of this perk and ordered bacon and egger sandwich with coffee. It has stopped raining, but is still overcast, cold and windy.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">OAK HAMMOCK MARSH<br /></span></strong><br />The reason that I came to this area was to visit Oak Hammock Marsh, an award-winning interpretive centre that boasts 30 kilometers of walking trails in and around several wetlands where as many as 299 bird species, hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects can be found, depending on the time of year. Originally a much larger bog that had been dredged over, Ducks Unlimited and the Province of Manitoba set out to create a 3600 hectare restored wetland comprising man-made lakes, dikes and lure crop areas. </div><p align="center"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598237009237218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqAMtpd0CX8XIrkkjzASENxbG-fMVeQJG4k777idOqNMWP4Zq3_0i_JsJ53h-FuY-NASUQKJLUylVWtQizc-td8HK1v4UlfbzrFVguIOqtjVVRzEnOGPSNU2JLPNSIjHeb4SmpKw8nqUE/s200/2008+05+13+01+Oak+Hammock+Marsh,+Manitoba.jpg" border="0" /><br />I started out by visiting the Interpretive Centre gift shop where I bought a very lightweight pair of binoculars with a stronger field of vision than my old ones, which had been giving me some trouble. I think that the lenses are a big fogged, after all the abuse I’ve given them, and it certainly is a lot easier to focus in on birds with my new pair, which only cost $20!).<br /><br />I wandered around the building which has exhibits on various aspects of wetlands and the animals found there, with nice views over the marshlands, and made my way upstairs to the outdoor viewing area where crocuses were blooming – a welcome sight. Then I headed down one flight to the cafeteria to have soup and a huge salad at a table overlooking the marsh. Binoculars are thoughtfully provided for each table, but I used my own new ones.<br /><br />Before heading outside, I decided to take in the slide show which features the various birds to be seen in the marsh. As it happened, I was an audience of one; the presenter was a young man named Tagger. He was working at Oak Hammock as part of the Katimavik program for young people, which provides employment for short terms in various provinces. He had already worked in Quebec and Ontario under this program, and was finishing up his assignment in Manitoba before heading home to a small town two hours north of Edmonton. When I explained my trip, he was fascinated to hear more, so instead of seeing the slide show (which was full of identification errors anyway), we chatted about his future plans. The half hour was quickly up, and he had to move on to another presentation. From what he said, I think that he would do well aiming towards a career with Parks Canada, and I wish him well.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598152466656674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgyfOWpbXOo3eMgzUAcd8XY_0jZ2HhHDhy_HZP9H-cOAEPYFwVD-Inp7DzJTJTQlJgkgsyki-sB0ULEk6PLIVubSHtUWxKZGuy1XlUNcrZczTzEiWy3HzukXlf6ALDatS__3J1F9wvkLc/s320/2008+05+13+011+Oak+Hammock+Marsh,+Manitoba+(10).jpg" border="0" /><br />Ripley was allowed to accompany me as we set off on one of the shorter trails around the marsh (if I read the map correctly, it actually was a total of 9 km). We came across lots of Canada geese, of course, but in addition I was able to identify Mallards, Blue-Winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck, American White Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Tree Swallow and Red-winged Blackbird. Not bad for one day! Of course, there were other birds that I wasn’t able to identify too.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">BACK TO RUBBER DUCKY<br /></span></strong><br />My legs were a bit rubbery after the walk and I expect that Ripley might have been feeling the effort as well. We both had a brief rest, but by then it was closing time. Rather than trying to find a new campground to travel to, I simply headed back to the Rubber Ducky, about 20 km. away.<br /><br />I have begun sneezing and my eyes are itchy. I wonder if there is a tree pollen to which I’m allergic.<br /><br />I enjoyed a relaxing evening in front of the large TV in the rec hall and caught Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. I think it’s Syesha’s turn to go, although she’s very talented.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I have many relatives in the Winnipeg area, something that I discovered only a few short years ago. I knew that my father was one of twelve and that many of his nephews lived in Manitoba where he was born, but I had not actually met any of them until contacted my cousin Tom a few years ago. He had arranged for me to meet many of my cousins, their children and even some grandchildren, and we have kept in touch since then.<br /><br />I had mentioned meeting my cousin Jerry and his wife Diane in Arizona, and I was happy to once again make contact with Tom and his wife Pat. Jerry is the oldest of the twelve children born to my father’s brother Pete (now deceased), and Tom is somewhere in the middle. Tom and Pat live on a farm east of Winnipeg and had invited me to visit.<br /><br />The weather is much more promising today and the ground is drying up nicely, as I drove towards the town of Stonewall. I stopped there to get groceries, use the internet at the library and mail some postcards. But I’m still sneezing.<br /><br />In order to skirt around Winnipeg itself, I caught the bypass Highway 101 but was surprised at how poor the road condition was. It certainly needs work and my rig took a beating on the bumpy surface.<br /><br />Dugald was further out than I had anticipated, but eventually I arrived at the farm where Tom, who is retired, greeted me. He has 37 acres on which there are two geese (known as the Terrorists), chickens, a pony, two calves and two dogs. Sky, the female, is very aggressive towards other dogs, so it was necessary to keep Ripley separated either in the RV or carried into the house.<br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598388107937314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZpFJZyzTCXk8QO-NtejL3JHtXGkskqgmEo_0i3ObE6wblsssJgb3xvJuQh3tnTB5eJeBSPQYXi3pTLbEHizt1sz6_37-jPtgKAhJ-Rzk8ScKvWX2zcFcNvPc-Jk7_0dWmSeuycjq8L8m/s200/2008+05+15+Sky.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><em><span style="font-size:78%;">SKY</span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><div align="center"><p align="left"><br />While we waited for Pat to come home from work, we caught up on our lives. Tom retired early because of a on the job injury and now passes time by making furniture (he showed me a beautifully crafted cradle for his newest grandson), and tends the farm. Tom showed me his greenhouse where he has lots of seeds started, and then the new addition to their house. It has been in the works for a few years now and unfortunately, the roof gave way last winter. It has taken all this time to sort out the insurance and get contractors out to re-build, so it is still very much a work in progress. Meanwhile, Tom and Pat have started to accumulated things to go into the new addition (which includes a huge two-storey Great Room and a master bedroom suite upstairs, and there are boxes stored everywhere.<br /></p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598308655006082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aR3fbrDCfUCZYqCT-1lDop3S-qcHYe66pcDeOlWS2k0Oh0TMoCfCqoREKdH9I-Vfcf2XoWAbNuPJMcRsD9-QG0T1fBTQjylfQ6jE5F6hGCUNp32gIljzNqFVa25PRV9VG-J4O_ACGrL9/s200/2008+05+14+04+Tom+%26+Pat%27s+House.jpg" border="0" /><br />Pat soon arrived home from her job at Revenue Canada along with her friend Nadine, and we sat down for supper. Tom had prepared a pork roast with potatoes and carrots, in my honour.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />After Tom returned from driving Pat to work, I asked him if he would help fix a few minor things on my RV. He kindly replaced the latch handle on the screen door, as well as the latch on one of the side compartments. He had a look at my generator but wasn’t really able to figure out the problem.<br /><br />Tom left for a dental appointment, and then to pick up his grandson Blair from school and take him to karate. So I had the house to myself.<br /><br />The problem was luring Sky away so that I could take Ripley outside, and finally I noticed that she was sleeping in her straw-filled den. So I sneaked Ripley out and we went into the back field for a walk. It is mostly tall grass and bush and when we returned, I discovered that we had brought back some ticks with us. I hate these loathsome creatures and was disturbed to find three crawling on my neck, as well as some on Ripley. Fortunately she has been getting treatment for fleas and ticks through Sergeant’s monthly treatment, but I quickly ran into the shower in order to get over the feeling that they were still on me.<br /><br />I had some leftover roast pork with vegetables for supper and settled down to watch some TV.<br /><br />Eventually Tom and Pat returned with Blair, who is leaving with them tomorrow to visit Pat’s mother for the Long Weekend. </p><p> </p><p> </p><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598457677712018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl6N_-zWFVBdyqsnQ-xkP8pAOPvDQwr9Walnp1BSvd4LW4n8N4r6T05wli1-Sa_7Lw9Sqed2uLenHd2G0RD9AucA700YB-q3cCwaqIHgkyTx3234RFuq54N7Ff835ehNsjCeHf7FXtrdg/s200/2008+05+16+03+Ripley,+Blair,+Tom+%26+Pat.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Ripley, Blair, Tom, Pat</span></em><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008<br /></span></strong><br />This being the first long weekend of the spring, it is traditional for most people to travel, either to relatives or to go camping, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. As it happens, Tom and Pat have plans, so I will be on my way this morning. Nadine and Wayne had a large trailer parked on the farm, and they are traveling together to Pat’s mother. Once they had packed up, we said our farewells and went our separate ways.<br /><br />It was great to spend some time once again with my Winnipeg relatives, and I am now heading towards the cottage of Jerry and Diane, in Kenora, Ontario, to spend the long weekend with them.Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-25839635079353182292008-05-21T14:51:00.000-07:002008-05-31T10:37:48.678-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-FIVE - SASKATCHEWAN MAY 5-10, 2008<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-FIVE – SASKATCHEWAN - MAY 5 - 10 , 2008</strong></span><br /><br />sorry for the delay in posting. I haven't had wi fi opportunities for awhile now.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">PHOTOS NOW HERE</span></div><div><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008 – SOUTHEASTERN ALBERTA<br /></span></em></strong><br />Before leaving the campground, I baked some blueberry muffins for breakfast.<br /><br />Since there is no through access to Saskatchewan at the moment in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, I decided to head south on Highway 41 to Highway 510 and then go east from there. The only problem is that it is a gravel road! It’s close to the Montana border and there are no houses for miles and miles on either road, so I hoped and prayed that I wouldn’t have a breakdown. There are no fences either – just wide open prairie.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">SASKATCHEWAN<br /></span></strong><br />I would not have known that I had entered Saskatchewan if there had not been a sign welcoming me. There are no other dividing lines between the two provinces, and it looked to me as though some farmers owned land in both.<br /><br />I have been told that the southern part of Saskatchewan has been the victim of a drought and that it has been fifty years since they have received so little moisture. Certainly the levels of the sloughs are low, and some are even completely dry, making it difficult for the wildlife to find enough moisture.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">RED COAT TRAIL<br /></span></strong><br />But it was thrilling to drive by several groups of pronghorn antelope as I continued along the gravel road marked as Highway 13 in this province and an extension of the Red Coat Trail.</div><div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206279929552384226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-29niwP3-Vs1HN77bSXIVxNRHlltdMneD5SK1RcrzbCBhjAovXuFuodOI-9iEOKzAonJVz7JADmFm5JWGL7A2-_3r8E3DZhpEOgj5Q-Ui8BPJGuvfnnDY9IxSc8C5_xNqupQlgIOi6V9/s200/2008+05+05+04+Pronghorn.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div> </div><div>This is the original road that the North West Mounted Police used to patrol the border lands from British Columbia through to Saskatchewan. Hence, the name “Red Coat”. The majority of it is paved, but parts of eastern Alberta where I am presently are not.<br /><br />I took my time, traveling at 70 km/hour in deference to the gravel, but the dust brought up infiltrated all the nooks and crannies of the motorhome, leaving a thin layer on everything in the cupboards and compartments. There are no radio stations in this part of the world, and I listened to some of my new (for me) cassettes – Frank Chacksfield, Wyndham Hill guitar music and Debarge.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">WILDLIFE<br /></span></strong><br />Despite the rough road, I was glad that I had chosen to take this route because of the sighting of wildlife, plus the lack of traffic. It truly felt as though I was in the middle of nowhere. The land is flat and the horizon limitless, with few houses and barns.<br /><br />I stopped on a bridge flowing over a creek to pull out my binoculars and check out the waterfowl, and was so busy doing this that I failed to see the truck that was trying to get by me until the driver walked up and politely asked me to move to the side. If I had done this is an urban area, I’m sure the driver would not have been as polite!<br /><br />Besides the pronghorn I saw several raptors flying overhead and their nests in the few trees scattered along the prairie road. None of these trees could have been more than 10’ tall, so I suppose these birds have adapted to the lower levels for their nests. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280140005781746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PVCNTZfvV1O7ZMRwawESWjSi0JFYdrBB0-ToOx3UR8Hy5pmAtLgJ2cLuuenZeDj6PIHdZMQ0ZcbHMShmhSSNlNOU6M2VjwrW8PAgiSMQ-XCq2JO1nWmmnSl_JmO8jmNcgCtfIZ9Zajlz/s200/2008+05+05+10+Nest.jpg" border="0" /><br />As I approached the little village of Consul, I came across one of the original grain elevators that dot the prairies. Although I didn’t see them, I read later that Consul boasts more murals in their village than any other Saskatchewan town. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280243084996866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsLCxoAqoNkNEbVSj-jkJg01PsAZR-5yX0L9QquiL0TQj4SzYgsEysNHrixHY92fAcxzF8sNgCN0P8z1xKj6xQgKWCKIyYOo0TGGC3s5MgE-J3-dTrQUp8_1zfs9CLj5DY6iGBSrAFgYe/s200/2008+05+05+11+Historic+Silo,+Consul.jpg" border="0" /><br />The friendly woman at the Consul Co op filled my tank at the price of $1.23/litre. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><br />Shortly after leaving Consul, I came across the only pigs that I have seen in this area.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">FRENCHMAN RIVER VALLEY<br /></span></strong><br />I was now on pavement once again and made better time, finally arriving at the Frenchman River Valley where the terrain changed to rolling hills leading down into the pleasant little town of Eastend.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">T REX DISCOVERY CENTRE, EASTEND</span></strong> <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280333279310098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHyQWLFyCsYnq-A8uG8acgtL-vZ52JqTt32D6X7cEtcS5FAGGElNOEsfjyZP-xb7FCTNTPClLJhTebH30MzCwsZ9vDiur9BquM-M_Y3yPgTc3bL5vAHX-xacdF1cDXxSq0wig6bXyCoO4/s200/2008+05+05+12+T+Rex+Dovery+Centre+Eastend.jpg" border="0" /><br />At first glance, Eastend seems an unlikely place to have a tourist attraction but it is, after all, the site where the most complete skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex in Canada was discovered in 2003. The Discovery Centre houses the actual bones in the laboratory portion where visitors can look through floor to ceiling windows to watch the paleontologist from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum working on the various bones dating from 65 million years ago. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280672581726530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEQYypueEp0V59U3mtBCmpmEmtLJQSqVFwRz-8nZU5RAUu6Oa-IiETRfGJoystVSszfn0zubQIx7Fn2Kulrro13egaBdt-mQCz_Mi_ewYXF4Skt_9f-CuF0rpYdcfh9rZT5yBZIXI64el/s200/2008+05+05+24+Authentic+T+Rex+Bones.jpg" border="0" /><br />When I first entered the building, which is constructed into the side of a hill overlooking the valley, I was greeted by a female geologist and invited to watch a short video describing the search and discovery of the bones of T Rex, fondly nicknamed “Scotty”.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280449243427106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_aqBHRQi4-81A3p_9FgG1OU88p311pAQ6upyigQ1k2CfUIdNhRwlZznRIIsUGgkKY0qsp_JEyjOK6G7d30i-1Jjau6YOde1QuPNBXgvTBrZtYV2aCxctmJ2wG4I5Nig39xCDcHFE69G6/s200/2008+05+05+14+Scotty.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div> </div><div>It was actually a local volunteer Robert Gebhart, who discovered the first vertebra and a tooth fragment! The video demonstrates just how difficult it was to unearth each piece and to transport them back to the lab, as some of the pieces weighed over a ton.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">“THE VALLEY OF HIDDEN SECRETS”<br /><br /></span></strong>She then took me on a guided tour of the exhibits which included other fossils in the region, as well as plaster casts of the head of Scotty, Black Beauty and other dinosaurs found in the region, including horned and duck-billed dinosaurs and large marine reptiles. Field work continues every summer and there is no doubt that more important fossils are waiting to be discovered in the hills surrounding the Frenchman River Valley. The geologist commented that finding fossils was very much a scavenger hunt and that a lot of luck was involved. <div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280792840810834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4zhFeIDIcKE9wlgLyVoihBRSwcTtRZS0r8kA9BTDZVjAnGxV-5VAU7pkLUE8Yxr8p4jcMFtIybRemBV13FK0I7QA-2LaFKrsBfTOkNxIngrrXVQpKFISeX_QOZ6x6nWb6vb-ehk8vnnr/s200/2008+05+05+27+Geologist+with+Real+sample.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280569502511410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8oM64yswU9xh_fLEN6o-LYQIkKMH1kwjk5rT0e37H_ULfJ2Ecl9UgDU90p0OcSVzIdbMcEuEo5yYY4K0y21fA10QI19OLqM6Bos8dj-SuHAWcY43mdjR8gEheYX977AwVHVjj-2JCVfF/s200/2008+05+05+17+stegosaurus.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Triceratops Skull</em></span></div><div> </div><div> There are no doubt many more secrets to be found in the surrounding hills in the future. Unfortunately the Discovery Centre and the paleontological work is badly underfunded, with only one staff member actually working on cleaning and putting together the bones of T-Rex, so it is taking a very long time to complete the work.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">EASTEND –A WRITER’S HAVEN</span></strong><br /><br />This little town is or was the home of no less than six published authors, beginning with Pulitzer prize-winning Wallace Stegner, who wrote “Wolf Willow” in the early 1900’s describing life in the lawless era. I have not read his book but plan to check it at the library when I return home. I have, however, read two of Sharon Butala’s books and have enjoyed her refreshing description of present-day life on the prairies. She was a professor at the University of Saskatchewan who married Peter Butala, a farmer and environmentalist. Together they donated the Butala homestead of 13,000 acres to The Nature Conservancy of Canada, and it is now called Old Man On His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area. I was told that Sharon Butala is currently away on a tour promoting her latest book. Her husband passed away in the fall of 2007.<br /><br />I was curious to see Eastend, which has four main streets and had lunch at Jack’s Café where I ordered the special -- a bacon and tomato sandwich, with french fries and salad, all for $5.95. As in all these small towns, the server greeted me when I entered and brought my food promptly. I eavesdropped on two elderly gentlemen who seemed to be regulars, listening to their comments about the lack of rain and the crops to be planted. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281024769044850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnu0sbSHmMhZDZyjsIc2m4FYZEKuDuSCeek5ZZEmU_pkXHbKsneQOE-VNhH4sQMsrDeX0nRSdGUz2JE7xDofhOGRRYWGik4laHLNrYB-TKGa8L9sGc2nbZacvATxajQdvgb06x404NGJQ/s200/2008+05+06+02+Main+Street,+Eastend.jpg" border="0" /><br />At the Discovery Centre, I had noticed that the town had a campground but there were no hook-ups. But the Riverside Motel did have, and I headed over there. Ed Saunders greeted me and helped me to get settled. He was very helpful and showed me where to hook up the cable TV, giving me a splitter to add to my cable. It turned out that he has wi fi and offered to let me use one of the motel rooms if I couldn’t get connected in my RV. Ripley enjoyed running around and went into the reception area to greet Ed. He and his wife bought the motel just 14 months ago and he runs it while his wife stays at their home in Calgary and comes out on weekends (that’s about a six-hour drive!). I didn’t delve too deeply into that, but it seems that she loves visiting ghost towns and they came across Eastend while they were pursuing this hobby, fell in love with the area and decided to buy the motel. Ed is slowly refurbishing it and I wish him success in this venture.<br /><br />Ed also gave me a map of the local hiking trails. I was pretty tired, but took Ripley for a walk along the Frenchman River where we encountered Sam, a border collie and a little poodle, both of whom accompanied us for awhile on our walk. We did come across a few white tailed deer browsing in somebody’s back yard on the edge of town!<br /><br />There were three other RV’s at the motel, belonging to men who are working locally.<br /><br />Since I had cable TV, I had intended to take advantage of it to watch Dancing With the Stars, but it was on an hour earlier than I had anticipated. But I did watch HGTV which I find quite addictive. It’s fascinating to see how people can decorate a house, or see how the house is prepared for sale, etc.<br /><br />I developed a sinus headache, and it feels as though it might rain.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It didn’t rain and instead today is sunny, mild but windy.<br /><br />I’ve decided to stick around for another day and explore the town a little more.<br /><br />Eastend has no less than nine art galleries or gift shops plus a few bed and breakfasts, and it must be a bustling community in the warmer weather. For now it is tranquil and I walked Ripley up the main street past the small commercial district. To my surprise I came across a reptile and insect “zoo” but decided not to go in. I get too upset when I see animals that might be poorly cared for.<br /><br />Instead, I stopped at the bookstore and cappuccino place for a latte, tying Ripley up outside while I went in to order. It was a bit chilly but I sat at the outdoor table to drink my coffee and to enjoy the surroundings.<br /><br />The museum was closed but is supposed to house some interesting artifacts and fossils that were donated by Corky Jones, a colourful fellow from the late 1800’s. A few artists reside in the town as well, according to the brochure that I found, but they are very discreet in their signage. There is a pottery studio featuring work made out of the local whitemud clay but I couldn’t find it. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281415611068834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd7AMNvoddq7JvufeH5mfvVwJlUPdWwqdxnL3kHPBDJeyPmMozWHWr1Q2uvSjQZnTR9HOvwQpoodIghgIUnd0guqmrZ21ab7t2rJnpAkZcCo5KKGyVgXxppA8mhXcy5F0gfvDdBLXtspo/s200/2008+05+06+08+Walkway+in+Eastend.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sign on sidewalk in Eastend</span></em><br /></div><div> </div><div>The town also boasts a swimming pool, two parks and a golf course and, of course, churches. The local Co-op not only dispenses gas but groceries as well. Some of the houses are well maintained while others could use a coat of paint<br /><br />The house that originally was Wallace Stegner’s is now used for a writer in residence, who is currently Catherine Vandall.<br /><br />All in all, it was a pleasant walk. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281136438194562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkttAgjGoV8njYCR3DOuwJRieuulYtWP0kn09ECBS_STCBacDqniahBI3XL2oGwN2JIsg2BMOOxMMytGUktUUHFP0VMFJKXM0vDCRVayIrKmEEY6Qzq3cRsFvQY8Zq2f7DCEbyqCa2_yc/s200/2008+05+06+04+Grain+Mill+on+Frenchman+River.jpg" border="0" /><br />I didn’t have any luck in connecting to the internet either in my RV or in the motel room, not because of the poor signal but because there seems to be an incompatibility with my wi fi. Ed very kindly loaned me his personal laptop so that I could check my email.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I had planned to visit the Northhill Birds of Prey centre today, but Ed informed me that it is no longer open to the public. It seems that the owner Tom Donald is away quite a bit using his raptors to scare away birds at the airport. I had contemplated backtracking to Old Man On His Back, but in the end, decided that I couldn’t really afford the gas to do so. Instead, I departed eastward once again, passing the odd oil rig. I spotted a ferruginous hawk sitting in a lone tree and saw farmers out working their fields, and yet more raptors either flying overhead or in the isolated trees.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">SHAUNAVON<br /></span></strong><br />As I entered the town of Shaunavon to get gas, I passed a sign proclaiming it to be the home of Hayley Wickenheiser (she is one of the Canadian gold medal-winning hockey team members).<br /><br />Gas cost $1.27.9/litre. My Saskatchewan tourist guidebook had mentioned the Grand Couteau Heritage Museum and library and I stopped in for a look to ask about the bird sanctuary that was mentioned. They directed me to the sloughs on the edge of town.<br /><br />I was quite amazed at the number of birds in the three smelly sloughs. It appears to be used by the local townspeople as a dumpsite for construction materials and there are large slabs of concrete and other stuff piled around the edges. <div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281763503419858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMTEluXha0jfmxSdar7xjAyrPuHoVk8PCMJ9amEvGEC0PGRKJBs9vy9R9tGsQ8L2DQBZxqOmA_BekKpI2TrPUfL2VmQtEOzNzM61W1dqtgaVTBAzKzhSqt4L9jOfAJ6jYQ0a7Sd_Bywu9/s200/2008+05+07+06+Junk+at+Shaunavon.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> Judging from the smell, I would guess that sewage also makes its way into this “bird sanctuary”. But it doesn’t seem to deter the many Canada geese from nesting there. There were many waterfowl too far away but I identified two American avocets, </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281522985251250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNLl9HWluf7vrs-8AGiNXNCo0GqAQ_Ny83hmYUyYOckSftdMinu4c9oKuGgM6TjrIjrhi-yC31IOIl_rnU6to3ffiYcXVU3VF1fSIjjVojscd27wsewyMSA5wgmfDW7XitZSHg5WyTqbY/s200/2008+05+07+02++Use+this+long+billed+curlews+Shaunavon.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>lots of very pretty Bonaparte’s gulls, </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206281634654400962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXruQj3MvxQMM5hBMRulEvaTvVE-04VfcD7TjRdZBEkrDQgzjH6qIIPrlY4K2CbMwYD_Vgz8CUJ5RoZ_iPZKoiRk3ABAEN5OAoon2FJ0Ah0RKldBRAQHIkayQ74dpkvZ0tRIs0MIemaCPP/s200/2008+05+07+03+Use+this+Bonaparte%27s+%26+ring+neckedgulls.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>lots of ring necked gulls, mallards, blue-winged teal, northern shovelers, hooded merganser, killdeer, American coot, pintails and starlings.<br /><br />From Shaunavon, I headed south to the small town of Climax, passing several raptors on the way as the land changed to gently rolling hills while listening to another new cassette – Reflections in Guitar.<br /><br />Every once in awhile I have come across a “Point of Interest” sign directing tourists to stop and read a plaque. Wood Mountain Trail was one such signpost, explaining that the road I was traveling on was originally an old cart trail used by homesteaders and the NWMP patrols. The North West Mounted Police were an important factor in the development of the southern edges of western Canada and it is only fair that they are recognized on these plaques.<br /><br />I was told by a local in Eastend that people here have a very different concept of distance than do many of us. They will think nothing of driving two hours to drop in on a neighbour for coffee. I can well believe this story, as your nearest neighbour could be several miles down the road.<br /><br />As I traveled south towards Climax, I suddenly came across huge canyons following the Frenchman River Valley as it meandered through the countryside – the same river that I had left behind in Eastend. It reminded me again of how wild and unpredictable this area of Canada is and the victim of huge natural movements of earth in the prehistoric past. One moment I was passing through prairie, and the next through this primitive area. It seemed fitting that the sky was overcast and mysterious.<br /><br />At Climax, I headed east on another rough road (paved but lots of potholes that had been hastily filled in with asphalt), passing seven pronghorn in a field and white tailed deer standing next to a half-empty slough. I couldn’t get over just how many gophers there were standing erect by the sides of the highway, some choosing to run across the road just in front of me. I tried my best to avoid hitting them, but short of ending up in the ditch, I did have to hit a few. I know that the farmers would thank me, but I always feel badly about ending the life of an animal.<br /><br />The only radio station that I could get in this area was coming from Montana, just across the border.<br /><br />There were many raptors sitting on fenceposts or flying overhead, and I suppose they were making meals of the gophers (also known as Richardson’s Ground Squirrels). </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206279830768136402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjdQKhN_sTkj0VVomiQUFsqxW5T-vcgdzCID9dmUZVatyJtB266qyyDQ1Lg_b5CB9IAlK5OV75NsfOs_ehBefanDd_uRdBDteQ_E-h8A6pyCGQNm0ma7veEKebidA9X2zQrkfzIfvX2mL/s200/2008+05+0+03+Gopher.jpg" border="0" /><br />One marker that stands out in the majority of even the smallest town is the grain elevator, a mainstay in an area whose main crop is wheat. However, many of the old elevators are no longer used, in favour of more modern smaller stainless steel storage bins.<br /><br />The entire southwest and most of the southeast of Saskatchewan has had a serious drought for the past few years (I was told the worst in fifty years), and many of the sloughs that would normally be the home of migrating waterfowl, are empty or close to it. Wells are dry and water is scarce. So it was surprising to encounter some slight rain just east of Orkney – but it didn’t last long and was more like spitting than anything else.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">VAL MARIE<br /></span></strong><br />Every town seems to have been the home of some hockey or baseball star. Val Marie is the home of hockey star Bryan Trottier. It just goes to show just how deep the talent is in the west.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK</span></strong><br /><br />Val Marie is the gateway to one of the newest national parks in Canada – Grasslands National Park, with the mandate to preserve a portion of the disappearing mixed prairie grasslands. Sitting Bull took refuge here after the battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, so it has historical significance as well.<br /><br />At the Visitor Centre, Colette was very helpful, providing me with various brochures and giving me a brief history. The park was conceived in 2001 and the official plan put in place only in 2003. A herd of bison was transplanted to the park in 2006, and there are no facilities within the park itself as of yet. There are hiking trails and one gravel road for a 28 km. “Ecotour” in the West Block, with five signed stops along the way. The park will eventually encompass 900 square kilometers (350 sq. miles) in two distinct areas. The Frenchman River Valley flows through the West Block. The brochure states “This glacial meltwater channel features deeply dissected plateaux, coulees and the conspicuous 700 Mile Butte which rewards the adventurous with an impressive view.” “The East Block features the Killdeer “Badlands” of the Rock Creek Area and is representative of the Wood Mountain Upland”. There is a considerable distance of private land between the two blocks. Work is underway now to establish a campground within the East Block. </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206282072741065202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr10RzuseHA_EphAgKrrufkBKVwH_RCAB-eA6Jtx2hS5zunh2bsjC-zLOgkVq8x5UVVgsIdHm87hi3mPOG_FcxVERQgYk_9H0BAvmDddLyMcuSdt6QrDpWOtvwNrxgOUO9Q1Azn3xLxdi/s320/2008+05+07+08+Use+this+Wood+Mtn+Trail+Cairn.jpg" border="0" /><br />Colette put on an introductory video for me to watch, indicating the various wildlife that inhabit the park – ferruginous hawk, yellow-bellied racer snake, golden eagles, sharp tailed grouse, peregrine falcon, loggerhead shrike, Baird’s sparrow, longbilled curlew, eastern short-horned lizard, rattlesnake, badgers, coyote, long-tailed weasels, and three endangered animals -- the swift fox, the burrowing owl and the black tailed prairie dog (this species is found nowhere else in Canada). The park itself protects one of the most endangered habitats in the country – prairie grasslands, due to the human settlement. Bison, swift fox, plains grizzly bears, elk and other wildlife were extirpated from the area years ago, and efforts have been made to re-introduce some of these species (not bears).<br /><br />Colette warned me that there were lots of ticks in the grass, so I will need to be extra diligent when wandering around. Ripley has received her monthly application of Advantage (kills fleas and ticks within three hours) and I will wear light-coloured clothing, tucking my pant legs inside my socks. Nevertheless, I did find ticks inside my shoes when I checked later.<br /><br />Armed with the various brochures indicating the trails and the signpost markings, I headed off along Highway 18, 14.5 km east of Val Marie to the gravel trailhead.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">STOP NUMBER ONE<br /></span></strong><br />The brochure has a quote from Wallace Stegner that I thought was quite apt “A distance without limits, a horizon that did not bound the world but only suggested endless space beyond”. Apart from the fact that I was driving a modern vehicle, I felt like a real pioneer setting off across the prairie grasslands as it might have looked in the 1800’s. There were no other people around, but I soon encountered the first numbered stop at the tabletop. Ripley and I went partway along the edge of the coulee, encountering cactus and various grasses.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590032822179346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzAT7li6o80RwgyzXulleBdkCNuYVjUFvYFMWxYxWjcJcxVrNv6saPREcC5hyphenhyphenVMp5Tik9z8Z3AEPlazqd_UES59qYo4aybrGmB155VMyr4MU-mobjSEXr49v_-Tl7sWsNwr5qGWt-t_1V/s200/2008+05+07+13+cactus+%26+grass.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I’m not a fan of climbing down and up hills, we turned around to continue on the gravel road.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">STOP NUMBER TWO<br /></span></strong><br />Just a short walk from the road is a large reddish rock, once used by the bison to rub their itchy hair off when shedding in the spring. The rock has been rubbed smooth from their efforts.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590150809983586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_UVsED1svTx4jc9BnEQlLRxN7hH2VFDCSWiNqBV1w7oad-7H4waOpn3CVB3Khew3QKcKM0GBXJCfJqqsoRVuNydUpIAycaLOoY8wa7WgTvwA38CeWkEnR62dDl8qkbb8VIamz9uPZxBm/s200/2008+05+07+14+Buffalo+Rub+Rock.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Nearby are tipi ring rocks where once the Cree, Assiniboine, Blackfoot and Sioux tribes erected their tipis, using the rocks to keep it from blowing away in the winds that never seem to cease.<br /><br />From this vantage point, one can look across and see the 70 Mile Butte far to the west, marking the 70 Mile river crossing on the North West Mounted Police trail between Wood Mountain and Ft. Walsh.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">STOP NUMBER THREE<br /></span></strong><br />The brochure has an ominous warning that, if it should rain, you should get out immediately, as the road soon becomes impassible. The sky was still overcast and I was a bit cautious about continuing, especially when I came to the valley bottom where the road was comprised of only sand.<br /><br />However, I was soon mesmerized by the large numbers of sharptailed grouse all around me and was treated to the courtship behaviour of the males drumming their wings and puffing out their chests and vocalizing their distinctive “hoo hoo” to attract the attention of the females. They all seemed quite unconcerned that I was standing so close to them, so long as I didn’t move. Close by there were red winged blackbirds perching on the tall grasses.</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206592123338915362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFG7kars958XFryo_zciewnJnpxgknyZO7D1kHhCuQesN7vOWv-lYgJGwdGIkORO-YffgQ3tiGR-MRT0U98a-aNpY0WjEDrDiSteVGbgyrkqZURGfX5ONC0UWYoWkaySPeVhvi1O4uTEj/s320/2008+05+07+24+Use+this+male+sharp+tailed+grouse.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div> </div><div>As I crossed the bridge in the valley bottom, I spotted a long billed curlew on the river’s edge below before it disappeared behind a bend.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">STOP NUMBER FOUR<br /></span></strong><br />I just can’t imagine anyone homesteading and living in such a remote area, but of course that’s what people did back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Here the old ranch house built in 1923 of Walt and Marjorie Larson still stands. According to the brochure the house was built on what was once the original homestead quarter of author Will James, whose real name was Earnest Dufault and who was actually a French Canadian.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">STOP NUMBER FIVE – PRAIRIE DOG TOWN<br /><br /></span></strong>This was the stop that had drawn me to the Grasslands National Park in the first place. The black-tailed prairie dog is highly endangered and was nearly extirpated by farmers who hated their elaborate burrowing habits. In fact, this national park is the only place left in Canada where they can still be found in the wild. They are much larger than the gopher, have a brownish coat with white underside and a black tipped tail. During daylight hours, they are found close to their burrows, grooming, playing, foraging for vegetation and insects, and taking turns on guard duty. They are a very sociable creature and live in social units within a “town” of burrows. At the moment there are 25 colonies within the Park, spread out over a vast distance.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590261541833218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD87UuHqMj4VpQx40HrU2ABI3MnnGfb438dx_8QG-WfLj5SbudIFoUe6HN267dtnVTi1qCwWLh5qHivhdJWag9D5SoNM_9T0S5cmDQsnrr11GGMLb4u4lcSbcmxft2n4pPeKel6IzwRZNp/s320/2008+05+07+36++Use+this+Prairie+Dog.jpg" border="0" /><br />As is the case very often in nature, the natural balance of the ecosystem of the prairies was destroyed when farmers perceived the prairie dog as a competition for food with their cattle and a danger to livestock. They were poisoned, trapped, shot, flooded and dynamited out of their homes. But this activity also destroyed burrowing owls (they used the burrows for their nests and homes), ferrets (their only food source was the prairie dogs), snakes, swift foxes and badgers.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">A SHORT DIGRESSION</span></strong><br /><br />It is only through the efforts of personnel of Parks Canada and others that these animals have been brought back from the brink of extinction. The prairie dogs seem to be doing well, and are being monitored carefully by park personnel. It is hoped that very soon a small number of black footed ferrets can be introduced into the park. This has a particular significance for me personally as the zoo where I worked for 22 years (Toronto Zoo) has been diligently working on a breeding program, in partnership with the Wyoming Fish and Wildlife Department. Not so long ago, there were only twelve animals left. They were captured and brought into a captive situation in an effort to save the species, and the program has been successful enough that some of the offspring of these ferrets have now been released into the wild in Wyoming. Hopefully the same can be done in Grasslands National Park. The problem seems to be that the prairie dog colonies are spread out over a very wide area.<br /><br />The swift fox is another example of human interference bringing it to the brink of extinction and being saved by others who captured some of the remaining numbers to breed in captivity, and then release to the wild. Mr. & Mrs. Smeeton of Cochrane, Alberta began breeding the foxes in 1973 with the hope of re-introducing them into the wild. They are now joined by the Swift Fox Conservation Society and government agencies to restore this nocturnal animal to its rightful niche in the prairies. The brochure mentions that “It is dependent on native short and medium mixed grass prairie for its survival”. However, pesticides continue to be a threat, since the swift fox eats insects that have been sprayed by these poisons. Releases of these native animals have been going on within the East and West Blocks of the park beginning in 1990 and in the survey conducted in 2000-2001, it was estimated that 96 live within the park boundaries, another 560 live along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and 221 live in Montana. Instead of being listed as Extirpated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), it is now listed as Endangered – another great success story.<br /><br />According to the brochure provided by Parks Canada, the burrowing owl population has been steadily declining for years because of habitat loss, pesticides, food shortage, road kills and fewer burrow sites, and has been designated an Endangered species. It lives in short grazed prairie with plenty of holes for shelter. In particular, they like to use the burrows of prairie dogs, badgers, gophers, coyotes and fox. The young can make a sound similar to a rattlesnake inside the burrow, in order to frighten off predators. The owl preys mostly on insects, mice, birds, snakes and frogs.<br /><br />When I was in Arizona, I had not realized these facts and therefore did not appreciate the owl that I had found in the abandoned subdivision. I now understand that it was most likely the presence of the burrowing owl that prevented the subdivision from being completed.<br /><br />From these examples, it can easily be demonstrated the interdependency of species upon one another and how important it is to set aside areas such as Grasslands National Park. I haven’t even touched on the importance of preserving the various grasses and plants that would disappear forever without this park and others.<br /><br />Perhaps this background information will provide information as to why I had wanted to visit the park and in particular the prairie dog colonies. Unfortunately, the weather was not conducive to seeing too many of the animals. I arrived at the large colony on the Ecotour route around 6:45 p.m. Plenty of time, I thought to see these fascinating creatures. However, the day was cold, overcast and windy, and consequently it looked as though most of the animals had chosen to go belowground. I did find a few foraging for food beside their burrows, or standing erect on their hind legs on guard duty and watched for perhaps half an hour through my binoculars. One pair did vocalize a bit in their high-pitched whistle, but, I have to admit that I was disappointed and considered returning tomorrow.<br /><br />As more and more of these little animals descended into their burrows, I continued on my way, passing a herd of mule deer and a number of unidentified small birds. A short while later, I exited the park boundary and continued on private land, passing through several Texas gates (cattle guards across the road) approximately 34 km back to the main road. There I noticed a sign for The Crossing advertising RV campsites and vacation suites, on the border of the Grasslands National Park and decided to spend the night there, so that I would have fairly easy access back to the park in the morning.<br /><br />After selecting one of the few sites with electricity, I noticed the open gate to the park was just feet away, a good place to explore tomorrow. Shortly afterwards, the owner Ken Jensen arrived to collect the fee of $20 and to point out the showers and washrooms attached to their house. He welcomed me to The Crossing, named for the spot where the NWMP used to cross the Frenchman River. The water at the site is currently off, so I will again rely upon my water storage tank. Mr. Jensen mentioned that their guests in one of the vacation suites at the house had seen two burrowing owls at the prairie dog town earlier today. I had not been as lucky. I am the only camper here and the first they have had this season.<br /><br />The night soon came, and I enjoyed gazing up at the clear night sky as I lay in bed.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It dropped below freezing overnight, and the morning brought an overcast sky, with chilly winds. I let Ripley out for her to do her toilet and went about starting breakfast. A few moments later, I looked out the window only to see a coyote also in the campground about 20 feet away from Ripley, gazing at her. I imagine that she was just the right size for breakfast, and I hurriedly rushed outside to call Ripley, who had been staring intently at the coyote but not barking. I was later told that coyotes have a trick of luring domestic dogs away, over a hill where the rest of the pack is waiting to make short work of the dog. That was a close call, and a lesson to me to be more diligent in wild areas like this.<br /><br />Since we were right on the boundary of the park, after breakfast I headed out with Ripley on a leash to explore. Johanna Jensen had told me that I could head towards the Two Trees Interpretive Trail, named for the only two trees apparent in the entire region. We struck out over the rolling countryside, encountering lichen-covered rocks,<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590421436651378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ur0yqyidJn9kIJdiMHfx8JnqQxyT__2lPfMlwK5uH3DsIZp3-HTqhtKP0TScOO-ebVBZFHRW7lhIWOBO7miTwnJ14O35ddfEYfiirtaHiWZHLb8CdYprW0rmeN2bmKVM2Rt_ZKjh87wV/s200/2008+05+08+02+Use+this+Lichen+on++Stones.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>with unusual colours, grasses of various types and many burrows, some large and some small. A horned lark perched on a small bush nearby and I saw more mule deer through my binoculars.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206282248834724354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfpOseAMm0K6Np3B2DxAPKZEP5PmZbVmKolC8p-4t0fSlR43a9F9u09VPCp8ToNd085iQX8Y_sQeE7XEPi-6N2ZEUTDLvnkVASByZZ25ssU_FqduUmtUYb4ta4AhPEB7vU2spJAjO8PSo/s320/2008+05+07+11++use+this+Grasslands+Natl+Park.jpg" border="0" /><br />As we walked up to the top of one hill, I looked into the gulley below and was startled to see a dead animal. In order to be sure what it was, I climbed down and found the carcass of a white coyote which had been dead for a day or two. It had not deteriorated much, and I took a photo because of its unusual white coat.<br /><br />Further on, as we climbed up and down, I came across the bleached vertebrae of what might have been a long-dead cattle from the days when this area was still a ranch.<br /><br />There weren’t many birds out, nor did I see any other animals through my binoculars, possibly because the wind was raw and the weather in general not very inviting. On my return back to the campground, I debated whether or not it would be worthwhile returning to the park today, since the weather was so inhospitable, and decided that I would drive through the town of Val Marie 5 km up the road, and then continue on my way. I doubted whether I would see any more wildlife than I had yesterday.<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier, I checked Ripley and myself for ticks, and found a few in my shoe. But I think it helped to be wearing white jeans and tucking my pant legs into my white socks. These are such nasty little creatures that don’t appear to serve any useful purpose.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">VAL MARIE<br /></span></strong><br />Driving into town, I passed a ring necked pheasant walking along the side of the road. In town I paid $1.27.5/litre at the local Co Op, and then headed to the local library to avail myself of the internet service that most libraries offer, free of charge. It was a very small one-room branch, and it occurred to me that they might be able to use my old cassettes, some of which are books on tape. I offered them to the librarian, and after a discussion about having to find a tape player, she agreed to accept them. I do hope that they will be of some use to the inhabitants of Val Marie. I noticed there was a seniors home there, and I would expect that one or more of the people there would still own a cassette player.<br /><br />It looked to me as though tourism may become an important item for the economy of the town. I noticed a sign for a bed and breakfast placed called The Convent (I assume that it originally was a convent), and the municipal campgrounds provide an alternative type of accommodation. And the town wouldn’t be complete without a sports arena and rodeo grounds.<br /><br />Up the road a little further, an old schoolhouse has been converted into a museum and gift shop in aid of Grasslands National Park. There are a number of specimens of the animals found in the park on one side and a coffee shop on the other. I couldn’t resist ordering a latte and a homemade almond tart, both of which were delicious. The gift shop had several books on the plants, animals and history of the region but I settled for buying some postcards and a burrowing owl pin.<br /><br />Since I had noticed the dead white coyote, I stopped in at the Parks Canada office across the road from the museum to see if they would be interested and spoke to their communications officer. She took down the particulars and said that she would pass the information along to one of the conservation officers. We talked about the possibility of re-introducing the black footed ferret to the area and she said that censuses of the prairie dog population were being monitored in order to determine if there would be a sufficient food supply to make a successful reintroduction. At the moment, the prairie dog towns are spaced too far apart, but it is hoped that soon this will change.<br /><br />Moving on north up Highway 18, I passed a raptor flying low and carrying a gopher in its claws, and more raptors sitting on fenceposts. There were a great number of gophers standing or running on both sides of the highway, providing a good food source for these raptors.<br /><br />I listened to David Foster and Andreas Vollenweider in this area where no radio signals are found. I am so glad that I found a new set of cassettes to listen to!<br /><br />I passed very few vehicles as on this stretch of road, and the same applied when I turned east back on to Highway 13, the Red Coat Trail.<br /><br />The town of Ameroid boasts that it is the home of hockey star Patrick Marleau. A little farther up the road a coyote crossed the road in front of me, heading off into another field.<br /><br />In the town of Woodrow, I paid $1.29.9 a litre for gas.<br /><br />The railway crisscrosses the highway back and forth through this whole area.<br /><br />When I came to a sign announcing Wood River, I was reminded of a song composed by a Canadian in honour of this river, and which I had heard sung by Young Singers of Ajax. Liane James, the daughter of my friends Lynn and Michael James, sang in this choir and I have a CD of the choir singing Wood River and other songs.<br /><br />There were an amazing number of gophers popping up everywhere as I continued east, with an equally large number of raptors perched in the few trees available, or hovering overhead.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">ASSINIBOIA<br /></span></strong><br />Assiniboia is a medium-sized town with more amenities than most in the area and it was my destination for today. It is a central storage area for grain with a huge number of stainless steel units on the edge of town, along with a Co Op store/gas station, restaurants, banks, Thrifty Food store (where I got some groceries), a bargain store, attractive court house, arena and a municipal campground. The only problem was that the campground was closed. So, what to do? Continue on in the hope of finding one that is open? No, instead I used some ingenuity and headed to the Starlite Motel and negotiated with the manager to park there and plug into their power, with the added bonus of wi fi. I didn’t have TV, but did get the audio portion of CTV on my radio. It helped to pass the time as I downloaded and labeled my photographs. It was raining and I really didn’t feel like traveling any further, and the motel parking lot was just fine. I had robins singing their hearts out in the rain just outside the RV, and an adjacent large field for Ripley to play ball, so what more could I need? Maybe some better weather!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>My sister in law Jennie is scheduled to have surgery in Rochester, New York today, and I had arranged to have flowers delivered to the hospital there. I hope that all goes well.<br /><br />It was -2 degrees C. with snow overnight. The sky continues to be overcast, but the robins were happily singing first thing in the morning anyway.<br /><br />Here’s what the citizens of Assiniboia find interesting in their local newspaper this week:<br /><br />The Assiniboia & District Museum officially opened their Military Display on April 28, 2008 with His Honour, The Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan there to cut the ribbon<br />Yvonne Burland traveled from Calgary to take her 90 year old mother Myrtle LaCasse to the Assiniboia Bull-A-Rama, an event that she hasn’t missed since its inception in 2005<br />The Rockglen Bowling Club held their wind up get together with a potluck supper following a local bowling tournament.<br />Early morning fire destroys home, killing two pets<br /><br />As we drove along the Red Coat Trail, the music selection this morning included Roger Daltrey and Gold & Platinum Hits #6 (Beach Boys, etc.). It’s at times like this when I can’t tune in a radio station that I’m happy to have these oldies but goodies.<br /><br />The terrain is slowly changing and here and there one can see the remnants of the forests that once covered this land before pioneers cut the trees down. The sloughs contain more water, and it is apparent that more rain comes to this region than in the area that I left behind.<br /><br />I did a double take when I saw what certainly looked like reindeer in a fenced field, just west of Highway 28 on the Red Coat Trail. Perhaps someone is breeding them here?<br /><br />Something that I have noticed is that the Red Coat Trail has no litter on the sides of the roads, either because there are groups of people who diligently pick it up, or the residents of this region know better than to deface their landscape and I don’t suppose that too many visitors use this road, preferring the faster route along the Trans Canada Highway further north. Personally, I am enjoying the quiet nature of the Red Coat Trail as it meanders through town after town. </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />At Weyburn, I prevailed upon Maude to direct me to a photocopier store so that I could get copies made of the next installment of my blog for two of my friends who do not own computers. Maude led me right to the store and from there to the post office so that I could mail these copies off. Gas cost $1.31.9/litre here.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">OIL BOOM IN SOUTHEASTERN SASKATCHEWAN</span></strong><br /><br />The owner of the copy shop had told me that there is an oil boom going on in the southeastern region of Saskatchewan, and as I continued east towards Stoughton, I encountered large numbers of oil wells pumping away and making the farmers who owned the land wealthier every day. From what I have learned, the oil recently found in this region has turned it into a major oil-producing area, with more still being discovered. Saskatchewan will soon transform from a have-not province into a have province.<br /><br />With the influx of workers connected to this oil boom, all the little towns nearby suddenly find the hotels and restaurants busy, and even the campgrounds are full, according to what I was told.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">MY FAVOURITE SANDWICH</span></strong><br /><br />Americans seem not to like canned salmon, something I greatly missed traveling through the U.S. (there are canned tins of tuna everywhere, but I never could find salmon), so it was with great delight that I bought wild-caught canned salmon to make my favourite sandwich – salmon mixed with lots of Hellman’s mayonnaise and spread on bread. To top it off, I opened a jar of pitted olives for a piquant flavour, and enjoyed every mouthful!<br /><br />Having said that, I found the Lions Club campground in Carlyle to be completely empty. There were only eleven spaces, set amongst the trees, so I chose one, plugged in to the electricity and relied on my water storage tank as the taps were turned off.<br /><br />As I walked around with Ripley, I counted no less than five baseball fields and two batting cages, as well as an outdoor pool and a tennis court, so I assume that baseball must be a big deal here. And, as it happened, around 6:00 p.m. several men showed up for practice. I could watch from my dining room table as they pitched balls back and forth.<br /><br />There was nobody around to pay the fee to, so I guess I’ll be staying here for free.<br />The sky continued to be grey and overcast, but the weather forecast is for better weather tomorrow.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I am getting a sense that the baseball fields are used quite a bit. Shortly before 9:00 a.m. a bunch of cars showed up, with families to watch their sons play ball. A family of a woman and five children drove into the camping area to play frisbee while one of the boys was practising with his team, and shortly after that another car drove in and parked beside them. My natural curiosity got the better of me when I saw a man get out of the second car and hold hands with the woman, who was wearing a skirt despite the cool temperature. They went off for a walk, leaving the children behind to play. So, here’s my scenario. She is a single mom; he is married and came to rendezvous with her in a manner that wouldn’t arouse suspicion at home. He only stayed for about an hour and then drove off. I may be way off base, but it was fun to speculate.<br /><br />The CBC radio sends a signal to this area, and I enjoyed listening to The Vinyl Café, with Murray McLaughlin as the guest this week. Stuart McLean created a very humorous take-off on the old-time radio dramas, in which Murray McLaughlin participated, as well as singing some of his hit tunes.<br /><br />I passed yet more oil rigs. I had read in the Brandon newspaper that the provincial government is not going to lower the gas tax because they need the money to repair the roads. I have to agree that they certainly do need fixing. I have driven over some very rough roads across Saskatchewan, where potholes have been roughly repaired with asphalt but which are by no means smooth.<br /><br />I now have not had a shower for several days because the water has been turned off or not available, so I really do need to stop next where I can wash properly. By coincidence, I stopped at Redvers at “The Log Cabin”, a museum (it was closed) devoted to the North West Mounted Police, with a gigantic statue beside the highway.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590645804266066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngT4nkwpnOAkHiNRXuqSp4sazkIliDufLbEsH99g7y4AcD7zYJhe1gcik3YSpwOt9nNIoEsrwHm3kCLzF5MzwKBmAczkSBsx7qvUNrgZtzozJPu41PHhV3uYVPTojxKWU8jUSZKQJGY-z/s200/2008+05+10+02+Use+this+Redvers,+sask.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I pulled in to take a photograph and found myself in the adjoining campground where – yes, there were showers with lots of hot water! And a place to dump. But, again there was no one around to pay, so I left a donation in the registration box, after enjoying a long shower.HH</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-41226451905582309072008-05-08T18:23:00.000-07:002008-05-08T20:51:29.353-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-FOUR ALBERTA, APRIL 24 - MAY 4, 2008<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-FOUR – ALBERTA, APRIL 24 – MAY 4, 2008<br /></span></span></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WHISPERING PINES RV PARK, GOLDEN, B.C.<br /></span></strong><br />The weather is milder today but overcast. There is still plenty of snow on the ground in the shady areas, but at least the roads are clear.<br /><br />I walked Ripley along the road next to the RV park and encountered a flock of Bighorn Sheep once again. They were simply lounging around and grazing on the grass surrounding the nearby motel, quite unconcerned as humans drove, biked and walked along the road. For me, it was a thrill to see them, but the manager of the RV park said they were a nuisance because they climb on the picnic benches and leave their feces everywhere! Two different points of view.<br /><br />As we traveled into Yoho National Park, the scenery became even more spectacular. The park has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with good reason. The mountains are higher and snow-covered as we went through Kicking Horse Pass, but I was disappointed to see that all the trails are still closed, due to the unseasonable weather.<br /><br />According to the statistics, people who live in B.C. live longer than anywhere else in Canada. I think it’s probably because there are so many who are into outdoor healthy activities. I’ve seen many people running, walking, cycling and I know that skiing and snowboarding are big deals here as well. </div><div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198205991807272306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN0w4Aai15dKosvXo2ltQTCQ0Gvinad9lzXvk7xRBZBJcrIlpoeMFBChMtKsUUvjfkNGMMkQgMDd83Oi2c9TbjrccXR4E8RlRXiDFZ6Gmf7p-D47HHJp7m2P4ld7QGuOfknvQ1koZ7WqP/s320/2008+04+23+10+Use+this+Rockies.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ALBERTA<br /></span></strong><br />The friendly hostess at the Visitor Centre in Field gave me lots of good information as well as a free map of Alberta because it was last year’s. Otherwise, I would have had to pay $2. Behind the building was a large pond, still snow-covered, but Ripley and I walked around and enjoyed the scenery. Field is a small town at the foot of a large mountain – very picturesque. I had lunch in the parking lot before continuing.<br /><br />The Trans Canada Highway was built in the lower part of the Rockies, but it was still necessary to create tunnels along the route in order for cars, etc. to continue. Most of them are built with side vents in order to let light in, making it safer to drive. </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198205888728057186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5RrnhaVtkCgICULEoN3gIoRSd7mBVDL2jmB2-6VLv-ohrS1JsXW0-pl1H4jZqMEzPF2BkgjmlV-N7jRXa0HB4NVZsPLq2q6TJwIZv9Y63vJKAc7O1YcZ1twf2oqsTHORaubToEtoXqKR/s320/2008+04+23+16+Use+this+Inside+Tunnel.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LAKE LOUISE & BANFF NATIONAL PARK</span></strong><br /><br />I can well understand why people from all over the world come to the region of Lake Louise and Banff. It is hard to put into words just how beautiful it is here, with the mountains dominating everywhere you turn.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206331109688738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNAR-v5jQtnGtanqAlOcZE6i1wyy1lli6cuzHk72kOUpLnxrEWp6ZA0tPGOU1GBuHZtLSu1subY8J6NQEwJDbtXe1rXyWXO07D0Zk_xAmIM-MvlYwC2XkUREAva_rQRXeWuoS51ENLyuw/s320/2008+04+25+11+Lake+Louise.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>The area is straight off a postcard. The village of Lake Louise is smaller than I had imagined, with very few amenities, but again the attendants at the Visitor Centre were very helpful and I decided to book a tour called “Discover Banff and Its Wildlife” for tomorrow morning. I will be picked up at the campgrounds.<br /><br />I had planned to get some groceries at Lake Louise, but changed my mind when I saw that a loaf of bread was $4.99!! Instead, I headed to the campgrounds nearby at the turning in the road. Unfortunately, there was a big sign there warning that the road to the lake itself was not suitable for RV’s, and I never did get to see it as a result. The campgrounds are unmanned at this time of year and you pay $32.30 on the honour system. That gives you electricity only. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198219920386213698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87-WB5UYrll7aI-nzXcB7nuqTnmPr9aGsKQyrUoUeU6Skb7oP-L2FpRzM35GTiZX9jsEsiANC1-2aL6pkiBTvRnQ3kbj2FVUhqz7_cAor9w03guwYCC1FbA5McVOHYEP_KsBFPCIxv7I3/s320/2008+04+25+04+Use+this+River+at+Lake+Louise+Campground.jpg" border="0" /><br />But the campgrounds were beautiful, situated amongst the trees (and therefore there was lots of snow on the ground and adjacent to the Bow River. One advantage of traveling at this time of year is that you can have your pick of sites and don’t have to worry about a vacancy. Later in the spring and summer, it would probably be impossible to simply show up and expect to have a site. Have a look at what two of my fellow campers made!<br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198218619011122994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrtRF_hSkZ-s8jzHAtS0-XATsrBdE_cCQaLFUDlHsh95xEH5CdE5S09p6gDnAnzl4V6QpZgHW-vsoBuO-m-aM8qeokSduI_BTtog201mjy-7JSD1E1KqCVrd7SBQNIrpGU_jwL299d1sT/s320/2008+04+25+09+Snow+Family.jpg" border="0" /><br />I chose one beside the heated bathroom, featuring wonderfully hot showers and an inside water tap to replenish my water storage tank. The outside taps are still frozen, of course, so it is necessary for me to use my own water. But all I have to do is to walk a few steps to the showers.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MUSINGS<br /></span></strong><br />In this area where bears are plentiful, a bear-proof garbage container is a must, and here in the park I came across this one. In order to open it, a person has to put her hand inside a handle and then push up. It is impossible for a bear to get its large paw inside this. It’s quite ingenious. </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198205785648842066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MWtITV4cCdtssOAhZq5rRdzntmgIGhD2TYJiezE2JPHV2xqQ5D5-UBuVh1-5Ht6r0_FU6iqyM4uVG7atUglI-7uhYSCSg5ZiNV5c4pEj2Lp4f2aoi1H-51VcQHFyF3rQJ78PDuNXUJfw/s320/2008+04+25+01+Use+this+Bearproof+Garbage+at+Lake+Louise.jpg" border="0" /><br />The railway line runs right along the edge of the park, linking Canada from coast to coast.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206206555637138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3w0LlB4nRl4Mh6RVdg88evw9EQnwVIONXw5_X6CLr9SaMQ2p5kfIlcmiAEvZY76yssJEvInqIX_uu8n04KSCRlPEADz45i9Blj7xzuHDxfIoLHLECHEfBiZ8rNOWZv_OFC5k-2LhaJuj/s320/2008+04+25+07+Lake+Louise+Sign+with+Train.jpg" border="0" /><br />I’ve been enjoying catching up on my reading of back issues of McLean’s magazine which Robin gave me, to find out what has been happening in Canada during the last couple of months.<br /><br />I’m able to get a Calgary radio station now, so that I don’t have to listen to my cassette tapes for the tenth or twentieth time. It’s rock, but it will do. My RV only has a cassette player, since she is older, and I’ve found that the adapter to run CD’s stops whenever I hit a bump.<br /><br />Lake Louise is the hiking capital of Canada.<br /><br />There is, of course, no TV hook-up in the park, so I will miss the return of Lost tonight.<br /><br />It’s the first time that I beat the computer at Scrabble! I’m convinced it cheats because it eliminates words that I know are really words – like “limp”.<br /><br />Here are a few items from the Rocky Mountain Outlook for today:<br /><br />· Banff is in the early stages of investigating the possible elimination of plastic bags to try to reduce the national park town’s waste and impact on the environment<br />· Three residents of the Golden Eagle View Long Term Care celebrated their 100th birthday<br />· Snowboarder dies after fall from cliff<br />· Banff is considering allowing sidewalk cafes<br />· A Filipina nanny was killed by a falling tree as she walked with two young boys in her care and their father<br />· Three locals re-create a historic ski touring journey<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I was up early in order to catch the bus tour, but it appears that there was a huge misunderstanding. Because I was in Lake Louise where I picked up the brochure and because I booked it through the Visitor Centre in Lake Louise, I just assumed that the bus would collect me at the campgrounds here. BUT, it was waiting for me at the campgrounds in Banff! Their representative called me, and we cleared up the misunderstanding and re-booked for tomorrow, when I will be in Banff.<br /><br />Today was very brisk but sunny, so Ripley and I took a walk over to the Bow River before departing. We couldn’t cross the bridge because of the snow drifts, but I did take a few photos.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BANFF –TUNNEL MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND</span></strong><br /><br />After dumping, we headed out after paying $1.30/Litre for gas. The scenery continued to be spectacular – what else! But it did start to snow on the 57-km highway to the town of Banff. The campgrounds are located beside Tunnel Mountain, and only the cleared areas were open. Instead of parking amongst the trees, this campground offers paved surfaces with hook-ups on both sides of the road, with grassy islands in between. I can imagine how crowded and noisy it must be during the peak season, but now it was quiet, with only a few RV’ers and one intrepid tenter in the whole area.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206472843609522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rg_T_1raG2zcON7rxIDNvRMdd5wevnoomZFWr9MlIo4XK4Fl5ibqD75qRzMYCnE6E8BbwWvTgHclD-UsgvXL7syCvZ9zM5ryI6br5a7u0vW-anlLUEtwE7d4wsquDJLqtGgB-hjbahYL/s320/2008+04+26+02+Tunnel+Mountain+Campground,+Banff.jpg" border="0" /><br />When I took Ripley for a walk around the campgrounds, we came across any number of Columbia Ground Squirrels standing beside their burrow holes. They hibernate all winter and begin to come out in the spring.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206563037922754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ksJXJjWaGRzf6qjJOHFEpH0wWC5a9N2D-0OBIk6T0PTkjH2BpMGap6KNPJIBJcbvYHfGly0YktLpIx4AKSkbBzZnL_0hn15TrHzCLrV8fcreG4UVTlzgbTMKXCPVGQEte6EnrNJkFkdD/s320/2008+04+26+05+Use+this+Columbia+Ground+Squirrel.jpg" border="0" /><br />And imagine my surprise when we came across a herd of elk peacefully grazing in the campgrounds! It’s best not to get too close to these guys, but I couldn’t resist moving a little closer to get some photos. Fortunately it is not the rutting season because many tourists get hurt trying to have their photo taken with these dangerous animals.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207950312359538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRmXG6A_Atoqq6G6rn_4tQ8f92fgSHav2Oew0WNNqNBHPGhDiG2zW1oSaBILE1KCUj_G8Y4HyrHHh6MdbgpMhWkt-XYztOg5UeNxcQPj0Rz40XiO1NP1Wv9rpATqZXuOt8APxkOAJ1hF_/s320/2008+04+26+95++Use+this+Elk.jpg" border="0" /><br />I spent the rest of the day housecleaning and backing up my photos - not terribly exciting but the temperature outside is too cold to spend much time there.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>It was -5 degrees Celsius at 7:00 a.m. I am so glad to have electricity, and therefore heat! My little ceramic heater keeps the front part warm where the furnace doesn’t operate very well, but the two combined keep everything fairly cozy inside.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206820735960546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7YtmtL18IPchxnBCf5X9OY1vq585RjYt7r9BB4LNhVdtbOLeNUC6cAPpxw8Hh4x58am7FNHI-eC6silV2cFlJbJz88ZX5oLU_df6XbEjSkdIpOBkO1O91ojK-mxsaSMJJDox41_jisvo/s320/2008+04+26+32++Use+This+Mt.+Rundle.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Mt. Rundle<br /></span></em><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In our morning walk, I saw three coyotes as they were moving swiftly through the meadow, and then three elk right beside one of the RV’s. That was really something!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">DISCOVER BANFF<br /><br /></span></strong>As I mentioned previously, I had signed up for a bus tour. It is often difficult to take the RV to places that a small bus can go, and I often miss out on seeing things for that reason and also because I simply didn’t know the sight was there. So, I’m leaving the driving to the tour company and will enjoy the scenery.<br /><br />At 8:45 I stood at the appointed spot just outside the campground, to be picked up by the Discover Banff bus. Alex, our bus driver and tour guide introduced me to the four others (two girls from Brazil and a couple originally from Spain, but working in Ireland – I can’t imagine how the Irish people could understand the Spaniards, and vice versa, considering that they both have very strong accents.) I was happy to see a small group because it meant that we would have a more personalized tour.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207044074259970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUP6jOr4ySVnlOHfxZhTcFugf-TNvc5Nui8dbK53oop6D7ZfRy062bCXdN12PGGyyYo0l9j5IOKz7xasIqXxH7ibRavLfs_vq6TNi0tvnDEs_29XbWLz-3kZBRZOJ2ye_ZFQ2OBG8Yid2/s320/2008+04+26+46+Tour+People+Alex+in+Blue.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Spanish couple, Brazilian girl, Alex, Brazilian Girl</span></em><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Alex is a young man who lives in nearby Canmore, and who will shortly be going on to a job as a conservation officer in the Kananaskis region of Alberta. He was very personable and quite knowledgeable.<br /><br />He explained that Mount Rundle is famous and probably the most photographed mountain in the area, as it towers over the town of Banff. Tunnel Mountain, where the campground lies, got its name because originally the surveyors had determined that they would have to build a tunnel through this particular mountain in order to lay tracks for the railway, but in the end they actually used a different route.<br /><br />He showed us the hoodoos (unusual stone shapes carved out by prehistoric rivers), white-tailed deer and bighorn sheep as we traveled towards Lake Minnewanka, a very large lake that freezes in winter and which has no cottages on it!! It’s in the National Park and therefore protected. It seems that originally there was a village on one side, but a dam that was built flooded the village. Scuba divers often search the area for artifacts, both summer and winter.<br /><br />While we were standing there, two young men drove up in a car and prepared to cross the lake in order to scale the glacier on the mountain opposite. We watched as they put on their ice cleats and started off across the icy lake. They say it takes all kinds!<br /><br />In the winter the road around Lake Minnewanka is closed because it is a wildlife corridor, and in particular, wolf packs cross the highway frequently. Isn’t it great that the safety of the wildlife is considered important, for a change? However, now that it is spring, we were able to drive around, and continue to Vermillion Lake where Alex pointed out a bald eagle nest (no one home). I asked how the lake got its name. Nearby there is a supply of red ochre, which the natives mixed with clay and used as face paint, and the ochre colours the water. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206932405110258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl30JUZ1WYfrlWSBi1Ge6cX53a6fsYJhhyxdrHsZTYLHORZ5jvBqGBvE543GorqlwN-7VJk9iIA2Jaz-dLSuipNEQRI91oyP2ZcjNqUQIS2ygPOn46qMGeYcBmpjLYa-N_GbKeX6GiovIW/s320/2008+04+26+43+Use+this.jpg" border="0" /><br />We then entered the town of Banff, past the famous Banff Centre for the Arts and on to a good viewpoint for the Banff Springs Hotel. Alex explained that the head of the railway determined that building the hotel would bring tourists to the area on the railway, thus producing a profit. And the hot springs nearby is the original reason for creating the National Park. It had nothing to do with preserving the ecosystem back in the 1800’s, but of course the mandate is very different now.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CAVE AND BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE<br /></span></strong><br />Cave and Basin is a National Historic Site, where people can walk through a cave to witness the underground hot spring in one location. Around the corner there is a pool containing an endangered species of snail that can only be found in the sulphurous hot pools of this area and nowhere else in the world. We were warned not to put our hands into the water because the residue on our skin can pollute the snail’s environment and cause them to die.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207258822624786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIYbDdlvIQzBeWicFn38U6MlRgvFoSy5fFFETQFARNSeRr__cX0JuPfTuO0gYP0oGLote06Ed9VcXQa7vUr0sYx-9h8cq1R-1kPM9Ngd05qRAGtHR7R0GabyorDhdhZhIk45w-M2el6SP/s320/2008+04+26+51+Endangered+Snail.jpg" border="0" /><br />Our last stop was at Bow Falls where Alex mentioned that the water level was very low at the moment. The falls are not very tall, but the surroundings are gorgeous, with the water flowing into a lake and the mountains in the background.<br /><br />After spending the morning on the tour, Alex dropped us off at designated spots and took me back to the entrance to the campgrounds, where I wished him good luck on his new career.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">VILLAGE OF BANFF<br /></span></strong><br />By now the day had warmed up and the sun was inviting. I wanted to see more of the village, unhooked the RV and headed down the road to find a parking spot beside the river, just down from the main street. There is a walkway along the river, so Ripley and I walked around to the main street, facing the mountain, passing by an international assortment of people who had come to Banff from all over the world. Of course, there is every kind of gift shop and restaurant plus hotels to cater to the tourists, but there are also three very fine museums, the Whyte, the Parks Canada and the Buffalo Nations Luxton. As I had only a limited amount of time, I chose to visit the latter museum. I took Ripley back to the RV and headed across the main bridge to spend an hour or so browsing through the fine exhibits. There were many original artifacts demonstrating the life pattern of the tribes of the region, with dioramas of their teepees, sled dogs, dances and everyday life.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207623894844994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVG6KZ0lZRNd811vTtlQ-Bjb18L2FdRAe2cwNXsbA3F2A7aGYHUHVzF-id-UlHVmxklFkc0CnekchsD-OUyBRXeANI5u2jMy3PeM1Iq8YwAYdpcjYJV1w8KINL9Q_rkyEd2OEd2FXWTVu0/s320/2008+04+26+66+Use+this+Buffalo+Nations+Museum.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Clothing of both men and women, their tools, their eagle feathered headdresses, etc. were on display in the rooms; the entire concept is the legacy of a white man named Luxton who was an honorary member of the tribe. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207731269027410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZPFWCB5N7wp5k0vnrOz5hd709kMGDI7kNQwZYD_-5v5AW6TzDfMwVlvClLI_Q16ZV8rCyPukMsi0GO_xCXS5AFJPmxzUspP_XL9uF7OwGJ3lRBt73fyg0RQ5fa4gv4gCxMD4JAHYU4es/s320/2008+04+26+83+Use+this.jpg" border="0" /><br />On the way back, I stopped for a coffee and sat outside on a bench basking in the sun and watching the parade of people as they strolled by.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207404851512866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduKWzWe7FNSRdJl5lCzACRZyJ-mkUgQxqbMz53RG9Da06RCoOFTP-Jk_OCDBp5U4YUWTc5umCtVipfctX8rhpcrm3Gkt0yZ5pA6-rrRJT-geSWDF0cZuPAQ3VTw6N849CYiRcs-VsJXjq/s320/2008+04+26+60+Banff+Main+Street.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Main street of Banff</span></em><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BANFF HOT SPRINGS<br /><br /></span></strong>You can’t visit Banff and not go to the Hot Springs, so the next stop was up Sulphur Mountain to the public bathing area where I paid my $3.50 admission fee, changed and entered the pool. I had thought that, since it was now supper time, that it might not be too crowded, but boy, was I wrong. Although the pool is very large, there was little room in it. Nevertheless, it felt really good to bask in the hot mineral water. People have been coming here for many years for just this reason. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207825758307938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0m2gap-4EWdPiKfx8cqn3SoDb5D-8jmgTXz1cAjhvNVvQQDG5izyYnFKX8Otf4X66HkmBa_QU3jYyZOeqm9uMRAALvVq5y3Ab67R_Tl5b4qQLdUQJVozIC9cP2Z2onEXX9L_qTHkw7Q6/s320/2008+04+26+89+Hot+Springs.jpg" border="0" /><br />The speed limit on the road to and from the Hot Springs is 30 km/h and I could see why. I passed some mule deer who decided to cross the road and held up traffic as a result.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MY OWN TV SHOW</span></strong><br /><br />When I arrived back at the campground, I decided to move to a spot closer to the meadow and enjoyed watching elk grazing right outside my bedroom window as dusk settled in. And just about 100 metres away there was a mule deer, so I felt like I had a front row seat at a very special show! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198206661822170578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG9su3kgNGt8lluZQN1HCMMkWpl-t7k6DjxkjA8PZmp6j1ssmF_0pG_5mEBUboLOGnQhMYotcVsDyOT2rTsXX6a69PTlpJRrMCSC6OYlA2AZfSL9fHJ72T3HQlA49aGR5wmvQfBaZrSU8/s320/2008+04+26+12+Elk+in+Campground.jpg" border="0" /><br />And to top it all off, I was able to get Randy Bachman on the radio as he told entertaining stories from his life in music and people he knew, and played songs filling in background information about the recording and the artist.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2008</span></em></strong><br /><br />I made cornbread muffins from a mix, and good decaf coffee. A fine breakfast.<br /><br />I am very glad that I had moved to a new spot, as last night there were three rigs parked beside each other, and about ten people partying. That’s not why I came to a national park!<br /><br />Ripley had an exciting time on our walk this morning, as we passed many many Columbian ground squirrels sunning themselves by their burrows.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MOVING ON </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><br /><br /><div><br /></div></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198207499340793394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLEQW8FUFmpRR60Vc41eY40Rkx4d5cM1FRbWZ1n8XPWXVSovDN_Wwl6EYz0VJphDBRIhdKieK27IwBW4WIqMiJI_uPNC71HabG4IHAtHVk-13zX3QwyhAGefN_iqmvdgfFCxNJW74YhmV/s320/2008+04+26+63+View+in+banff.jpg" border="0" /><br />As we left Banff, I noticed that so many of the trees were dead, victims of the dreadful pine beetle that is slowly making its way across the continent. These nasty little bugs eat the vital interior of the tree, killing off the pathways for the nutrients, and unfortunately there appears to be no treatment at this time. I read in one of the local newspapers that there was recently a paper published in the magazine Nature stating that these dead trees are responsible for serious carbon emissions into the atmosphere (much greater than the auto emissions), as they decay, posing a serious threat. We are accustomed to thinking of trees as being beneficial to the environment, but in this case the truth is just the opposite.<br /><br />The mountains slowly gave way to the foothills as we continued on towards Calgary<br />I noticed that the speed limit is 110 km/h, much faster than my pace of 80 km/h. But at least, I should be saving gas.<br /><br />On the way, I stopped at a rest area and was disgusted by the amount of garbage that had been strewn around – everything from a baby’s diaper to trash bags and cigarette butts.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">PAT AND DUANE BUMSTEAD<br /></span></strong><br />After a stop at the Calgary Flying J truck stop to fill my tank, I arrived at the home of the Bumsteads in the southeastern part of the city in the late afternoon. They live on a quiet street very close to the Bow River (there’s an off-leash dog area there) in an older neighbourhood filled with large trees. In fact, their poplar tree was too large and overhanging for me to park my RV in their driveway, but I was able to park on the street directly in front of their house.<br /><br />Pat & Duane have one dog (mixed breed with probably collie) named Moppet, and after some initial bum-sniffing with Ripley, they both decided to ignore each other. Casey the tabby cat wasn’t too concerned about this intruder (he is old and has multiple health problems), but Theo, the Maine Coon cat disappeared, and was hardly seen during my visit. Pat assures me that this is pretty normal for him.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208504363140802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k6X4CpS_muRNJx9GTPF2avwdOHOubjGXnZZkviOVVmRzY2dheKPdQDnKVkCt4S02edUfyUnBt3b3vmmd4uTSHNUxf_dP2EqrOl-P7zOmdv32M4XCQqrxwAUL75chv46cpinG5pT8U7gC/s320/2008+05+01+04+Casey.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Casey</span></em><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Duane cooks on weekends, and we had a delicious salsa meat loaf for supper, along with some apple wine that Duane had made with apples from a neighbour.<br /><br />I slept in the comfortable suite in the basement where there is a fireplace in the living room adjacent to the sleeping area. Pat has her office down there as well, but prefers to work upstairs. So I took advantage of her wi fi to work on my computer to update my blog and answer emails on a table downstairs.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It was back to work for Duane, who is a purchasing manager for Engineered Air, a large company in Calgary. Meanwhile Pat and I got up at a more leisurely pace.<br /><br />The temperature was a high of 18 degrees C. and sunny today. Ripley played in the fenced-in back yard while Pat watched the birds at the feeders on the deck. She is an expert birder. In fact, she has written two books about them, one serious and one humorous. In addition, she has also written two other books, one on the carnivores of the Pampas and the other on the reptiles of Canada, all of which she has published herself! As if this weren’t enough, she has two personal online businesses, and also handles the website for International Society For Endangered Cats, which sells merchandise and promotes conservation efforts for exotic felines in various parts of the world. A busy lady, indeed. And she’s crazy about Russell Crowe, has all his movies on DVD and has traveled around to see him performing with his band.<br /><br />I first met Pat at a zoo conference. At that time, she was a volunteer for the Calgary Zoo and was so enthusiastic about gorillas. We would chat about our mutual interest in apes whenever we met at these conferences, and I visited her and Duane the few times that I was in Calgary over the years. Pat is no longer a volunteer at her zoo and concentrates on her other interests now, and I was eager to meet up with her and Duane yet again. And quite honestly, I wanted to get her advice on how to go about turning my blog into a book and how to get it published. She was very helpful and forthcoming with all sorts of advice. A number of people have suggested that this blog would make a good book, and I have decided that, once I return home, I will pursue this project, among others. I know one thing for sure. I do not want to go back to working in an office – ever!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LUNCH WITH AN OLD FRIEND</span></strong><br /><br />Another old friend in Calgary is Rob Sutherland, who was head keeper of the gorilla section for many years until he retired, and Pat organized for him to meet us for lunch. Rob is still as handsome as ever, although a little greyer, and is totally absorbed in his nine-year old daughter Sophie. She sounds like a chip off the old block, with her interest in animals. It was really great to see him again and to catch up on the news. I now have his email address, so we can continue to keep in touch. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208061981509250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnIxLcPt97MhEMlpIRwYEYxpITvb6TG-lXfO2H9Ahfzc1AdAXu1ns671f26FOorVt-vkYZjDfSxP7DkhGalIqD2tgb3BK9VkQr4y2izwY64h0gsUEpp1spQYr7VndtQlIZ0W4tAzPChIh/s320/2008+04+28+01+Pat+%26+Rob+Sutherland+%26.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Pat, Rob and Rob's dog<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></span></em><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CALGARY IS DOG FRIENDLY<br /></span></strong><br />We loaded Moppet and Ripley into Pat’s car and drove a short distance to a bird sanctuary that is dog-friendly. All sorts of dogs were off-leash in this area, and the more adventurous were leaping in and out of the Bow River, including Moppet. Ripley was more sedate and only went in to the edge, but they both enjoyed having freedom to run and sniff other dogs and all the other good smells that they could sense. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208165060724370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7I9HR-1VgtDqEft90feTIb0WaX45rTCWjoAbEVwdnFB7-OF0WKoisAeZJ95VPR_VSSQ9UEAmjvitCWGe_Ys3yPa-dgmxWfD0cc1-w3Ua5a-aui4ChyphenhyphenLdo-pJSi0FUYT3ybBtMrLdzGsr/s320/2008+04+28+06+Moppet+at+Petsmart.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Moppet Waiting for a Treat at PetSmart</span></em><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Pat identified bufflehead, goldeneye and coot waterfowl and an osprey as we walked along. I’m having trouble identifying any of these unfamiliar (to me) birds, and particularly what Pat calls LBJ’s (Little Brown Jobs).<br /><br />I can’t believe the job situation here in Calgary! It is a real boomtown and Pat tells me that even fast food places like McDonald’s are offering a $500 signing bonus and another $500 if you remain for six months. Salaries for this type of job start at $12/hour. The big catch is that it is very expensive to live in Calgary and many people from other provinces come here only to find that they can’t afford to live here. Thus, it is an employee’s market. She had previously mentioned that all the nearby campgrounds are full because of the out of towners who come to Calgary to work.<br /><br />Pat is an enthusiastic geek. When we returned to the house, she showed me her Ipod and suggested that this is what I needed for my travels, instead of the bunch of CD’s and cassettes that I presently have. Hers is 8 Gb and holds about 20,000 songs. I should probably have got one while I was in the U.S. where they should be cheaper than here in Canada, as are most electronics. I gave Pat some of my CD’s for her to download on to her Ipod.<br /><br />Ripley seems to think that pooping in the back yard is off limits, so I took her to an off-leash area just two blocks away along the Bow River in order for her to accomplish her business.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208392693991090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn4rWaVAn69u_Sj1Y_VfdmPq7-OouJdtLnfjbCM2urt1jh9btFndoMVfQkyiOcOuTNYGHEiZmTy7kXQKJd3pkrIoSSkbMPM1IgnMsEsKIyZ0rSEBz_saKUS_xxyrKxf6ag1_FhGJzQkKI/s320/2008+05+01+01+Use+this+Ripley+by+Bow+River.jpg" border="0" /><br />Tonight, we had an organic, free-range chicken. There is no comparison between this delicious bird and what you buy in a grocery store. Of course, I knew that since I used to raise my own chickens, and it was so nice to taste a real chicken again!<br /><br />After supper, Duane left for his pool tournament. I know nothing about this sport, but apparently he has won several championships, so he must be good.<br /><br />I spent the evening watching Dancing With the Stars on the downstairs TV (Pat is not a fan) and catching up on emails.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2008<br /><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">RELIEF AGAIN<br /></span></strong><br />Because I was still having trouble with numbness in my left leg and hip, Pat kindly arranged an appointment for me with her massage therapist. It’s funny how small the world is. Phil Wilson and I went to the same high school, Jarvis Collegiate Institute, in Toronto! I will have to check my yearbooks when I get back, but I think he came just a year after I graduated, but we might have overlapped by one year. And, to top it off, he lived a short distance away from where I grew up! We reminisced about life there while he expertly worked on my neck and hip. I was concerned that my sciatic nerve was the cause, but he said it was my I-T (Iliac-Tibia) muscle that was tight. He showed me how I could work on this myself and was very thorough in explaining about all the muscles he was working on and showed me on a chart where they were. I must say he was very good and certainly fixed me up.<br /><br />Phil also sells homeopathic remedies and suggested that aerobic oxygen might be helpful in providing me with more energy. It is a secret formula manufactured in Calgary, so I thought, what the heck, I may as well try it. The dosage is ten drops three times per day in any liquid hot or cold.<br /><br />Pat and I dined on leftover chicken and salad for lunch<br /><br />Casey has not been feeling well, and his appointment with the vet was at 2:00 p.m.<br />Besides being diabetic and needing shots twice a day, he also has thyroid problems. Last week apparently he wasn’t eating well. The vet took blood and will have the results tomorrow.<br /><br />I thought it was time to turn on my generator again, but wouldn’t you know it. It wouldn’t turn over! I’m getting so fed up with paying for things to be fixed and then finding out later that they don’t work! I spent $600 in Tucson, and now the damn generator won’t even start!<br /><br />As I mentioned, Pat has all of Russell Crowe’s movies and we watched A Good Year. I don’t really care for Peter Mayle, who wrote the book on which the movie was based, but the scenery was lovely.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">THE REAL DEAL</span></strong><br /><br />When Duane arrived home from work, we left for La Casa Latina, not the restaurant they had originally intended taking me to (it was closed), but even better. The server greeted us in Spanish, and I responded in my rusty effort. The only other customers with Latinos and the menu was in Spanish. We started off with Suprema beer (made in El Salvador) for Pat and me, and a Spanish red wine for Duane. The nachos and tostones (fried plantains) were great for starters. Pat had a burrito; Duane had a steak taco and I had a Tipico Uno (refried beans, rice and steak). We were all stuffed and couldn’t find room for flan dessert (too bad – it’s my favourite and Pat’s too). Instead, we took our doggy bag home, feeling totally sated and satisfied with the meal.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008 -- INCOME TAX DEADLINE<br /><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">DOWNTOWN CALGARY</span></strong><br /><br />Because I had mentioned to Pat that I was having some problems with my income tax return, she had arranged for me to meet with her friend Karen Almadi downtown. Rather than tackle driving and parking down there, we took the bus for $2.50 each way. It was much more relaxing to travel this way. It gave me a chance to witness all the new construction going on. The Stampede Grounds are being expanded, for one thing. Calgary is a booming city, but everywhere there are signs advertising the need for help, regardless of the industry. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208263844972194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoBqdcFk70dIJPBOHdxs2C9ZEZVRzDI_lqxUkHbqU7-T8y9ToepyMsWY_1CwrgqdReJElhyphenhyphen-eD1NK3U4AmvT6zLbJIrufsbDOTz2bn1keKsHvaGQ8l01lNiqFQVXUNkeJvUJifeehoAxY/s320/2008+04+30+02+Downtown+Calgary.jpg" border="0" /><br />We met at a Starbucks in one of the many malls on the bottom levels of skyscrapers in the centre of the city. Karen is a high-energy person who had some good advice for me. She was in a hurry as she was leaving to go out of town the next day, so it was kind of a whirlwind meeting, and she also notarized a document for me that I needed.<br /><br />Pat and I talked more about the ins and outs of writing a book on the way back, and later I took Ripley and her very bedraggled-looking ball over to the off-leash park. It doesn’t seem to matter to her that the ball is partially deflated and filthy. She still loves to play with it.<br /><br />I’ve lost interest in watching American Idol since, in my opinion, most of the best singers have been booted off the show. It’s pretty predictable now, I think, so I didn’t bother, but I did watch Dancing With the Stars before working on my blog once again.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008 – MAYDAY<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BARGAIN DAY<br /></span></strong><br />The local library sells their excess books for 50 cents apiece – just my kind of book. We each bought a bunch, and then headed over to an Antiques Mall where I was able to buy twenty cassettes at 50 cents each. I’ve been getting tired of playing the same tapes over and over again, so now I have a bunch of new ones. However, unfortunately the owner of the booth was not interested in buying any of mine, so I’ll have to find somewhere else to dispose of them.<br /><br />We stopped at The Future Shop where I got more printer paper and cartridges and Pat got a cover for her Blackberry so that she doesn’t accidentally dial when it’s in her purse or pocket. She really is getting a kick out of her new gadget which she got just recently!<br /><br />At my suggestion, we goofed off and watched another Russell Crowe movie – American Gangster, also starring Denzel Washington. Although it was very long, it was excellent.<br /><br />After supper I went downstairs to watch Lost (probably my favourite TV show – I love the twists and turns in the story), and then returned upstairs to watch CSI with Pat and Duane. Since Duane leaves early for work and I am leaving tomorrow, I said my farewells to him before retiring to bed.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I took Ripley for one last walk along the river, packed up and said goodbye to Pat. It was great to spend time with her and get to know her better. I hope that we will meet up again, either in Calgary or elsewhere (she and Duane are talking about wintering in Arizona too) before too long. They were both very hospitable and I greatly appreciated their kindness.<br /><br />The day is sunny and mild, a good day for traveling. I headed east on Highway 22X until it met the Trans Canada Highway (number 1). The terrain changed very rapidly from the foothills into flat farmland.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BLACKFOOT CROSSING</span></strong><br /><br />When I started out on my journey last August, I had invested in an annual pass for both the National Parks and the National Historic Sites, allowing me free admission across Canada. One of the National Historic Sites in Alberta is the newly opened Blackfoot Crossing Interpretive Centre located within the Siksika Nation Reserve one hour east of Calgary. The attractive building has been constructed in consultation with the Elders to represent a giant teepee.<br /><br />As it happens, the majority of the staff were attending an Awareness Day at the local council hall, so there were just a few people on duty. I was given a leaflet explaining the extensive metaphors and concepts surrounding the design of the building. To quote from the leaflet “The entire building design should be viewed as a reinterpretation of a vast range of Blackfoot culture, its sacred icons and the everyday life of the Siksika people.”<br /><br />As one approaches the building, which is built on a hill so that it appears to be only on one level, one passes by a large buffalo rub rock (where the buffalo would rub their hair off in the spring). Inside, I was invited to watch a short movie explaining about the culture of the Blackfoot tribe, before being guided downstairs to the main gallery where I found many interpretive stations with titles such as Creation Tipi, Circles and Stones, Language, Eurocentric Misconceptions, Societies, Siksika Families and others. The entire glass wall overlooking the valley is the site of an open air amphitheatre where dances, etc. are performed during the summer season. As there are sacred artifacts there, no photographs are allowed inside the building.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208706226603730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYae7vX3izOJr3SBSY24P-1R1276P8Kzm9NskhSn0WtEc_uOBK9egRZoCdAKiHuVBiekoA5tRNDWVp1OYFAE_Bgnn7K6QqGsg5C0Kljtk8GM-3KYZP96d_I4f658mOl08st7LOeGG_R4Db/s320/2008+05+02+02+Blackfoot+Crossing.jpg" border="0" /><br />At this time of year there were few visitors. The manager of the gift shop told me that, when the building was being constructed, the committee had expected to receive about 100 visitors per day, but in fact they received on average 200 since opening in July, 2007. They were awarded a prestigious Alberta tourist award, ahead of the Glenbow Museum. I spent some time wandering around admiring the various authentic artifacts on display and talking to the interpreter there, before heading back upstairs and outside.<br /><br />I have to say, it is very impressive, and having had a little experience in what it takes to plan the design and construction of an interpretive centre, I think that they have done a fine job, with future plans to expand to include interpretation of the native plants and animals.<br /><br />Behind the building there is a trail that leads down into the valley, site of the Earth Lodge Village, ancient surface burials and other culturally significant sites. Ripley had been cooped up in the RV while I was inside and she enjoyed the walk down partway and back.<br /><br />After lunch in the parking lot, I continued on our way, back up to Highway 1 East, passing the grave of Crowfoot on the way.<br /><br />As we sped along the highway, I listened to a few of my new (for me) cassettes – Kenny G, KD Lang and Atlantic Starr. Boy, did that bring back memories!<br /><br />In Alberta the roadside turnouts are very small and do not have toilets, but eventually we came to a rest area, with room for cars, RV’s and trucks (and toilets).<br /><br />Gas at Brooks cost $121.6/litre and apparently is the home of a huge meat packing plant. I was told that many immigrants work there. I passed cattle and oil rigs and fallow fields, presumably of wheat and other grains.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TILLEY REST AREA<br /></span></strong><br />I stopped at Tilley with the idea of walking Ripley, but soon discovered that behind the rest area is one of the many areas under the management of Duck Unlimited. As I drove in, I passed several gophers standing beside their burrows, and upon checking out the pond, I noticed a pair of Northern Shoveler ducks, plus some shorebirds who took off as we approached. The pond drains into a field fenced off where there were other unidentified birds.<br /><br />This seemed like as good a spot as any to spend the night. It was well off the highway and I saw no signs saying that overnight parking was not allowed, plus I could view birds here.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Since I had no power and the generator isn’t working, there was no heat in the RV and it was rather chilly in the morning. Just slightly uncomfortable but I was rewarded with some good bird sightings as I arose at 7:00 a.m. The Field Guide that I am using is not clear enough for me to positively identify some of the birds, so I am guessing based upon the descriptions. One bird was maybe a willet, American avocet or a whimbrel, another possibly a ruddy turnstone, but I also saw a flock of semipalmated plovers.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MEDICINE HAT<br /></span></strong><br />In my earlier years I enjoyed making pottery, so it was with some interest that I saw that there was another National Historic Site of an old pottery factory located in Medicine Hat. I set the GPS up to guide us through the downtown area, but somehow Maude kept getting me lost. I even ended up going the wrong way on a one-way street! But eventually I made it to the Medalta Site, only to find that I was a half-hour too early. That was a good opportunity for Ripley to have a wander around the yard.<br /><br />As we waited, a school bus arrived and unloaded a bunch of children from Weyburn, Saskatchewan along with their teacher and some parents. I silently groaned when I saw them.<br /><br />Eventually the doors opened, and we all entered the building, partially renovated, that once housed a much larger factory that primarily produced a line of pottery for the hotel industry. At one time Medicine Hat was the scene of many operating clay factories producing bricks, sewer pipes, large crocks and housewares and decorative pottery.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208860845426402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju29TqF8nlXG8V-J3uOpwAmweP1VKjMujaPtrFES93iD_TQQylf5496_-Nm_9UdCunmGBzc1fHgtdx1_vXNxiNEQFpH51P7snGYvBCcl-XIVSDqQGYY3CffrxHY-E1X8cgZBSYnBOj6zdd/s320/2008+05+03+03+Medalta+Potteries.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The Medalta factory is the only surviving one and stopped production in 1965. It is now a National Historic Site and the old firing kilns are still there. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198208981104510706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOepfn3tyQQowNVYcEiSz2fWmAjczN3on3ffChg2hz1JnBSCL4q59NHI_0fvBklYz27lryBEvz3VBf0l586piqcCDhT71rSGBpsQZRcwvOvvbSzqWV17q6Hqr7SzdyHdFdqimWROOfKHN/s320/2008+05+03+20+Use+this.jpg" border="0" /><br />After the school group met up with the education coordinator, the collections manager came to greet me and took me on a personal tour. She grew up in Medicine Hat, but as a visible minority (Japanese) she had encountered a lot of prejudice and left to live in Toronto for many years, before returning to be with her aging parents. We talked about the differences in attitude that can be found in cities, amongst other things. After awhile, other visitors arrived, so I thanked her for the tour and went on my way.<br /><br />It was much easier to find my way back to Highway One and I continued along, passing a sign advertising a bull sale, until I reached Highway 41 where I headed south.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CYPRESS HILLS INTERPROVINCIAL PARK</span></strong><br /><br />The terrain along the two-lane road changed to more rolling hills, with few houses in sight, as we approached Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, located in the southeastern part of Alberta. White-tailed deer grazed unconcernedly next to cattle in one field, but I saw no raptors in the sky or on fenceposts as we approached the town of Elkwater inside the park (elevation 1234 metres).<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198209195852875522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVaQFQ2BXIgGsfhfLvPDEYo-B8e4yH0ATaMeiq6vEgKPYf0nliP2XICTNgtiqDkR97eaTTDomZZNM9DPtn-W1Lg8IWoeQ7Dykkmumkz3k9NsjwsehsIQR3VEu-0NsOdQZ0oHd60defSj3/s320/2008+05+04+15+Use+this+Cypress+Hills.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Visitor Centre is located in the town, as well as the only facilities in over 100 km. I turned off the highway, passing a frozen lake as I entered the town and drove to the Visitor Centre to enquire about campground facilities. The helpful attendant told me that only one of several was open and directed me to the Beaver Creek Campground where I found a site that had power but no water (and that meant no showers). This particular campground was built when RV’s were much smaller, and I found it a real challenge to back into one site. Fortunately, another camper (originally from Sault Ste. Marie) came over to help guide me in, and once I was successfully in I discovered that the power outlet was too far away for my cord to reach. I tried another one, and again this same camper came over to guide me in, and I was successful this time in hooking up. Because of the modified facilities, the fee overnight is only $20 instead of $30, and it is on the honour system.<br /><br />The campground is located on the edge of the town amidst tall evergreens. When I was at the Visitor Centre, I bought Birds of Alberta, which has excellent full-page drawings of each bird, and it turned out to be a much better guide for me in identifying birds. I now realize that it was most likely a whimbrel that I had seen back at Tilley. I am hoping that this book will also serve me well in Saskatchewan, and possibly Manitoba, as the terrain is not too different in these provinces and should therefore have most of the same birds as in Alberta.<br /><br />After setting up and having lunch, I took Ripley for a brisk walk along the frozen lake. Unfortunately I saw only gulls, Canada geese and red-winged blackbirds there. On our way back, I heard the familiar sound of brush turkeys off in the woods, and came across a herd of white-tailed deer at the entrance to the campground.<br /><br />The campground seems to be a favourite place for locals to drive around.<br /><br />Later, during our evening walk I heard the unmistakable hoot of the great horned owl and another unfamiliar bird call. I had hoped to go up one of the many trails, but they are still snow-covered and/or muddy. Instead, I worked on updating my blog, as I am behind once again.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I’ve decided to spend another day here at Elkwater and enjoy the scenery. Ripley and I walked over to the Visitor’s Centre and adjacent grocery store. She wasn’t happy about being tied up outside, but dogs are not allowed inside. At the grocery store, I got a copy of the Prairie Post. As I’ve mentioned previously, I enjoy reading the local papers to get an idea of what is important to the local people. Here are some examples of what is important in the southern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan:<br /><br />A new pocket-sized book on the Invasive Plant Species Identification Guide to help identify species that are harmful to the pastures and agricultural lands is now available<br />The anticipated increase in demand for biodiesel oil feedstock will encourage agricultural producers to seed oilseed crops<br />The 2008 International Association of Plant Biotechnolgy (IAPB) Conference – Canadian Section will draw scientists and researchers from across Canada and around the world. They will be gathering at the University of Saskatchewan from May 5 to 8 to share information and to advance research capabilities.<br />Producers in the southwest are bracing for yet another year of drought, and hoping for the best<br />10-year old Tegan Odland won’t forget how to spell “acetone”. That’s the word that eliminated her from the 2008 CanWest National Spelling Bee Final in Ottawa<br />Medicine Hat set to host Archeological Conference May 2<br />African Children’s Choir coming to the town of Consul May 7<br />Nearly 1,200 people strolled past the booths of Enviroform 2008, learning about the environment and what it will take to sustain it for years to come. Regina’s Street Culture Kidz, Sanders the Burrowing Owl, Twinkle Toes the ferret and face painting were some of the visual delights<br />The community of Craik (population 400) found a way to save itself from extinction by focusing on creating an eco-centre, under the guidance of Dr. Lynn Oliphant. Completed and opened in 2004, the Eco-Centre is built entirely with environmental stewardship practices in mind including straw bale constructed walls, geo-thermal heating and cooling, tankless hot water heating, and a fully operable composting toilet.<br />Redcliff residents have tires slashed<br /><br />As I enjoyed the sun, reading the newspaper outside by the picnic bench, Ripley found some delectable stuff to roll in on the grass nearby. There were several LBJ’s flying around, as well as chickadees, insects and butterflies (!), and I saw one grey squirrel busily chewing on some tree buds. It was quite idyllic, and I was reluctant to move, but I wanted to fill up with gas and take advantage of the wi fi at the Elkwater Lodge, in order to check emails. Gas was $126.9/litre, but it’s the only game in town, or rather in the entire area!<br /><br />I headed down the highway 41 a short distance, to turn off at the road leading to Lake Reesor, located within the park, hoping to see more wildlife. I’m not sure if it is simply the season or whatever, but I saw very little. The lake was still frozen and therefore not conducive to attracting waterfowl or shorebirds. At least there were few cars traveling on the road.<br /><br />The 13 km road to the lake passes by an elevated viewpoint that looks out for miles over the surrounding countryside in every direction, before descending down to Lake Reesor and the campground where I parked and let Ripley out for a session with her tired ball. I watched the gulls walking on the ice, and breaking holes in the ice to catch fish. A gopher appeared near the garbage bins, catching Ripley’s avid attention. I did see one hawk flying over.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198209402011305746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4qrvVibvPDF_65jxFr_9zSTXfGbw7kTz7tYf7S8HzmIuuC1KWUAN-KFM5DfkD9ifyK5UXqvTV3hdNPPWDsQ2xWX2bfevkq_Uam-fiuxhigrAGmf37wbDiPj3krk2mqwRJJEExbOmj0yp/s320/2008+05+04+20+Gopher.jpg" border="0" /><br />During the summer, the road continues on through Saskatchewan to the other part of the park, and eventually to Fort Walsh, but is impassable at the moment. This has led me to have to make a decision about where I will head next. Originally, I had planned to travel directly through the park and on to Grasslands Provincial Park in Saskatchewan. But now I will have to revise my route to do this. The attendant at the Visitor Centre checked online and told me that Highway 13 is in good condition for the most part, and would take me in the same location, so I will try it tomorrow. If I were to return to Highway One and then head south to the Grasslands park, it would add on about 60 miles to my trip, according to the gas station attendant who filled my tank back in Elkwater. He looked as though he had lived here all his life, and therefore should know. He said Highway 13 is gravel but he may have old information. I hope so.<br /><br />After eating a sandwich at a picnic table by Lake Reesor, I headed back to the Elkwater Campground, stopping at a part of the lake that was melted where I saw a pair of buffleheads as well as Canada geese. More white-tailed deer. More brush turkeys in town.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198209500795553570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrUfemtpj2QMici1HxsaJDRYEjPXJ86cwDviluSc1pI2Q-Dqa7TtKZBpbNP_0M1AVJEREdoMXPuLhqheb_KkVMbXOe_qFy2bh3x44dY5QupUqWzyMKY-XlQ_HOjZvoEcF8871lzClgbvv/s320/2008+05+04+22+Use+this+Deer+in+campground.jpg" border="0" /><br />When I arrived back at the campground, the weekenders had departed and there was only one other camper. It seems so weird but quiet.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-12443444881474859472008-04-29T21:08:00.000-07:002008-05-08T19:50:43.762-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-THREE - BRITISH COLUMBIA<div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-THREE - BRITISH COLUMBIA APRIL 14 - 23 2008<br /><br /></span><em>MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008</em></span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">PHOTOS NOW HERE</span></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="left"><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:85%;">BACK IN CANADA<br /></span><br /></span></strong>Although the weather was frigid, I got up early, took a shower and got on the road to B.C. It was only ten minutes to the border and my fears were groundless. The customs inspector didn’t bat an eye when I said I had been away since September 9, 2007. He looked at my passport while Ripley growled, but didn’t ask for her health certificate nor did he ask me how much liquor I had! So, I suppose I could have brought in much more – but you never know when you might get inspected.<br /><br />At any rate, just on the other side of the border was a Visitor Centre, where I was asked to pay $3.95 for a map of British Columbia!! In the U.S. the maps are free.<br /><br />It was just a short drive then, on Highway 17 to the Tsawassan Ferry long term parking lot, which is on native Indian land. After discovering that it would cost me over $200 to take Philippa across on the ferry, I chose instead to leave her in the parking lot at $10/day and carry a backpack with my clothing, camera, binoculars, etc., plus my laptop suitcase, and to take Ripley on a leash to hop on the shuttle bus which took us to the terminal. There I bought a ticket to Victoria (Swartz Bay) for $13. When I had spoken to Anne and Robin, they were concerned about Ripley not being in a crate, but as it happens on the ferry I caught, there is a special heated room for pets on the car deck, so we were quite comfortable during the 1 ½ hour trip. The only problem was that I had to remain with her and could not watch the scenery. We were joined by a couple with their Shih Tzu, and we traded newspapers to pass the time. The ferry is gigantic and can take long tractor transports, as well as RV’s and lots of cars, on two levels. Upstairs in the lounge area (where I was not allowed to go because of Ripley), there is a restaurant, gift shop, game room and glassed-in seating area.<br /><br />At Victoria, I had to put on my heavy backpack and laptop case once again, go upstairs in the building, then back down after buying my ticket to Saltspring Island. Then I had to walk over to another building carrying my heavy load, and walk upstairs to the waiting room. The ferry was much smaller this time, and Ripley and I sat in with the few other passengers for the half-hour ride. So I was able to watch the scenery as we wended our way up northwards.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>SALTSPRING ISLAND</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong><br /></div></strong></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198197225779020978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST4mjG6Hw66Zt84ii7tHX4B7m80UmLFT8W-ACT0slEXhjE9UjqdKSG71gcqtV09LZKmcklUu7CvVlhM8J71zEHleo0IVBO05uruNLUFlTNzIK2qTz-HJa62Mpgsr8neTtuRa1jeXt74ET/s320/2008+04+18+04+Use+this+Fulford+Harbour.jpg" border="0" /><br />Anne and Robin were waiting for us when Ripley and I landed on Saltspring Island, their summer and soon-to-be retirement home. I’ve known Anne Zeller for many years. She was the Teaching Assistant for Professor Frances Burton when I first started taking courses as a mature student at the University of Toronto and, because of our mutual interest in non-human primates, we have kept in touch. We share an experience with orangutans in Borneo. Anne has taught at Waterloo University for many years, and Robin Irvine is a retired lawyer. They spend the winter in Kitchener, but Anne is on sabbatical this year, so they are making the most of their B.C. home. Robin’s house is rented out, and the two of them currently live in Anne’s cute five-room cottage. It is located on a quiet dead-end road, surrounded by tall trees, with a brook running through the back end and a garden in front. Their long-haired dachshund Bella greeted Ripley and I was relieved to see that they would probably get along. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196285181183042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTNfKSQMCrcX-NZfFzS41bmB_A0ISRRGeiR7v5xW7sGtslpq7YRy-7j7zvMC_3IIJ-ZRZXJ4VQm-bEv_XstGzIbV1VJIWsRR9HKvfsZrhj-ITBgk1ywkPrYV6igy85eyl-O30SQo13W7g/s320/2008+04+15+04+Bella+Robin+%26+Ripley.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Robin, Bella and Ripley<br /></span></em> </div><div> </div><div>Saltspring Island is much less developed than I would have thought, and many of the houses are hidden by trees, making it a truly beautiful place. It has attracted many artisans and hippies back in the 60’s and I noticed that many people know each other in the little village of Fulford Harbour, where the ferry arrives.<br /><br />We took the dogs for a walk, first to a nearby beach where we collected fresh clams, and then up the curving road from the house, past a sheep farm, up a hill and around the corner to a very large private property where the trees were huge. It has been divided up amongst the children of the owners and must be worth a fortune.<br /><br />Ripley and I shared the den, with a door that led to a small outside seating area and where the music of the nearby brook could be heard. It’s just too bad it is too cold to sit outside. The front of the house has a large deck with views of hummingbirds, pine siskins and other birds as they come to the various hanging feeders that overlook the garden.<br /><br />There is a bathtub, so I took advantage to have a long soak with a view into the woods behind.<br /><br />Supper was a delicious chicken stew, after which we watched Dancing With the Stars in the cozy living room where the wood stove is located.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />We all slept in. One nice thing about the house is that the yard is completely fenced in, so that Ripley was able to go outside off a leash and to investigate to her heart’s content. She and Bella seem to have come to an arrangement simply to ignore one another!<br /><br />The day is cool, but sunny and I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds at the feeder through the large kitchen window while Anne and I ate our oatmeal. Robin prefers cold cereal.<br /><br />Anne and Robin are building a new house which is much bigger than what they have now, and we drove over to see it. They seem to be having a lot of fun choosing the various construction pieces and sourcing out bargains, especially doors. They were able to find some in a repo yard at less than half the price of the new ones. The house is their own design, is an L-shape on a lot with a nice view of Fulford Harbour. They hope the contractor will be finished by summer, but there is still quite a bit of work to do inside. However, it will be gorgeous when it’s finished – and huge. There is a den, kitchen, dining room, living room on one wing, leading to a sunroom (with a full-length deck) and two bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bathroom. Upstairs there is a library, another bathroom and a large study, leading to a balcony. So, it should be large enough to hold all of the collectibles that they have accumulated over the years. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196199281837106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5eljvFN-THJ3M-DEZgSLpoPS9dtCT3ghH-VhuQLFh0rt4aQZhS8h5NLf13vXnyOol_4i9T8p4jN6gl04WGOVIxLiL6Ny0HKktO80giIT4kQHiJq5LG1McIJl-Yo2QrjcdKsnl5D7-odB/s320/2008+04+15+01+Anne+%26+Robin%27s+new+house.jpg" border="0" /><br />Anne and I went into Ganges, the largest town halfway up the island. We dropped Robin’s old, but still in good condition, Mercedes off at the garage for an oil change while we went to the market and the library, where I was able to log on and check my email. As we walked along the street, Anne greeted several people and it seems as though most people know each other. It’s difficult to describe the atmosphere on the island, but I guess the closest I can think of is casual. No one is in a rush and everyone is friendly.<br /><br />Terry and Ann joined us for a supper of chicken, baby carrots, orzo (an interesting pasta that I had brought from Pike Market in Seattle), salad and home-made ice cream and grapes bought at the Ganges market – and of course, wine. Terry and Ann are long-time residents here.<br /><br />Anne treated us to a viewing of her new educational video that she has put together and which she plans to sell to schools who teach primatology, her specialty. She has made several, but this particular one described six different macaque monkey species that can be found around the world, featuring the footage that Anne herself had taken in various countries.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008</span></em></strong><br /><br />We had another leisurely morning, and I spent some time downloading my photos and labeling them. Anne had arranged for me and her to have a massage, something I badly needed after hauling my heavy backpack around. We returned to Ganges where Lucia, the Registered Massage Therapist has her business. I suggested that Anne go first so that I could explore the nearby harbour. <div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196409735234642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPeuwvSUlWRL4nkeQn-YEbv0bQqPlYoAkNCNxAGUo8neNHwi0tljxoncay1YxIuhHWOSti3JDV8FUeV-ITsJc4X6BLAH8w8h3tuHsJoD8SdjgTwF-jIy54aXyuxpcVkd757yNx1duNFT5/s320/2008+04+16+09+Use+This+Ganges+Home.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="left"> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Ganges Harbour</span></em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The steep hill led down to a marina where I watched a pair of common mergansers as they searched for fish close to shore. This is an interesting bird because the male and female look so very different. The male has a showy white body with a black head while the female has a grayish body with a reddish brown head with a ruff at the back. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196495634580578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS0x4KPJ4vLhFTzds091DZ_nTysY_CaHmgS_yMSL_gHDHAdWDOhP2bE-6IBKGXHc9Bq3eaqCE4jtvCmkELLwe1jKYiAIg0o1s95Dqca__jOAWBfgB69TBzEnFfeSYPQh5qsKTuHGTs7Q7/s320/2008+04+16+11+Common+Mergansers.jpg" border="0" /><br />I wandered around admiring the many boats moored in the marina before making my way back up the hill in time for my turn for a massage. It’s interesting that every RMT that I have been to has a slightly different technique, but they are all effective. I felt so relaxed after the hour. When I paid her, she gave me my change in Saltspring Island dollars! They have their own colouful money, redeemable anywhere on the island and issued by the Saltspring Island Monetary Foundation. It’s as though they think of themselves as an independent country! The dark blue $5 bill features Sylvia Stark (1839-1944) on the front and some killer whales on the back. I’m going to keep it as a souvenir, and I imagine many visitors do just that.<br /><br />Later on, we drove down to the Fulford Inn to meet up with their friends Maryanne and Deb for a personal pizza, the specialty of the night. I chose mine with feta cheese, black olives, bacon and tomato – delicious along with a beer.<br /><br />Afterwards, Maryanne and Deb were given a tour of the new house.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">VANCOUVER ISLAND<br /></span></strong><br />When they heard I was coming for a visit, Anne and Robin thought that it would be fun for me to see part of Vancouver Island, so we were up early. However, Robin opted to stay home and continue sanding and painting a found door from an old schoolroom with a beautiful scroll inlay. So, Anne, Ripley and I hurried off to catch the Vesuvius ferry at the north end of Saltspring, taking us to Crofton on Vancouver Island.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CATHEDRAL GROVE<br /></span></strong><br />The highway wound its way through small villages, past an alpaca farm, skirting around Nanaimo to magnificent Cathedral Grove. The park was donated by MacMillan Bloedel, perhaps as a panacea for all the tree cutting they had done on the island. In any event, the trees seemed to be just as tall and as wide as some of the redwoods that I had seen back in California. Ripley enjoyed walking with us through the forest, checking out all the smells.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196577238959218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDNBSmiwtK1wiQFEF0c8GMgrxzMvhljI4XroKwpUwRrzQ4N7NmsdqKzSvKCSFXoAodSOxnxglqLqXk3egJF5tt-Pa61_106saHyWzo5uK_mkndKvYEUSrESV3qWHgo9OV25bLRX8voO0X/s320/2008+04+17+05+Use+this+Cathedral+Grove.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Birds were singing everywhere as we wandered around the huge trees, some of which had fallen in a devastating storm a few years ago. I couldn’t believe the length of these as they lay alongside the pathway, and I would estimate that they averaged 300 feet in length. We came to a lake at the far end before turning back to cross the highway to walk the path on the other side. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196749037651074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQms2hyiYMSFeo7p57WPnDVv4G7zr4NScBf3L2JyRl9z5AVEz5MDBiZUCCH-Pn3ZQQfZe4io8V3hVa1nZ0quz8qzc83wWuDy7oMEFGiripHeCsWDmjLq9kpRZ1sLnNvTjMNAzrnCV9LgK/s320/2008+04+17+26+Use+This+Anne+%26+Ripley.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Anne and Ripley</span></em><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">COOMBS<br /></span><br /></strong>On our return we couldn’t resist stopping at the Qualicum Trading Post outside of Coombs, featuring beautiful authentic native creations. I managed to restrain myself to buying a few polished stones, but Anne just had to buy a lovely little woven basket with an intricate pattern on the sides. The owner of the shop told me about the Red Coat Trail which follows the route of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as they patrolled the border back in the 1800’s. It sounds like an interesting route and perhaps I’ll pick it up in Alberta. It appears to be too twisty and winding in the B.C. portion, and I had been advised to take the Trans Canada Highway instead, by the staff at the Visitor Centre.<br /><br />We stopped for lunch at a unique place in Coombs called Goats On the Roof. It features a green roof (that’s a roof that has grass growing on it) and apparently during the tourist scene there really are goats up there – but not at this time of year. Too bad. That would have been fun to see. The building has a large market area in front, featuring some very exotic imported foods – which of course are all very expensive. We headed to the back restaurant to order a quiche for Anne and a teriyaki meatball dish for me. Mine was a bad choice and didn’t taste very good, so Ripley was the beneficiary of my leftovers.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WORLD PARROT REFUGE<br /></span></strong><br />Just on the outskirts of Coombs is the World Parrot Refuge, which offers a lifetime home for the many parrot breeds who end up unwanted by their owners. The problem with these birds is that they look beautiful in a pet shop, but are generally very noisy and also live very long lives (25 for a budgie- up to 75 years for a parrot). Many people who buy these expensive birds don’t appreciate the loud squawks once they get them home, or the bird bites, or else they get tired of taking care of a bird for years on end. Many of these birds were wild-caught and don’t necessarily adjust well to captive living, and consequently develop behavioural problems, like plucking out their feathers. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198196963786015890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyGcdF_lkiHpctLGq4f0yhsRl6J6EhVzyN-m0p7aqgJ-R-wKFxyK_510iQU_336LP_9H3Aak7oFFaXLl8-T349Md9hk0H2UCjmqLApPng1vYg3FWlv3lhk3GHcLLpwlEGO5by9WVMiv4l/s320/2008+04+17+31+Use+this+World+Parrot+Refuge.jpg" border="0" /><br />The World Parrot Refuge was an unfamiliar sanctuary to me and I was interested in seeing the design. The rooms are set up with giant aviaries on either side of a visitor walkway, containing something like 700 birds in total, ranging from a few budgies and cockatiels to parrots of different types, to gorgeous macaws (including the endangered blue Hyacinth Macaw) and cockatoos. Some of these birds could talk and one could even sing Old MacDonald Had a Farm. He started off, and then we joined in while he responded with Ee-yi-ee-yi-yo! Others had plucked out their breast feathers and looked more like plucked chickens, while another put his claw through the wire and repeatedly tried to grab my jacket. There are signs everywhere warning people not to put their fingers into the cages.<br /><br />I was pleased to see that the caretakers had provided many toys for the birds to play with consisting of cast-off children’s toys and other items that have been donated. They had lots of climbing trees, both horizontal and vertical from floor to ceiling, and all the food offered was fresh.<br /><br />At the far end we encountered a room housing all the new arrivals, and there must have been at least 100 birds there, many of whom were wandering around loose. A volunteer had a cockatoo on her shoulder and introduced us to Esther (he’s a male but his owners couldn’t tell his gender). She transferred Esther over to my arm and I was warned to be careful as he couldn’t fly. So I gingerly got him to climb up to my shoulder where he seemed quite happy to sit. When I stroked his feathers, he tucked his head under my chin and seemed just content to have the attention. Anne had a turn holding Esther as well, and we were both dismayed later to hear that he had cancer. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198197096930002082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY5id3U4ITAQNvz_ETVhYrSWvrfdXwyIy67rjEsL-GtDGrt2Cnq7XgfmJlNLwRafEe25l4Bgjaate1q7TOSFT7QSd7I_Ul3xLvqN0nxI2fCHoByi5DfOwjm4c9EW7wrfWfUBNRs3jIY_0/s320/2008+04+17+49+Use+this+Esther+%26+Marilyn.jpg" border="0" /><br />I must commend the World Parrot Refuge for caring for these wonderful birds, but it would be so much better if they were left in the wild in the first place, where they can fly freely and enjoy the companionship of their own kind in their flocks. For more information, visit their website at <a href="http://www.worldparrotrefuge.org/">http://www.worldparrotrefuge.org/</a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK TO SALTSPRING<br /></span></strong><br />We still had a long drive back to the ferry terminal at Crofton, so after a walk for Ripley, we headed south in order to catch the 5:30 ferry back to Saltspring. As we drove back home, we passed a large catamaran sealed in plastic which apparently was sailed around the world by its owner. I imagine that there are many stories that could be told by the inhabitants of Saltspring.<br /><br />Supper was delicious wild salmon, leftover orzo, broccoli, salad and some more home-made ice cream.<br /><br />We spent the remainder of the evening looking at the photos that I had taken during my trip and which are stored on my computer.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />It’s time to say goodbye once again to friends and continue on my journey. Anne and Robin were planning to go to Victoria to do some shopping and accompanied me on the ferry that far. We went our separate ways and I made my way over to the ferry that would take me back to the mainland. Ripley and I were fortunate to be on another ferry that had a special pet room (not all of them do and consequently it is necessary to stand on the car deck in the cold).<br /><br />After a brief wait, we boarded the shuttle bus to take us back to the long-term parking lot where I paid $45 for the 4 ½ days I was on the island. The day is cold and overcast and I decided to have lunch (canned ravioli) before heading out.<br /><br />I hadn’t taken into account Friday night commuter traffic, so it was a slow drive while we passed through the Vancouver suburbs, and construction en route didn’t help things at all. But eventually we were clear once we got onto the Trans Canada Highway and past the commuters. Gas cost $126.7/litre, and there was snow on the hills beside the highway as we traveled eastwards. At Chilliwack I saw a rainbow, so I suppose it had been raining there.<br /><br />At Hope I decided to stop for the night and turned in at Wild Rose RV Park. The cost for the night was $30 even with a seniors discount. And that was just for the basics – water and electricity. No TV. No wi fi. No sewer connection.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />At least the park was spotless, and I enjoyed the hot shower this morning. The manager is a woman who has just arrived from Vancouver, along with her brother, and they have two dogs.<br /><br />As I was pulling out, I stopped beside a rig with an Alberta licence plate to ask the occupants what the weather was like in the mountains. Bill and Joyce are on their way back to Edmonton and told me that there are snowstorms in Alberta. They suggested that we travel together to Kamloops, and I gratefully accepted their offer. Along the way the scenery became more mountainous as we pushed on, with many views that begged to be caught on camera. Joyce and Bill each had a digital camera, and we stopped several times for photographic opportunities. Joyce invited me to join them in their RV for a lunch of cheese and crackers. The crackers were especially tasty, with lots of flavour – something I simply couldn’t find in the U.S., so I really appreciated the invitation. She said that she had bought them at Costco, so I’ll have to check that out when I get a chance.<br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198198617348424914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY2iWgeEF6bpShiWgL2iHQb6fuhLOE66qQGk2OLzNCppDgEsEZdXdUt-HWvMY6mfJvikOnS36HNR8yyjonnvI1iY5Fnu0dvYzo0GqE5sjPq9Rjtmx_Uqd_dbIu2W9GwcXDVjSpDCjdbE0/s320/2008+04+19+04+near+Kamloops.jpg" border="0" /></p><div><br />Joyce is a retired teacher on disability (she has had both knees replaced) and Bill works as a computer tech. We chatted about our mutual experiences RV’ing, and Joyce was quite interested in knowing more about my newfound hobby of making jewelry. She is an enthusiastic knitter herself.<br /><br />We continued on our way along the Trans Canada Highway #1 through Hells Gate and encountered snow by the Thompson River north of Boston Bar. We chose to go via the longer route through Cache Creek, rather than through Merritt (the scene of a horrific murder of three children by their father just a week or so ago) because the road conditions past Merritt were said to be snow-covered with icy patches – not something that an RV’er wants to encounter. It took us slightly longer, but we passed through some beautiful valley farmland, past herds of cattle, hayfields and hills, and past a large ginseng farm west of Kamloops. There was a sign boasting they were the largest ginseng farm in Canada. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198198819211887842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RlkEUxgelEztIe-wkzs-28FRFfmYMUYlQbiy52Doi5pE0PINYzyo_1zp97Hk2gA1zOTcavCFqgvnJR7JO8HERtKdI34NtLssXKmuqusKSW1_EcxH0CpQusotKyJW79qtiSy_FTuuKzUQ/s200/2008+04+19+17+Thompson+River.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Thompson River<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></span></em></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KAMLOOPS , B.C.<br /></span></strong><br />We had agreed to stop at Kamloops RV Park adjacent to the B.C. Wildlife Park, and were warned to disconnect our water hose before night because the temperature would be below freezing. I really had not expected to encounter such cold temperatures in B.C. but many people have commented on how unseasonably cold the weather is.<br /><br />And because of our mutual concern regarding the weather ahead of us, Bill unhooked his car and we drove to the nearby Flying J Truck Stop in search of a wi fi connection. However, they didn’t have one and I suggested that we try a motel. And, just as in the past, when I offered to pay for the service, the receptionist let us hook up for free in the lobby. So, I was able to check my email while Bill checked on the weather for our different routes (they will be heading north and I will be going east tomorrow). It seems that both routes will be good tomorrow, and that is reassuring, even if both Edmonton and Calgary are covered in snow. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198198960945808626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3GHIIC5WAgVx3MYEeE6de8xK_CdThIfHCcRt4uMWI25P9BYgw6jeZRZfHf82zsPL4PF2cH0VLNknkB1wIv5r-PyQcFuHtGRfAMXqiI4Iv-vy7EMJYI-i_Ve653qVfeG9g4TI2xBuD2nL/s320/2008+04+19+21+Bill+%26+Joyce+McCoy,+Edmonton.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Bill & Joyce McCoy</em></span></div><div align="justify"><br />It was serendipitous that we met up, and I invited Joyce and Bill to join me for a pasta supper. I still had in my freezer the delicious homemade spaghetti sauce that I had bought back at Granzella’s Deli in Williams, Arizona, along with the wine that I had bought there.<br /><br />Afterwards, I had the pleasure of showing them my various jewelry findings and the finished pieces that I have done, and I think I may well have inspired Joyce to try her hand at the craft!<br /><br />We said our goodnights and goodbyes, as they will be heading out early in order to get home by Tuesday morning at the latest, exchanging email and addresses so that we can keep in touch. I really enjoyed their company, and I hope that I might see them again back in Ontario on one of their trips to visit their daughter in Guelph.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I thought about visiting the B.C. Wildlife Centre just next door, but I must admit to a certain reticence on my part, because I have seen so many sub-standard animal parks and zoos. In the end, as it was already noon, I chose to continue on my way, after buying $100 worth of gas, which is ¾ of a tank. The rising gas prices are killing me!<br /><br />The temperature was very nippy, and I passed a few of those giant irrigation wheels (they are strands of pipe with irrigation holes in them, suspended on wheels hundreds of feet long that are wheeled across one of the large pastures to water crops). A few of them had icicles hanging down, and I saw one man using a hammer to remove them!<br /><br />Highway 1 (Trans Canada) follows the Thompson River and the scenery is indescribable throughout this entire region. I have taken this route previously both by car and by train, and it is truly magnificent. The mountains hover above you, with their rugged snow-covered peaks and lower down they are covered in pine trees. Unfortunately, the pine beetle has destroyed so many of them, and they are dying. I heard on the radio that the decaying process will generate a huge amount of carbon dioxide into the air, causing them to be a major environmental hazard. Quite an anomaly, as trees are said to contribute greatly to the exchange of carbon for oxygen generally. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198197324563268802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_z9HqoKXBQI3Zg4HyaD93aPB283_yEJ93GRAvGmu0nBCxXFSrd4NcyQi_tqH9UJKJ3OiQw1X42AuhvnF9T8RVEHv3QLPTWYXUj5SWQ35688uEanNyipEuhegJ-4_x9wNXYhFGg56KVxP3/s320/2008+04+19+01+Use+this+near+Kamloops.jpg" border="0" /><br />At least the sun is shining today, even though it is cold. The elevation continued to increase, and I could see more coverings of snow in the mountain peaks as I drove along.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">NO VISIT AT CHASE<br /></span></strong><br />Maureen Boudreau is a woman whom I had met back at Indian Skies RV in Arizona and who had given me her phone number to contact her when I was in the neighbourhood of her hometown, Chase. However, she answered on her cell phone from her son’s place some distance away, where she and her husband are currently babysitting. So I won’t be able to visit them after all.<br /><br />At Sicamous, I was startled to see a coyote trying to cross the highway, but leaping back because of traffic. I suppose that it is common to see wildlife in these parts, but the quick look I had at it made me think that it had mange, as there were several dark patches on its hide. I know that in Ontario mange wiped out quite a few coyotes around my farm a few years ago.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">THE LAST SPIKE<br /><br /></span></strong>There are many stories about the efforts involved in building a railway across Canada, and I was interested to see a memorial to The Last Spike where an ordinary metal spike completed the east-west route in 1885. What a feat that must have been! I just can’t imagine how difficult it would have been to build the railway through the mountain routes, in particular. Up until that point I suppose that travel would have been greatly restricted across the country, and the completion of the railway would have made a huge economical difference. <div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199076909925634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkENZ6AUxdVEB0JdPIHRCHWaJzM7TE3Sqhp9UpikgMFTU33Nb5f8KHHLrZaZwFoQq8zRPPbQM577Xw1HpoqrW0gqYZk0JaaNtzBS4NVJqa6ERYmeay3nkbvXout7TKP59l5Qyk0A8rxvRQ/s320/2008+04+20+04+Use+The+Last+Spike.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199179989140754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvyNtrqb4WP9LJzOi2aayy2Fvsx627BwzyLTIhfaqy5Yq213Q286w9rwt77D3Gc8M_CVjuNQ3mwcMcJThvivq6Cpb7hJ1pALgOUoHIp9SXG0aKT7GKxKlqu990CfAvnzEbyKfgDLzfAJy/s200/2008+04+20+06+1909+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /><br />As I approached the area near Revelstoke, I drove over a suspension bridge, with a lovely waterfall, but there was nowhere to stop to take a photograph.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING?<br /><br /></span></strong>Because of the unseasonal snow in the high country, many of the viewpoints and hiking trails are closed, and consequently many of the lodges and campgrounds are also closed in this area as well.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">REVELSTOKE<br /></span></strong><br />Fortunately the municipally-operated Willliamson Lake RV Campground was open in Revelstoke, my destination for today. For complete hook-up, cable TV and wi fi, the fee is only $19.43, and the location is far away from the noisy highway, situated beside Williamson Lake and the nearby Columbia River. It was partially covered in snow at the far end, but there were several sites more or less free of snow.<br /><br />I emailed Pat Bumstead, my friend in Calgary and my next stop to visit, and she responded that I should stay where I was because the weather conditions were terrible there, with over a foot of snow. Again, this is unusual for this time of year. Well, I might as well stay here for a few days. It has many amenities and the scenery is great.<br /><br />Ripley was not allowed down by Williamson Lake, but I checked it out and found 3 pairs of common mergansers swimming around. Then, the two of us headed down the road in the direction of the Columbia River when I suddenly saw a golden eagle hovering overhead. It landed in a tree beside the road and I was thrilled to get a good look at it before it flew across to another tree and landed again. I’m not sure if it was scouting Ripley out as a possible meal, so I kept her close to me on a leash as we continued on down to the river on the main road. The Columbia River in this area has several small grassy islands close to shore, and I regretted not bringing my binoculars along, to get a closer look at the black specks out there.<br /><br />As we returned to the campground, I noticed several robins and wondered how they were able to survive considering that the ground is still frozen, and that their food source is primarily worms, insects and berries, none of which are available right now.<br /><br />I had picked up a local newspaper in town, and here are some of the featured stories:<br /><br />Dr. Wenran Jian criticized Alberta’s government for not moving forward on exporting oil to the Far East, stating that Canada’s political leadership is passing up an opportunity to increase trade and influence between the two nations. “Growing animosity fuelled in part by conflicts over China’s human rights record and protests over the country’s crackdown” in Tibet are said to be the cause.<br />For sale - large level lot with view potential in West Vancouver – $1,115,000<br />A Duncan, B.C. tree faller has died after an accident on the job.<br />“A private company based in Washington state will begin laying electrified cables in the Puntledge River in a bid to keep hungry harbour seals from devouring young salmon.” ….This is an alternative to killing the seals who are jeopardizing the salmon stock in the area.<br />In Bombay, India many women are setting up detective agencies. The article states that “more and more Indians are turning to female detectives to solve their problems……because Indian society tends to take women particularly those in saris, at face value. Women don’t arouse suspicion.”<br /><br />My body is aching all over today, and I wonder if it is from carrying all that heavy luggage back on the ferries. In any event, I took some Ibuprofen and watched Calgary beat San Jose, forcing a Game 7 in the NHL Playoffs.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I was up at 7:00 a.m. for another walk to the nearby lake’s edge where I found a pair of common mergansers asleep on the swimming dock, and got a fleeting glimpse of what I think was a yellow-crowned night heron, but they are not usually found in this area.<br /><br />This time I took my binoculars when Ripley and I headed out towards the Columbia River again, stopping to listen to a woodpecker, and catching a glimpse of the golden eagle once again. About a kilometer down the road, at the river, I caught sight of a great blue heron on one of the small islands, along with many ducks and Canada geese. The river is located beside a busy highway, so I had to keep Ripley on a leash for safety’s sake, and she patiently sat and waited for me each time I stopped to look through my binoculars.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">REVELSTOKE<br /><br /></span></strong>The CBC reported slippery road conditions east of Revelstoke, so the Williamson Lake RV Park seems like a good spot to remain for another day or two. The park manager mentioned that there were some interesting museums in the town, so I unhooked and made my way in to the Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately, the two museums of interest to me (mechanical musical instruments and the Visual Arts) are closed on Mondays.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">OH OH!<br /></span></strong><br />It is a small quaint town with the usual tourist gift shops and restaurants. One of the malls has sculptures of grizzly bears at its entrance, <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199441982145842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_UB1CtjZBZGULUeTqeSfk5h0HxdaNFLId3xHSCwD5J8nhtPMnNrcCvOuO1jzN8_Mp8uCkDuyX9oWbRvjf-Ptgi1f_1eFeVGXXS57xbr_eomhyphenhyphent51oTqnUTn3zYWCNygwQenGqSpkDj6b/s320/2008+04+23+02+Bear+in+Revelstoke.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>and across the street of the main road is a special lane for RV parking. I wish that I had parked mine there instead of on a side street. I guess I didn’t realize just how close I had parked to an ornamental metal pole, and when I pulled out to leave, I gouged the back side of the exterior, making three, three- foot long punctures in the fiberglass, and damaging the compartment just underneath the area. Needless to say, I was very upset when I realized what I had done.<br /><br />At least the visit into town allowed me to get some errands done, including repairing my glasses finally (the pin on one of the side pieces had fallen out), but food is very expensive when the taxes are added on. For instance, a package of oatmeal, a jar of mayonnaise and one tomato cost $8.11. Mailing postcards to the U.S. costs 96 cents.<br /><br />I’ve calculated that I paid $3.81 for a gallon of gas. This nasty increase in gas is really causing some trouble for me.<br /><br />To make matters worse, I finally got around to calculating my income tax. Not good news. I really resent having to declare and pay income tax on funds that I have already paid tax on previously. That just doesn’t seem right.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK AT WILLIAMSON LAKE<br /><br /></span></strong>I took Ripley for another walk back to the Columbia River and was treated to the sight of two bald eagles standing on one of the small islands and further over another great blue heron as well as a juvenile bald eagle.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199330312996130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk7UliXxwAWUbWUKVHNJ42ErRlzevFSEYvxzdhp00xLmXoM_AR8hfpJSFtuVOQcI6QGMIStC3j0KT_7OZ1vJ5F9uOHbPSLOFY_Jahw2-ubzSd8tYtOpWKRXJxJx6xLHMG35zZpmQ3vZx9/s320/2008+04+21+01+Juvenile+Bald+Eagle+Columbia+River.jpg" border="0" /><br />I talked to Pat and she told me that Calgary has a foot of snow, but at least the wind has died down. Everyone keeps telling me that this weather is not normal for this time of year, and that usually spring is well on its way.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />By now I have recognized the fact that I no longer have the stamina that I had even five years ago, and that I need to pace myself, so today was a lazy day just relaxing for the most part.<br /><br />However, on the radio I can only get CBC Radio One (the talk station), so I’ve dug out my CD’s to listen to.<br /><br />I contacted my insurance agent regarding my accident yesterday, and the adjustor gave me the option of getting an estimate for repairs when I get to Calgary or else waiting until I return home to Ontario. At least the RV is still drivable and I have patched up the holes with duct tape for now. Red Green would be so proud of me!!<br /><br />The campground is owned by the municipality and I noticed that there are six RV’s that are here on a long-term basis. Five men and one woman live here and work in Revelstoke.<br /><br />The weather was milder and sunny today, and Ripley and I had a couple of walks before I settled down to watch Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. I must admit that I really enjoy both shows and watch it whenever I can. I particularly enjoyed the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, but wondered how he felt about some of the singers (Jason and Brooke in particular) mangling his creations! And Marlee Matlin was finally eliminated in the dance competition. She really was remarkable to be able to get this far.<br /><br />Too bad that Calgary was eliminated from the playoffs tonight. That leaves only Montreal as the final Canadian team still in the game. I’m not sure that I can bring myself to root for them!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008 – RIPLEY’S SEVENTH BIRTHDAY</span></em></strong><br /><br />As a treat, Ripley got a hot dog this morning.<br /><br />The waterline froze last night, so I had to resort to my storage tank for water this morning, but the day is sunny and the tap eventually started to work again.<br /><br />On our walk along the Columbia River, I watched a flock of ducks give out loud alarm calls when they spied a hawk hovering overhead, but it seemed more interested in searching for rodents on the small islands.<br /><br />I am running low on my prescription medication and contacted my pharmacist back in Pickering. They are very kindly going to ship a supply to Pat in Calgary by Purolator so that I won’t run out.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MOVING ON<br /></span></strong><br />I continued eastward around noon, stopping for gas ($126.9/litre) and propane (79.9 cents/litre), passing through the Monashee Mountains around Revelstoke.<br /><br />Philippa so far is doing well on the mountain roads. I had been concerned that she would have trouble going up and down the elevations, and indeed she slows down, but is managing to make it to the top without too much trouble. I guess it helps that the temperature is cold and therefore the engine is not overheating.<br /><br />Just east of Revelstoke I saw another golden eagle flying by the river next to the highway. The mountains are getting higher and are now snow-covered, and the boardwalk trails are closed as a result, especially in Glacier National Park. That’s a shame, as I had been looking forward to getting on the trails and exploring them, back when I was still in the U.S. At least the highway road is clear of snow.<br /><br />It’s difficult to single out one particular spot as being the most spectacular, but Rogers Pass certainly is up there in the ranking at an elevation of 1,327 meters (around 5,000’).<br /><br />Shortly after going through the Pass, I had to set my watch one hour ahead on to Mountain Standard Time.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">GOLDEN<br /></span></strong><br />I did a double-take when I got to Golden and saw a flock of bighorn sheep calmly grazing by the side of the highway. Apparently, they are a common sight in the area, and in fact the wife of the manager of Whispering Spruce RV Park said they were a nuisance because they come into the park, get up on the picnic tables and crap! I had a different opinion, as I was thrilled to be so close to them, and after all, they were here long before humans were! <div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199682500314434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZJ0FPuuYFpgKOUkQiMQoVC0e8mPJUz0Spd5n3EErmrjKWGYnj73ZEDDurOyW5JeMDVCd8Sqx8Z3LQeUmHhQruKR4VHzRrHKkWq6_BKyGfWurO5q2MjNXMKd7SIlbU5HSPsIjgjpFmNiY/s320/2008+04+24+02+Bighorn+Sheep.jpg" border="0" /><br />As I have mentioned, most of the campgrounds are closed still, so I was glad to find Whispering Spruce open, although it offered only electricity (no water) and unheated washrooms/showers. I chose to skip the shower today! For the privilege of staying here, I had to pay $27.30.<br /><br />When I took Ripley out for a walk at the back of the park, we startled a white-tailed deer grazing there. And it started to snow again.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-35488726408681929232008-04-23T00:22:00.000-07:002008-04-29T12:34:56.813-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-TWO - OREGON & WASHINGTON<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-TWO - OREGON & WASHINGTON -- APRIL 7 - 13 2008<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">PHOTOS NOW HERE</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA<br /><br /></span><em>MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008<br /></em></strong></span><br />It rained most of the night, and this morning it was wet, gray and cold (temp. of 39 degrees F). Ripley seems to have recovered from her limp and happily raced around on the beach in the rain. She came across the remains of a dead bird and joyfully rolled in it before I could stop her. So now we have Eau de Oiseau Mort as her new perfume!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ALONG THE OREGON COAST<br /><br /></span></strong>Check out time at the park is 1:00 p.m., so I took advantage of this to have a leisurely morning before pressing on. Just down the road in Seal Rock, I came across a drive-in bakery (never heard of this before), so I just had to stop for a latte and a turnover. One thing I’ve noticed is the number of corner espresso drive-thrus in the state of Oregon (later on, I saw this also in Washington State).<br /><br />There are so many beautiful little towns on the coast of Oregon. Newport, especially has a historic bayfront, and here is a photo of one of these houses.</div><p> </p><p> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747424755020610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZQ_JLn8osi6BsnI2hoonHzdmlm_kfaU1qOMwhPFlqbqM2dB9afVhUed0VDg38sKWcq42tBhhzgVB1thiCkszEOrztRS0pY2quVOlakwXHxUcK3_pdNVkpCc-yGtwk1pJHzCHzUh5IEn1/s200/2008+04+07+04+Newport+Historic+Area.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The next stop was at the Lucky Gap Trail where the birds were singing their hearts out in this beautiful rainforest. Then, on to walk along Agate Beach where I saw three Whimbrels with their interesting long down-curved beak. According to the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds, this bird winters on the coast, especially in rocky areas but mostly south of the U.S. I suppose these were on their way back north to Alaska to spend the summer, so I am especially pleased to come across them. I didn’t see any agates, though<br /><br />Glass blowing studios seem to be very popular along the coast, and it’s not surprising that artisans are attracted to the beautiful and remote scenery in Oregon.<br /><br />One of the brochures that I picked up back at the Visitor Center a few days ago described Depoe Bay as a whale watching centre (“Small harbor…Big whales”), so I was looking forward to arriving there. However, the official Whale Watching Center was closed, as was the Visitor Center, but right beside the W.W. building was a spectacular view of the bay with the wild ocean spewing spray onto the pedestrian walkway. <p> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747527834235730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ylwOe5utvBlSezwCJGU2HzfYMyKoOadqP9zJNSkPvoL0UQ14mUF0nMflw51vMhV1LaSTF2VZl5XIAMyTDOqxKYzxoPmYeinVA2n6zqHXA664NjeGoXRmbTWcjoWZ9ryWCQ8EfHsDdH-5/s200/2008+04+07+09+Depoe+Bay.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ripley and I took a walk along here and sat for awhile watching the wild grandeur of the waves as they rushed in (at least I was watching – Ripley was busy checking out the Eastern Grey Squirrels that were scurrying around). <p> </p><p> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747618028548962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCAW57Dz3ubX20hAnmzP_zF7fVRbEsznWP1q8ddU-x6XCoirnmpx0rDteXXQJZXoPtNTptCcjQN0jH4K_tG2zs7wmrZyM6L8oF-ZVuKz1C6QQgeBdaD-gvqjfJ_cbliRGSVoGMIlm9DRm/s200/2008+04+07+14+Use+this+Eastern+Grey+Squirrel.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>These are an invasive species and have practically replaced the Western Grey Squirrel. During our walk along the boardwalk Ripley vomited thick yellowish bile, with some orange bits a couple of times, making me feel quite concerned. She obviously was feeling under the weather for a bit, and I think she may have eaten something while we were on the beach in Agate Bay (perhaps a dead crab?). I wondered whether or not she needed a vet’s attention, but after about a half hour, she appeared to be feeling better. And her attention to the squirrels indicated that she wasn’t too badly off.<br /><br />The main street is a mecca for tourists, with many gift shops and seafood restaurants, but I resisted the temptations and headed to a booth beside “the smallest harbor in the world”.<br />Depoe Bay is also the home of several whale watching trips, but again I was disappointed to learn that the ocean was too rough for tours to go out today. Such is my luck.<br /><br />I suppose I could have stayed another day, but decided to press on to Lincoln City (I paid $3.39/gallon here) and from there to head away from the coast inland along Highway 18, passing Salmon River, and ending up in Lafayette, at the Sleepy Hollow RV Park for the night where the fee was $12. Lafayette is close to Portland and Highway I-5, and in the middle of the wine district. It’s too bad that I am limited in the amount of wine that I can bring into Canada. I already have two large bottles of California wine, plus two smaller bottles, and that is over my limit.<br /><br />I only traveled 168 kilmetres today, but it was tiring because of the twists and turns and the stops along the way. Sleepy Hollow was indeed sleepy, at least for me.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />There are really tall bridges in Portland!! I always feel uneasy when I’m on these and am so glad to reach the other side. The Columbia River flows through the city and winds back and forth, making it necessary to have the bridges – but I wish they weren’t so tall.<br /><br />Rest areas are a welcome sight when I get tired, and the Gee Creek Rest Area was especially nice, with a short circular nature trail that wound through tall trees. The trilliums were in bloom, and the holly had yellow flowers. I called Suzanne from there to let her know that I would be arriving tomorrow. She has obtained permission from the manager of her apartment complex for me to park my RV in the parking lot, and that will make it very handy. I have mentioned to Suzanne that I think it would be best if I slept in the RV because Ripley would probably consider her three ferrets as prey. I really don’t want to have an accident!<br /><br />The northwest is very rainy and overcast most of the time, and the forecast is for showers for the next few days. Not surprising, but still not great. I don’t think that I could get used to living in an area where the sun seldom shines.<br /><br />Highway I-5 was surprisingly rough in the right hand lane, but maybe that’s because it’s the lane where the trucks have to drive and therefore gets more of a pounding. Unfortunately, it’s also the lane where I have to drive, so I was treated to a series of potholes as I drove on to Tacoma.<br /><br />There are a number of Christian radio stations in this area. I’ve noticed that, during my travels particularly in the western states, that this type of music is quite popular, along with country. I must admit that Christian rock music is a genre that I haven’t paid any notice to, but it certainly would attract a younger generation.<br /><br />I’ve been keeping my eye out for sales and coupons, in order to take advantage of bargains in various stores. The flyer for Rite-Aid (pharmacy) caught my eye back in Oregon, and I kept it until I came across one. As a result, I was able to get a 2 for 1 special on glucosamine chondroitin for Ripley and myself, paying $27 instead of $54 for the two bottles. I had to pat myself on the back for that one!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TACOMA FLYING J<br /></span></strong><br />Eventually we made it to the Tacoma location of Flying J Truck Stop, for a free night in their parking lot. And right across the street is a business park with a nice grassy area where Ripley and I enjoyed a walk. The daffodils planted there were all in bloom and it really was great to see flowers at this time of year.<br /><br />Behind the business park there was an undeveloped area with plenty of bushes and rodents for Ripley to explore. The Flying J was quite busy but I managed to find a relatively quiet spot in a corner away from most of the noisy diesel trucks.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />First thing in the morning, I took Ripley back to the business park for a game of soccer ball. She always gets very excited when she sees the ball, smiling with her tongue out.<br /><br />After that wake-up I decided to treat myself to breakfast in the Flying J restaurant of eggs, bacon, hash browns, warm biscuit and coffee for $8.39. One advantage of eating and filling up at the Flying J is that their loyalty card will entitle me to discounted gas next month.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">VISITING SUZANNE<br /></span></strong><br />Suzanne Chacon lives in the town of Edmonds just north of Seattle, in an attractive, quiet apartment complex of ten buildings, each of which are three stories tall. She suggested that I contact her when I was getting close and that she would take her lunch break and meet me.<br /><br />We were both trying to remember when we first met and concluded that it was at one of the conferences of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, but we actually got to know each other when we met in Costa Rica. I will digress for a moment here to give a brief background. At the time, Suzanne was managing Zoo Ave, a privately run zoo in Alajuela, just outside the capital city. I contacted her when I was on one of my many visits to Cano Palma Biological Station located near Tortuguero on the northeast coast. Cano Palma is a pet project of mine that was founded by myself and my ex-husband in 1991. It is located in the tropical lowland rainforest and hosts students and researchers as a base for scientific research of the inhabitants and plants of the rainforest. It is a magical area, on the Cano Palma river and adjacent to the Caribbean Sea and I love to go there, although it has now been about four years since I last visited. In any event, on this particular visit in the early 1990’s, a villager brought us a baby spider monkey and said that he had found it by itself. I have no idea what happened to the mother, but it obviously needed help. We took turns carrying it around and feeding it, but I knew that it needed to be in a place better suited to rehabilitating it. Our staff was not experienced in raising wildlife, and so I contacted Suzanne. She readily agreed to accept the little guy. The difficulty was that Cano Palma is only accessible by boat or small plane. Fortunately, the pilots are not too fussy about what is allowed on board, and I carried the monkey, who clasped on to my shirt, for the half hour flight to San Jose. Suzanne met me at the airport and together we traveled to Zoo Ave where he joined several other orphan animals in the animal care area. Later on, when he was old enough, he joined other spider monkeys in a very large exhibit area, full of trees. It’s not quite the same as being in the wild, but his chances of making it back at in the rainforest of Cano Palma were slim.<br /><br />So, that is how we met and we continued our friendship via email, even though Suzanne has wanderlust and has since worked in such exotic places as Guam, Bali and several places in the United States – and even in Canada on Saltspring Island, B.C. Her current job is rehabilitating native wildlife at PAWS in Edmonds, Washington. It was really great to see Suzanne again, as we hadn’t actually seen each other since she left Costa Rica. Even though it had been awhile, there was no awkwardness and we were immediately very comfortable with each other. However, as I mentioned earlier she has three adorable ferrets (Tolstoy, Scratchy and Stinky) and one grumpy old cat named Kitty, all of whom are rescue animals. She put them all into her bedroom and closed the door in order for Ripley to spend time with me, while Suzanne returned to work. It gave me a chance to catch up on my internet work, and when she came back in the evening, I took Ripley to the RV so that her animals could come out and play. The three ferrets immediately raced around the living room. <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747875726586754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohjuwJ6nl7Wt_1ugHHnsoZF9Wef5OA_rkaHSH7bY8AWovD0Qn0CQZN-gi2yjGPmFi4TvKHiXJYrMhdYhTcDlDfzSrUiPprX93yMbHkaTcZgmfpx6NRpfdbszk9KJHO0GbJ9e81uF7goRY/s200/2008+04+11+05+Suzanne+%26+Stinky.jpg" border="0" /></p><p> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Suzanne and Stinky</span></em></p><p> </p><p>She has a plexi gate that separates the living room from the rest of the apartment, but one of them (I think it was Tolstoy) managed to get out and go for a walk into the bedroom. Meanwhile, Kitty came and went. She seemed to want to be in the living room, but hates the ferrets, especially Tolstoy who takes her on. It’s a good thing that Kitty is declawed. It made for an interesting time for me to watch all this interaction and I enjoyed having the opportunity to hold a ferret again. I lost my Fiona on June 21, 2007 (see Travels with Fiona).<br /></p><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747978805801874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganAMONR0wSIDBZtZ0O7dyV6WJbx8rWOtCqaCQdHUfPvBirDc4wI85mMDz-HuMADW3Q2K2iXs2z6w-Vlop7M0elD9MzMAY1pY7OXRtIORb6UUf7Bppcmkt9T8k1GiVdlAgKb_6NxbgLZWp/s200/2008+04+11+09+Tolstoy+%26+Kitty.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Tolstoy and Kitty</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After an enjoyable evening, which included supper at a Greek restaurant, I took myself off to Philippa to sleep, but I had insomnia until 4:00 a.m. – a problem that happens from time to time.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WOODLAND PARK ZOO<br /></span></strong><br />Today is Suzanne’s day off (she works four ten-hour days and has three days off), and one of the things that I wanted to do while in the Seattle area was to visit Woodland Park Zoo where Amanda now lives. Amanda was one of the gorillas whom I looked after for twelve years while she was at the Toronto Zoo. She refused to breed with our male Charles there, and it was gratifying for me to know that she had had three offspring when she was moved to Woodland Park. She had given birth just months ago to Uzumma, a little girl and I was anxious to see whether or not Amanda would recognize me. I had called to see if I could contact one of the keepers and talked to Stephanie, who said she would be happy to discuss Amanda. Ripley came with us, but of course could not enter the zoo itself. As it was only about 44 degrees F, Ripley was fine in the car while we were inside.<br /><br />After showing my AAZK membership card, we were admitted free of charge and asked the receptionist to contact Stephanie to let her know that we were on the grounds. We arranged to meet in half an hour in front of the gorilla exhibit and slowly made our way over there. Suzanne had been a keeper at the Denver Zoo and had thought about applying for a position at Woodland Park, but is more comfortable in rehabilitation work. She is also a qualified vet technician.<br /><br />When we got to the gorilla exhibit, we watched the two groups until Judy Seivert came out. I had run into Judy at AAZK conferences, but we both really couldn’t remember any details. Meanwhile Amanda had remained in a corner where visitors couldn’t see her. Judy took us into the holding area and offered us a lovely lunch of baked potato with cheese and an orange, while we chatted with her and Stephanie.<br /><br />After lunch, it was treat time for the gorillas and we accompanied Judy up on to the roof, where I got my first glimpse of Amanda and Uzumma. I called her name and she looked up at me a few times, but I really don’t know whether or not she recognized me, as she was intent on grabbing as many of the pieces of fruit that she could. Suzanne thought that she had recognized me because she did keep looking up. Amanda is now 38 years old, and Judy said this would probably be her last baby. It is all decided by the Species Survival Plan committee for gorillas. Her second offspring Ndozi was recently taken to Toronto by Judy and when I return home I will probably go and see her.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194747759762469746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxjU-hZQEJEjKKWz1PuWIeNVuogB2Ep5oIXdtQ2Wd8H84HaJj__TXX09n6-N-1O-9i_FGFb94wHZp9A-MVZ4Y_mWz9yic4s5nh8-Gghk-lXEIozMYdZLFWPet2NdSmwEPINXGakoBvle7/s200/2008+04+10+20+Use+this+Amanda+%26+Uzumma.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>After thanking Judy and Stephanie, and getting a quick glimpse at a new lion in a nearby off-exhibit area, we went back to the visitors’ area where Amanda now sat with her back to the window. The docent invited me to go up to the glass (which had been roped off) and I took a few shots, but I couldn’t get Amanda to turn around and look at me. Her baby Uzumma is adorable!<br /><br />When we made our way back to the car, Suzanne took us to a nearby park so that Ripley could have a walk. As usual, she had to be on a leash but it was still pleasant to walk the hilly trail between the nearby trees.<br /><br />On the way back we stopped at Central Market for fresh cod and salad. I was quite surprised at how expensive seafood is, considering that Seattle is beside the ocean. We had a lovely supper, complete with the bottle of wine that I had contributed. She did the cooking (she prefers to work alone in her small kitchen) while I played with the ferrets. Kitty seems to be warming up to me and kept coming over to me.<br /><br />Suzanne has another job, working the graveyard shift on Thursdays at a vet lab, so she needed to have a nap. She graciously invited Ripley and me to work on my computer in the living room while she slept. She has also offered to let me use her car tomorrow so that I can do some business.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />The day started off sunny and warm – a nice change. I didn’t disturb Suzanne, who needed to sleep after working all night, and headed off to the IRS office in the town of Everett, about 30 miles north of Edmonds, to get some advice regarding some forms required in order to complete the work necessary in setting up my company in the U.S.<br />However, after waiting in line, the representative told me that nothing could be done until I had a letter from a bank stating that I had a need to open a bank account.<br /><br />Back to Edmonds, where I went to three different banks before I could find one willing to provide such a letter. Tom Day, the manager at the Wells Fargo branch in West Lynnwood, greeted me as I walked in and was extremely courteous. He had no problem in providing the letter for me, and invited me to open a bank account. After we had completed our business, he passed me on to Dawn Collins to do the paperwork to open the account. It was such a pleasure to do business with both Tom and Dawn and such a contrast from the disinterested people at the other two banks I approached. Now all I have to do is to complete the paperwork necessary to file with the IRS. I’ll probably wait until I get to Calgary to do that.<br /><br />All of this took much longer than I had anticipated and it wasn’t until 3:00 p.m. that I returned to Suzanne’s apartment. It was a beautiful sunny day and the temperature was around 70 degrees F – too nice to stay in, so Suzanne drove Ripley and us down to the beach in Edmonds. The harbour there has lots of boardwalks, marinas and restaurants and at one end a beach for dogs. Suzanne hadn’t known about this particular beach, but it was obvious that many dog owners did. There were many different breeds of dogs, big and small, some of them off leash and some of them who approached Ripley. She may be small, but big dogs don’t intimidate her and she warned off each one when they became too friendly. The tide was out and the area where we walked was a bit slippery and wet, but the view was lovely. The beach is in an inlet and therefore is not an ocean view. There are other land areas across the bay.<br /><br />On the way back we stopped briefly at a marsh, but there were no birds there at the time.<br /><br />Suzanne had told me about her boyfriend Dan. He used to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but left in order to pursue a more lucrative career and is now an electrician. Unlike the rest of the country, Seattle has a housing boom and Dan has his pick of jobs. He is currently training to climb Mt. Denali in Alaska in May and works out every night, but joined us for supper in Suzanne’s apartment. Dan is a good-looking interesting person who loves to chat, whereas Suzanne is very quiet, so they make quite a contrast to each other.<br /><br />Suzanne is a good cook, but does not eat red meat. It’s always nice to see what other people eat and I got some good ideas to try for myself. She makes wonderful salads, as well as cipolin (a seafood soup) and pasta with chicken.<br /><br />After supper I took Ripley for another walk around the neighbourhood and then headed to the RV.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>My bike rack is still not working right. The metal bar that holds the bike on to the base is bent once again, so I moved the bike to the back and tied a chain and rope around it, in the hope that it will stay on!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">PIKE FISH MARKET</span></strong><br /><br />Dan went to get coffee and then offered to take us down to the famous Pike Market – a very colourful place with lots of interesting booths. Some years ago I had seen a motivational video about the Pike Fish Market. It features the various staff members working as a team. When one of them gets an order, he or she yells out “One pound of salmon”. The rest of the staff yell back “One pound of salmon”. Then the first person throws the fish to one of the staff behind the counter, who wraps it up with a flourish. It was fun to see them in action, and of course there was a large crowd around the booth snapping photos and taking video. One person stands out in front and offers to answer questions. It’s all a great show. But the prices were really expensive. <p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194748099064886178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQGp-746N-Ew4eTFLqfxBP4TPPib4tDfOKOgBuPzzFOZKgjcHyjWKTn6uxYeKdMZCgNvZr_6zbZUCFkyL8RAchnSawKTkMB4naD2FXHpDIoB8hYz-9jqk8xiFwVvzyV_0dNg3CvS55Pkm/s320/2008+04+12+01+Pike+Fish+Market.jpg" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p><br />We stopped for lunch in the market at a restaurant overlooking Puget Sound. I had shrimp and chips; Suzanne had a salmon salad and Dan had a tuna melt sandwich.<br /><br />Further on down the market, there are several booths selling bouquets of gorgeous flowers – just for $10 or $15; there are artisans selling their jewelry, paintings, carvings, etc. And I have never seen giant artichokes like these! The fruit all looked wonderfully fresh. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194748197849134002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Srv5ns_4eI00jGLUTazNeL9Wt3IB3NoEys5vUZgpy03t28PsgKEZgw84f4DS_5DPe7WpOkCdGzdg2GsO30dnrsNF2Gac8gVasJgSqVm-RBH9x2nVuOAw2F5FiMMA1yuqJy8cHanrM-Gc/s320/2008+04+12+14+Pike+Place+Market.jpg" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /><br />Dan is very generous and bought me some local honey and a t-shirt with a native design on it. He enjoys spending his money on Suzanne, but I felt rather embarrassed when he bought things for me. Suzanne assured me later that she long ago accepted his generosity, that he made good money as an electrician, and that it was part of his Christian ideology. </p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194748309518283714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVCVfcoq6UUiFuK39sER5M7M-07cfDcu-IEAok-fLAd_Ef6lt6CJyD-j_Ymi6Br9wCvlpAsefq0DCzBzQl1Fdr_6yBOGIttl_sO3oTNQlQuhwD8_qrSKUy_lUEb9svvjEsVRML4aFTR2/s320/2008+04+12+17+Suzanne+%26+Dan.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Suzanne and Dan</span></em><br /></p><p> </p><p>After an hour or so, we all had had enough of crowds, and we waited for Dan to retrieve the car from several blocks away. I had mentioned that I would like to find a used book store to re-stock my reading material and we made our way to Joe’s, where I got nine books for $9.<br /><br />It was a tiring day but a lot of fun. When we returned to the apartment, I decided that I really needed to get down to doing my taxes. My brother Carl had mailed all the material to Suzanne’s address and the return is due by the end of April, so I forced myself to install the software and work on that. It ruined my day as the news was not good. Because I had cashed in my mutual funds in order to buy my RV, I went into a higher tax bracket than what my taxes had been deducted for, and as a result I owe a substantial amount of money. I’m trying to be philosophical about it all. At least, I got to play with the ferrets while I did this work on my computer!<br /><br />Supper was another delicious meal made by Suzanne while Dan and I chatted. He really is very kind, and we talked about all sorts of different things. We had pasta with smoked salmon, another pasta with homemade sauce and salad with corn/beans/chestnuts, romaine lettuce and a homemade dressing. I really will have to try spicing up my own salads! All of this was accompanied by wine.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>One of the topics that we had discussed yesterday was the trend towards skimpy costumes being worn by the women who make the coffee in the various corner espresso kiosks that are so prevalent here in Washington State. It seems that Starbucks is losing out to these various places. There is one such kiosk (it’s like a tiny cottage on the corner where people either walk or drive up to a window and order coffee) just around the corner from Suzanne’s apartment, and I walked Ripley over there in the morning. I asked the young woman (who was wearing very short, tight shorts and a halter top) whether or not the tips had increased since she started wearing this outfit, and she confirmed that instead of getting around $10 per day, she was making around $50. I guess that sex sells even coffee!!<br /><br />Dan came by my RV briefly to say goodbye on his way to church. It was such a pleasure to meet him, and I hope to see him and Suzanne again in the future. They are talking about buying a house together, if they can agree on the location. Suzanne likes Edmonds very much, but it is a long way from where Dan works, and the houses are very expensive in that area.<br /><br />Suzanne is back to work today at 11:00, so I had a brief play session with the ferrets and Kitty before leaving to visit the PAWS organization. Suzanne took me on a tour, where I met John who had worked in a zoo previously, and who had worked on an opossum that morning. The mother had a shattered mandible and was euthanized, but John rescued the nine babies in her pouch and placed them in an incubator. He had had a bad accident on Saturday while volunteering to help construct a new chimpanzee sanctuary. A steel shelf came down on his fingers, damaging two of them quite badly. He mentioned that the chimps going to this new facility are from a lab where various experiments have been conducted on them.<br /><br />I watched while Suzanne tube-fed the nine hungry, hairless baby opossums. She is very skilled at this sort of work and enjoys it a great deal. It is just a shame that it pays so very poorly. Later, I watched her feed an Eastern Grey Squirrel baby and a baby raccoon. She took me on a tour of the facility which can handle anything from seals to deer. I thought that it was very well set up and the procedures that she has set in place are very thorough. </p><p> </p><p><br /> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194748451252204498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpTcvq21RRyVYi-kbujnQbGj_wdWEo-eqieU2K4ttsaHlc5E7JAcVlauqe0eC9g9DRglxtT98ShKWLiC6XXwcDyfrSp-Sn-P_OcZoPvW-C2HK5TXVRQIApVAkEOJfr0pZrfZqi4SN1iNU/s320/2008+04+13+03+Baby+Oppossum.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;"> Baby Opossum being tube-fed</span></em><br /><div> </div><div>It was time to say goodbye, yet again, to another friend. That’s the hardest part, but hopefully we will meet again.<br /><br />On my way back to Highway I-5, I got lost and it took awhile for me to find my way to the correct road. I had to resort to stopping and asking for directions once I realized that I was not on the right road. It wasn’t Suzanne’s fault but she had said to follow a road that would take me to I-5. The only trouble was that the exit there only led to I-5 South, not North. Eventually, I did get on the right road and was able to dump at a station in a rest area.<br /><br />I passed a farm with a sign offering free alpacas to approved owners. I guess they have too many and are desperate!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BLAINE, WASHINGTON</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><br />Further on I stopped for gas in Blaine, near Canada’s border, and paid $3.65 a gallon for gas. We overnighted at Lighthouse RV Resort near Blaine, on the ocean. It was very clean and newly renovated for $16. Ripley and I enjoyed walking down to the beach and watching the various seagulls as they dropped clams on the rocks to smash them open. There were two people also out in the low tide digging for clams, and even though the sky was cold and overcast, it was still a lovely evening.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194748610165994466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGr6V6MebAzrPSu36rbAvyJMLpsLLhyphenhyphensY1GIriEE1u94flA_oztzZelRcabAK9Cu6zECp_STd91dj8B4fsoQCmOVIizIjMJDrA07l9Eo96swO-qjzj_xgwB5WtiubZE3d1Q2SzuQbr2eu_/s320/2008+04+13+11+Clamming.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>I must admit that I’m kind of excited about returning to Canada tomorrow, but also a little nervous about going through Customs after having been away since September. I hope they don’t give me much trouble.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-67463114109568314202008-04-09T17:36:00.000-07:002008-04-29T12:03:17.648-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-ONE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA & OREGON<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY-ONE – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA & OREGON -- APRIL 1 - 6, 2008<br /></span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">PHOTOS NOW HERE<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2008 – APRIL FOOL’S DAY<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#009900;">WILLIAMS, CALIFORNIA<br /></span><br /></span></strong>Ripley and I walked from Almond Grove Mobile Park into the town of Williams – maybe a mile, to find an ATM. As I walked along, I decided that I would remain another day here, despite the relatively unkempt appearance of the park. It’s very tiring to continue driving day after day. And I’ll get my laundry, housecleaning, email and blog up to date, since there is wi fi in the park.<br /><br />Along the walk, we passed a lilac tree in full bloom, and the scent was wonderful! Many plants are now in bloom here, but some are unfamiliar to me.<br /><br />The Visitor Center had recommended a visit to Granzella’s Deli where I tied Ripley outside while I went in to see what they had. I could have spent a lot of money in there, but settled for frozen homemade spaghetti sauce, a bottle of their own labeled wine and local black olives – and a delicious breakfast sandwich of egg, bacon and cheddar on a croissant, with a decaf espresso. All to go! It was a challenge to eat and carry my goodies, as well as Ripley’s leash, but I managed.<br /><br />Later, I took Ripley to a nearby vacant field and played with her soccer ball. We were watched by two horses in a nearby pasture, who were quite fascinated with her antics.<br /><br />And even later, Ripley and I took a sunset walk around the neighbourhood, passing some very tall trees, filled with birds’ nests (couldn’t see what kind of birds) on sprawling lawns leading to large houses.<br /><br />Since there was cable TV, I took advantage to catch on with American Idol participants. David Archuleta is one talented young man, but I also like Carly. Steve Guttenberg was eliminated on Dancing With the Stars and, in my amateur opinion, he deserved it!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Before leaving Almond Grove in the morning, I asked their maintenance man to straighten out the metal bar that clamps on to my bike rack. The weight of the bike has twisted it out of shape, and I was concerned that the bike would fall out of the holder. He obliged, and hopefully it will do the trick. But just in case, I will buy a length of chain to tie around the bar.<br /><br />Ripley and I had another game of soccer before we took off down the road on highway 101. Gas cost $3.58/gallon at Clear Lake, as we headed west through the lake country. It reminded me a lot of the Muskoka vacation area, with very large houses surrounding the lake. At Lucerne I saw a pair of Common goldeneye (ducks), and we passed several casinos, all operated I believe by native tribes.<br /><br />A few days ago I had bought a neck pillow at Beall’s Outlet, for $7.99 and it was a great investment. Instead of ending the day’s driving with a sore neck and headache, I now do not have these symptoms. It’s amazing how something like a pillow could make such a difference!<br /><br />I have noticed that the barns on farms are now enclosed and are made of wood, compared to the open concept in Arizona. And of course this makes sense, as the temperature here is much lower during the winter.<br /><br />The highway is lined on both sides with a bush with orange flowers, and it really is beautiful. At Laytonville, I stopped at the rest stop, and we had a nap, Ripley curled up next to me.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">REDWOODS<br /></span></strong><br />We finally got to the area where the redwood trees are, and one cannot look at them without being awed by the size and age of these trees. There are many that have been protected, thankfully, for future generations, with various groves being named after their sponsor. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdQPPkv7QJVPUJ0JBxbkwXIc1ZA7aw-v5_mWeDwPO8hEy4_k-eIILWzI0g_E8EppBz90087OR17W7us2TEjZqPTMOxO2zzz7tkHmdrWl-q4m9EO3oVE-t8KBPoKbGnQ_3kMMfjvzThfKc/s1600-h/2008+04+03+05+Use+this+Avenue+of+the+Giants.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720521079878162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdQPPkv7QJVPUJ0JBxbkwXIc1ZA7aw-v5_mWeDwPO8hEy4_k-eIILWzI0g_E8EppBz90087OR17W7us2TEjZqPTMOxO2zzz7tkHmdrWl-q4m9EO3oVE-t8KBPoKbGnQ_3kMMfjvzThfKc/s200/2008+04+03+05+Use+this+Avenue+of+the+Giants.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We pressed on to the Drive Thru Tree (310’ tall and said to be 2,400 years old), for which I had to pay a $5 admission fee. Of course, I couldn’t drive my RV through the tree, but did see </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kV0sLC3a4BWEk58HK_L7to1KBS5nPZXYqcDxdzZLcZL2_8oAMwi3DmvKFByehy6IdFrpibQDqaXDaW-rL9Wz76U2vLjHbNRoQemykRFM7GwKPpqH-cuG4PGM-k9ZPamLiA1D_pRCcMeB/s1600-h/2008+04+02+04+Drive+Thru+Tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194719872539816418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kV0sLC3a4BWEk58HK_L7to1KBS5nPZXYqcDxdzZLcZL2_8oAMwi3DmvKFByehy6IdFrpibQDqaXDaW-rL9Wz76U2vLjHbNRoQemykRFM7GwKPpqH-cuG4PGM-k9ZPamLiA1D_pRCcMeB/s200/2008+04+02+04+Drive+Thru+Tree.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kV0sLC3a4BWEk58HK_L7to1KBS5nPZXYqcDxdzZLcZL2_8oAMwi3DmvKFByehy6IdFrpibQDqaXDaW-rL9Wz76U2vLjHbNRoQemykRFM7GwKPpqH-cuG4PGM-k9ZPamLiA1D_pRCcMeB/s1600-h/2008+04+02+04+Drive+Thru+Tree.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>several cars go through. Ripley and I took a walk around the man-made pond where there were several domestic geese and wild ducks, and then around the path we encountered what I think were prairie dogs, but they disappeared down their holes before I could get a good look – and I didn’t have my binoculars with me. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqqxx7tdnc2oRoTiX6nMZeOaBLr-J_i2O20PN80CN2SM7VUn4x4uVgzXvajMvAlLQgtmI_P0aJmW16fkT2H4CmcsUDaUMN7PRXnx1LpGhn22hRG8X-1GurAdJlE7rR2EzJ1n2PHyBilEZ/s1600-h/2008+04+02+11+Prairie+Dog+at+Drive+Thru+Tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720233317069298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqqxx7tdnc2oRoTiX6nMZeOaBLr-J_i2O20PN80CN2SM7VUn4x4uVgzXvajMvAlLQgtmI_P0aJmW16fkT2H4CmcsUDaUMN7PRXnx1LpGhn22hRG8X-1GurAdJlE7rR2EzJ1n2PHyBilEZ/s200/2008+04+02+11+Prairie+Dog+at+Drive+Thru+Tree.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">RICHARDSON GROVE STATE PARK<br /></span></strong><br />We stayed overnight at the Richardson Grove State park under the redwoods, for $18. There are no hook-ups, so it is a bit pricey, but it was lovely to be surrounded by these majestic giants. And the park was almost empty – an advantage of traveling here before the prime season begins. It was a wonderfully peaceful evening, lying in my bed and looking up at the trees around me through my back window. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ox1GVYNZugPHluyswh9X4Fmg9TIQunKTeixfpvQo4UwrWMbzjMRF4Ovw9YEU5FOusZOTEe6vSstRetTw8qFIufH-PBE2Wt7Shv2PaI1eXwK0DMYy0sU7xxO4V_wmkZt3pRBtfXhcCzxg/s1600-h/2008+04+02+12+Richardson+Grove+State+Park.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720362166088194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ox1GVYNZugPHluyswh9X4Fmg9TIQunKTeixfpvQo4UwrWMbzjMRF4Ovw9YEU5FOusZOTEe6vSstRetTw8qFIufH-PBE2Wt7Shv2PaI1eXwK0DMYy0sU7xxO4V_wmkZt3pRBtfXhcCzxg/s200/2008+04+02+12+Richardson+Grove+State+Park.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Ripley and I took one of the hiking paths down to the Eel River, and enjoyed walking along the river’s edge, she investigating all the great odours and me beachcombing for stones. One or two cars came by, but for the most part, we were all alone there, watching the river flowing by, and I could just imagine encountering a bear fishing in the river. Luckily, we didn’t, though!<br /><br />Bigfoot is a big deal here, and the various tourist traps advertise museums, gifts, etc., featuring Sasquatch, etc. as well as giant trees.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">AVENUE OF THE GIANTS </span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><div><br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Z_wmGf10ZV35GRxn2EJhDFdSOiMP3q3INJrIxTGuts1GJKIYLVwgZFD6M_P1WkrZzxVYz0WOrCJvBwrTixiHBz4Iz5p4ygkDesg4Si3AiqCl7UxQSeTR5SS79cHckX0af59gWL97yXCW/s1600-h/2008+04+03+06+Use+this.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720628454060578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Z_wmGf10ZV35GRxn2EJhDFdSOiMP3q3INJrIxTGuts1GJKIYLVwgZFD6M_P1WkrZzxVYz0WOrCJvBwrTixiHBz4Iz5p4ygkDesg4Si3AiqCl7UxQSeTR5SS79cHckX0af59gWL97yXCW/s200/2008+04+03+06+Use+this.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Avenue of the Giants is 32 miles in length and it is well named. We passed through miles and miles of these magnificent trees, with sometimes the highway narrowing and shifting in order to go around a tree. The Visitor Center featured information on the trees, and I bought some postcards there. According to the brochure, “the Humboldt Redwoods State Park covers over 52,000 acres, 17,000 of which are old growth coast redwood forests.” There are eight stops along the way, with markers and hiking trails at some. One could spend several days just in this area alone. And I found this to be the case all up the coast.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">HUMBOLDT BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE<br /></span></strong><br />We stopped at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge next, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Brant goose “who stop to refuel on eelgrass in Humboldt Bay”. When I stopped in at the Visitor Center, I learned that they provide a Discovery Bag comprised of a backpack filled with field guides, flash cards, a bird checklist, trail guide, a notebook and binoculars. There is no charge to borrow this bag, and I gladly handed over my driver’s licence as assurance that I would return everything. Unfortunately, Ripley couldn’t accompany me on the trail, but I spent two hours wandering around the Shorebird Loop trail (1.75 miles) which takes you around seasonal freshwater wetlands, through a brackish pond and the eastern edge of Hookton Slough. I found the flash cards very useful in identifying the various birds that I encountered and I listed Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Canada Goose (they’re everywhere!), Mallard, Northern Shoveler, American Coot, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Black-necked Stilt and Marbeled Godwit, plus two hawks that I couldn’t identify. I was hoping to see turtles or hear frogs, but perhaps it was too cool for them, although the sun was shining. And alas, no otters! It would have been great to paddle a kayak or canoe through the area, as the birds don’t seem to perceive these craft as danger, and it is possible to get fairly close to them. And I didn’t see any Brant geese. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjQGNl9eO5yq2gfIhAH7H-yXGJBaETxKGWMsvHRLGkc2pgK2ebznj5fLJGjtB43MZ8j2F55z5VizBEPIagDRQz4y9apzZKKUsanBSioGZW1Kke-CKjrjiLVjgOUdrCgHQ7Wp41HeoMoyr/s1600-h/2008+04+03+07+Humboldt+Bay+National+Wildlife+Refuge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720735828242994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjQGNl9eO5yq2gfIhAH7H-yXGJBaETxKGWMsvHRLGkc2pgK2ebznj5fLJGjtB43MZ8j2F55z5VizBEPIagDRQz4y9apzZKKUsanBSioGZW1Kke-CKjrjiLVjgOUdrCgHQ7Wp41HeoMoyr/s200/2008+04+03+07+Humboldt+Bay+National+Wildlife+Refuge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Before leaving, I lunched on a medley of organic vegetables, dip and caraway rye bread, all bought at Albertson’s a grocery chain out here.<br /><br />I have noticed that there are many colleges in California, especially in this northern region, and I suppose they offer different courses in order to compete with one another.<br /><br />I got my first view of the Pacific south of Trinidad – something that I have really been looking forward to seeing once again. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRItnDeafafwA5ebPQ74GcM8uta8cZwHME3C_2cbdNwyHQlcXYL4l8pivC2MxA33E5r7GXF92-6qfFDiKYobS_bZHJF4h4Z718XCFbGcvy_Wq_x26Bz65Txe7fwAgXGKdX9NpZKQBXFK7/s1600-h/2008+04+04+04+Ripley+on+California+Coast.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721203979678322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRItnDeafafwA5ebPQ74GcM8uta8cZwHME3C_2cbdNwyHQlcXYL4l8pivC2MxA33E5r7GXF92-6qfFDiKYobS_bZHJF4h4Z718XCFbGcvy_Wq_x26Bz65Txe7fwAgXGKdX9NpZKQBXFK7/s200/2008+04+04+04+Ripley+on+California+Coast.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Ripley enjoying the beach</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We soon came to the town of Eureka, where gas cost $3.76/gallon and propane cost $3.00/gallon.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">USED BOOKS, ANYONE?<br /></span></strong><br />It occurred to me that I haven’t really explained how I manage to get a good variety of books to read as I travel around. The answer is simple. Almost every RV park has a library of books left by travelers, and the deal is that you take a book and leave a book. In that way I have been able to renew my library without having to spend money in used book stores, etc.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">PATRICK’S POINT STATE PARK<br /></span></strong><br />This is another of the parks maintained by the State of California, but again there is no electricity provided. So I fired up my generator, only to find that it doesn’t work any better than it did before I paid that large sum of money back in Tucson. It’s very frustrating, because it seemed to work fine in their yard and I thought that at least I would have a working generator after spending all that money. But alas, it sputtered and stalled, with lights going on and off, and is certainly not a reliable source of power. I don’t know what else to do with it, and perhaps I should consider buying a portable generator. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i9xcSzhvFWIPoJ7GlnfRmjzSRbtBLpBClARQ5_PlZtu5s3M-djf4xMCf4auyFMbJ10j5MNVVUUZcmtPePgVFSbzJ_Jnrfqvfr7aOBhnwOz8Tnvj99gtIjngX8pe9zcz5qxlE8Z9qGwTW/s1600-h/2008+04+03+15+Use+This+Patrick%27s+Point+S.P..jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720838907458114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i9xcSzhvFWIPoJ7GlnfRmjzSRbtBLpBClARQ5_PlZtu5s3M-djf4xMCf4auyFMbJ10j5MNVVUUZcmtPePgVFSbzJ_Jnrfqvfr7aOBhnwOz8Tnvj99gtIjngX8pe9zcz5qxlE8Z9qGwTW/s200/2008+04+03+15+Use+This+Patrick%27s+Point+S.P..jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>All the campsites overlooking the Pacific were taken, so I chose one further back amongst the redwoods, but fairly close to the showers. But when I went down to take a shower I discovered that quarters were needed to get any water! After having trouble with the generator, I was not in a good mood when I found that I would have to re-trace my steps back to the RV to get money if I were to shower. I chose to wait until morning.<br /><br />Ripley was not allowed on the trails, so we walked around the paved road of the park, and turned in early<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>The shower cost 75 cents for 7 minutes.<br /><br />Patrick’s Point State Park is the home of a Turok village, one of the native tribes of this region. Their traditional houses are primarily dug into the earth so that the roof is just a few feet above the ground, with a round door leading down into the living area. It makes sense to build a house like that in the cold climate here. The heat of their fire would be more efficient where the walls are primarily underground. Unfortunately there was only one graphic and it didn’t really describe the life of the Turok, who still use this village for ceremonies. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18TftPnUunFFGJlYPmzxy3yWMKUv8erUdBKZlrUwPmetGZxIJPkKj74t-BU4lsyLxwHpWIGvQ2lhrgTbgC4gGio6PsIBreCfSpsXWf56yx2KLYgSixWnO7UnMv5mT3mRf9yjxUNOFClu_/s1600-h/2008+04+03+18+Turok+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194720984936346194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18TftPnUunFFGJlYPmzxy3yWMKUv8erUdBKZlrUwPmetGZxIJPkKj74t-BU4lsyLxwHpWIGvQ2lhrgTbgC4gGio6PsIBreCfSpsXWf56yx2KLYgSixWnO7UnMv5mT3mRf9yjxUNOFClu_/s200/2008+04+03+18+Turok+House.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Turok House</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>As we walked along the path, Ripley came across a dead shrew. Interesting little creature. And we also encountered a plant that reminded me of a bleeding heart, but the flower was more bell-shaped. The trees were covered in moss, making them look quite magical. It was overcast and quite chilly, and I suppose that this will be the case for much of the remainder of my time on the Pacific Northwest coast.<br /><br />Leaving Ripley behind, I proceeded down the Agate Trail, which leads to the beach far below. I got most of the way down, and decided that I didn’t have the energy to go all the way down, and then return back up – plus drive Philippa all day!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">STONE LAGOON<br /></span></strong><br />There are just so many places to stop along the coastline, but the Stone Lagoon was said to be a good birding spot, and indeed it was. I identified a Western Grebe, several Surf Scoters and Cormorants, plus others that I couldn’t ID.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">REDWOODS NATIONAL PARK</span></strong><br /><br />Visitor Centers are always very useful to stop at, to gather local information, and this one inside Redwoods National Park was no different. The man at the desk told me that it was often possible to see Gray Whales off the beach, and that seals could be seen down at the river nearby. I didn’t see whales, but I did encounter a large group of harbour seals relaxing on the beach where the river enters, and was able to get close enough to get some photos. They were wary but allowed Ripley and me to approach slowly until they considered that I was too close (about 200 yards), and they swam across the small river. But two or three of them followed us in the river as we made our way back, poking their heads up from the water, and then diving down again. It seemed like a game that they enjoyed playing with the human and dog! </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMRhYFBuM3EIirrfa4qqgx_lJVhqs4isStb35mTgjdUmRCqIEiuEdoiSO5r0B0WUfZKW4Bpg1bb2bxsihWP4EaqrRbjzSGmzTr_Dqr3yzzGNHT6ULk7ABxVUj2kp1CSBddpFuddbQf9VH/s1600-h/2008+04+04+19+Use+this+Seals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721530397192850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMRhYFBuM3EIirrfa4qqgx_lJVhqs4isStb35mTgjdUmRCqIEiuEdoiSO5r0B0WUfZKW4Bpg1bb2bxsihWP4EaqrRbjzSGmzTr_Dqr3yzzGNHT6ULk7ABxVUj2kp1CSBddpFuddbQf9VH/s320/2008+04+04+19+Use+this+Seals.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div>At the Visitor Center, I bought a bird flash card (it’s a laminated fold-up showing all the birds that might be encountered in the Pacific Northwest – very handy to carry), plus more postcards and I broke down and bought a sweatshirt with redwoods on it.<br /><br />By this time I was sagging, after my third walk of the day, so Ripley and I napped in the parking lot at the Visitor Center for a couple of hours before continuing on our journey. And I have hives again! I wish I knew what is triggering them. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbosDgrgAXkSD8ogCnXr3n2GxMjQzmozdtyMKGfDXwohmBYxa3Yuoxs6eg4CATkSCv50ftRf9K-z70DPWTaovmFnZi8E0_qiNOZJc8K8casfV8IHI90AfCllDHvp9I-_3kXzEE05M4JSW/s1600-h/2008+04+04+12+uSE+THIS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721113785365090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbosDgrgAXkSD8ogCnXr3n2GxMjQzmozdtyMKGfDXwohmBYxa3Yuoxs6eg4CATkSCv50ftRf9K-z70DPWTaovmFnZi8E0_qiNOZJc8K8casfV8IHI90AfCllDHvp9I-_3kXzEE05M4JSW/s200/2008+04+04+12+uSE+THIS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;"><em>California coast</em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ELK MEADOW<br /><br /></span></strong>Elk Meadow is a place where elk can be easily seen from the parking area. Signs caution tourists not to approach them, as they are wild animals and can attack if provoked. It really wasn’t necessary to go into the meadow itself, as there was a large group relaxing within camera distance. That was pretty neat. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721685016015522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQNLAJEyt0VONtKP4noK921X4r9KNZYua37DY_0yAMwxwlqCPT6bUZ8Rn9B-SxaEGNspjE3i1GEWetw1zEo4hqfx-fqSe1x_90SGxDQjG71yyGVXy4Dyqj1FMirkpkMVFwNtnkpJT6qzp/s320/2008+04+04+24+Use+This+Elk+Meadow.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CRESCENT CITY<br /><br /></span></strong>It started to drizzle as we continued along the Prairie Creek Scenic Byway, featuring more spectacular views of the redwoods and the ocean until we got to Crescent City. I had intended to spend the night at the Wal Mart there (about the only one in this part of California), but the sign stated “No Overnight Parking”. The man at the Visitor Center back at the Redwoods National Park, had recommended Point St. Douglas as a spot to watch for whales, and it was on the same road as the Wal Mart, so I continued on down until I encountered a turn-off for Pebble Beach. It looked promising, so I turned there and found a parking lot overlooking the ocean, with large rocky islands offshore. The sign indicated that this was a bird sanctuary, and that seals must not be disturbed if encountered. It seemed interesting, and I took Ripley down to the beach where she investigated while I used my binoculars to identify some of the shorebirds (Black Oystercatcher, Surf Scoters and Black Terns). And off on the rocky island I could see seals in the distance. It was a good beach for picking up pieces of driftwood and stones for craftwork.<br /><br />I was tired; it was getting late; there were no signs preventing overnight camping, so I opted to remain in the parking lot, with the back of the RV facing the ocean. It was lovely listening to the sound of the surf as I drifted off to sleep. No charge! And nobody came along to tell me to move! We only traveled 100 km today, but it seemed much longer because of the many stops along the way.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2008<br /><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">PEBBLE BEACH</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721985663726274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRy4emVLlpnnXy2p61w4rBr5euhuizMPLGnaANMjCYoq8Qphv4PE53Ge_DonnXyJ81yRTWrE5sUjpY9eej823BRQHwFm-FZetnyvQbk9ooQoEUJiOS2h2B8ZA4I9bypB4bK7Al_74tDAy/s200/2008+04+05+05+Pebble+Beach+CA.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span></strong>After a very peaceful evening, I was up early for another stroll along the beach, and more beachcombing. I’m so thankful for Breeda’s gift of an Aran sweater, as it is very chilly in the early morning on the Pacific. The tide was out as we walked along and encountered many of the same birds that were there the evening before. It is a sheltered area because of the offshore rocks, and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk.<br /><br />Ripley seems to have strained a muscle in her left foreleg, as she was limping until she got outside and exercised. She had no trouble running along the beach and was fine later.<br /><br />Since we hadn’t quite made it to Point St. Douglas, I turned left to the end of the road. The area reminds me of Ireland with the green hills, the mist and the cliffs overlooking the ocean. I did see Brant geese here. They look much like a Canada Goose, but have a different and smaller white ring on their neck. And there was a hawk flying just a few feet above the RV as we retraced our steps back to Crescent City.<br /><br />Now I’ve heard everything. The local radio station was promoting adopting a salmon! And you get to name it! Just contribute $120 towards the conservation efforts. I know that a lot of wildlife organizations offer opportunities to adopt an animal, but I have never heard it applied to a fish before! But hey, whatever works.<br /><br />Gas is $3.76/gallon in Crescent City. I did stop at the Wal Mart on my way back to buy batteries, and found a replacement for the slow cooker that I destroyed recently when it fell on the floor when I turned a corner too sharply.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">OREGON<br /><br /></span></strong>I’ve left California behind, and entered the state of Oregon, and immediately noticed that the price of gas is cheaper here ranging from $3.44 to $3.49 in the town of Brookings. The Visitor Center advertised wi fi, so I pulled in. The woman behind the counter was very helpful in providing me with a map of Oregon and other brochures indicating highlights. She particularly emphasized that the state parks were far superior to those in California with regard to facilities; they offer electricity and some have full hook-ups as well.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194721818160001714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguIq6-O35AK4A-trZ-wpIvJw2ND2MhEn9AgOq4qrYh5xAvF98TQRJP5fQt-RWhYrvo84AEuOq-bpvkYrn3Haof-ZKP-eKMI0lQEYlJB1XIC5qjNFQaZ-IV_TXcRDVJTSG3G1Pad5R65cG/s320/2008+04+05+01+Oregon+Redwoods.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon Redwoods</span></em><br /></div><div> </div><div>I brought in my laptop to hook up to the wi fi, but had some difficulty getting into the Road Connection home page, in order to sign on and pay for the service. The lady at the counter provided me with her cordless phone and the number to contact the service rep, and I spoke to two different people, neither of whom could get me connected.<br /><br />Another volunteer offered the information that the local library had internet service for free. This helpful fellow was also wearing an Aran sweater, and it turns out that he came from Dublin some years ago, and settled in Oregon. I can imagine that the scenery reminded him of home.<br /><br />So, off to the library I went and signed on to check my email. My access to email will be sporadic at best, as I continue on my travels north.<br /><br />The temperature at 11:00 was 48 degrees F. I’m definitely not in Arizona anymore!<br /><br />As I continued northward, I was pleased to find NPR on the radio station – a nice change from the heavy metal and country stations that I’ve been encountering lately. La Boheme was the featured opera today.<br /><br />It’s amusing to see the names of some of the places I pass. Today’s choice is Bruce’s Bones Creek. <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722406570521346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI19h8mEZ79O-ay0d0vfXS-q1RlN4-U3vtkLIafur4Ih7BKE0AcEFL58awKUTySc4vvFBjtMJD9X7mJeo-wUntkwXMkBlAI1BWP7U4Mkp4jHR31u1m5Po2mHoAiTkWH8z-dJK5rBMKYWBl/s200/2008+04+06+05+Oregon+Coast.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon Coastline</span></em><br /><div> </div><div>The lady at the Visitor Center had suggested that I stop at Arch Rock. We pulled in to the viewpoint and I was greeted by a man from Washington state, who told me that I really needed to stop at some of the viewpoints that I had already passed. He emphasized that he came down many times just to visit these spots over and over again. So, I wonder what I had missed but was reluctant to go back, using up gas to do so.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ARCH ROCK</span></strong> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722093037908690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDotyUVcNrVV65SkCbCIFYYDyKHzCWSUGe19mhOBGGRUrTvEioxsmt0OThZVfljTqSeHQ_ioVQflol3HMjvr8MTQcv7wGwMiTUFCdeSTpuMqOngQnc_91oKObXQXX16PxuTdR_0kB4SBK-/s200/2008+04+05+11+Arch+Rock,+Oregon.jpg" border="0" /><br />Instead, I took Ripley on a leash down the trail to the Arch Rock, and was horrified to come across the emaciated carcass of a young bobcat that had recently died there. It had obviously starved to death, and I wondered what had caused it not to be able to hunt for food, as I’m sure there must have been many small mammals on which it could feed. It was very disturbing to find such a beautiful creature dead and I wanted to report it to the Fish and Wildlife Service so that they could do an autopsy. Perhaps it had a disease that was contagious, or some other cause that they should know about. There was no office in the immediate area, and my cell phone has had no service in the region for some days now. Later on, I did report it to the volunteer at the Visitor Center, but he mentioned that no one would be working in the Fish and Wildlife service on a Sunday. He said he would contact them on Monday, but by that time the bobcat will have decayed.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">GOLD BEACH HARBOR</span></strong><br /><br />After lunch in the parking lot, I continued northward towards Gold Beach Harbour. There is a large parking lot provided for people who wish to bird and to see seals. Ripley and I took a walk, going past the very small Animal Control building. There were several dogs tied up outside and a couple inside a small muddy fenced-in area. It looked as though there were too many animals for the facility to hold, and I sadly concluded that some of them would probably be euthanized.<br /><br />We continued down to the jetty and saw five Hooded Mergansers (two males, three females), cormorants, gulls and one domestic goose that seemed quite at home with the other birds. Further on I watched three seals as they fed in the river mouth, their heads popping up every once in a while and then disappearing once again. The tourist information stated that they vied with the fishermen for the salmon, and indeed there was one seal that was keeping a close eye on the single fisherman down on the beach area.<br /><br />We passed the fascinating names of Otter Point, Humbug Mountain, Paradise Point, Cape Blanc, and in Port Orford, one could eat at the Greasy Spoon Café. At the town of Bandon, gas was $3.41/gallon, the best bargain yet.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BULLARDS BEACH STATE PARK<br /></span></strong><br />One of the brochures that I had picked up at the Brookings Visitor Center was a list of all the state parks, and a description of their facilities. Bullards Beach State Park indicated that it featured a lighthouse tour, a 7-mile horse trail and 4 ½ miles of beach, so I headed there and chose a campsite, with full hook-up, for $16. However, it soon became evident that the beach was some distance (1 ½ miles) from the campsite, and that was disappointing. It was raining, so I hooked up, took Ripley for her walk and then settled in for the night. I started and finished a novel by Doug Swanson, a Texan and new to me. The book was entitled Big Town and took place in Dallas. A fast and easy read.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I wandered over to the showers early in the morning, and found deliciously hot water.<br /><br />Today is sunny and relatively mild in temperature (approximately 55 degrees F).<br /><br />Ripley continues to limp on her left leg when she first gets up, but soon walks normally once she is outside. After my breakfast of an omelet, toast and coffee, Ripley and I took a walk on the paved path down to the river mouth, encountering other dogs being walked by their owners. Ripley becomes very aggressive when she sees another dog, growling and sounding very fierce, even though her tail is wagging. I find it best not to find out what her actual intentions are to strange dogs and keep her away. We wandered partway, passing through a forest of holly, ferns and trees covered with moss.<br /><br />As we returned to the campsite area, I came cross two young boys who were throwing a plastic bottle back and forth, as they might with a ball. Since Ripley has several tennis balls, I took one over and offered it to them, which they seem to appreciate.<br /><br />The road to the lighthouse was paved and we passed the horse camping area where people can bring their horses to ride in the park and along the beach. Sounds like fun.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BULLARDS BEACH LIGHTHOUSE </span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722187527189218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjUp7Z22z0WOYY-IwJn8Y9t24EFzyIKKoNApsoVk59eurhNTWB4oYaITNyyQ0hLqdXwUKTqF4_QIPQSGlPtFKJm82STldLeV-dKRxS9y-92ttb6k0XX24Ku691WwAQEVGGKGM0mS9ZFqE/s200/2008+04+06+01+Bullards+Beach+Lighthouse.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span></strong>I’ve never been inside a lighthouse before, and it was interesting to see how small the area actually was. This is one of several historic lighthouses that have been preserved, and which has not been in operation since 1939. It sits at the mouth of the Coquille River and serves as a reminder of the way things used to be. I was able to take a photo of the circular staircase leading up to the light, but visitors can no longer access the stairs. </div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722286311437042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhWNWr5-0QZnXyt-gSLRs5RFA_LvwUll9FondDI9XdE9v3AHSweQS0le005BR9_yfNbdfTuMpNQR8B8548kXQLZ37-_WbzQNZsKk_u_NRqCpAbCRewctR2ne9ZHqIeehi9X3cIGKZ-zHq/s200/2008+04+06+03+Stairs+in+Bullards+Beach+lighthouse.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>The river itself looked very threatening, with currents flowing every which way making whitecaps. The volunteer said that the lighthouse keeper had to be on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and his family would be responsible for paddling across the river to obtain any supplies needed. I just couldn’t imagine paddling across that fierce current.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MUSINGS<br /></span></strong><br />There are so many scenic places to stop and admire that it is difficult to make any distance, and that is quite obvious when I stop to calculate the distances I have traveled. For instance, yesterday I drove 186 kms. Today I drove 182 kms. The object right now is not to cover distance, but to stop and admire the scenery before I turn eastwards away from the coast. There is a magical quality about the surrounding beauty that makes you want to slow down. I find it really hard to remember what day of the week it is, and it is only because I mark the calendar every day that I have any idea of what the date is. What a marvelous feeling to not be tied to time! <div> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722685743395618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UnNgv7bzSSAmGtpIzpeOA0-q9R3orq-1y5nz1uHm8_GvzOySw88SsfOiXV78aI60Z6fGv1UFwhWtyFcK9YinldIozpIS3oBXr8jHhVOtOsE1IrV_PqBJSCePVoMVAnH9f9HQ7lRqpYgj/s200/2008+04+07+01+Oregon+Coast.jpg" border="0" /><br />The radio station NPR kept fading in and out, much to my disappointment.<br /><br />I’m very glad that I had bought a heavy-duty raincoat back in Toronto. Not only does it protect me from the rain, but it is also windproof.<br /><br />I am impressed with the recycling efforts in both Oregon and California. There are bins in many places to leave plastic, paper and cans for recycling, although glass seems to be a problem. But it is a good effort.<br /><br />I was reminded that not all the trees are protected here when I passed several areas of clear cutting – but it seemed to be predominantly pine that is being cut, which grows relatively quickly when replanted. I did notice several craft stores offering myrtlewood and I assume that that is a local tree that is used in carving.<br /><br />A relatively new sign that I saw frequently was a Tsunami Hazard Zone sign and evacuation route signs.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">WINCHESTER BAY WHALE WATCHING CENTER<br /><br /></span></strong>High above the bay a kiosk has been built to overlook the area where the Gray Whales tend to linger on their journey north or south. At this time of year, they are heading back north from their Mexican winter home, and I did indeed see the spout of one of these huge creatures. Further up the coast there are whale watching tours offered, and I’m tempted to book one, despite the biting cold out on the ocean. I’ll see how much they are. My budget has been completely blown by the increase in gas prices and I have to be very careful of spending any extras now.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA<br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194722526829605650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2s1Kencv7iHMmRCINy_dlXyfaan1YYY6vYRDKuJ2PY6U65b6vuhoj5K3R_LDz6tKyl7W_iQW4RMmeyNhk2_B738R0iwUPgxvBqgSB470QxHWuwZRErq9s_IyqdMSo6aDipAzsyjXVrmk/s200/2008+04+06+10+Oregon+Dunes+Natl+Rec+Area.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span></strong>It was pretty shocking to me to see that not only are Off Road Vehicles allowed on the sand dunes, but several commercial companies offer rentals of these awful machines. Sand dunes are a sensitive natural environment, home to many plants and which shift when disturbed (at least they are in my native Ontario). However, the dunes here in Oregon are subjected to the ORV’s tearing around up and down and around, and people are encouraged also to walk on them. Perhaps they are a sturdier type of dune, but I couldn’t help but notice the scars made on the dunes from the tire tracks of these noisy machines. I stopped at Siuslaw National Forest, paid my $5 fee and headed to the sand dunes. The wind was strong and cold at the top of the dunes, as I walked Ripley, and back at the ORV area I parked there briefly to rest, only to be disturbed by the constant drone of the ORV’s going up and down the enormous dunes.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194723055110583090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hV5XdEF4TW0-sPkDaWkJ0fMiIvn4rYGQ8Y1Zy5h0WtcMUYA_087FcaMWoK5aWQlS3bjprNjaEboTmYNW4hEnjIHtio-4Mk78WV1T4XMR5lez_-eBiGWQMN7YjsJuUm98ITmXig2zfVX1/s320/2008+04+06+12+Oregon+Dunes+Natl+Rec+Area.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div> </div><div>I headed on to Florence, where I paid $3.24/gallon – and somehow lost $20 out of my pocket at the service station. I couldn’t find it anywhere, but I know I had it in my coat pocket.<br /><br />It was raining as I entered Beachside State Park to spend the night (with electricity and water for $17). This park does indeed offer campsites on the beach and despite the wet and cold, Ripley and I had a quick walk.<br /><br />At least I had a chance to catch up on my blog. Hopefully the weather will be better in the morning, so that we can have a long walk on the beach before pressing on. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-63610749429097819652008-04-02T00:24:00.000-07:002008-04-12T21:33:44.311-07:00EPISODE NUMBER FORTY - ARIZONA/CALIFORNIA<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">EPISODE NUMBER FORTY – ARIZONA/CALIFORNIA<br />MARCH 24 - 30, 2008 </span></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">PHOTOS NOW HERE<br /></span><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2008<br /></span></strong></em><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">FAREWELL TO INDIAN SKIES<br /></span></strong><br />I didn’t sleep well last night, probably because I knew that I would be leaving in the morning.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-AGjyJ0GQpXV3vr_DSqHMzIsiHUBAw5-vzIlVgvz_Hxq-jiry3ADmWGoKrDujwvrtih0CVelWOnDr7TMH92Y2Dc90Efg8ML8TCXrdXWgfIv_2f9G4LNzZuM1Uh-9V4SRsXEqCEKUqOpK/s1600-h/2008+03+24+06+Cactus+blooming.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188563362942851938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-AGjyJ0GQpXV3vr_DSqHMzIsiHUBAw5-vzIlVgvz_Hxq-jiry3ADmWGoKrDujwvrtih0CVelWOnDr7TMH92Y2Dc90Efg8ML8TCXrdXWgfIv_2f9G4LNzZuM1Uh-9V4SRsXEqCEKUqOpK/s200/2008+03+24+06+Cactus+blooming.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Indian Skies Garden</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNapMkSY0lnSkphpbhLXLBYqnTtQkZ3TPmvnTAuXEpeodSFQcj3eRnMDs9RK9n4DbNK3ShUOeFlqyE1W6bMKw2icjUsnIAAttPVTFnkJvyutHFOTt_awGn2nOYZpvAy6tHeuY_S8E_v8Fx/s1600-h/2008+03+24+01+Indian+Skies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188563204029061970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNapMkSY0lnSkphpbhLXLBYqnTtQkZ3TPmvnTAuXEpeodSFQcj3eRnMDs9RK9n4DbNK3ShUOeFlqyE1W6bMKw2icjUsnIAAttPVTFnkJvyutHFOTt_awGn2nOYZpvAy6tHeuY_S8E_v8Fx/s200/2008+03+24+01+Indian+Skies.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Since starting on my travels, there have been a few places where it has been difficult to leave, and Indian Skies is one of them. I have greatly enjoyed making new friends here, sharing the camaraderie and learning new skills, but it is time to move on. I walked around taking some last-minute photographs, including the nest of a cactus wren who has chosen one of the taller cacti in the garden of one of the residents.<br /><br />Some of the residents were talking about an armed robbery that occurred on the main street of Coolidge at a Circle K on Easter Sunday morning. The robbers took the jewelry and money of everyone in the store and fled. The police are looking for them. That is very scary.<br /><br />The ones I will remember most are Rosemary (Ontario); Anna (Rosemary’s sister) and Steve (Ontario); Penny and Doug (Ontario); Georgia and Hoppy (Montana); Karla and Michael(Ontario); Wanda, Ron and Dayeko (Wisconsin); Maureen (B.C.); Lorraine and Dick (Illinois); Karen and Dennis; Bob and Darlene and Sheri. Perhaps I’ll see some of them again next year!<br /><br />After Rosemary read my electricity meter, and I paid my bill, Ripley and I pulled out, waving goodbye to Sheri, Georgia and Hoppy, and heading up I-10.<br /><br />Gas prices are continuing to rise, and this has me greatly concerned. It will definitely determine my route home. Instead of detouring on side trips, for the most part I will be taking the shortest and straightest route up the coast. In fact, if I had not already arranged to visit various people, I would seriously consider heading back to Ontario directly.<br /><br />Karla had mentioned that my right headlight was not operating, so I stopped at the Wal Mart to buy the bulb. The main light works, but the day light does not, so I’ll leave it until I stop later on.<br /><br />Nonetheless, I headed west along Highway 10, while contemplating the difference in some language use between Americans and Canadians. I’ve made a small list of some that I’ve noted:<br /><br />American Canadian<br /><br />restroom bathroom/washroom<br />sofa chesterfield<br />dinner lunch<br />supper dinner<br />ORV (offroad vehicle) ATV (all terrain vehicle)<br /><br />I’m sure there are many more, but these are the ones that readily spring to mind.<br /><br />On my way westward, I passed a road called Sore Finger Road, which struck me as funny.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">QUARTZSITE - FREE TO STAY<br /></span></strong><br />Back in New Mexico, I had kept hearing about the town of Quartzsite, so it seemed like a good idea to stop on my way through. The Bureau of Land Management owns a good deal of the desert around the town, and allows people to camp there for free for up to fourteen days. If you wish to stay longer, then there is a designated site for that, and the fee is $40/month or $50 a season, I believe. A honey wagon comes along to dump waste, but other than that, there are no facilities. However, in town there are spots to dump and to pick up water.<br /><br />The host at his trailer, told me just to pick a spot, and since I was only staying overnight, he didn’t need to register me. He also mentioned my burned-out headlight. So, I found a nice flat area off the main road and pulled in, but I took at small ditch a little too quickly, causing my fairly new slow cooker to fall and break. This was upsetting, as it was a handy item to have. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zB0-VJppAGLoGUOCjd4Sy9_d9w3NUKXgqUcgHItvjZAswg5JNLlxzmVgoMmFRVWez_EVfhyphenhyphenEJv_9EFSukHxY5gx9brKoabo3slU2PMAi5aKqFl3GbsFu5MKd79yVKEtV1bvT86STu7oj/s1600-h/2008+03+25+01+Quartzsite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188563517561674610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zB0-VJppAGLoGUOCjd4Sy9_d9w3NUKXgqUcgHItvjZAswg5JNLlxzmVgoMmFRVWez_EVfhyphenhyphenEJv_9EFSukHxY5gx9brKoabo3slU2PMAi5aKqFl3GbsFu5MKd79yVKEtV1bvT86STu7oj/s200/2008+03+25+01+Quartzsite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The first order of business after stopping was to install the new headlight before I was stopped by a highway patrolman.<br /><br />Ripley enjoyed running around freely, checking out all the holes while I wandered around collecting bits of quartz which is literally lying all over the desert. There were only a few insects to bother me, and the sunset was wonderful as it set over the mountains in the distance. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA08jQT36RVcFHHLmj4CNOXTcqdDBc6wFN8tyQsAEJ6SZtvsIgQ54vUicc4UVd_92W-5J4qSTfjmJEHxGtHkhbFAqZuyyP2NFyLDSp8jM6a7vCOa7GHLu6K-vnZmU6FF_-uIcaok7yWBJo/s1600-h/2008+03+25+06+QUartzsite+sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188563607755987842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA08jQT36RVcFHHLmj4CNOXTcqdDBc6wFN8tyQsAEJ6SZtvsIgQ54vUicc4UVd_92W-5J4qSTfjmJEHxGtHkhbFAqZuyyP2NFyLDSp8jM6a7vCOa7GHLu6K-vnZmU6FF_-uIcaok7yWBJo/s200/2008+03+25+06+QUartzsite+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I had a great sleep under the stars, and decided that I wanted to stay another day and do some exploring.<br /><br />I had a breakfast of bacon, eggs and coffee alfresco, sitting at my little table outside Philippa. Ripley wandered around and came back with a cholla spine in her paw. This is the first time that she has managed to get one of these sharp devils in her, and I expect it may be the last!<br /><br />I drove into the town and stopped at a bakery that was mentioned in the local Chamber of Commerce booklet to buy homemade bread, a cinnamon bun and a donut. I looked for the Radio Shack, but was told it had burned down! The majority of the main street catered to the 1,000,000 plus RV visitors who come to this town annually. I recall that rallies are held here, and of course the rock hounds have a field day searching for gems on the adjacent mountains.<br /><br />And wouldn’t you know it, I came across a shop advertising “old” beads. Of course, I couldn’t resist going in. The “old” beads turned out to be much more expensive than I could afford as a novice (some strings were as much as $1,500, but they did have a wide selection of other beads). Penai, (pronounced Pen-I) originally from B.C. and who married an American and settled in Quartzsite, was very helpful. She lives in a new senior’s apartment building, in a two-bedroom, for which she pays $270/month. The poor woman was scheduled for heart surgery in Phoenix in a few days, and I overheard the owner of the shop offer to drive her there. Penai is an independent woman who hates to ask for favours, and we talked about this trait that we share, but sometimes one must ask for help. I do hope that she will be fine. She was a lovely, kind person who gave me some beading websites and offered to ship anything to me if I found that the prices were more expensive in Ontario (which I expect they will be).<br /><br />When I asked for a place to park in the shade for awhile, she guided me to the town park. I headed for a shaded picnic site where there was a cool breeze, while Ripley chased lizards. The cinnamon bun went down well, along with the coffee.<br /><br />I picked up a local paper called “The White Sheet”, in which people advertise some rather strange things. For instance, here are three that stood out:<br /><br />“’07 Rhino cage, stock, $140 obo”. Let’s hope that the person who bought this knew what he was doing ! (Actually, I learned later that Rhino is a brand of an All Terrain Vehicle.)<br /><br />“Raccoon mailbox, standard size, never used $25”. No comment.<br /><br />“2 Youth never used $65 each” Again, no comment.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK IN THE DESERT<br /></span></strong><br />After this little sojourn in town, I headed back to the desert to pick out a new location to stay overnight, and settled down to make some jewelry with some of my new finds. This could turn into a little business, if I keep this up! I would hope at least to be able to recoup my expenses. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtXaAToKd7MirWa9rtpux8OdsgWR5z9Iq_UYHETmvtM3ve_AI4k2RGcQB87oUhhkhZS3hRa0vA6FUrqC-ViAedlvRwwLO1aA7p1E8_lpyxkkMvd2FbeDolq47yZdR7M2NQDGhlT1Ya80u/s1600-h/2008+03+25+18+Use+this.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188563831094287250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtXaAToKd7MirWa9rtpux8OdsgWR5z9Iq_UYHETmvtM3ve_AI4k2RGcQB87oUhhkhZS3hRa0vA6FUrqC-ViAedlvRwwLO1aA7p1E8_lpyxkkMvd2FbeDolq47yZdR7M2NQDGhlT1Ya80u/s200/2008+03+25+18+Use+this.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ripley and I wandered off into the desert, and this time I remembered my binoculars. Several western wood peewees were flitting around through the brush, and I saw a hawk but it flew away before I could identify it. The desert is just starting to bloom in earnest now, and I marveled at how these plants could defy the severe cold and intense heat to survive in this environment.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I took Ripley for one last walk in the desert before packing up.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CALIFORNIA, HERE I COME<br /></span></strong><br />My first impression of California was not too favourable. The highway number 10 had a good deal of garbage on the sides of the road (in Arizona, they utilize inmate labour to keep them clean), and the first rest area that I went to was also dirty (garbage strewn around and dirty washrooms). Ripley did find a lizard to chase. She never seems to understand that they are much faster than she is!<br /><br />As we drove along through the Mojave Desert, I noticed different desert flowers in bloom, and found many of the radio stations were in Spanish. And as we drove along the Sonny Bono Memorial Highway near Coachella, just east of Palm Springs, I could smell the pollution. The winds were extremely gusty, providing the power to turn the hundreds of windmills, as I turned northwards on Highway 62 towards Joshua Tree National Park.<br /><br />It had been my intention to stop at this park for the night, but the campgrounds were full, and then I learned that dogs were not allowed on the trails, so there was no point in paying for a daily admission fee either. Instead, I ordered a broccoli and cheese quiche from the Park Rock Café (as recommended by my friend Monika Harmathy).<br /><br />Having checked my Passport America guide, I drove on about thirty miles to 29 Palms RV Resort, in the town of 29 Palms. For $19 I got full hook-up, free wifi, pool and a spa. There is little industry in the area, but there is a large US Marines base nearby.<br /><br />The Mojave Desert was literally just across the road from the park, with sand dunes that reminded me of the movie Star Wars, parts of which I believe were filmed in similar sand dunes in California. Ripley had a ball racing up and down the dunes, and checking out all the holes. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqERB86VBFDvzymIXA_8dKhf0N9XhehQGvHIsrWwMYu1KNyxCDV1tvi4ck6Ygxxe55nLFSvU-pk-Bb8jGWOljbl6Cz2K7g-EaVieM1Blq-JM__z_OCKH37vCfptbhqXzi35Yu-vTo0FC-/s1600-h/2008+03+27+01+Sand+Dunes+29+Palms+California.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188564359375264674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqERB86VBFDvzymIXA_8dKhf0N9XhehQGvHIsrWwMYu1KNyxCDV1tvi4ck6Ygxxe55nLFSvU-pk-Bb8jGWOljbl6Cz2K7g-EaVieM1Blq-JM__z_OCKH37vCfptbhqXzi35Yu-vTo0FC-/s200/2008+03+27+01+Sand+Dunes+29+Palms+California.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Later, I checked out the pool and spa, but could not connect to my wi fi at my site. One of the residents suggested trying the laundry room.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LIFE IN 29 PALMS</span></strong><br /><br />It was very cool this morning, and I needed a jacket when I took Ripley across the road to the sand dunes again.<br /><br />Since the laundry room was supposed to be a good place to hook on to wi fi, I took my laundry and sat in there, while I updated my blog. Unfortunately, the signal died after I had spent about an hour uploading photographs, and I lost them all. I went into the office area, and the manager offered to have me sit at the computer terminal there and plug in my laptop, which I’ll do later. I had asked her about a hair salon, and she suggested Studcuts just up the street. The name put me off, because they do Marine haircuts, but the manager assured me they did a good job on women’s hair too. Since my hair has got to the unruly stage again, I decided to take a chance, hopped on my bike and rode over there. The hair stylist assured me that she did women’s hair too, but was working on a close-shaven man when I entered. Apparently Marines are required to have their hair cut once a week!<br /><br />I was next, and she did a reasonable job. It is now very short and spiky. She was an interesting person; she just married her second husband a year ago, and she told me that she met him online. Her requirements were someone who would accept her seven children (!) and who could “fix things”. She was tired of having her car break down, etc. and wanted a man around who was handy. I guess everyone is different!<br /><br />When I got back, I did haul my laptop over to the office, and managed to get some updating done, but I am still way behind on my blog.<br /><br />Ripley and I had another walk in the sand dunes before turning in for the night. Tomorrow is a special day for me.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><em>FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008<br /></em></span></strong><br />On my way out of town, I stopped to shoot photos of some of the murals on the walls of businesses in 29 Palms. There are 22 in total depicting scenes representing life in this part of the world, both past and present. The most recent mural depicts the First Marine Division during Operation Iraqui Freedom in 2003, and the most historic depicts Bill and Frances Keys who pioneered near here.<br /><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxL5TErGCioHhRAWIzCaFCLoW2OTtU1ItvzpgMfwZE9myeUUqqrjM5-TheBeI5qgm2XdX3v6qYOHgaGxOeKQbjaFV4gwaU5kxhtxUjWhymqFOgfJQN232z7FyR7kUYThgV-2MQ5UVYCAd/s1600-h/2008+03+27+07+Mural+29+Palms+California+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188564440979643314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxL5TErGCioHhRAWIzCaFCLoW2OTtU1ItvzpgMfwZE9myeUUqqrjM5-TheBeI5qgm2XdX3v6qYOHgaGxOeKQbjaFV4gwaU5kxhtxUjWhymqFOgfJQN232z7FyR7kUYThgV-2MQ5UVYCAd/s200/2008+03+27+07+Mural+29+Palms+California+008.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxL5TErGCioHhRAWIzCaFCLoW2OTtU1ItvzpgMfwZE9myeUUqqrjM5-TheBeI5qgm2XdX3v6qYOHgaGxOeKQbjaFV4gwaU5kxhtxUjWhymqFOgfJQN232z7FyR7kUYThgV-2MQ5UVYCAd/s1600-h/2008+03+27+07+Mural+29+Palms+California+008.jpg"></a></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">A SPECIAL VISIT<br /></span></strong><br />A year ago, I contacted Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center and paid my fee to become an adoptive parent of a meerkat. The Center is the only accredited place outside of a zoo that is allowed to keep meerkats in the USA. They are extremely restricted because, if one were to get loose, it could survive and reproduce in the southern states.<br /><br />As many of you know, I have a particular fondness for meerkats, having had the privilege of sharing my house with two for twelve years. I was devastated when I lost both of them in 2006. Timon died of liver cancer on February 11, 2006 and Timona died of insulinoma on August 1, 2006.<br /><br />And so, this was an opportunity for me to get close to a meerkat once again. Because of the popularity of the TV show Meerkat Manor, the Center and the founder Pam Bennett-Wallberg, have found themselves to be the centre of much attention, and it was necessary for me to make this appointment in the spring of 2007. I have been looking forward to the visit for a long time. I left 29 Palms quite early, in order to be sure to arrive on time in Morongo Valley.<br /><br />At exactly 9:30 a.m. Pam opened the gate and came to greet me at my RV parked just outside. We agreed that it would be best to leave it there in the shade, with Ripley inside, instead of bringing it through the gates. No outside dogs are permitted on the grounds, due to the Fish and Wildlife regulations. There are two golden labs who live at the Center.<br /><br />I had brought along my laser printer/copier/scanner as a donation, and presented it to Pam, who was quite appreciative. It had been on the website’s Wish List, and I was pleased to help out.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCT49yEx04qenkFnX_FmGY_LCGNSVHZsH6QRJkaIJd3jtsjRXCwUjosVePpuxr19Za1TKlo84HLPYbzmTY4D4aKeM8fRVk7w0e5P6eBzpB9lrFGchEMQ5FxupbSyDknHce_VBH-hgojCP/s1600-h/2008+03+28+19+Pam+Bennett+Wallberg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188565995757804498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCT49yEx04qenkFnX_FmGY_LCGNSVHZsH6QRJkaIJd3jtsjRXCwUjosVePpuxr19Za1TKlo84HLPYbzmTY4D4aKeM8fRVk7w0e5P6eBzpB9lrFGchEMQ5FxupbSyDknHce_VBH-hgojCP/s200/2008+03+28+19+Pam+Bennett+Wallberg.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Pam Bennett Wallberg</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Despite being quite ill from her allergies and taking Benadryl, Pam was very gracious and spent the next three hours showing me the facilities and taking me in to each of the three groups of meerkats. These animals were either orphaned or aged, and came from zoos in California. Pam explained that, unlike zoo diets, these meerkats only received a variety of bugs as their diet, which is what they would eat in the Kalahari Desert in Africa. The property she purchased duplicates the climate conditions of the Kalahari almost exactly (very cold in winter, very hot in summer). She attributes the longevity of these animals to the fact that they get only bugs and nothing else. It made me wonder whether the diet that I had fed my own Timon and Timona had been too rich, as I admit that I spoiled them with meat and fruits and vegetables, as well as two kinds of mealworms.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SURI AND REMI<br /></span></strong><br />As requested, I wore long sleeves, long pants and socks, and Pam gave me gloves to wear, just in case. I had the thrill of sitting with male Suri (15 years old) and female Remi (11 years old) first. I was given mealworms and they both climbed up into my lap to take the worms from my gloved hands. Suri had a bit of trouble with my slippery jeans, as he climbed up again and again to grab more worms, but was remarkably agile for such an old animal. In zoos, meerkats generally only live to be ten to twelve years of age, so there must be something to it with regard to diet.<br /><br />Pam and I sat in their enclosure for some time while Suri and Remi polished off their breakfast and then went about their business. They are not what you would call “tame”, but remain as wild meerkats who do not appreciate being picked up. But they certainly do enjoy the small stuffed child armchairs that were present in each of the cages. It was just perfect for the sentry stance that meerkats consistently do.<br /><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVeZIjjApGpfyg3ogfX78EQb21I6dqLgyDrbjOGDRd_wl0saTbWxyQy2uxKyNXvpL5-qAX2NefDTVUt_0RlSeXbLPFckO8AFQa2C5eyG3bex_eoVkuR87EDZSyBBVWl_sX6ygaRK2XOm-/s1600-h/2008+03+28+56+Or+this+one++Meerkats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566094542052322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVeZIjjApGpfyg3ogfX78EQb21I6dqLgyDrbjOGDRd_wl0saTbWxyQy2uxKyNXvpL5-qAX2NefDTVUt_0RlSeXbLPFckO8AFQa2C5eyG3bex_eoVkuR87EDZSyBBVWl_sX6ygaRK2XOm-/s200/2008+03+28+56+Or+this+one++Meerkats.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVeZIjjApGpfyg3ogfX78EQb21I6dqLgyDrbjOGDRd_wl0saTbWxyQy2uxKyNXvpL5-qAX2NefDTVUt_0RlSeXbLPFckO8AFQa2C5eyG3bex_eoVkuR87EDZSyBBVWl_sX6ygaRK2XOm-/s1600-h/2008+03+28+56+Or+this+one++Meerkats.jpg"></a></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">KENDI AND RAFIKI<br /><br /></span></strong>After awhile of sitting and chatting, we moved on to the next group. Kendi is an eleven year old female, who came from the San Diego Zoo and Rafiki is a nine-year old male, who came from the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I sat on the ground, and enjoyed the company of these two endearing animals, as they raced around. Pam very kindly took photos of me with the meerkats, and did her best to be a gracious host. I felt badly for her because she looked quite unwell, and should probably have been in bed. But she said that she had wanted to meet me, and insisted on greeting me herself instead of having a volunteer do it, for which I was greatly appreciative, as I had wanted to meet her as well.<br /><br />Kendi and Rafiki also enjoyed their “armchairs”, and seemed to enjoy some scratches from me.<br /><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-lfnV5Mn5fiUGIzygyP1E3FKc8BB3Sk4xIDgjZaS8jiaBymEgF8D3Xl8PbWKr4gz1chdsDjxuIctmyDSCkMn97Kt2NP7LdFt3QRA9ec8b3WVjKJSZGBHROCxozAaoVOrTML9s_UlS-bf/s1600-h/2008+03+28+103+Rafiki+Marilyn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566176146430962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-lfnV5Mn5fiUGIzygyP1E3FKc8BB3Sk4xIDgjZaS8jiaBymEgF8D3Xl8PbWKr4gz1chdsDjxuIctmyDSCkMn97Kt2NP7LdFt3QRA9ec8b3WVjKJSZGBHROCxozAaoVOrTML9s_UlS-bf/s200/2008+03+28+103+Rafiki+Marilyn.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-lfnV5Mn5fiUGIzygyP1E3FKc8BB3Sk4xIDgjZaS8jiaBymEgF8D3Xl8PbWKr4gz1chdsDjxuIctmyDSCkMn97Kt2NP7LdFt3QRA9ec8b3WVjKJSZGBHROCxozAaoVOrTML9s_UlS-bf/s1600-h/2008+03+28+103+Rafiki+Marilyn.jpg"></a></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;"><em>Rafiki enjoying a tummy scratch </em></span></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;">in his armchair</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BARA, JENGO AND NALO<br /></span></strong><br />Jengo and Nalo are brothers, and Bara is a female who is the boss in this group.<br />Pam explained that Bara was a subspecies known as <em>Suricata suricata majora</em> and that Timon and Timona were most likely the same. After comparing coat markings, I would have to agree. I have to admit that I did not know there were subspecies in meerkats, as the ones at Toronto were always referred to as <em>Suricata suricata suricata</em>. Pam mentioned that there is possibly another subspecies in Africa too.<br /><br />Bara, Jengo and Nalo enjoyed their share of the mealworm breakfast, and I enjoyed having them climbing on me, but as soon as the snack was over, they went about their own business. Nevertheless, it was a joy just to watch them racing around, digging in the dirt, playing and leaning in their “armchairs”, and to listen to their vocalizations which I have not heard now since 2006.<br /><br />It was interesting listening to her experiences as the consultant for Meerkat Manor, and of her adventures in Africa. She has been to Africa many times over the past twenty years, and really knows her animals! For those of you who have followed the TV series, and know about Flower, Pam encountered her first when Flower was just a pup. Even then she stood out from her siblings, as a feisty independent animal. The tragic death of Flower brought such an outpouring of sympathy, and Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center has been the beneficiary of memorial donations in Flower’s name. Two of the better-known donors were Elizabeth Taylor and Whoopi Goldberg.<br /><br />However, as is often the case it seems, Pam has done all the work on behalf of Meerkat Manor, including appearing on the Today Show, 20/20 and others, for free! She has acted as a consultant frequently for this successful Animal Planet program and has received no compensation whatsoever. The winner of the sweepstakes contest came to visit as his prize, and Sean Astin and his family visited (he’s the narrator for Meerkat Manor), but Animal Planet did not contribute. I have encountered similar situations in the past with other people who have gone out of their way to assist the media, only to receive nothing in return, and it seems so unfair. The people involved in the program all get paid for their participation; they are not struggling to support a cause that they believe in, as is Pam.<br /><br />Pam told me that the meerkat studbook keeper for zoos is now Katie Kimball at Toledo Zoo, and I will contact her to inform her of the deaths of my two meerkats, to complete the records.<br /><br />It seemed as though the time flew by, and Pam was gracious enough to allow me more than the two hours that is generally allotted. However, there was another group scheduled in an hour, and she certainly needed to get some rest before they arrived. I could have stayed there all day, but took my leave, promising to return again next year. Reservations have already been taken up until April, 2009.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE</strong></span><br /><br />The bark of trees can be fascinating – the different textures and colours. And in this particular region the Joshua tree is quite interesting in itself. I could have gone into Joshua Tree National Park after my visit to the meerkat center, but chose instead to go to a place where there would be less people.<br /><br />Just outside of Morongo Valley is the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. I decided that I really needed to spend some time walking and contemplating my morning with the meerkats. The Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails, but does not allow dogs, so again poor Ripley had to stay in the RV while I walked. Because of this, I chose the shortest trail, the Marsh Trail, which is on a boardwalk. A trail guide pointed out places of interest, at numbered markers as I proceeded. I was lucky enough to encounter a lizard, </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges0G7D597CI1MjIt_1t6CUh5swGWSJBnIbFtH2aVMnhZmiulkh-SysuqGehi0yJ2cKxvOfP55uDAS81pKBZICCkjCSmMxK0X-hmr6HKuf99w4F4L7YCnna0MvGCLoTpCsyafGVvcEX4Eq/s1600-h/2008+03+28+04++Use+this+one+Horned+Lizard+%40+Big+Morongo+canyon+Preserve+California+Desert+Spiny+Swift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188564574123629506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges0G7D597CI1MjIt_1t6CUh5swGWSJBnIbFtH2aVMnhZmiulkh-SysuqGehi0yJ2cKxvOfP55uDAS81pKBZICCkjCSmMxK0X-hmr6HKuf99w4F4L7YCnna0MvGCLoTpCsyafGVvcEX4Eq/s200/2008+03+28+04++Use+this+one+Horned+Lizard+%40+Big+Morongo+canyon+Preserve+California+Desert+Spiny+Swift.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Desert Spiny Swift</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>but couldn’t find it in my ID book, so I have consulted with an expert via email. Tom has responded and says it is a Desert Spiny Swift.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLG5ea52ghiQmp-R4XD5jKkwJs7GdMJtFJv_5AcmU6q5cC47nHy7soQicpQDmhKNgWr06-dVoNGudH5qs3sjnr9DLUKYZ69XluKsbzkfLdFrvBMQisAZ_vjB0qyp4rXhQaFGPUdeM0DN/s1600-h/Pack+Rat+Nest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566708722375746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLG5ea52ghiQmp-R4XD5jKkwJs7GdMJtFJv_5AcmU6q5cC47nHy7soQicpQDmhKNgWr06-dVoNGudH5qs3sjnr9DLUKYZ69XluKsbzkfLdFrvBMQisAZ_vjB0qyp4rXhQaFGPUdeM0DN/s200/Pack+Rat+Nest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Packrat Nest</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It was a peaceful walk, and I encountered just one or two other people. I sat for awhile on a bench, listening to the calls of frogs and the birds, contemplating the very special opportunities that I have had over my life to be part of the natural world, both in North America and elsewhere. It is at these times that I feel most at peace. Although I grew up in a large city (Toronto), I hate the noise, the pollution, the dirt and the overcrowding. Give me the outdoors any time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vDP8736RUz40pYciEiwu6Q-vnPu53-fy5Yab9IePAHW8anLkkPaFSLBk-VODYONDsW4NoAx8PP8Jwd9DcIczdXG9JNaKO-sFQq1FchEbg21JHerd8aYTeaZCGv4SLujE9dMXe5JF0oFP/s1600-h/Mountain+Lion+warning.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566588463291442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vDP8736RUz40pYciEiwu6Q-vnPu53-fy5Yab9IePAHW8anLkkPaFSLBk-VODYONDsW4NoAx8PP8Jwd9DcIczdXG9JNaKO-sFQq1FchEbg21JHerd8aYTeaZCGv4SLujE9dMXe5JF0oFP/s200/Mountain+Lion+warning.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">A Reassuring Sign!</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I saw plenty of Joshua trees outside the park – an interesting plant that is a yucca, a giant member of the lily family. According to the information in the National Park brochure, the Joshua tree was used by the American Indians to make baskets and sandals, and the flower buds and seeds were eaten. The early settlers used its limbs and trunks for fencing and corrals, and the miners fueled their steam engines with the wood. The tallest Joshua tree in the park is forty feet high, and is estimated to be about 300 years old!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhusr_w7q0sG_rW7EHhocieP_xmSijy154k1l0cu002qwgZDtsh85CSDKUoOqoSOhAN5lI1fn6UbnPwaaHFjWMb67sgDzLP_FDJyoENGQb9epTzo1WDIEIrdpx4X6om-40kw_9AAzky1v/s1600-h/2008+03+29+03+Good+Joshua+Tree,+Yucca+Valley+California+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566274930678786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhusr_w7q0sG_rW7EHhocieP_xmSijy154k1l0cu002qwgZDtsh85CSDKUoOqoSOhAN5lI1fn6UbnPwaaHFjWMb67sgDzLP_FDJyoENGQb9epTzo1WDIEIrdpx4X6om-40kw_9AAzky1v/s200/2008+03+29+03+Good+Joshua+Tree,+Yucca+Valley+California+026.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Rather than continuing down the road, I stopped for the night at the Yucca Valley RV, getting help to back into a very tight spot. There aren’t too many choices of places to camp in this area, but I did have cable TV but no wi fi, and behind was a field in which to take Ripley.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Yucca Valley is the largest settlement in this central valley, boasting an Albertson’s grocery store, Big Lots and several banks, so I was able to get some supplies and get more money out of my account from an ATV, as well as stopping at the Post Office to buy stamps for the postcards to send to friends and family. I was surprised to see a huge line-up at the Post Office, until I read the sign saying there was a Passport Fair, to expedite the passport application process. Many people were taking advantage of this fast-tracking process, from the looks of things.<br /><br />Postcards to the US cost 26 cents; to Canada 69 cents. What a difference!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CROSSING THE MOJAVE DESERT<br /><br /></span></strong>My route across Highway 247 took us across the high desert area of the Mojave Desert, where the winds were blowing like crazy. In fact, there was a sign advising truckers and RV’ers not to proceed. The alternative was to park on the side of the road and wait for better weather – not an appealing thought, so I persevered and used up a lot of gas as we passed boulders that had been tossed up millions of years ago into peculiar shapes and sizes, aswell as flowers – and the odd isolated house.<br /><br />After turning on to Highway 58, the winds continued to push the RV all over the road as we climbed up to the Lucerne Valley at an elevation of 4,148 feet, and then down again to about 2,000 feet. We passed Boron, where the Twenty Mule Team Borax is made. I remember seeing that advertised on television when I was quite young. We passed the exit to Edwards Air Force Base, while the winds continue to blow, and I wondered how anyone could fly an airplane in those gusts.<br /><br />We stopped at the town of Mojave at Sierra Trails RV, and after hooking up, I took Ripley down the road to where the desert began. We encountered biting flies, similar to the nasty black flies that we have in Ontario – tiny but relentless. They didn’t seem to bother Ripley because of her fur, I suppose, but I got bitten on my legs and arms, even though they were covered. Ripley did get a goathead in her paw, though.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I’m a bit nervous because this is the last day in which I am covered under my additional health insurance that I took out for this trip. The insurance company has refused to extend the date because of my claim to them. I will just cross my fingers that I will remain well until I get back to Canada.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">EXOTIC FELINE BREEDING CENTER’ FELINE CONSERVATION CENTER</span></strong><br /><br />Today is a very chilly morning, and the wind has not died down. If anything, it was worse as I made my way down past Mojave to the small town of Rosamund, the site of the Exotic Feline Breeding Center’s Feline Conservation Center, a privately owned facility that is open to the public. I had picked up a brochure about this place back at the visitor center in Yucca Valley, and was curious to see it. Like so many others of these private wildlife facilities, it was started by an individual who had some wild cats and wanted a place to breed some of the more endangered species.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVCt7dY7KZdTyR3CiKdi0gsW8pxZzS5ZRp2jVTrvDBZ_U_TY90PHoLYuLN4Hw79aqYxovghVADxWTnG0IWbWDFPEz34P2n9Qj6Toh4mNejTD1Z6ozv1yU7clwP36Bbon87TiZiF3I5Reg/s1600-h/2008+04+01+02+EFBC+Serval.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566373714926610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVCt7dY7KZdTyR3CiKdi0gsW8pxZzS5ZRp2jVTrvDBZ_U_TY90PHoLYuLN4Hw79aqYxovghVADxWTnG0IWbWDFPEz34P2n9Qj6Toh4mNejTD1Z6ozv1yU7clwP36Bbon87TiZiF3I5Reg/s200/2008+04+01+02+EFBC+Serval.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVCt7dY7KZdTyR3CiKdi0gsW8pxZzS5ZRp2jVTrvDBZ_U_TY90PHoLYuLN4Hw79aqYxovghVADxWTnG0IWbWDFPEz34P2n9Qj6Toh4mNejTD1Z6ozv1yU7clwP36Bbon87TiZiF3I5Reg/s1600-h/2008+04+01+02+EFBC+Serval.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">ServaL</span></em></div><div> </div><div>Most of the work is done by volunteers, and I met Eric (a Timothy Hutton look-a-like) who comes up from LA, along with his wife, to work at the EFBC on weekends. He was very friendly and helpful, even volunteering to take some close-up photos of some of the cats through the wire for me, so that I wouldn’t have the wire in my shots. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuUCI4koYLUXtFqlpEkx_-vtGLziWdBs2evwhdycERS-QMaoDkTHAsp5Zr3rHRg7n88YTSfW6BwUFqZxtfTsBUUwXB7W9i9Yno5lymAiDJofhjsX54dB47CCr4ewwzfR5vYf32LDC4RHQ/s1600-h/2008+04+01+18+Young+Chinese+Leopard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188566489679043618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuUCI4koYLUXtFqlpEkx_-vtGLziWdBs2evwhdycERS-QMaoDkTHAsp5Zr3rHRg7n88YTSfW6BwUFqZxtfTsBUUwXB7W9i9Yno5lymAiDJofhjsX54dB47CCr4ewwzfR5vYf32LDC4RHQ/s200/2008+04+01+18+Young+Chinese+Leopard.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Young Chinest Leopard</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We chatted for awhile and, when he learned that I had been a zoo keeper, he became even more interested in talking about wild cats. Eric and I talked about enrichment and he went off to get some wheat grass to give to two of the young Chinese leopards, and a mountain lion. They don’t actually eat the grass, but they enjoy tearing it apart. The grass is a great idea, but doesn’t last very long. The cages also had things like tire on a rope for the young cats, boomer balls (very popular in the zoo community), and that was about it.<br /><br />The Center participates in some of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans and trades animals with zoos for breeding purposes. I can’t say that I was impressed with the size of the cages, especially for the smaller breeds of cats, nor was the height of the cages adequate, in my opinion, to allow the cats to climb. Some of the original cages were better, providing hide areas and waterfalls, etc. but still too small, in my opinion. They have been successful, however in breeding such rare species as the Amur Leopard and North Chinese Leopard, and not all of the cats were on view to the public. It is not the worst place I’ve seen, by any means, but not the best either.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ON THE ROAD AGAIN<br /><br /></span></strong>After spending the morning at the Center, I took Ripley for a walk (of course she couldn’t come into the Center), and then we headed back north on Highway 14 to Highway 58 to turn west again into very gusty winds. In fact, the sign on Highway 14 stated that the road to Yosemite was closed. And there were more windmills twirling around like mad, generating electricity. The windmills are great in that they produce a clean energy, by in areas where they have been installed next to houses, the people have become ill. And the windmills kill many birds that fly into them. So they are not the answer to the energy crisis that some people think they may be.<br /><br />As we drove along, I listened to a quirky radio station called Bob FM where “Bob plays what he wants” – and he did! Everything from country to hip hop.<br /><br />As we approached Tehachapi, the terrain began to change from desert into a Riparian type of trees and grass. And turning on to Highway 99, as we got to Bakersfield, we were suddenly into farmland with grapevines and feedlots.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">NIGHT AT THE FLYING J<br /></span></strong><br />By this time, it was late afternoon, and I chose to fill up and spend the night at the Flying J Truck Stop north of Bakersfield, where I found two sandpipers in the water treatment area behind the truck stop, when I took Ripley for her evening walk. We parked beside another RV, and I was just hoping that a diesel truck would not park on the other side of me, because the truckers tend to leave the engines going, and they are very loud. In fact, the noise disturbs Ripley a great deal.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY MARCH 31, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I was disgusted to see that some truckers have abused the privilege of stopping at the truck stop and have discarded their garbage and old tires at the back of the property.<br /><br />The Flying J Truck Stops are RV-friendly and besides allowing us to spend the night in their gigantic parking lots, they also provide a loyalty card. Whenever I buy gas at one of their stops, I get a credit which can then be used in their store and restaurant. It came in handy this morning, when I opted to have their breakfast buffet. Instead of paying $9.61, I paid $7.44 – and generally speaking they have the cheapest price for gas as well. This time I paid $3.59/gallon.<br /><br />On my way out to the highway, I passed a man with a sign saying he was stranded and hungry. I usually don’t do this, but I stopped and gave him some money.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">MUSINGS ALONG THE ROAD<br /></span></strong><br />Further up the road, an ad for a fruit and cheese stand caught my attention, and I pulled off and bought some local cheese. Highway 99 cuts through the Central Valley of California, a primarily agricultural area that boasts wineries, dates, pistachios, raisins, oranges and cattle. It reminded me a lot of the Niagara region in Ontario, except for the billboards advertising fertilizers, farm equipment, water treatments, and other things that you don’t usually see on billboards. Of course, there were also ads to come to various wineries for wine-tasting, and I considered it. But I have to be extra careful about any detours from now on. Gas is costing me about $100 to fill up, and my RV consumes it at a rate of about 10 miles to the gallon. So from now on, there will be no major detours unless there is something truly special. There will be a detour at Williams, further up the road, in order to see the redwoods, but that is it. No stopping at wineries, etc.<br /><br />Although the day had started out as overcast, by 10:30 the sky was blue. I passed a town called Los Banos, and wondered why anyone would name a town that translates as “The Toilets”!<br /><br />As we came to rest stops, I pulled in so that Ripley could relieve herself, and so that I could have a rest. But today, we traveled a total of 503 kms until we arrived at the small town of Williams and headed for the Almond Grove Mobile Park for the night. I had wanted to find another free place, but there are no Wal Marts or Flying J’s in this area.<br /><br />Almond Grove is mostly a permanent park, with almost everyone living here of Hispanic origin. Their Spanish was much too fast for me to follow. The manager is an elderly lady, who kind of shuffled over to the door of the office to unlock it for me, and who had trouble speaking. I gather that she might have had a stroke, and was left impaired. Kudos to her, though, for continuing to work. The park itself was not exactly well maintained, and the showers had cobwebs – but it is the only game in town, as they say – and it does have cable TV and wi fi. So I was able to watch "Dancing With the Stars".</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-19341018291390803762008-03-27T11:12:00.000-07:002008-03-29T20:28:02.529-07:00EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-NINE - ARIZONA<span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"></strong>EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-NINE – ARIZONA
<br />MARCH 13 - 23, 2008 </strong></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>PHOTOS NOW HERE
<br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong></strong></span>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2008
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">A QUIET DAY AT INDIAN SKIES
<br /></span></strong>
<br />I took Ripley out for a bike run to a field two streets away from Indian Skies, where she gleefully chased her soccer ball, bringing it back to me each time so that I could kick it again. Finally she got tired, but never enough to stop wanting to chase the ball. I put it back in the bike basket and we returned to the park. While Ripley rested, I did another load of laundry, including the dog blankets I had used in the car. There actually is one washer set aside for this purpose.
<br />
<br />I spent a large part of the day catching up on my emails, and then sat down to design my first necklace with some of the material that I had purchased recently. One of the things that I had bought is a bead board, with grooves so that you can lay out your pattern before you string it. In this way, you can complete your design and change it if you don’t like it.
<br />
<br />I also spent some time downloading photographs from my camera.
<br />
<br />And so, another day flew by.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2008
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br />I helped out with the Donuts and Coffee morning again, and donated those fishing lures that I had won a few weeks ago to the door prizes.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>CRAFT CLASS
<br /></strong></span>
<br />Today’s class was led by Lorraine, who showed us how to make earrings with Swarovski crystals, at a cost of $12 for the supplies. It turned out to be quite simple to do, and I made two, one with blue-tinged crystals, and the other with turquoise. They are both quite pretty. Anna and her grand daughter Brittany were both in the class as well.
<br />
<br /></strong></span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCworF5HgZTXrBpHmgaSR3_KDkkIUpvjjT4v5d69kNOyw-RWJBvvEdxJdAw_MM8NzV9xFJIQLlRIBvP8j_LjRi1etz8y9h1mNH7cJSzjBsbzxOLm9DsAt7d_YhpITfWjLZpOZ2xJbFlkn/s1600-h/2008+03+14+02+My+earrnings+-+Swarovski+crystals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183360053861953154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCworF5HgZTXrBpHmgaSR3_KDkkIUpvjjT4v5d69kNOyw-RWJBvvEdxJdAw_MM8NzV9xFJIQLlRIBvP8j_LjRi1etz8y9h1mNH7cJSzjBsbzxOLm9DsAt7d_YhpITfWjLZpOZ2xJbFlkn/s200/2008+03+14+02+My+earrnings+-+Swarovski+crystals.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />While we were working on our earrings, delicious smells of baking rye bread from the adjacent kitchen came wafting down the hallway. The bread is for tomorrow’s special dinner.
<br />
<br />Later on, I visited Lorraine’s site and she helped me to tie the ends of the necklace I had made yesterday. She showed me some of her many supplies, mostly of crystal beads that she makes and sells. The crystals are quite expensive, but she has some beautiful pieces.
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">THIS AND THAT
<br /></span></strong>
<br />I am still encountering some problems in setting up my LLC company here in the United States that was organized through Legalzoom. My company is now incorporated, but there is a problem with one of the IRS forms, and I will have to investigate further to see what I can do as a Canadian to get it set up properly.
<br />
<br />The birds were singing loudly again today in another perfect day of 85 degree temperature, although the wind picked up later in the day, and I lowered my awning, just in case.
<br />
<br />I had packaged up the gorilla cartoon and asked Hoppy and Georgia if they would mind mailing it on their way to the Mesa Market, a swap meet that is held weekly.
<br />
<br />As I sat outside by my RV, a roadrunner quietly walked by – the first I’ve seen in these parts.
<br />
<br />Later, I watched Fort Apache, starring John Wayne, Henry Fonda and a young Shirley Temple. I thought this was quite appropriate, as it was filmed at Apacheland, and in the tradition of the period, portrayed the Apaches as bloodthirsty barbarians.
<br />
<br />I came across an article in one of the local newspapers that really takes the cake. Minnesota has recently passed a no-smoking ban in restaurants and other nightspots, but left a loophole exempting performers in theatrical productions where characters have to use cigarettes as props. So, some bars are designating all their customers as performers, even going to the extent of printing up playbills and having customers come in costumes. According to one bar owner the customers “are playing themselves before October 1st” as they sit around drinking and smoking!
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2008</span></em></strong>
<br />
<br />It really is difficult to remember what day of the week it is here, as each day is a “vacation” day, where everyone just does what they feel like doing.
<br />
<br />Today, I took Ripley beside my bike back to the field to play with her soccer ball again. It is a bit cooler today and she was up for a long session of “ball”. I felt sorry for a German shepherd in a small fenced pen nearby, who barked and wagged his tail as he watched Ripley playing. He so desperately wanted to join in, but couldn’t.
<br />
<br />On our return, I had a flat tire. Darn!
<br />
<br />I spent the majority of the day catching up with my blog, until it was time for supper.
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">IRISH NIGHT</span></strong>
<br />
<br />The social committee here planned a corned beef and cabbage dinner to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few days early, and there was a huge turn-out for the event, with the majority (including myself) wearing green.
<br />
<br />The rec hall was decorated with many shamrocks and “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” signs. I sat beside Lorraine, her husband Dick and her mother Marg, as well as Ruolf and Beth, all of whom are from Illinois, near Chicago. While we waited for dinner to begin, we were entertained with a rendition of Danny Boy by one of the residents, who was accompanied by her husband on harmonica. He then played a medley of Irish songs, to get us all in the mood. Baskets of the homemade rye bread were placed on each table, along with horseradish and relish bowls. Each table also had been decorated in green and white flowers. There was a huge turnout for the dinner, and rightly so, as it was delicious.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49vM2GOgAR070_UXOlLxWyLANaFPbOVZgjIJHwdL9FnFgMFu19B57Y4S3KfSjUL2jIg2l30F2oNng2YZMk1vT6TeHNRrn0aIFzcwb5DPT0Rca9wd1CewZ9nb-ajSKmIb9IDvT-bJKHOBU/s1600-h/2008+03+15+05+St.+Pats+Dinner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183360560668094114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49vM2GOgAR070_UXOlLxWyLANaFPbOVZgjIJHwdL9FnFgMFu19B57Y4S3KfSjUL2jIg2l30F2oNng2YZMk1vT6TeHNRrn0aIFzcwb5DPT0Rca9wd1CewZ9nb-ajSKmIb9IDvT-bJKHOBU/s200/2008+03+15+05+St.+Pats+Dinner.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />In order to be fair, the announcer calls out the table numbers who then go through the buffet line in the kitchen area to get their food. For once, the table at which I was seated was called up first. The lines moved quickly through the double set-up and our plates were piled with corned beef, boiled red potatoes, carrots and cabbage. Dessert was vanilla ice cream and homemade cookies.
<br />
<br />A lot of effort goes into putting on a dinner like this, and that is one of the great things about Indian Skies. People willingly put in time to make these events a success. Steve and Anna are responsible for purchasing the supplies for every one of these events and keeping track of the money - a huge task.
<br />
<br />Later that day, The Hired Hands provided music for dancing. It sounded good from my vantage point in the hot tub!
<br />
<br />I made my first necklace tonight! It’s has multi-coloured pony beads – simple but I like it, and it’s a start. I watched Mickey Blue Eyes (Hugh Grant/James Caan) while working on the necklace. It was pretty cute, with many cameo appearances by characters from The Sopranos.
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRtHb0jOyvkh-kxQ3GaZCteva4M-fdQQ-Y5lmLqeRYfzryy1wV90SkvtHy9_UyN4AcZUweQlBLeDu1ebcSZTzyvCk4lJAlhbq_KZ-LyVp67nUrVyB28eGrsHYUApctnOw2prLgXLgUI5_/s1600-h/2008+03+15+02+My+first+necklace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183360371689533074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRtHb0jOyvkh-kxQ3GaZCteva4M-fdQQ-Y5lmLqeRYfzryy1wV90SkvtHy9_UyN4AcZUweQlBLeDu1ebcSZTzyvCk4lJAlhbq_KZ-LyVp67nUrVyB28eGrsHYUApctnOw2prLgXLgUI5_/s200/2008+03+15+02+My+first+necklace.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;">My first necklace</span></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008
<br />
<br /></span></em></strong>Penny kindly gave a lesson in wire wrapping to Lorraine, Karen and myself. This is another method of making a pendant from a gemstone. It’s easy when the stone has a hole drilled in it. Next week, we are going into Casa Grande to learn how to wire wrap a stone that does not have a hole drilled, from a lady who teaches there.
<br />
<br />Now that I no longer have a car, I have to rely upon other people to take me places, and that is one thing that is so great about the people here. Hoppy and Georgia took me over to the Wal Mart, where I bought a puncture-proof tube for my bike and groceries. Hoppy will install it for me.
<br />
<br />I helped with the ice cream social, which featured cake for March birthdays and anniversaries, plus a demonstration of the ladies who have been learning line dancing. I wish that I had had time to take the lessons, as it would be fun to be able to get up and dance, even without a partner.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008- ST. PATRICK’S DAY
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br />I took Ripley for a walk outside the park so that she could run off leash and play with her soccer ball. Just outside the gate is a field that has not yet been developed. I’m not sure if it is part of the park property, but it is a handy area for Ripley’s play.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>A VISIT FROM MY COUSIN
<br /></strong></span>
<br />Later in the afternoon my cousin Jerry and his wife Diane arrived, and we took Ripley with us to visit Casa Grande Ruins Monument at the other end of Coolidge. This was my second visit there, so I was able to give them some details since there were no tours for the rest of the day. Diane, in particular, was quite interested in learning about the lifestyle of the people who used to live there.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsnNsoqWYUhg5teVNnwQvuZUrJ5UclKOQvh5y7tFb9OJdGqB2v1k95Iu_4gszQBHPhFh7ctz2vA671WI5ZOFogF8YkN6kN2h7WoUD1UCGDkv-VTHtf9uUmpy3ZjZjv0FHBuGzTRfHEWHI/s1600-h/2008+03+17+03+Jerry+%26+Diane+at+Casa+Grande+Ruins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183360741056720562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsnNsoqWYUhg5teVNnwQvuZUrJ5UclKOQvh5y7tFb9OJdGqB2v1k95Iu_4gszQBHPhFh7ctz2vA671WI5ZOFogF8YkN6kN2h7WoUD1UCGDkv-VTHtf9uUmpy3ZjZjv0FHBuGzTRfHEWHI/s200/2008+03+17+03+Jerry+%26+Diane+at+Casa+Grande+Ruins.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii08vqFH7syUe2TUEU5VEGiugqL51qOvPncGji9X5bqIxBYvaFkC5jaPJn1zTr1h2ya_VelqrLjaOe6h84a_dZs3y66_418us13r4qjKfwSDf8zJ7hLo1yTgq1XfSoCoR-JeW9FGX43LBZ/s1600-h/2008+03+17+08+Casa+Grande+Ruins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183360934330248898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii08vqFH7syUe2TUEU5VEGiugqL51qOvPncGji9X5bqIxBYvaFkC5jaPJn1zTr1h2ya_VelqrLjaOe6h84a_dZs3y66_418us13r4qjKfwSDf8zJ7hLo1yTgq1XfSoCoR-JeW9FGX43LBZ/s200/2008+03+17+08+Casa+Grande+Ruins.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Flower at Casa Grande Ruins Monument</span></em>
<br />
<br />We enjoyed a supper of barbecued steak burgers with bacon wrapped around the outside(like a filet mignon), baked potatoes, asparagus, salad, rolls and apple streusel pie and ice cream, with some Mexican beer to go with it. Jerry kept an eye on the barbecue, as I was forced to cook the entire package of twelve pieces of meat; it wouldn’t fit in my freezer, so I will have leftovers to enjoy.
<br />
<br />As I am moving on in a few days, this was our last time together, at least for now. With luck, I may catch up with them again when I pass through Winnipeg, if they are not at their cottage. They too are homeless now, and will be staying with their daughter Lisa and granddaughter Micayla. We said our goodbyes, and they made their way back to Mesa.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br />Somehow my RV has become a disarray of stuff that I have accumulated along the way, so I spent the morning sorting things out and throwing out brochures, etc. that I no longer need, and re-packing.
<br />
<br />On my walk with Ripley, I noticed that the plants in the gardens of the residents are beginning to bloom. There are now beautiful yellow and orange daisies and the cactus are blooming in red flowers.
<br />
<br />Penny swung by to collect me, Faye and Karen for our wire wrapping lesson in Casa Grande. Nina lives in the Fiesta Grande RV Resort and teaches jewelry making. I found the wire wrapping with a stone that does not have a hole drilled to be very difficult, and probably won’t do much of it in future, but I’m glad that I know how to do it. Nina very graciously charged us only $5 each, including the materials and a chain for the pendant we made.
<br />
<br />Of course we couldn’t leave Casa Grande without stopping at a few stores, including a bead store and Michael’s where we all indulged ourselves. Penny took us to a 99 cents store that had a huge array of articles that I discovered I needed.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008
<br />
<br /></span></em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">ANOTHER DISASTER!
<br />
<br /></span></strong>Around midnight, my fridge began to click on and off, on and off, even when I switched it from electricity to propane. This is my new expensive refrigerator that I had installed in November! In desperation, I packed up all my frozen food, went over and woke up Hoppy and Georgia. Fortunately, the freezer at the site where Georgia’s mother rents was empty, and Hoppy helped me to stack my stuff in there, and gave me his cooler to put my stuff in from the fridge. This is terribly upsetting.
<br />
<br />By morning the refrigerator was not operating at all. Hoppy had a look and checked the electrical current going to the refrigerator, but couldn’t determine the cause of the failure. Norris RV is the local repair place in Casa Grande, but they can’t see me before Monday. So, my stay at Indian Skies will be slightly longer than planned. I was going to leave tomorrow.
<br />
<br />To make matters worse, I tried starting the RV and the battery is dead! Hoppy put his trickle charger on it.
<br />
<br />Penny very kindly took me over to the grocery store and to Wal Mart, so that I could get a few things that I didn’t get the other day. She had asked her husband Doug to come have a quick look at my RV before they headed off to the Ikea store in Phoenix. He checked both batteries, and noted that they were both dead. He moved the trickle charger over to the coach battery, and he’ll come back tomorrow and have another look. He feels that the problem with the fridge may be the dead battery.
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SUNSET FAREWELL JAM</span></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpE6ahlKjS8_LhwU_i5LgEIVBjYvqQsy-xhbZ1X2bPNDyO9JFwnxuJtIqpOT3M3-3NAvxLvgYhYILwnLKhsWjwIR0cZnq3jaVmuQHjkewxik91G3rywflKBgeUTzHCO01dKNAi7I19Ojq/s1600-h/2008+03+19+07+Wanda.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183361449726324466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpE6ahlKjS8_LhwU_i5LgEIVBjYvqQsy-xhbZ1X2bPNDyO9JFwnxuJtIqpOT3M3-3NAvxLvgYhYILwnLKhsWjwIR0cZnq3jaVmuQHjkewxik91G3rywflKBgeUTzHCO01dKNAi7I19Ojq/s200/2008+03+19+07+Wanda.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Wanda</span></em>
<br />
<br />
<br />Many of the residents are packing up and leaving to return to their summer homes, and Wanda and Ron have organized a sunset farewell jam session at their rig, near the back of the park. With the help of Georgia and Hoppy, they set up a tent and tables to hold the huge amount of food that everyone contributed. I made oatmeal raisin cookies, and I have to admit they were pretty good!
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8H1I9c7Ed6KF5t_a4UGDc4wyTJ8nrCE5kFbV3rU7qKAyaqJKb_1NgYg5og5xWS7aRLfmnlw9rswI0XsPHh5qYcLzBVGnHSbpT3QaY2RLqpYgpVoWXMr9oIdS6dbFEp0EOtpDN2oPAzk9/s1600-h/2008+03+19+04+Hoppy+%26+Georgia+Hopfauf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183361282222599906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8H1I9c7Ed6KF5t_a4UGDc4wyTJ8nrCE5kFbV3rU7qKAyaqJKb_1NgYg5og5xWS7aRLfmnlw9rswI0XsPHh5qYcLzBVGnHSbpT3QaY2RLqpYgpVoWXMr9oIdS6dbFEp0EOtpDN2oPAzk9/s200/2008+03+19+04+Hoppy+%26+Georgia+Hopfauf.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Hoppy and Georgia</span></em>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ron and five other residents sang songs while we sat in our lawn chairs, enjoying the feast and chatting with our friends, while the sun slowly made another spectacular setting in the west. A good time with good friends.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCHadsbyXF0AKtiF74q5xa8nfkF_5jg-PaDxGIP5ydldfxEMpAn_9yeO178QgDe_mVuYDZ1saRdK66T54az5pXPeC_OYO1beAiBUz-eGKzS6T4nKQrpGKCIsIb1UTDJ-3yksAGJUkVgEi/s1600-h/2008+03+19+01+Sunset+farewell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183361097539006162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCHadsbyXF0AKtiF74q5xa8nfkF_5jg-PaDxGIP5ydldfxEMpAn_9yeO178QgDe_mVuYDZ1saRdK66T54az5pXPeC_OYO1beAiBUz-eGKzS6T4nKQrpGKCIsIb1UTDJ-3yksAGJUkVgEi/s200/2008+03+19+01+Sunset+farewell.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCHadsbyXF0AKtiF74q5xa8nfkF_5jg-PaDxGIP5ydldfxEMpAn_9yeO178QgDe_mVuYDZ1saRdK66T54az5pXPeC_OYO1beAiBUz-eGKzS6T4nKQrpGKCIsIb1UTDJ-3yksAGJUkVgEi/s1600-h/2008+03+19+01+Sunset+farewell.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008- THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING</span></em></strong>
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">GETTING MY RIG FIXED</span></strong>
<br />
<br />After having the trickle charger on overnight, I started the RV and noted that the refrigerator was now working! I was very relieved to see that. I had planned to take Philippa over to The Tire Factory for an oil change anyway, so I headed over there (it’s only five minutes down the road from Indian Skies), where Loren good-naturedly agreed not only to do the oil change, but also to check the battery and muffler as well, even without an appointment. He has quite a crew of mechanics, and two large garages to handle all the work that he gets. Ripley and I settled down in the waiting area while he checked things out, and soon came back to report that I needed a new coach battery and a new muffler, and oh yes, a new tire. The inside rear tire had a bulge (it is the only one that hasn’t been replaced yet). He likes to joke, and when I asked him what the price would be, he responded, “oh, in the thousands”.
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">TOO NICE A DAY TO SPEND INSIDE A GARAGE</span></strong>
<br />
<br />What I had originally thought would be an hour or two of work turned out to be an all-day job with all the extras. I could have returned to Indian Skies, which was within walking distance, but I had nowhere to go once I got there. Dogs are not allowed in the buildings, so I opted to spend the time alternating between walking Ripley up the side road and sitting in the garage waiting room. The time continued to go by, and soon it was 5:00 p.m. But, what else could I do? During this time, I had an opportunity to observe Loren and Jeremy and how they treated their customers. They were always courteous and helpful, even to those who couldn’t pay right away. They worked out terms for these individuals and never questioned whether they would get paid or not.
<br />
<br />When it came time for me to pay, I nervously approached the counter, and was surprised to see that the bill was only $506 for all the work that had been done. I mentioned this to Loren, and he said that he had too often seen women being taken for a ride by mechanics, and had decided that he would treat them as though they were a member of his family. What a nice sentiment! I thanked him for his time and effort, and Ripley and I went on our way, stopping for a propane fill-up (it’s cheaper than the delivery truck within the park).
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">GOOD NEIGHBOURS
<br /></span></strong>
<br />When I returned to my spot, Hoppy came over to see what had happened to me. He and Georgia were quite concerned when I didn’t return sooner and were relieved to hear that my problems had been solved. They very kindly invited me to join them for a spaghetti dinner, and I was grateful that I didn’t have to prepare my own meal. I felt completely exhausted and crashed soon after I returned to my rig after dinner.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2008 – GOOD FRIDAY</span></em></strong>
<br />
<br />I missed the donuts and coffee hour, opting to sleep in a little longer this morning.
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">CRAFT CLASS AGAIN
<br /></span></strong>
<br />However, I was up in time to take Ripley for her walk before the 10:00 craft class began. Today, we made a ceramic candle holder. I chose to use the traditional Indian design that was used on our model that Penny had made. Again, she spent a lot of her own time during the week preparing the greenware that we used, by drilling holes.
<br />
<br />We began by painting a base coat, then stenciling on our chosen design, which we then painted. After spraying, we added decorations of leather and beads on the rim. Wanda and her mother Dayeko, Georgia and Hoppy, Lorraine, Hazel and Faye also took the class, and we all really admired Wanda’s creation. She truly has a talent and her finished product could easily have sold for $50 or more.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FymmRzyQD5wv-J629jlufKC3xkgnZAsHn4DEsH17bwnm9xBj38x0NJjGHAAx7oIjFeNc66hwc9tFMsGpd9VWUSKRIMRlR8pRKnpY64zY8BYo-I34Non2n6aRr2CyiSn7VyeeycG0RAqw/s1600-h/2008+03+21+04+My+Craft+Project.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183361655884754690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FymmRzyQD5wv-J629jlufKC3xkgnZAsHn4DEsH17bwnm9xBj38x0NJjGHAAx7oIjFeNc66hwc9tFMsGpd9VWUSKRIMRlR8pRKnpY64zY8BYo-I34Non2n6aRr2CyiSn7VyeeycG0RAqw/s200/2008+03+21+04+My+Craft+Project.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">My effort</span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em>
<br />Wanda’s elderly mother unfortunately has contracted shingles, a terribly painful byproduct of chicken pox. Dayeko had open sores on a large part of the buttocks and legs. I felt so sorry for her, but she is a stoic woman who did not complain.
<br />
<br />Lorraine is preparing to leave and offered me a pot roast that they were going to throw away. It will be great in my slow cooker.
<br />
<br />Now that my bike has been fixed, I donned my helmet and took Ripley for a run to Shope’s, the local grocery store. Of course, dogs are not allowed inside the grocery store, so I tied her next to my bike. As I was cashing out my few purchases, one of the staff members walked by with Ripley. It seems that she had got herself loose and had entered the store, looking for me! Fortunately, they were good-natured about it, so we got out of there quickly, and returned to Indian Skies, stopping to visit with Steve and Anna. Ripley really likes both of them and wiggles her whole rear end in greeting every time she sees them.
<br />
<br />There is a full moon tonight, and I enjoyed another great show of twinkling stars as I relaxed in the hot tub later.
<br />
<br />Since there will be a lot of traffic on the road over the Easter holidays, I have decided to wait until Monday before I head west to California. I was quite surprised to learn that Good Friday is not considered as a holiday in the U.S.A. and that even the banks were open today. And Easter Monday is also not a holiday.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2008
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br />For some reason, I had a bout of insomnia again and didn’t get to sleep until about 4:00 a.m. Perhaps I am feeling a little anxious over my recent mechanical crisis, plus a touch of sadness in saying farewell to my new friends here.
<br />
<br />I got the pot roast underway by marinating and braising it first, and then adding it to the slow cooker along with potatoes, carrots, corn and a can of mushroom soup and chicken stock ( I didn’t have any beef stock), to let it simmer away all day. I had hoped to reciprocate with an invitation to Georgia and Hoppy, but they already have an invitation for dinner tonight, so I took the opportunity to invite my other neighbour Sheri to join me. As she works long hours at Safeway, she seemed grateful for the invitation. However, she doesn’t get home until about 8:15 p.m, so it was a late dinner.
<br />
<br />In the meantime, I continued sorting out all my stuff, and re-packing everything – a big job, as it turned out.
<br />
<br />The World Figure Skating Championships have been happening in Sweden this past week, but I don’t have cable TV to watch, so I checked out what I could online, and found a site that showed the performances of the winners. I was delighted to see that Jeffrey Buttle, a Canadian whom I have long admired, won the gold medal in the men’s division. He is a true overall skater, combining both the difficulty as well as the artistic ability which many of the top men seem to lack. They are only jumping machines, and even though Buttle doesn’t do a quad, he makes up for it with his smooth, effortless skating. He is the first Canadian man to win the gold since Elvis Stojko did back in the early 90’s.
<br />
<br />Our Canadian team did very well in the other categories as well. The pairs won bronze and the ice dance couple won a silver medal. Way to go!
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">DINNER WITH SHERI
<br /></span></strong>
<br />Sheri arrived around 8:45, and we sat down to a salad, hot buns and the pot roast, along with a beer. I’m drinking a lot more beer down here than I usually do, but it seems to go down very well in the hot, dry weather.
<br />
<br />Sheri is an air force brat, who has moved around a lot in her life, but who lived in Alaska for several years. Her two adult sons still remain there, and she will probably be returning there in the near future, as it looks as though Safeway will be transferring her there, at her request. It was good to get to know her a bit more, and we exchanged email addresses to keep in touch.
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008 – EASTER SUNDAY
<br /></span></em></strong>
<br />I took Ripley for a long bike ride in the early morning while it was still cool. In total, I guess we went about two miles, going around the entire block and into the vacant subdivision where we had previously gone in the car. Ripley enjoyed her usual game of soccer ball, but I kept it relatively short, as we still had to go all the way back home. I was disappointed not to see the burrowing owl. It may still be there and just out hunting, but most owls hunt at night. I’m not sure about this particular species.
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>EASTER LUNCH</strong></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>
<br />Back home we went, and I prepared my contribution for the Easter lunch. I decided to do red beans and rice (easy because it comes in a package) as something different. We each contributed $1.00 to the ham that was cooked by Bob.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDNg1Z9lpvaVNExPEDxtFlSIu8JQbWVgi0SKqG3nb3bj-ZlYOZSj0wUda9p8cqqLEH3A_DY9WtBkP9x6bxIyTeZDCz2VbJho2KsRGPnYurRzvhMuAJv5hMnog_xfrXsQ5-qCo2PxloXEH/s1600-h/2008+03+23+03+Easter+lunch+table.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183363554260299538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDNg1Z9lpvaVNExPEDxtFlSIu8JQbWVgi0SKqG3nb3bj-ZlYOZSj0wUda9p8cqqLEH3A_DY9WtBkP9x6bxIyTeZDCz2VbJho2KsRGPnYurRzvhMuAJv5hMnog_xfrXsQ5-qCo2PxloXEH/s200/2008+03+23+03+Easter+lunch+table.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The volunteers had decorated the tables with colourful Easter eggs and crosses, and we said a prayer before sitting down. In all, there were three long tables, each of which had its own buffet service of the contributed dishes. There was plenty to go around, and the dessert table was overflowing with goodies. I sat with Bob and Karen from Tillsonburg, Ontario on one side, and Osa and Sandra from North Bay and Callander respectively, on my other side.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">ICE CREAM SOCIAL</span></strong></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><div>
<br /></strong></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5LgIc6HxDiobwdtlgNSh882TdJNIaPdUfYMJXJ1vsZbl1jQV0OLCa6U5ofRv8kc4A_H10FDCE1A6AzgvNkbjUds3mdNVx-e6RAMPAE6y60DOPkNgArUO_w8GeW-mfmxprVfqvDcfjAU/s1600-h/2008+03+23+09+Ice+Cream+social.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183363781893566242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5LgIc6HxDiobwdtlgNSh882TdJNIaPdUfYMJXJ1vsZbl1jQV0OLCa6U5ofRv8kc4A_H10FDCE1A6AzgvNkbjUds3mdNVx-e6RAMPAE6y60DOPkNgArUO_w8GeW-mfmxprVfqvDcfjAU/s200/2008+03+23+09+Ice+Cream+social.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Later, I went to the ice cream social, where Klara surprised me by getting up in front of everyone and reading excerpts from my blog, about some of the people whom I’ve met here. Good thing I only said nice things!! Klara suggested that I should write a book, and I have to confess that it has been in my thoughts. A few people came up afterward, and asked me for the blog address, so I guess there will be more people who will be reading about my adventures.
<br />
<br />When I took Ripley out for her evening walk, I noticed that all the oleander plants are beginning to bud. It will be a spectacular sight of white flowers when they bloom, and their scent is wonderful. Unfortunately, the plant is quite poisonous too!
<br />
<br />I’ve traveled just over 16,000 kms (about 9,600 miles) up to this point, and I’m grateful for all the help that I’ve had along the way, and all the new friends that I have made. I’m sure that there will be several more before I get back to Ontario.
<br />
<br />I had one last swim, one last session in the hot tub.
<br />
<br />In the meantime, I gave bottles of wine to the three couples who have helped me the most – Georgia and Hoppy, Anna and Steve, Penny and Doug, as a small thank you, and said my farewells. I do hope that we keep in touch. Here are a few shots from Indian Skies.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AKO3ll5eEMn0Iw484gxwc94Beu_Ovt01ugAxmUH7jB6lR1Tpv6ykKsnSn4bRddmYOvz234AojgnhrB4Cl17eev0C3quWb2bQwm46smiJBghKZWjh3FOsoE-lWSeokWkx7La7TiLL_W93/s1600-h/2008+03+24+06+Cactus+blooming.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183364353124216658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AKO3ll5eEMn0Iw484gxwc94Beu_Ovt01ugAxmUH7jB6lR1Tpv6ykKsnSn4bRddmYOvz234AojgnhrB4Cl17eev0C3quWb2bQwm46smiJBghKZWjh3FOsoE-lWSeokWkx7La7TiLL_W93/s200/2008+03+24+06+Cactus+blooming.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /></div></strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Blooming cactus</span></em>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2C3vaSFaRjkxXGu2LUwj1Mjm-NGlC3LnZ7C2GKL4Jbgvegw5N7eoJvd858PqwUBZVSiEVeWiKvz_dLe7HbtUSEF_5IboQqzq3RERBywnkbBRcvvQqckD93S8j3F8QQuVedYC5mWtJ80K/s1600-h/2008+03+24+04+Cactus+Wren+Nest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183364172735590210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2C3vaSFaRjkxXGu2LUwj1Mjm-NGlC3LnZ7C2GKL4Jbgvegw5N7eoJvd858PqwUBZVSiEVeWiKvz_dLe7HbtUSEF_5IboQqzq3RERBywnkbBRcvvQqckD93S8j3F8QQuVedYC5mWtJ80K/s200/2008+03+24+04+Cactus+Wren+Nest.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Cactus wren nest</span></em>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3F11rKZfbICQMaJUzvi5rF1_Z2GE4AkZkmj4KFMhF3SWOE3ATZYNmZE7Ow1IxFPz0HjLILBg27-0iT9lTqVVeQ85DyueXl33CqUv5jj5wq2PF1wByUx7vLjW1VYdIkCADpQpkvQ-w_2H/s1600-h/2008+03+24+07+Pool+area.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3F11rKZfbICQMaJUzvi5rF1_Z2GE4AkZkmj4KFMhF3SWOE3ATZYNmZE7Ow1IxFPz0HjLILBg27-0iT9lTqVVeQ85DyueXl33CqUv5jj5wq2PF1wByUx7vLjW1VYdIkCADpQpkvQ-w_2H/s1600-h/2008+03+24+07+Pool+area.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183363975167094578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3F11rKZfbICQMaJUzvi5rF1_Z2GE4AkZkmj4KFMhF3SWOE3ATZYNmZE7Ow1IxFPz0HjLILBg27-0iT9lTqVVeQ85DyueXl33CqUv5jj5wq2PF1wByUx7vLjW1VYdIkCADpQpkvQ-w_2H/s200/2008+03+24+07+Pool+area.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3F11rKZfbICQMaJUzvi5rF1_Z2GE4AkZkmj4KFMhF3SWOE3ATZYNmZE7Ow1IxFPz0HjLILBg27-0iT9lTqVVeQ85DyueXl33CqUv5jj5wq2PF1wByUx7vLjW1VYdIkCADpQpkvQ-w_2H/s1600-h/2008+03+24+07+Pool+area.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Pool area</span></em>
<br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></strong><strong></strong>
<br />Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-9314434205757743782008-03-16T12:40:00.000-07:002008-03-27T16:50:08.280-07:00EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHT - ARIZONA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xX5Ak5i0a1mk2c4gExxvghcWemE9sTeAU7vmw-GMm_ZYiDhLuRxJqP9CsQ3PjXX5MFoxJUIXeotqFBxjKlJkOyrPD6ExOJmvSJ58xctN-Z7_zbbpOa0JIr5t4ajXKEFyNOEgPxks36i6/s1600-h/2008+03+15+02+My+first+necklace.jpg"></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHT – ARIZONA<br />MARCH 3 - 12, 2008<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">MONDAY MARCH 3, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Georgia asked me to look after their dog Shaggy tomorrow, but I had planned to go to the Grand Canyon tomorrow. It’s too bad, as I would like to have reciprocated since they have looked after Ripley.<br /><br />I took my bike out, along with Ripley running alongside to explore some of the neighbourhood around Indian Skies. She eagerly ran along beside the bike.<br /><br />I spent part of the remainder of the day preparing for my trip tomorrow, packing some clothes and food for Ripley and me. I had originally thought about traveling northward in the RV, but decided that it would be easier and probably less expensive to drive the rental car up and stay in a motel. Gas has again gone up in price, and is now a serious factor in determining my travel plans. The roads north climb considerably in elevation, making it easier in a car than in my RV.<br /><br />While doing these chores, I listened to a concert on the radio of the New York Philharmonic’s first visit to North Korea, a groundbreaking event in relations with this country.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">MONTEZUMA CASTLE<br /></span></strong><br />I was up at 7:00 a.m. and on the road by 8:30, after stopping to fill air in a soft tire. We passed a number of signs leading to Indian-run casinos along the way.<br /><br />Ripley and I headed north on I-10, moving on to Highway 17 at Phoenix, and stopping to visit Montezuma Castle, another cliff dwelling site. The people here were referred to as Sinagua (Spanish for without water). The National Park Service again had an informative brochure, and there was a volunteer guide at the site. I was allowed to take Ripley with me, as this is a cliff dwelling that visitors do not enter, so I paid the $5 entry fee and went on in. If I were a US citizen, I could have bought a Seniors pass that would have allowed me access to any national park or monument throughout the entire US. The main portion of the cliff dwelling is halfway up a cliff, so it is viewed from the path below.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-X6fwRYpqniSp5KfgaSkOsxWiHVkEaY4FPZ4tg_lwUFS-IW1ATSbkDZA06F17KgV-48fFfsJZwCO7nZZ04sD0D5PRx41NPW4VPvNfIh1lbpca2_j0HxzG_QLTW38JAkMiFrm3tePbOzS/s1600-h/2008+03+04+02+Montezuma+Castle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182561859959794914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-X6fwRYpqniSp5KfgaSkOsxWiHVkEaY4FPZ4tg_lwUFS-IW1ATSbkDZA06F17KgV-48fFfsJZwCO7nZZ04sD0D5PRx41NPW4VPvNfIh1lbpca2_j0HxzG_QLTW38JAkMiFrm3tePbOzS/s200/2008+03+04+02+Montezuma+Castle.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The name Montezuma Castle came from the mistaken belief that it had been settled by Montezuma who was thought to have traveled up from the Aztec region of Mexico. But the reality is that the area was first settled in prehistoric times, and the cliff dwellings were made in the 1100’s CE (Common Era) by farmers known by archaeologists by the name Sinagua. Like all the other early tribes in this region, there was no written language to leave any information behind, and all that is known about them has been pieced together by the artifacts that remained.<br /><br />The name Sinagua is rather curious, as there is still a swift-flowing river below the cliff dwellings, and must have provided the ancient farmers with a good source of water. They were primarily farmers, but also hunted and gathered resources from the desert. Apparently, they also mined salt nearby as well. These particular peoples had stone tools as well as the ubiquitous metates, and they created woven garments of cotton (grown locally) as well as fine jewelry and undecorated pottery.<br /><br />The cliff dwellings halfway up the cliff have survived well over the years and have been restored, but the Castle A at the base has deteriorated badly, and only portions of the once six-story apartment-like structure have survived.<br /><br />I forgot to make a note on the type of tree found in the area, but they provided great shade, and had an interesting bark. Ripley and I took a walk along the river trail, passing by a picnic area before heading back to the parking lot.<br /><br />Montezuma’s Well (a large round lake) is about twenty miles away, but I decided to continue northward instead of detouring.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">OAK CREEK CANYON ROUTE<br /></span></strong><br />I had recalled from my last trip to Arizona some twenty years ago that Highway 179 through Oak Creek Canyon was beautiful, and I opted to take this detour. I certainly didn’t regret it, as the area is surrounded by remarkable red-coloured peaks of various shapes and sizes.<br /><br />I stopped at the Visitor Center in Oak Creek around noon to purchase a hiking pass for $5. This entitled me to park the car at various designated spots along the way.<br /><br />Since I was getting hungry and didn’t feel like eating the food I had brought along, I pulled into the Full Moon Saloon, sat at an outside table with Ripley, where the friendly server brought me a grilled chicken sandwich to share with Ripley, potato salad and a Dr. Pepper for $8.75,. A few of the patrons came by to pet her, as usually happens when we stop in a public area. She really attracts a lot of interest everywhere I go.<br /><br />I also found out at the Visitor Center that Red Rock State Park, my planned destination, did not allow dogs. So, I chose to remain in the town of Oak Creek and, thanks to information provided at the Visitor Center, checked into a room at the Village Lodge for $49. It was clean and comfortable offering a basic room which was all I really needed.<br /><br />It was still early afternoon as we got back into the car and headed to nearby Bell Rock for a 3-mile hike around the base of this natural beauty, passing through desert as we went. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QDkHdU-jUGbmbtLbj8Y0bppJ4va1vXSz4EjnW47zybwr4zk8eNM-aHi4kxBipObDRHKnUQet5AUYLh2fOCzAFsInQtqScsYTNJ2wuoRYwpKIOuvOYm4F9oliMTj4Qe1dXhA1iihOsKyl/s1600-h/2008+03+04+44+Chewed+cactus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562903636847970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QDkHdU-jUGbmbtLbj8Y0bppJ4va1vXSz4EjnW47zybwr4zk8eNM-aHi4kxBipObDRHKnUQet5AUYLh2fOCzAFsInQtqScsYTNJ2wuoRYwpKIOuvOYm4F9oliMTj4Qe1dXhA1iihOsKyl/s200/2008+03+04+44+Chewed+cactus.jpg" border="0" /></a>I stopped </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Cactus chewed probably by a javelina</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bw8VC0XwmeO9G5tov16OaTDZimB40anomVlsgg6IBhAz1W6qoIyi3UnS8jWSRa_G-4Gk8vbGCQDWX-5osMTseb4Fq2aLWAeL2UpDLeZ95-kAsbiznDOKPpx1mr-MJdl-wGx5vDrAtgbw/s1600-h/2008+03+04+43+Closeup+of+Bell+Rock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562143427636482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bw8VC0XwmeO9G5tov16OaTDZimB40anomVlsgg6IBhAz1W6qoIyi3UnS8jWSRa_G-4Gk8vbGCQDWX-5osMTseb4Fq2aLWAeL2UpDLeZ95-kAsbiznDOKPpx1mr-MJdl-wGx5vDrAtgbw/s200/2008+03+04+43+Closeup+of+Bell+Rock.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Bell Rock</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>to offer Ripley water, as the day was quite hot and she gratefully drank it from my cupped hand. We wandered through dry river bottoms, up little inclines, around trees and cactus until we returned to the entrance where an enterprising man was selling cold drinks, hats and t-shirts. I found one with a snake on it for the young son of a friend, as a souvenir. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563586536648114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4JYJUiES8bEeMyXNyPAlHH55z-Vpx80POSE5u0dCpaDbaEiQ7pcuJNWNLGziPacpjDrzg3DipYt-4MUFWQoNSrIutKP7VSgFwZL-zL-ic1IprHgfQHjvHz1T1jFFrevmNOt_rSso84UM/s320/2008+03+04+51+T-shirt+salesman.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">SEDONA<br /></span></strong><br />I was now at an elevation level of 4,000‘, having climbed 2,000’ from my park in Coolidge. As Sedona is touted as “the prettiest town in the world”, I wanted to see how much it had changed in the past twenty years. It is only a short drive from Oak Creek, but Ripley fell asleep almost as soon as we got back into the air conditioned car, having become exhausted from our hike.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvRJ4KQ7BdTrhrN70uL2wnAuD2kWG6J3sPJW5Y1tsBZ25SBoltBEJXQwa9h9QkNVbgi7gyx0khrex-HwcKvTRXM6f0YimhpVe6zkz4PnQIfGLBtxw66fFW2ke9bUJb8ARgswUHwy7N-Qg/s1600-h/2008+03+04+67+Art+Gallery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562547154562354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvRJ4KQ7BdTrhrN70uL2wnAuD2kWG6J3sPJW5Y1tsBZ25SBoltBEJXQwa9h9QkNVbgi7gyx0khrex-HwcKvTRXM6f0YimhpVe6zkz4PnQIfGLBtxw66fFW2ke9bUJb8ARgswUHwy7N-Qg/s200/2008+03+04+67+Art+Gallery.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvRJ4KQ7BdTrhrN70uL2wnAuD2kWG6J3sPJW5Y1tsBZ25SBoltBEJXQwa9h9QkNVbgi7gyx0khrex-HwcKvTRXM6f0YimhpVe6zkz4PnQIfGLBtxw66fFW2ke9bUJb8ARgswUHwy7N-Qg/s1600-h/2008+03+04+67+Art+Gallery.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Sedona Art Gallery</span></em></div><div> </div><div>Sedona, like every other town and city, has increased in size considerably over the years, and is now a tourist mecca, with high-priced hotels, lots of restaurants and fast food places, art galleries, souvenir stores, etc. and as a result, I think it has lost a lot of its original charm of an artists’ colony that I recall. Nevertheless, the architecture is uniformly southwest – even McDonalds (I surmise because of a city ordinance) and is not garish as a result. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFzzQX8mRFuKB4hzEsAK9SmKLLVrGEE5utKBAq8jls1XJMCt3dhCH6QNr67AjoHvMfAp4smLWmnwRlEfpUr5dtwlPDZSQXXjj_Xkg7yyI9PF4deODHTMMHW6oGbVMICRPB2bUMhbPWzIS/s1600-h/2008+03+04+63+Best+Sedona+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562422600510754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFzzQX8mRFuKB4hzEsAK9SmKLLVrGEE5utKBAq8jls1XJMCt3dhCH6QNr67AjoHvMfAp4smLWmnwRlEfpUr5dtwlPDZSQXXjj_Xkg7yyI9PF4deODHTMMHW6oGbVMICRPB2bUMhbPWzIS/s320/2008+03+04+63+Best+Sedona+view.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div>At the far end of Sedona is the Red Rock Loop, allowing me to park at the designated spots on my permit to take photos of the scenic rocks with their unique red colour. I wound around the road for many miles, taking in the scenery, and then turned around to return to Sedona where I arrived just before The Bead Garden closed. There were many beautiful stones, and I chose a few for my newly-developed interest in making jewelry. I can’t wait to get started!<br /><br />Cathedral Rock could be viewed in the distance, and on the way back I drove there so that we could hike up part way, as dusk settled in. This trail took us gently up partway, and if there had been more time, Ripley and I could have climbed halfway up the rock. I saw others up there, but both of us were tired by this time, and I chose to turn around near the base. Ripley seemed quite happy for this decision.<br /><br />I didn’t feel like preparing any food and opted to stop at a local KFC which I shared with Ripley on our way back to the Village Lodge where I enjoyed cable TV for a change.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Across the street from the motel is the Blue Moon Café, advertising breakfast. I couldn’t resist ordering a waffle with real strawberries and whipped cream. So much for economizing by bringing my own food along! I felt like it was very much a small-town type of café with a friendly waitress and bottomless cup of coffee, and left her a good tip.<br /><br />The Ace Hardware next door had a cheap tire gauge, and I decided to get one so that I could keep an eye on the tire pressure on the car. I was concerned that the soft tire yesterday was a slow leak, but it seemed to be holding its pressure.<br /><br />We continued up the road past Sedona and through Oak Creek Canyon, as we climbed to 6,000’. It was at this height that I saw snow on the peaks and in the shaded areas of the hills.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPHDPTBfY4x8Phbcn3_D6oQkgZUp22gkJrpJScPSRQQpLjMWlhHG9s9rESAc4yPncrHG1M_zoQgS170GY8yViBhiKyaTU7pQOlSuQsUzz-FOpEwRlQlzOtwlCjUrGeHb9waAVS9KtZ4vo/s1600-h/2008+03+05+06+Oak+Creek+Canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562791967698258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPHDPTBfY4x8Phbcn3_D6oQkgZUp22gkJrpJScPSRQQpLjMWlhHG9s9rESAc4yPncrHG1M_zoQgS170GY8yViBhiKyaTU7pQOlSuQsUzz-FOpEwRlQlzOtwlCjUrGeHb9waAVS9KtZ4vo/s200/2008+03+05+06+Oak+Creek+Canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPHDPTBfY4x8Phbcn3_D6oQkgZUp22gkJrpJScPSRQQpLjMWlhHG9s9rESAc4yPncrHG1M_zoQgS170GY8yViBhiKyaTU7pQOlSuQsUzz-FOpEwRlQlzOtwlCjUrGeHb9waAVS9KtZ4vo/s1600-h/2008+03+05+06+Oak+Creek+Canyon.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Continuing on through Williams, I lost track of my speed and was pulled over by a highway patrolman, going eight miles over the 75 MPH speed limit. Fortunately for me, he only gave me a warning instead of a ticket! However, he approached the car on the passenger side and Ripley nearly took his arm off!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb5MJcN2zzk9zTjTp-73oZdCjnschQnI03XCr9vOw-1e2lnYbrI2G7yB0lKLwbXsJnOZKEyL4psma2SKP8VvtEYNBBaeqEZ4suTHR2DChgFoEzyH86wXdcmDsQT4gakimqx6NTXoV2bsb/s1600-h/2008+03+04+24+Good+Road+on+way+to+Sedona.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182561984513846514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb5MJcN2zzk9zTjTp-73oZdCjnschQnI03XCr9vOw-1e2lnYbrI2G7yB0lKLwbXsJnOZKEyL4psma2SKP8VvtEYNBBaeqEZ4suTHR2DChgFoEzyH86wXdcmDsQT4gakimqx6NTXoV2bsb/s200/2008+03+04+24+Good+Road+on+way+to+Sedona.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Williams retains parts of the old now-defunct Route 66, but I decided to press on, as we still had a long way to get to the Grand Canyon. I headed north on Highway 64 and was surprised to see that most of the scenery was meadow, with larger trees and grass, with cattle grazing. The temperature outside was getting increasingly cooler as we continued to climb slowly in elevation to over 7,000’, so that by the time we reached the Visitor Center at the Grand Canyon, it was around 42 degrees F. The fee to enter the park is $25, with no seniors discount.<br /><br />By this time it was around 1:00 p.m. I stopped to check out the souvenirs and to consider watching the IMAX movie, but decided to continue on, in light of the time.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">GRAND CANYON<br /></span></strong><br />I had considered taking a mule ride to the bottom of the Canyon, but changed my mind when I learned the price was over $100. Instead, Ripley and I walked along the rim of the Grand Canyon, stopping at various points to admire the incredible sight of this huge natural wonder. I was very glad to be wearing my ski hat and winter gloves and leather jacket, because it really was chilly. I felt sorry for those tourists who arrived in shorts!<br /><br />The Grand Canyon was begun to be carved out around 2,000,000,000 (that’s billion) years ago, with ongoing shaping continuing into the last Ice Age 12,000 years ago. The Colorado River flows through the base of the canyon, and there are rafting trips available for those who wish to have that adventure. Naturally, all these extras (rafting, helicopter trips, airplane trips, etc. etc.) cost a great deal of money, and are not in my budget, as nice as it would be to take them.<br /><br />There is nothing that I can’t say about the Grand Canyon that hasn’t been said before. It is an incredible sight and is a quite overwhelming sensory experience.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrsHFew1OZatv8ODsOkUg6b5d-9Zvkve2Q_fNeyYiKhp4Fx8TDHX0ldbWGuE3C6iUmHw_lEFj7SnhjIQxtw_dmsO0MjRxVqh0HU6SSeS07IjVFZLJsMD-asWqJScDMkAg9dm3hIIX4a0/s1600-h/2008+03+05+19+Good+Grand+Canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563148449983874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrsHFew1OZatv8ODsOkUg6b5d-9Zvkve2Q_fNeyYiKhp4Fx8TDHX0ldbWGuE3C6iUmHw_lEFj7SnhjIQxtw_dmsO0MjRxVqh0HU6SSeS07IjVFZLJsMD-asWqJScDMkAg9dm3hIIX4a0/s320/2008+03+05+19+Good+Grand+Canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrsHFew1OZatv8ODsOkUg6b5d-9Zvkve2Q_fNeyYiKhp4Fx8TDHX0ldbWGuE3C6iUmHw_lEFj7SnhjIQxtw_dmsO0MjRxVqh0HU6SSeS07IjVFZLJsMD-asWqJScDMkAg9dm3hIIX4a0/s1600-h/2008+03+05+19+Good+Grand+Canyon.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrsHFew1OZatv8ODsOkUg6b5d-9Zvkve2Q_fNeyYiKhp4Fx8TDHX0ldbWGuE3C6iUmHw_lEFj7SnhjIQxtw_dmsO0MjRxVqh0HU6SSeS07IjVFZLJsMD-asWqJScDMkAg9dm3hIIX4a0/s1600-h/2008+03+05+19+Good+Grand+Canyon.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPrsHFew1OZatv8ODsOkUg6b5d-9Zvkve2Q_fNeyYiKhp4Fx8TDHX0ldbWGuE3C6iUmHw_lEFj7SnhjIQxtw_dmsO0MjRxVqh0HU6SSeS07IjVFZLJsMD-asWqJScDMkAg9dm3hIIX4a0/s1600-h/2008+03+05+19+Good+Grand+Canyon.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC3_3qRYuYIAIN3ln8fFk-7yERL1DTkidfoWsQyCLluKHZ37k9GamfkJRAj9pF6vEh8b6hrOrM8__Km5AelRmv4jc2XaJSicuAwVXQOnLSYzjP4KhLXd3dYyCIjSvEoRNRepK1glPqIH_/s1600-h/2008+03+05+16+Artsy+Grand+Canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563023895932274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC3_3qRYuYIAIN3ln8fFk-7yERL1DTkidfoWsQyCLluKHZ37k9GamfkJRAj9pF6vEh8b6hrOrM8__Km5AelRmv4jc2XaJSicuAwVXQOnLSYzjP4KhLXd3dYyCIjSvEoRNRepK1glPqIH_/s320/2008+03+05+16+Artsy+Grand+Canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZdBfHtAD2ZMKX4k0MTMvX5iUymSRzOI71veg6NSjFCdOBw656KwgF7JmOY62EE5XxtS9xSr98ePB8JYG-o36DbMGQYSUMOmhyVLHirD8hC7Ekgg7OYyl3QkoD5geG9cby_2gxtx0pQQL/s1600-h/2008+03+04+Marilyn+%26+Ripley+at+Grand+Canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182562680298548546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZdBfHtAD2ZMKX4k0MTMvX5iUymSRzOI71veg6NSjFCdOBw656KwgF7JmOY62EE5XxtS9xSr98ePB8JYG-o36DbMGQYSUMOmhyVLHirD8hC7Ekgg7OYyl3QkoD5geG9cby_2gxtx0pQQL/s200/2008+03+04+Marilyn+%26+Ripley+at+Grand+Canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I had determined that any motel within driving distance of the Grand Canyon was exorbitant, I decided to head to Flagstaff to spend the night. So, after a 1 ½ mile hike on the south rim, I headed towards that city, passing through a part of the Painted Desert on the Navajo Reservation on the way. There were many booths offering native jewelry for sale, but due to the cold temperatures, most were shut down.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>FLAGSTAFF</strong><br /></span></span><br />It took about two hours to get to Flagstaff, and I didn’t want to spend too much time checking out local motels. The Motel 8 offered me a room with a seniors’ discount for $65, but wanted $15 extra for Ripley. I rejected that and went on to the Days Inn where the price was $70 and $20 for Ripley. I protested, and the price became $10. I was pretty exhausted by this time, and chose to stay there – they had a pool and hot tub where I could soak my aching bones, and the price included breakfast. We were given a room on the main floor, just off the lobby, which turned out to be pretty noisy.<br /><br />The nearby gas station and convenience store offered beer, something that I have now become accustomed to. In Ontario you can only buy beer at the beer or liquor stores – and it’s more expensive. For example Corona beer costs $7.99 for a six-pack here, whereas it would cost around $14 in Ontario. After feeding Ripley and myself from my supplies, I took her for a walk around the neighbourhood and we found ourselves on a nearby street that appeared to be a low-income neighbourhood, judging from the sheets on the windows and children’s toys in the driveways. I suppose that I should be concerned about wandering around in the dark in a strange neighbourhood, but I really feel quite safe with Ripley there.<br /><br />I enjoyed the hot tub and cable TV again, and chose one of the two queen-sized beds on which to sleep (along with Ripley).<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />The voices coming from the lobby awoke me, so I took Ripley out for her walk before heading over for breakfast. We were now at an elevation of 6,000’ and the temperature was 32 degrees F.<br /><br />I had anticipated that breakfast would be continental style, but there was a good selection of cold and hot cereals, juice, coffee, donuts, muffins, yogurt, make-your-own waffles and toast, oranges and bananas. I took a banana for the road.<br /><br />It took about four hours to return home, stopping at a rest stop within the Gila River Indian Reservation off I-10. There were several natives selling their jewelry here, but I’ve decided not to buy anything else. Instead, I want to try my hand at making my own. When we got to Casa Grande mid-afternoon, I stopped at Lowe’s to buy a carbon monoxide detector, as a safety precaution and then pressed on to Coolidge, passing by some dairy farms. I was quite amused at a sign on one of the farms that is very near a new housing development. It is a warning to potential homebuyers that “agricultural fragrances, insects, pests and dust are possible”. When I got back to Indian Skies, I crashed, feeling quite exhausted after all the driving.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">DONUTS AND COFFEE<br /><br /></span></strong>I was up early because I had signed up to volunteer to help at the Donuts and Coffee hour. After getting Ripley settled, I headed over at 8:00 a.m. to take in the money. It costs 75 cents for a donut and $1.00 for a muffin – but that includes bottomless cups of coffee as well. The volunteers get theirs free and also a ticket for the door prizes. I was lucky enough to win a bottle of citrus wine!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">CRAFT CLASS<br /><br /></span></strong>At 10:00 a.m. I headed off to another craft class in the rec centre. This day we made spirit dolls and again Penny led the class through the process, encouraging each one of us to use our ingenuity to create our own unique design. Lorraine sat beside me. She is from Chicago, and worked in a lab injecting guinea pigs to test for TB for many years. As a consequence, she has developed a terrible cough, and I really felt sorry for her. <div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvE2DIxWjCBY8BFwx9ebrU3n9ieR4Bd1SUsnUHHenszEPNyxTttlyfEPHbSTvWX1Yw8WKUaGJfApcaI5cloPeESwl-GjzToOJNcsX4QQh9fr-dt-5veTrqEo8GpadLLsKuDEoD0WI478l/s1600-h/2008+03+07+Craft+Class+at+Indian+Skies+RV+Resort,+Coolidge,+Ariz+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563461982596514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvE2DIxWjCBY8BFwx9ebrU3n9ieR4Bd1SUsnUHHenszEPNyxTttlyfEPHbSTvWX1Yw8WKUaGJfApcaI5cloPeESwl-GjzToOJNcsX4QQh9fr-dt-5veTrqEo8GpadLLsKuDEoD0WI478l/s320/2008+03+07+Craft+Class+at+Indian+Skies+RV+Resort,+Coolidge,+Ariz+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>My bursitis started to act up during the class, possibly from holding the steering wheel for such a long period of time over the past few days, and I found it difficult to trace my design. Penny and Faye both helped me and eventually I was able to finish up the painting and design. I incorporated into my design the garbanzo and chickpea beans that the fiddler at the Goldfield Ghost Town had given me. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf87QnBu7yxZODGmC0dkQDAzUfKPktogXJ_8YHRyXsm9QLeyR17xOuT3J5q28Oox3XaLBrBnzsjSN-tDTewCwLliAnMdMTx6qiouoP7WCnUKFGmzP7q3vDqyp6qu4-fVYhMxWo3KpYlhn/s1600-h/2008+03+07+07+M+with+spirit+doll.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563350313446802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf87QnBu7yxZODGmC0dkQDAzUfKPktogXJ_8YHRyXsm9QLeyR17xOuT3J5q28Oox3XaLBrBnzsjSN-tDTewCwLliAnMdMTx6qiouoP7WCnUKFGmzP7q3vDqyp6qu4-fVYhMxWo3KpYlhn/s320/2008+03+07+07+M+with+spirit+doll.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I am quite pleased with my efforts, and it has encouraged me even more to try my hand at different crafts. As it happens, Penny lives in Ontario, so it is possible to seek her out for further help.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">A NOTE TO MY READERS<br /></span></strong><br />I apologize for being so far behind in updating my blog. As you will see, there is so much to do here in Arizona and in particular at Indian Skies, that I am having a hard time finding the necessary time to keep the blog up, and particularly for adding photographs. Just to give you an idea, composing the blog can take several hours, and then I usually edit them before posting them. They each have to be re-formatted after downloading to the blog site. The photographs all have to be downloaded to my computer files, then edited for cropping, brightness and right-side-up. Then I have to take each photo that will be used on the blog to another program to reduce the size. Then, each one has to be downloaded to the blog site. They appear at the top of the blog and have to be dragged down to the right spot in the story. I usually end up with big empty spaces, and have to re-format the wording. As you can appreciate, this really takes up a lot of time. So, again I’m sorry if I’m behind. I’m having too much fun here!<br /><br />I had bought a very nice stainless steel propane barbecue back in Canada when I purchased my RV and had yet to use it, simply because I was moving around too much, and in New Mexico it was far too cold. I decided that it was high time that I pulled it out, hooked it up and used it, so I christened it this evening, barbecuing pork chops. It works!! I will have to use it more frequently before I leave.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 – FUN DAY AT INDIAN SKIES<br /></span></em></strong><br />Once a year the volunteer group at Indian Skies holds a Fun Day, free for all residents, starting off with donuts and coffee. Just as in the Olympics, there was an opening ceremony, featuring maidens dressed up as Olympic goddesses.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563754040372674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt-KyrcVZeftCT6ZVlaIJXumV0fACivqrpYj5RvRxa8nzrgtwfDCDnBjsNKbf8bYlHdtLbO92-mgxcfDGWLn9glSAfcGVyEM4CB3jMYRfB0jJjUmbTW9dqOfrk163JL4fndhB2yDizlV0/s320/2008+03+08+04+Olympics+Opening+Ceremony.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The morning activities feature various games at 10 cents apiece, ranging from a bean bag toss,</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182563878594424274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJY5Wc8yGPn5UPemU6jn312VBDdTtCm2zj4vziemp5Z7f-jk2Tr69MO-6LNsS-PODDbQii9FEhcmHWj6g0Br9P18vIDKD4LvJkcxTPIks0Xm8NX8nmzTu11g4ZYIBxXeyeaWlAR7qY_B2/s200/2008+03+08+08+Bean+bag+toss.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>to mini-golf, to baseball pitching between two lines, sitting in a circle and passing a plastic egg around (the one who gets an egg with a mini-marshmallow with a black “X” wins), and musical chairs. There were prizes of a choice of either a can of beer or soft drink for each event, except for the egg and musical chairs. There were homemade cakes for these prizes, but I didn’t win any of those. However, I went home with several cans of beer and soft drinks. My aim was pretty good!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpETnePT8OJGlvGT8qkf5g8q7UNqOpZYx4jtmBjJKDDpUtU4NxChq2fHqYn3JqBF-GPuRAucobYcOz5C95dmwshmrYKD5pUbq5sp57o-tasDsutWN23mkD_4c3ukhPkCFTaAuQqi4MZz5/s1600-h/2008+03+08+16+Steve+with+clowns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564020328345058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpETnePT8OJGlvGT8qkf5g8q7UNqOpZYx4jtmBjJKDDpUtU4NxChq2fHqYn3JqBF-GPuRAucobYcOz5C95dmwshmrYKD5pUbq5sp57o-tasDsutWN23mkD_4c3ukhPkCFTaAuQqi4MZz5/s200/2008+03+08+16+Steve+with+clowns.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpETnePT8OJGlvGT8qkf5g8q7UNqOpZYx4jtmBjJKDDpUtU4NxChq2fHqYn3JqBF-GPuRAucobYcOz5C95dmwshmrYKD5pUbq5sp57o-tasDsutWN23mkD_4c3ukhPkCFTaAuQqi4MZz5/s1600-h/2008+03+08+16+Steve+with+clowns.jpg"></a></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">HORSERACE<br /></span></strong><br />In the afternoon, after a free lunch there was a hilarious “horserace” featuring six participants, all dressed outlandishly, as you will see from the photos. The funniest one was Wanda dressed up as a cow, complete with udder. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWgd4Vc-lELEDEASeX964QviRRrkTgGP4WIKelIiFPUnblEPuiVUSAH1kQ2Y0Q6COFNHINwz2Ld8szWUnZB3x993SAT1x-XHN4vSxX4cNoAi1klFAmVL4ZQyahfzPOhgxd07Zkda2AVNK/s1600-h/2008+03+08+36+Joe+getting+read+to+milk+Bessie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564355335794194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWgd4Vc-lELEDEASeX964QviRRrkTgGP4WIKelIiFPUnblEPuiVUSAH1kQ2Y0Q6COFNHINwz2Ld8szWUnZB3x993SAT1x-XHN4vSxX4cNoAi1klFAmVL4ZQyahfzPOhgxd07Zkda2AVNK/s320/2008+03+08+36+Joe+getting+read+to+milk+Bessie.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC1wmG8gSubVn5QzOcUgBQlyeF49OLMCwzaszX4htqBWiOc27MT3O749Jb9dyppxBhfG9hfs43QqYCysNMd9Qcsv9djJG1Ei-UzSuRWCaoUE9OROVg7XRR6es8QESs2Q6sbOqEI7V3GnT/s1600-h/2008+03+08+25+Good+Fifth+Horse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564144882396658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC1wmG8gSubVn5QzOcUgBQlyeF49OLMCwzaszX4htqBWiOc27MT3O749Jb9dyppxBhfG9hfs43QqYCysNMd9Qcsv9djJG1Ei-UzSuRWCaoUE9OROVg7XRR6es8QESs2Q6sbOqEI7V3GnT/s320/2008+03+08+25+Good+Fifth+Horse.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Canadian horse Jean-Pierre</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>They lined up at a grid of squares, and the announcer pulled out numbers to tell which entrant could advance one, two or three steps. We were allowed to place bets at a dollar a try, with a daily double for the two races. Odds were announced, and the winners shared the money raised. I won a quarter! But I didn’t care, because it was just a lot of fun to participate in the shenanigans.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">MICHAEL’S IS A DANGEROUS PLACE TO SHOP</span></strong><br /><br />Later on, in the afternoon there was a dance, but I chose not to go. Instead Ripley and I headed into Casa Grande to check out the new Michael’s that had opened today. That was a mistake, as I ended up spending $75 on beadings and accessories. I’m going to have to sell a lot of jewelry, just to recoup my outlay over the past week or so! It is so easy to get carried away when confronted with so many pretty stones and beads.<br /><br />I also shopped for groceries at Fry’s, a large grocery chain here in Arizona that features fresh produce, good bread and other good things that I haven’t been able to find. And they have a loyalty card to save 10% on many items which costs nothing to sign up for.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">NOT IN ARIZONA<br /></span></strong><br />Most of the rest of North America changed to Daylight Savings Time tonight, but Arizona does not do so. I’ve never thought that there was an advantage to switching, so I’m quite happy with this arrangement. I just have to calculate what time the TV programs come on now.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I spent a long, leisurely breakfast sitting on the patio area outside my rig, listening to the birds singing nearby. The grackles, in particular, can mimic many sounds and are quite lovely to listen to in the warmth from the sun.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">SHOW AND TELL DAY<br /></span></strong><br />Today, we were invited to display the items that we made either in craft class or on our own, so I took over my gourd hanging lantern, spirit doll and some of the crochet and knitted items that I have made while traveling, including an unfinished afghan. I would work on it more often if the pattern were easier, but the outside trim is quite complicated and requires concentration, so it is not one that can easily be done while watching TV, the time when I like to do crafts.<br /><br />There were many beautiful quilts exhibited, as well as paintings, sewing, jewelery and, of course other hanging lanterns and spirit dolls. Penny’s items were especially beautiful; she is very talented and creative. There was one gourd that she had painted and decorated that sold for $125, and it was worth it! Penny and her husband Doug spend their summers in Kearney, Ontario, not far from my Muskoka land and she sells her crafts at local shows. If I can get to be half as good as her, perhaps I can sell some things too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_beiLzlkDcQx21bt6rwvQg_CGb3GBI6hgwGqN9bnSM-6c_KJOW6EpBKlol5XYhPYLrQxkOg4vCFGpLxAR2QjhC6-nhDZdXe9bofqgF_6OOvWjVDdAtWYlCiYwRmfAeGVnojvIXhuHUfhG/s1600-h/2008+03+09+07+Quilts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564720408014402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_beiLzlkDcQx21bt6rwvQg_CGb3GBI6hgwGqN9bnSM-6c_KJOW6EpBKlol5XYhPYLrQxkOg4vCFGpLxAR2QjhC6-nhDZdXe9bofqgF_6OOvWjVDdAtWYlCiYwRmfAeGVnojvIXhuHUfhG/s320/2008+03+09+07+Quilts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;"><em>Charity quilts</em></span></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ2wDzvdUXR1PNZeKotb3oeLcwbVbXMqtpig8wdGpYpsAxHlHWfO56N_AkJZZCZ6nQEXJ2SS7QqSk10P7QYkGF6zP-KKFplDqaLS7oQ_Plf3liP-l3f2y_IzHyVfTAq4CYL-2fcuFA7HG/s1600-h/2008+03+09+10+Larry%27s+cross-stitching.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564613033831986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ2wDzvdUXR1PNZeKotb3oeLcwbVbXMqtpig8wdGpYpsAxHlHWfO56N_AkJZZCZ6nQEXJ2SS7QqSk10P7QYkGF6zP-KKFplDqaLS7oQ_Plf3liP-l3f2y_IzHyVfTAq4CYL-2fcuFA7HG/s320/2008+03+09+10+Larry%27s+cross-stitching.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Larry's cross-stitching</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZA_4dkoQfc_5qJXwY_LUGas0NjI2Xop7vuUDTNQyLM5rmbk-8SKXi4ozqos2OWzpKLWl5OyNz0icgQUvaCPb7XXUwekQ3chVQzpIqN_AKSCUXM42EHTqFBYgGFD_KQ82lmbM8vqhb2xd/s1600-h/2008+03+09+13+Penny%27s+Gourd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564823487229522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZA_4dkoQfc_5qJXwY_LUGas0NjI2Xop7vuUDTNQyLM5rmbk-8SKXi4ozqos2OWzpKLWl5OyNz0icgQUvaCPb7XXUwekQ3chVQzpIqN_AKSCUXM42EHTqFBYgGFD_KQ82lmbM8vqhb2xd/s320/2008+03+09+13+Penny%27s+Gourd.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;"><em>Penny's Fabulous Gourd</em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWwFAPJxnSQD6koj_VfkUd89eJc0x_Qi6oA2BwDv0hvft05eY9ib7CbVgAumkmgMCC1YpMKFT8gikVESe2-6oGUowI04fYVJBxN2p0I9ywpsp48Jc1Ag0IHrZAbujYBEHlG2k62X8tS1l/s1600-h/2008+03+09+05+Penny%27s+Zipper+Painting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564501364682274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWwFAPJxnSQD6koj_VfkUd89eJc0x_Qi6oA2BwDv0hvft05eY9ib7CbVgAumkmgMCC1YpMKFT8gikVESe2-6oGUowI04fYVJBxN2p0I9ywpsp48Jc1Ag0IHrZAbujYBEHlG2k62X8tS1l/s320/2008+03+09+05+Penny%27s+Zipper+Painting.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;color:#33cc00;">Zipper art</span></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">ICE CREAM SOCIAL </span></strong><br />As I’ve mentioned, there is never a break in the activities here at Indian Skies, and Sunday is again the ice cream social – always a nice time to chat with my new friends. And I won a bracelet as a door prize! I seem to be pretty lucky at winning things here.<br /><br />By now, it should be evident that I have found a place to which I want to return again and again. Indian Skies has the nicest group of people I have met on this trip in all the parks at which I have stayed. I have never felt like an outsider, and wherever I walk in the park, people say hello, many of whom know me by name now. The park itself is kept immaculately clean and I feel extremely comfortable here.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>Another glorious day of sun and warmth here.<br /><br />Hoppy came over today to help install my new microwave permanently, so that it won’t fly out while I’m driving. He had to make two trips to the hardware store in order to get the right kind of bracket and drilled holes in the support tray, but I feel confident now that there will be no mishaps.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I was originally meant to leave Indian Skies tomorrow, but I have booked another week because I like it here so much, so my departure date is now March 20th. It cost me $89 for the additional week.<br /><br />The day has finally arrived for Jerry, Diane and me to go to a Phoenix Suns basketball game.<br /><br />I left around 2:30, leaving Ripley in the care of Georgia and Hoppy, in order to arrive in Mesa just before 4:00. This gave me time to stop in at Wal-Mart, to return some drapes that I had bought for the bathroom, and which did not fit. I just hate the pink venetian blinds that I inherited in the RV and would like to replace them all with curtains which are more easily cleaned and which don’t bend and break. However, the windows are not standard sizes, and custom-made curtains are very expensive, and so far I have only tackled the bedroom windows. Before I left Canada, Keith Wood helped to install two Roman blinds on the large windows, and the other day I bought a valance for the smaller window, large enough to cover almost the complete window. There is a roll-up blind on this window, which covers the gap at the bottom. I also bought a new comforter to match the colours of the new valance. So, I have a few drapes to get yet, and probably will not do anything further until I return home, where I hope to persuade my friend Donna to sew some for me. She had rashly offered to do this before I left, so I’ll see whether her offer is still good.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">MESA DINNER<br /></span></strong><br />Diane had invited me for a “light supper” before we headed off to the game. This included chicken, potatoes and carrots done on their barbecue, and broccoli/cauliflower mix, with a lovely light dessert. Really delicious.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">PHOENIX SUNS<br /></span></strong><br />I offered to drive, and Maude took us to the USAirways Arena in south Phoenix, where we found the same parking lot that we had been in on the last aborted try in getting into a game. But this time we have tickets, albeit not together. We were all three in the same section but in different rows, Jerry and Diane in the fourth row and myself in the second.<br /><br />On our way to our seats, we passed a desk where a local cartoonist was autographing his version of the Suns mascot, which just happens to be a gorilla, and handing them out free of charge. Of course, I immediately thought of Jane Dewar and her gorilla collection, and asked him to dedicate a copy to her, as well as one to myself. Diane asked for one dedicated to her grand daughter Mikayla. I can’t imagine why a southwestern team would choose a gorilla for a mascot, and I have to say that I was not impressed by him after comparing him to the Toronto Raptors mascot, who is out constantly during the game getting the crowd energized and performing some very acrobatic maneuvers.<br /><br />The Suns were playing one of the lesser teams in the League, the Memphis Grizzlies and the game was not as exciting as it would have been if we had got tickets for either the Utah Jazz or the San Antonio Spurs, the two games that were sold out. But, a live game is much more fun than watching one on television because you can see the entire court and what is going on that the TV camera often doesn’t show. In the last quarter, the coach sent out many of his second-string and rookie players and rested his top guys like Shaquille O’Neal and Steve Nash. The Suns easily won.<br /><br />Diane invited me in for tea, and we sat and chatted for awhile. I have invited them to my park for a barbecue next Monday.<br /><br />I arrived home around 1:00 a.m., with many a tail wags from my buddy Ripley.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;">WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">GOODBYE, CAR<br /></span></strong><br />My month’s car rental is up today, and I spent the morning cleaning out any evidence of dog hair, in order to avoid being charged for cleaning. Ripley has been shedding her winter coat that she grew while in cold New Mexico, so there was quite a bit to clean up, but thanks to an industrial vacuum, and then a liberal use of a lint roller, the car came out looking as good as new.<br /><br />Hoppy and Georgia had driven her mother to the doctor in Casa Grande, and they agreed to meet me at the Enterprise rental place and give me a lift back, and I met them there at 2:00 p.m. We stopped at a western wear store on the way back, but luckily nothing fit me! Georgia’s mother bought a nice western shirt on sale.<br /><br />So, I am now reduced to a bicycle for transportation, meaning no more long trips.<br /><br />Later on, Ripley and I stopped by the RV belonging to Steve and Anna, and visited with them and their grand daughter Brittany, who is visiting on her Easter break.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yUqRPESme9g8CuEoZA0UJNPAsnJPbmgU3349KanyIjOrGcVeGS71OauM5rtMh96EbeBjI6x-lSJ0RjRNG-gaqYWe0hoyl_OIN4U27zFry6_88r12vc5OG8-hg-fjigeRnbAIMjVlE3LP/s1600-h/2008+03+08+34+Anna,+Brittany+%26+Steve.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182564265141480962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yUqRPESme9g8CuEoZA0UJNPAsnJPbmgU3349KanyIjOrGcVeGS71OauM5rtMh96EbeBjI6x-lSJ0RjRNG-gaqYWe0hoyl_OIN4U27zFry6_88r12vc5OG8-hg-fjigeRnbAIMjVlE3LP/s200/2008+03+08+34+Anna,+Brittany+%26+Steve.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yUqRPESme9g8CuEoZA0UJNPAsnJPbmgU3349KanyIjOrGcVeGS71OauM5rtMh96EbeBjI6x-lSJ0RjRNG-gaqYWe0hoyl_OIN4U27zFry6_88r12vc5OG8-hg-fjigeRnbAIMjVlE3LP/s1600-h/2008+03+08+34+Anna,+Brittany+%26+Steve.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yUqRPESme9g8CuEoZA0UJNPAsnJPbmgU3349KanyIjOrGcVeGS71OauM5rtMh96EbeBjI6x-lSJ0RjRNG-gaqYWe0hoyl_OIN4U27zFry6_88r12vc5OG8-hg-fjigeRnbAIMjVlE3LP/s1600-h/2008+03+08+34+Anna,+Brittany+%26+Steve.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-13916903673593672262008-03-16T12:30:00.000-07:002008-03-23T23:09:34.667-07:00EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-SEVEN - ARIZONA<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-SEVEN – ARIZONA<br />FEBRUARY 23 – MARCH 2, 2008<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">PHOTOS NOW HERE</span><br /></div><div><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I was still asleep at 10:00 a.m. when Steve knocked on my door to say that my bike had a flat tire on the front as well as the bad tire on the back. So I need to buy a tube repair kit so that Steve can finish fixing my bike. I was still quite groggy from lack of sleep (I had not got to sleep until 4:00 a.m.), but got up anyway.<br /><br />I have developed hives again.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">COOLIDGE COTTON FESTIVAL<br /></span></strong><br /></span>I took Ripley with me and we headed to the Coolidge Cotton Festival. This is a tradition that originated about ten years ago here, to celebrate the start of the cotton growing season, one of the important crops in this area. We missed the parade, so we headed over to the park off the main street, where there were carnival rides, various foods to try, and a band where later there would be a dance competition. There was horse-shoe pitching contest too. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV6tR4_zg2gezmNJ8W5tFfOeHhDXAcsR5VhX0Ox3XpHoBRLByhHVA9HoE6AayefCqqO0ElluxQYFPvTk9DiYXJg9zeWK7ccV1iEscSxODKux59B53tN8gu3ppR3PNQfbZrUkDWgZOF3Q3/s1600-h/2008+02+23+02+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181160442195880338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV6tR4_zg2gezmNJ8W5tFfOeHhDXAcsR5VhX0Ox3XpHoBRLByhHVA9HoE6AayefCqqO0ElluxQYFPvTk9DiYXJg9zeWK7ccV1iEscSxODKux59B53tN8gu3ppR3PNQfbZrUkDWgZOF3Q3/s200/2008+02+23+02+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Even the ROTC had a booth and visitors were invited to try holding a dummy rifle properly. Ripley was as always, very well behaved, and was admired by many people. All in all, it was very much a country-style fair.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpY6kx17kMnPM2u0Gc4dr4168RzzZf8SBC4W4fGyCrYn3IZ_F-RcyEOWg5KQloAcvBrB7sWXsTcELh8yhLI8QjpixAi-Rrgjg86pQ-OC_DzBpvY5HNg9WREbOQeLWxRnefBcvwgu56OnG/s1600-h/2008+02+23+04+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181160326231763330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpY6kx17kMnPM2u0Gc4dr4168RzzZf8SBC4W4fGyCrYn3IZ_F-RcyEOWg5KQloAcvBrB7sWXsTcELh8yhLI8QjpixAi-Rrgjg86pQ-OC_DzBpvY5HNg9WREbOQeLWxRnefBcvwgu56OnG/s200/2008+02+23+04+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURkHDIBfzHB0yhtykLyf9wxfAO1u7eb83LKixaVdK16dwJIYBN7806A9M-niM44GLxLhyphenhypheniaXTUCkoT1FyOZtBdeqCjq6XlQWYjyb_fmOUDA9KruGn1fYjm0QKLQJT49sgBTd_sQau2g5j/s1600-h/2008+02+23+14+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181159935389739378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURkHDIBfzHB0yhtykLyf9wxfAO1u7eb83LKixaVdK16dwJIYBN7806A9M-niM44GLxLhyphenhypheniaXTUCkoT1FyOZtBdeqCjq6XlQWYjyb_fmOUDA9KruGn1fYjm0QKLQJT49sgBTd_sQau2g5j/s200/2008+02+23+14+Coolidge+Cotton+Festival.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>COOLIDGE QUILT SHOW<br /></strong></span><br />Just along from the park, the Coolidge Women’s Club was holding a quilt show. I asked the lady at the desk if I could bring Ripley in, and she offered to hold her for me while I admired the many beautiful quilts on display. Each had a title, and we were invited to vote for our favourite. I chose a gorgeous one done in reds and blacks. There was also a raffle for two quilts, so I bought tickets for those.<br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lh-RSN-zdbIukf0ce33uLBdn_qccCZ43GNyubFHU8IesdaieaqBJnyMkdqKomYw971dbwa3mfrbaX5mdgIbMcopCIY1nTGsKgo9KKN5INL5IdpNQg9RSSLD5hNP-xY6lSa4GnahapJB5/s1600-h/2008+02+23+25+Quilt+Exhibit,+Coolidge,+Arizona.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181160605404637602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lh-RSN-zdbIukf0ce33uLBdn_qccCZ43GNyubFHU8IesdaieaqBJnyMkdqKomYw971dbwa3mfrbaX5mdgIbMcopCIY1nTGsKgo9KKN5INL5IdpNQg9RSSLD5hNP-xY6lSa4GnahapJB5/s200/2008+02+23+25+Quilt+Exhibit,+Coolidge,+Arizona.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I spent part of the rest of the afternoon running errands, and then had a nap. When I woke up, not only had my hives got worse, but half my lip had swelled up as well.<br /><br />I took Ripley over to the vacant subdivision so that she could play with the soccer ball again, and noticed that there were insects out – bees and flies. It’s finally hot enough for them to be out, and some of the little plants are flowering – a sure sign that spring is on its way.<br /><br />Later in the evening, my lip looked as though I had had a bad Botox injection, so I decided to take half a Reactine pill. I don’t like to take this strong antihistamine because it makes me very sleepy.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><em>SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2008<br /></em></span></strong><br />My hives and lip were still bad when Steve knocked on my door around noon, to return my repaired bike. Coupled with the hives, I also had a migraine, and was in bad shape. Georgia, my next door neighbour popped by to see if I was alright, and offered to take Ripley for a walk, which was very kind of her. I knew that Ripley must be bursting to go potty, but as always, she patiently waited to be taken out.<br /><br />The rest of the day was wasted in sleeping off the Reactine and the migraine pill I was forced to take.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />My lip is back to normal, and the hives have gone down. I am beginning to think that I was allergic to something that I ate at Long John Silver because the reaction started shortly afterwards. I have eaten shrimp plenty of time, but I wonder if there was something in the batter that caused the problem. I wish I knew for certain, because then I could just avoid whatever it is that causes the allergic reactions that have been happening from time to time.<br /><br />I took Ripley over to the vacant subdivision again, and walked around the area. It is so strange to see the empty paved streets, the street signs, all the utilities installed, the waterways, the planted landscape, and even a children’s play area – but no houses. I guess the developers went bankrupt.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">URBAN WILDLIFE<br /></span></strong><br /></span>In any event, Ripley and I walked over to one of the perimeter embankments, and I caught a glimpse of some small mammal standing erect before it disappeared down its hole. Could it be a prairie dog? They usually live in colonies and I saw only the one animal and one hole. Maybe next time I’ll get a better chance to see it, and will bring my binoculars.<br /><br />In order not to scare the burrowing owl, I slowly drove over to where I had last seen it, and sure enough – there it was, standing at the edge of the excavated hole again. I carefully lowered the window and took some photographs, but my zoom lens is not very strong.<br /><br />Shope’s is the local grocery store here, and I stopped to get some fresh produce. I still haven’t found anywhere in the West to get some decent bread. All they seem to offer here is white and whole wheat (which really is brownish white bread). I haven’t found any of the great whole grains or ryes that I am used to.<br /><br />I have been trying to get tickets for the Phoenix Suns game online through Ticketmaster, but for some reason it will not accept my credit cards. I now appreciate how quickly the tickets go for game, and am getting kind of frustrated.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>My bike’s front tire is flat again, so I guess the repair kit didn’t work and I will have to buy a new tube. But first, I’ll try using the green goo that I bought in New Mexico.<br /><br />As I prepared breakfast, the Phoenix radio station was commenting on the morning rush hour traffic, mentioning a forty-minute delay due to an accident. I was reminded of many times that I had to sit in stand-still traffic as I made my way to work back in Toronto, and how thankful I am not to have to do that anymore.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>ON THE ROAD TO TUCSON<br /></strong></span><br />I was up early because I had planned a busy day today. First off, Ripley and I drove down to Tucson to the grocery chain Fry’s, which has a Ticketmaster outlet in it. Just since I had checked online yesterday, there were no tickets left for the two dates that we had chosen, except for single tickets scattered around the arena. That wasn’t acceptable, We were hoping to see either Utah Jazz or the San Antonio Spurs, but I had to settle for buying a pair and a single for the next game on March 11 against the Memphis Grizzlies. At least we are going to see a game.<br /><br />I checked out Fry’s and discovered that they do sell a large variety of breads, and I picked up one that has whole grains and nuts in it, and I will look forward to having toast for breakfast tomorrow.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION<br /><br /></span></strong>We continued on down the road to south Tucson and out to San Xavier del Bac Mission, famous for its beauty inside and outside. It is called the “White Dove of the Desert”, and dates back to the 1692, when Father Kino first arrived in the area of the Tohono O’Odham tribe. The structure was built in 1783, and stands on their tribal land, and still serves their community to this day.<br /><br />On one side of the parking lot there are several thatched roofs where one can buy fry bread. Unfortunately, I had just eaten the sandwich that I had brought along for Ripley and myself.<br /><br />The exterior of the mission is currently undergoing repair, and so the facade is spoiled by steel supports. The entire structure is a series of domes and arches, and the interior of the church has the original magnificent statues and artwork on the walls and ceiling, although much of it is in need of refurbishing, and there are containers to make contributions towards this effort. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICBkY7w42lfo6UZNht7M1oRLAISPwFXXqahThyotIEGVDbd3LbFphyphenhyphen72ndVb2PjLhe-2SE-HOblH28o63NK2vUSmKSucNAlsmRNnVTywxHCpzMKhIntoo8DBIuPCQRCc3GMcISc-85ywC/s1600-h/2008+02+26+04+Back+View+Mission.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181160824447969714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICBkY7w42lfo6UZNht7M1oRLAISPwFXXqahThyotIEGVDbd3LbFphyphenhyphen72ndVb2PjLhe-2SE-HOblH28o63NK2vUSmKSucNAlsmRNnVTywxHCpzMKhIntoo8DBIuPCQRCc3GMcISc-85ywC/s200/2008+02+26+04+Back+View+Mission.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The high alter was originally a gilded colour but has faded over the years. In one alcove lies a statue of Saint Xavier and petitioners pin their requests to his garments. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx-oHDGWRWLsHYuymE17vU1c57Ow54nQgbA7fWxyC7VygwHwUsdELnxE84m_MvcGCtSV0Fhclg2k2WGoK3sfyeVBjQULSN_P8qNno31CC8fbGwHAgoHjW9XUDOXsMDg9HkbV-WL5BvVgn/s1600-h/2008+02+26+22+Good+St.+Xavier.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161082146007506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx-oHDGWRWLsHYuymE17vU1c57Ow54nQgbA7fWxyC7VygwHwUsdELnxE84m_MvcGCtSV0Fhclg2k2WGoK3sfyeVBjQULSN_P8qNno31CC8fbGwHAgoHjW9XUDOXsMDg9HkbV-WL5BvVgn/s200/2008+02+26+22+Good+St.+Xavier.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx-oHDGWRWLsHYuymE17vU1c57Ow54nQgbA7fWxyC7VygwHwUsdELnxE84m_MvcGCtSV0Fhclg2k2WGoK3sfyeVBjQULSN_P8qNno31CC8fbGwHAgoHjW9XUDOXsMDg9HkbV-WL5BvVgn/s1600-h/2008+02+26+22+Good+St.+Xavier.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The main altar has lion statues guarding its sanctuary (apparently the original ones were stolen, and these are reproductions). They are the “Lions of Castille”, a tribute to the reigning family of Spain during the 1780’s and 1790’s. The other alcove has a statue of the Virgin Mary, as well as some saints. The vaulted ceiling has old decorations on it, and the overall impression is one of great beauty. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAoBkdRlgePunGE-bkf60cbMaOfObfNnlKF-pEg8ETL6GgseiS0bsUuu6qzlDsrQjP6rbffWvANtnooq5m3ejeEUMfz5xOn6Kgf7DMHe9tEq3zIsTXHju78PjYoQ5exQ_GPMO1tX_PeBO/s1600-h/2008+02+26+11+manuscript+at+Mission.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181160966181890498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAoBkdRlgePunGE-bkf60cbMaOfObfNnlKF-pEg8ETL6GgseiS0bsUuu6qzlDsrQjP6rbffWvANtnooq5m3ejeEUMfz5xOn6Kgf7DMHe9tEq3zIsTXHju78PjYoQ5exQ_GPMO1tX_PeBO/s200/2008+02+26+11+manuscript+at+Mission.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAoBkdRlgePunGE-bkf60cbMaOfObfNnlKF-pEg8ETL6GgseiS0bsUuu6qzlDsrQjP6rbffWvANtnooq5m3ejeEUMfz5xOn6Kgf7DMHe9tEq3zIsTXHju78PjYoQ5exQ_GPMO1tX_PeBO/s1600-h/2008+02+26+11+manuscript+at+Mission.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There is a museum in one part of the Mission which describes its history. The Mission was named for Padre Kino’s patron saint, and the word “Bac” means “where water emerges”. At the entrance to the museum, there is a stand to buy a candle to light, and I was surprised that there was no admission fee. Behind the church in a courtyard is a beautiful fountain and garden, and on the end is a gift shop.<br /><br />The Mission is exquisite and is said to be one of the best preserved of all the chain of Franciscan missions.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK</span></strong><br /><br />Since I was already south of Tucson, I had thought that I would continue on down fifty miles to the Kartchner Caverns, but the literature I had brought strongly recommended a reservation because it was so popular. I only got a recorded announcement when I called, so decided not to risk driving a round-trip of 100 miles for nothing. Instead, I chose to go to the nearby Colossal Cave Mountain Park.<br /><br />Maude had trouble finding the park, and I finally had to stop and ask. We were about 15 miles away from it. Eventually, we arrived at the gate. I paid the $5 park fee and left Ripley in the car while I went down some steps to the main entrance of the cave and gift shop, paid the $8.50 admission fee and waited for the next guided tour.<br /><br />Janice was the tour guide for our small group of six adults and three children. She explained that Colossal Cave was a dry cave and that there had been no moisture in it for many years. It was made of limestone and has a stable temperature of 71 degrees F all year round. It was originally used by the Hohokam people for ceremonies, and was<br />re-discovered in the 1800’s. There are stories about outlaws using the cave to hide from the law, and one story in particular where four men had robbed a bank and had hidden in there. The sheriff staked himself outside the cave entrance, waiting for them to be starved out. Unbeknownst to him, the outlaws had found another exit and had left. They headed off to New Mexico and became rowdy in a bar. Someone alerted the sheriff, and he was so angry that he rode all the way over there and got into a fight. He shot three of the men, but the fourth one was captured and was offered a deal. If he would reveal where the money was hidden, he wouldn’t go to jail. He refused and spent many years in jail. It was said that he retrieved the hidden cache of money on his release. It makes for a good story, anyway.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNI9hPe_TT562yyBzIvWj5zGc_hF5dtVwTdF3nuSIUOLqhUiB9UlwWZpdm2zx7Dw0Hi5rjLYNd7wMKE-FTxLjNUFt7j8KB0u9ZJ9tQ_yXl9faWzXQLDRnPgcIVwxl57Yu5VQnHu3LVfIK/s1600-h/2008+02+26+45+Good+Cave.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161279714503138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNI9hPe_TT562yyBzIvWj5zGc_hF5dtVwTdF3nuSIUOLqhUiB9UlwWZpdm2zx7Dw0Hi5rjLYNd7wMKE-FTxLjNUFt7j8KB0u9ZJ9tQ_yXl9faWzXQLDRnPgcIVwxl57Yu5VQnHu3LVfIK/s200/2008+02+26+45+Good+Cave.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNI9hPe_TT562yyBzIvWj5zGc_hF5dtVwTdF3nuSIUOLqhUiB9UlwWZpdm2zx7Dw0Hi5rjLYNd7wMKE-FTxLjNUFt7j8KB0u9ZJ9tQ_yXl9faWzXQLDRnPgcIVwxl57Yu5VQnHu3LVfIK/s1600-h/2008+02+26+45+Good+Cave.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Janice took us up and down 363 steps in all, through different “rooms”, and described the cave’s structure. There are several species of bats who use the cave, but at this time of year they are either hibernating or have migrated further south. She mentioned that bat guano was once used as an ingredient in lipstick and mascara, and that is how the term “batting her eyes” came about. Various artifacts from the Hohokam and Old West period have been found in the cave, and also many fossils from the time when the caves were being formed when the world was young. One thing that she didn’t mention, but which I found by reading some of the available literature while waiting for the tour to start, was that there is another room in the cave that the government has declared off limits. This room was discovered fairly recently and contained prehistoric animal bones and other significant findings and the scientists who were in the process of studying these are very frustrated at the official sealing. There doesn’t seem to be an explanation for this.<br /><br />The stairs and access in the cave were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps, part of the make-work program that President Roosevelt initiated during the Great Depression. They lived at a nearby ranch called La Posta Quemada Ranch, and were paid $1.00/day for their work.<br /><br />When we returned back to the surface, I headed the car to another part of the park where the ranch headquarters still remain. There is now a riding stable there, as well as a butterfly garden (too early for butterflies), gopher tortoise enclosure (they were down in their burrows) and a restaurant (it was closed), and if I had not been wearing shorts, I would have hired a horse for a trail ride – something I want to do before I leave Arizona. The horses seemed very interested in Ripley, but she was not impressed. We spent some time walking around the trails there, and then it was time for the park to close. I didn’t realize also that there is dry camping within the park. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjodPaqbBQ1BOMcu9VeIMqiRczyizA81gDDgliLB7k_pu6zjWPsLYH7Mah_MsYdWcIvGitK3lMH4Kg6XNMoYZNMfQssJ72ThhTIrEavIPvJ9hIWdFcT5SUNU6EyRT6Pb4h1KBmFsZouVG/s1600-h/2008+02+26+46+Tribute+to+Cowboys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161438628293106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjodPaqbBQ1BOMcu9VeIMqiRczyizA81gDDgliLB7k_pu6zjWPsLYH7Mah_MsYdWcIvGitK3lMH4Kg6XNMoYZNMfQssJ72ThhTIrEavIPvJ9hIWdFcT5SUNU6EyRT6Pb4h1KBmFsZouVG/s200/2008+02+26+46+Tribute+to+Cowboys.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">A tribute to cowboys</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I was a bit concerned about traveling through Tucson in rush hour, and was pleasantly surprised to find that we moved along quite well, perhaps because so many of the exits are blocked off.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">AT THE MOVIES, AGAIN<br /></span></strong><br />I wasn’t quite ready to call it a day, and detoured to Casa Grande to check out the movie theatre that shows twelve different shows. I had already seen The Bucket List and There Will Be Blood and wasn’t much interested in most of the other films, so I chose National Treasure. That was a mistake. I guess it was supposed to be funny, but I found it boring and left before the end.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><em>WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008</em></span></strong><br /><br />The temperature today is 80 degrees F. and it was pleasant to sit under the awning outside the RV, while catching up on my blog. However, the wind picked up and I was forced to put the awning up and move inside where it was cooler, at least for awhile until the sun moved around. I am certainly not going to complain about the heat, however, considering the terrible snowstorms and frigid temperatures that have been happening back home.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">URBAN WILDLIFE AGAIN<br /></span></strong><br />Late in the afternoon I took Ripley back to the vacant subdivision and drove around carefully to have a look at the burrowing owl through my binoculars. Ripley had her usual fun playing with the soccer ball, getting me to kick it for her to grab and retrieve.<br /><br />I then drove slowly to the back embankment where I had spied a small mammal the other day, and looking through my binoculars, I could see that there were two prairie dogs having a good look around, especially at the farmer who was seeding the field beside them, presumably with cotton seeds. By staying inside the car, I was able to watch these two charming creatures for some time through my binoculars.<br /><br />A little further along, sitting on one of the concrete walls I found a horned lark (after consulting my Birds of Arizona book).<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC<br /></span><br /></strong>I have mentioned that the volunteer social committee here arranges many activities, and tonight they arranged to have Delon (pronounced Deelawn) perform. He emphasized that he wanted to perpetuate the traditional style of country music, and sang the songs of such artists as Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Waylon Jennings, etc. It seems that all these artists have CD’s to sell and he was no exception, but I’m not really a country music fan. It was a good concert, but he sang his songs accompanied by a taped musical background, and played no instrument himself, so it wasn’t as exciting as it might have been. But what can you expect for $5.00 admission?<br /><br />Afterwards, I tried to work on my blog, but the signal was weak. This sometimes happens when a lot of people are using their wireless in the park at the same time.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />While I have the rental car, I want to see as much of Arizona as possible, so this is another touring day.<br /><br />I really like the various bridges in Phoenix that have painted southwestern designs on them. It adds to the charm of this state. On one section of the bypass there is a huge lizard worked in coloured stone on both sides of the road.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">APACHE TRAIL<br /></span></strong><br />Today I decided to go around the Apache Trail, just east of Phoenix. As I traveled north on Highway 79 from Coolidge, I couldn’t help but notice the colourful poppies that have bloomed just in the past day or so. I suppose the rains we had helped to spur on the flowering season, and slowly the desert is coming alive with colour.</div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NeJPYjmykAWO5tPar2El7308hcdFHBDcvb2lRGStDG1NM4U16Up6UKeoJE03829DiDfspVMjHCcocjJvSqDj0rkWAT08CZX4sSj48bX_PkW7UKwC7PR2FKBCBkg4Owkrw4roOW3Ey5rx/s1600-h/2008+02+28+02+Desert+Poppies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161554592410114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NeJPYjmykAWO5tPar2El7308hcdFHBDcvb2lRGStDG1NM4U16Up6UKeoJE03829DiDfspVMjHCcocjJvSqDj0rkWAT08CZX4sSj48bX_PkW7UKwC7PR2FKBCBkg4Owkrw4roOW3Ey5rx/s200/2008+02+28+02+Desert+Poppies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>First off, I made a stop at the OK Corral Stables and RV Park to see if it was possible to book a horseback ride, but as I suspected, a reservation is needed. However, it is a place to keep in mind, especially since I could park the RV right there, albeit at an expensive rate of $35 per night. I’ll keep in mind for the future.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN LOST DUTCHMAN MUSEUM<br /></span></strong><br />Onward towards the Superstition Mountains and the nearby museum, featuring artifacts and history of the Lost Dutchman Mine. This legendary mine has been the search of many treasure hunters to this day, using one of 23 maps that have appeared over the years. However, it is widely acknowledged that Jacob Waltz took the secret of the mine to his grave in 1891. He seemed to have found a good source of gold because there was a large cache of gold found under his bed after his death, but he did not share his find with anyone. As he was originally from Holland, the mine became known as the Lost Dutchman Mine. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBDonSFEyLEa5fBoBX6VsxVG7K2MUjHBh3qViahWx6qbj0-1a7IUaK25T6z6AY3QUPGZBQGPxqYf8OJ0xTooGyHrGJmDZwSfwV-GFj9dvgbVRcIJehJRSGD7VSd9s23PYRY3f8Obx3SNr/s1600-h/2008+02+28+07+Treasure+Maps.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161696326330898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBDonSFEyLEa5fBoBX6VsxVG7K2MUjHBh3qViahWx6qbj0-1a7IUaK25T6z6AY3QUPGZBQGPxqYf8OJ0xTooGyHrGJmDZwSfwV-GFj9dvgbVRcIJehJRSGD7VSd9s23PYRY3f8Obx3SNr/s200/2008+02+28+07+Treasure+Maps.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Some of the maps</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The gift shop featured some very nice jewelry and books, and I found two very small booklets of interest – one describing the meaning of petroglyphs and the other featuring the various styles of native pottery found in Arizona.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">APACHELAND<br /></span></strong><br />Just beside the Museum is the remnant of Apacheland. This movie set was located elsewhere in Arizona and was used as the background for many TV series, such as Death Valley Days, The Rifleman, parts of Route 66 and many movies. The set caught fire twice, and only two buildings survived, and were donated by the owners to the museum.<br /><br />The barn features signed photos of many famous film stars who worked at Apacheland, including John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Clint Eastwood, Clint Walker, Wayne Rogers, Victoria Principal, Dorothy Lamour, etc. etc. Inside the barn there are several different “stores” of the Old West period plus a saloon. Here’s a photo of Ripley and me sitting in front of the photo wall. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_480CeWO9NBAB3-XUdPkhpJgoXbCwkVHEyACADJQognFVzMIu5sPIjJRvcDy0_AgRKNYafzvhzASlmCJyvjBZjkECwZEAZx5D7veI7s_28rloLZeHeYP1mg_Yx4g1lv2YpAwN6uX5duZ/s1600-h/2008+02+28+24+Ripley+%26+Marilyn+in+Barn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161932549532210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_480CeWO9NBAB3-XUdPkhpJgoXbCwkVHEyACADJQognFVzMIu5sPIjJRvcDy0_AgRKNYafzvhzASlmCJyvjBZjkECwZEAZx5D7veI7s_28rloLZeHeYP1mg_Yx4g1lv2YpAwN6uX5duZ/s200/2008+02+28+24+Ripley+%26+Marilyn+in+Barn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Over to one side is the other structure that survived the fire. The Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel was the site of his movie “Charro”, his only non-singing role, and presently people can get married there. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQO8Bb8hje0GH3lzBRZp3Bz1wUyGilNFhJX898OsEHCH9zwZeuoNbWTiYZXFSdq5B9Qx7s55la7JzMnd3lUI4gg627iLk9vr367cqcnNs3PlMWXKgRAFtEDJblR9d8WEIc6wVPfbtbKmq/s1600-h/2008+02+28+17+Elvis+Presley+memorial+Chapel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181161807995480610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQO8Bb8hje0GH3lzBRZp3Bz1wUyGilNFhJX898OsEHCH9zwZeuoNbWTiYZXFSdq5B9Qx7s55la7JzMnd3lUI4gg627iLk9vr367cqcnNs3PlMWXKgRAFtEDJblR9d8WEIc6wVPfbtbKmq/s200/2008+02+28+17+Elvis+Presley+memorial+Chapel.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN<br /><br /></span></strong>A little further along the Apache Trail is the Goldfield Ghost Town, a large town that has been restored and turned into a tourist destination, complete with a railroad, a mine tour, horseback rides, a bordello, souvenir stores, a reptile exhibit, coffee/bake shop and restaurants. I succumbed and bought an air plant – easily cared for and one that I can take across the border because there is no soil. I also bought a scrumptious still-warm apple turnover and latte from the bake shop. </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsvMa5C1l9yTXhFtqPLvwnVWfk1zdPg7_W7LLGnmC-joxfKbnxdrAG66DYl1JCus7CpCyaU90HYwLuAKMXmDmgEAXNjAgWL5RtF4CpfXTXMtiDdDMnvPvbCgOAJrCoQ49-UAs_crojila/s1600-h/2008+02+28+37+Saloon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162069988485698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsvMa5C1l9yTXhFtqPLvwnVWfk1zdPg7_W7LLGnmC-joxfKbnxdrAG66DYl1JCus7CpCyaU90HYwLuAKMXmDmgEAXNjAgWL5RtF4CpfXTXMtiDdDMnvPvbCgOAJrCoQ49-UAs_crojila/s200/2008+02+28+37+Saloon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I couldn’t help but notice leather-clad male and female bikers as they made their way into the ghost town, primarily because of the very predominant handgun in a holster on the belt of the man – something I am just not used to seeing.<br /><br />As Ripley and I wandered around, we came across a fiddler in period costume and stopped to listen and chat with him. After I gave him a tip, he made up a song about me, and gave me two garbanzo and two chickpea beans for good luck!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ23HbM-110EY2eOerLeHVHicTw0OMaGgqXEmSM9G8KhH69Vz5a097KwMoWKhPU7EU2jfFJHG5GWE61cCVSYGgqHO6aHF08qK7qSIilrWzY-c2VFOh1F4bZhZjRBVQbsp8M1HReQB84El/s1600-h/2008+02+28+44+Fiddler.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162181657635410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ23HbM-110EY2eOerLeHVHicTw0OMaGgqXEmSM9G8KhH69Vz5a097KwMoWKhPU7EU2jfFJHG5GWE61cCVSYGgqHO6aHF08qK7qSIilrWzY-c2VFOh1F4bZhZjRBVQbsp8M1HReQB84El/s200/2008+02+28+44+Fiddler.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>As we drove along the Apache Trail (otherwise known as US 88), I played a variety of CD’s, including Eric Clapton, Nelly Furtado, Josh Groban and salsa music. I have an eclectic taste in music and enjoy just about any type except jazz and rap.<br /><br />It was getting on, so we continued on around the Superstition Mountains to Canyon Lake, and then Tortilla Flats, once a stagecoach stop, and now serving as a saloon for travelers.<br /><br />The temperature is 82 degrees F. Whenever I see what the temperature is here, I can’t help but think of my friends and family back in Ontario who are struggling through the worst winter we’ve had in many years. I am so thankful to be here!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SPECTACULAR BEAUTY<br /></span></strong><br />Tortilla Flats is where the pavement runs out, and for the next 22 miles I drove on gravel, as we made our way winding up and down mountains through the extraordinarily beautiful scenery. Despite the washboard nature of this part of the road, I would not have wanted to miss this trail and wished that I could have stayed overnight to take a hike through the mountains. It seemed that just about at every turn I was saying “Wow!” as an even more beautiful site came into view. I think that, of any place that I have been so far in Arizona these mountains were the most spectacular because of the shapes and cuts in the rocks. See for yourself when you look at just a few of the many, many photos that I took. However, I’m very glad that I decided to come by car and not by RV! </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4qZrGGgRYrUT1anMpUM1Vm8XfRCQHAANPN0SfqZk3wNQ07pgfjaELEw71c5ZhDzUUNEC-HlX1uGQgZS8EvzK3FrIKKMUz7nTHV4xbXVPGOiWYe-wgax40gBVbgigWINltpUKr2uTPycm/s1600-h/2008+02+28+60+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162460830509682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4qZrGGgRYrUT1anMpUM1Vm8XfRCQHAANPN0SfqZk3wNQ07pgfjaELEw71c5ZhDzUUNEC-HlX1uGQgZS8EvzK3FrIKKMUz7nTHV4xbXVPGOiWYe-wgax40gBVbgigWINltpUKr2uTPycm/s200/2008+02+28+60+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwKH17EXS17ogz_XQhSXF02TTbbiFzNtKMRTkAy4dP61zixWdWHSht7kCKW5cufb1Xlp4ugYaZPfwcQe-h3A-jgfYrbuFtY6OiWE020QC1hct8KMpJkVzP53W1ANb1MV_dJjG14DOZZ-E/s1600-h/2008+02+28+58+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162598269463170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwKH17EXS17ogz_XQhSXF02TTbbiFzNtKMRTkAy4dP61zixWdWHSht7kCKW5cufb1Xlp4ugYaZPfwcQe-h3A-jgfYrbuFtY6OiWE020QC1hct8KMpJkVzP53W1ANb1MV_dJjG14DOZZ-E/s200/2008+02+28+58+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09xfh3CSW18FyswnwPirdrCLI0ckISrImXOkxhvZZZGyloOCBjw9B41wJnIavrMngsLrJFoi8pMeY091vhLSifxlBZHxBEZ5GAER7Svesjva6Iqfm7UD7tiBR-PD9_maPKUHwx5_MMpfr/s1600-h/2008+02+28+51+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162323391556194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09xfh3CSW18FyswnwPirdrCLI0ckISrImXOkxhvZZZGyloOCBjw9B41wJnIavrMngsLrJFoi8pMeY091vhLSifxlBZHxBEZ5GAER7Svesjva6Iqfm7UD7tiBR-PD9_maPKUHwx5_MMpfr/s200/2008+02+28+51+Good+Apache+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>At Apache Lake, I took a detour to find gas down to a marina, and thought about ordering a sandwich to go, but after looking at the prices, I changed my mind and returned to the main road, after a quick stop to eat a cheese sandwich that I had brought with me.<br /><br />After several hours, we eventually got back to the paved portion beside the Roosevelt Dam – a massive structure and marvel of engineering. And just beyond it is a very, very long bridge that I was thankful to find I did not have to cross! </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlOECotG83Mif5XKxQ-eexWAgm98oRdO1b36BAdX-hLsAevqwAnnLUWxYcuWuO3PaWnluxz6GKvY8e0Tef4lBLpR-AybjFuG8TbLDLLqVR-Y-sYbuLJMVEiB4y9553HXYkV1S8zF9Qwaa/s1600-h/2008+02+28+79+Roosevelt+Dam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162761478220434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlOECotG83Mif5XKxQ-eexWAgm98oRdO1b36BAdX-hLsAevqwAnnLUWxYcuWuO3PaWnluxz6GKvY8e0Tef4lBLpR-AybjFuG8TbLDLLqVR-Y-sYbuLJMVEiB4y9553HXYkV1S8zF9Qwaa/s200/2008+02+28+79+Roosevelt+Dam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LOWER CLIFF DWELLINGS, TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT<br /></span></strong><br />By this time it was around 4:00 and we made it to Tonto National Monument just in time to make the ½ mile climb up to the Salado cliff dwellings before closing. Although I was allowed to take Ripley on the trail, she was not allowed inside the cliff dwellings, and a very nice couple offered to hold her while I went inside and listened to the volunteer guide.<br /><br />Although there is little left of the original dwellings, except for some restored walls, the brochure brings the village to life through its interpretation of the life history of the Salado people who lived here seven hundred years ago. Originally, entrance was gained to the rooms by a ladder, and there was a second story roof, now only shown by the holes high in the wall. There is a V-shaped notch – the only entrance to the village and easily defended, thus indicating that they had enemies. </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF44KxEzBPutAe4T5kGLHKI-hb052qJ2cfe_7qkLk5Z4pqxtOx_RjeKaq8sg_bhfszCvnIjGewq12eLMehuN3eR9oopncbywI0DbJkzfrbGo4jvB0FCsxJIB_GcHcgcv3uCF6gKa69wS6Z/s1600-h/2008+02+28+86+Volunteer+Guide+with+Tourists.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181162907507108514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF44KxEzBPutAe4T5kGLHKI-hb052qJ2cfe_7qkLk5Z4pqxtOx_RjeKaq8sg_bhfszCvnIjGewq12eLMehuN3eR9oopncbywI0DbJkzfrbGo4jvB0FCsxJIB_GcHcgcv3uCF6gKa69wS6Z/s200/2008+02+28+86+Volunteer+Guide+with+Tourists.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The National Park Service does a wonderful job in providing information about each of their sites and provides a good deal of information about the site. Water was brought from the river below and the people planted corn and squash to augment the diet gleaned from the desert itself. Metates (grinding stones and basin) have been found here, as at many other sites as well throughout Arizona, and were used to grind corn and seeds. The brochure mentions that “Grit from these stones became part of their daily diet and wore down their teeth. They probably endured painful toothaches and abscessed gums during much of their lives”. An interesting insight into their lives.<br /><br />It is also hypothesized that the people spent much of their time in communal rooms, visiting with their neighbours while they worked, and to discuss matters of importance to them. By 1450 The Salado people had moved on, dispersing as they went.<br /><br />A list of common desert plants used by the Salado include yucca (food, sewing needles, clothing, sandals, mats, cordage, soap); prickly pear (food); mesquite (food); saguaro (food, ceiling cross pieces); agave (cord, sandals, nets, food). When a modern-day person looks at the desert, it might be easy to think that there is nothing there but a hostile, barren environment but when one grows up in the desert, there is much to be gained and used from the surroundings, as is evidenced in the above list, and that does not include any of the animals that could be hunted for food and clothing.<br /><br />This particular cliff dwelling is but one of many settlements throughout the Tonto Basin, and at its peak there were thousands living in the region. The term Salado derives from the Rio Salado (Salt River) which flowed through this area, and they developed their own unique style of polychrome pottery utilizing the clay found there. In the 1300’s the Salt River had a series of floods which destroyed the farms and villages in the lowlands, and archaeologists surmise that this was the reason for the slow dispersement of the people to other areas.<br /><br />There was little time to explore before closing time; I would like to have explored the rooms further and to stop to look at the plants on the exit path, but Ripley and I had to hurry to leave. As we headed onwards, dusk came on and I regretted that we were too late to visit two other attractions that I had planned to see – the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Site and the botanical gardens. Perhaps another day.<br /><br />We arrived back at Indian Skies just after full darkness, and after a walk with Ripley for her to relieve herself, I headed to the hot tub and then bed.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008 – LEAP YEAR</span></em></strong><br /><br />8:30 a.m. Friday is Donuts and Coffee morning – a time to socialize with the other residents here at Indian Skies. I must say that everyone is very friendly, and they include newcomers like myself without reservation. Many of them know my name, even though I can’t keep track of theirs! I have found that some people have been coming back here for as much as twenty years.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">CRAFT CLASS<br /></span></strong><br />Afterwards, I rushed back to take Ripley out for a walk, and then hurried back to be in time for the craft class. Penny and Doug (originally from London, Ontario and now spending summers in Kearney, Ontario – the town where my sister in law was born) led the class, and today we made a hanging lantern from a gourd. They had prepared the gourds, cutting the necessary hole for the light fixture and cutting off the bottom, soaking them in a bleach mixture and scrubbing the outer skin off. They put in a lot of volunteer work to prepare for the class and charged only $10 to cover the cost of materials.<br /><br />Penny is a wonderfully enthusiastic teacher, who led us through the process, heaping praise on each participant as we chose our designs. Each of us (Bea, Dayeko, Hoppy and Bob amongst others) ended up with different and unique lanterns. It was a chance to discover a creative side of me that I have long wanted to explore. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS64IjEKgwThXOsv6ORwJ7zoWJ1keNL641OJMnKCyo-TzsTnUXNE39Ch_qPnJgBasChxxhS3n7tBzW00Wxm58aZ7B-IDcOTkpYb1k4FweVUocKOCQiJsuZPeJjqwjYvWpeGAVVhqG9Fqs/s1600-h/2008+02+29+03+Penny+%26+Dayeko.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163186679982786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS64IjEKgwThXOsv6ORwJ7zoWJ1keNL641OJMnKCyo-TzsTnUXNE39Ch_qPnJgBasChxxhS3n7tBzW00Wxm58aZ7B-IDcOTkpYb1k4FweVUocKOCQiJsuZPeJjqwjYvWpeGAVVhqG9Fqs/s200/2008+02+29+03+Penny+%26+Dayeko.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Penny & Dayeko from Wisconsin</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktQGOpRmxj8wP93jbtI_E8gE19l-TN0E2YYjE8mBwX4MrXfB82ZsC0cJsXvyLes18Xe8G8lvu8kb99sxG-CGusbRuuCx6Pg2IPTTpgb1-H15kf2Lz4dX9jmmr70WYb6jm0zshRdUxWhsx/s1600-h/2008+02+29+01+Hoppy+in+Craft+Class.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163083600767666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktQGOpRmxj8wP93jbtI_E8gE19l-TN0E2YYjE8mBwX4MrXfB82ZsC0cJsXvyLes18Xe8G8lvu8kb99sxG-CGusbRuuCx6Pg2IPTTpgb1-H15kf2Lz4dX9jmmr70WYb6jm0zshRdUxWhsx/s200/2008+02+29+01+Hoppy+in+Craft+Class.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Hoppy from Montana working on his design</span></em></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK TO THE EMPTY SUBDIVISION<br /><br /></span></strong>I saw a second burrowing owl near the other one that I had seen the other day. Actually, it was Ripley who found the owl, making its home in a culvert. Unfortunately, she disturbed the bird and it flew over to a railing nearby.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Aw_bLpQ1XI9nZKVFjXsEbCcOewpAIiapuSHWceJJpSo6i0TBPxQGRhQkICX3Z3fNjTsJj7wy4hfaOxY2p6dnDMq5bWsSC75EZicwMdHAapR9cP5b4iya2YLO5IP_ElaOKyf7IU7aV1du/s1600-h/2008+02+29+10+Good+Burrowing+Owl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163298349132498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Aw_bLpQ1XI9nZKVFjXsEbCcOewpAIiapuSHWceJJpSo6i0TBPxQGRhQkICX3Z3fNjTsJj7wy4hfaOxY2p6dnDMq5bWsSC75EZicwMdHAapR9cP5b4iya2YLO5IP_ElaOKyf7IU7aV1du/s200/2008+02+29+10+Good+Burrowing+Owl.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ripley’s ball is still holding up, although much of the exterior black and white design has been torn off. She has boundless energy and brings the ball back to me again and again, so that I can kick it once more.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">FISH FRY<br /><br /></span></strong>A group of the residents from Minnesota got together to organize a fish fry. For $5.00 I got a barbecued piece of fish, french fries, salad and home-made roll, with a dessert concoction of whipped topping and pecan pieces. It is really remarkable how so many of the residents get together to plan all the events that go on at Indian Skies. It is all volunteered, as the absentee owners really do nothing.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0VfykLi4yUti-PqKwA2t_3uhxavQfg5yTdWSQ2aRrqJRcsXsBUttbAAzOvKMkI0S-Oxeres7r5SYpIzEOCdX8N3m8_O83ToayLV0nE1ZIBJIdKdIUvsJh6V-Vfwg6dw_hILJeSBtNW09/s1600-h/2008+02+29+16+Fish+Fry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163461557889762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0VfykLi4yUti-PqKwA2t_3uhxavQfg5yTdWSQ2aRrqJRcsXsBUttbAAzOvKMkI0S-Oxeres7r5SYpIzEOCdX8N3m8_O83ToayLV0nE1ZIBJIdKdIUvsJh6V-Vfwg6dw_hILJeSBtNW09/s200/2008+02+29+16+Fish+Fry.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There were so many people who came to this event that we had to be fed in shifts. I had a ticket for the 6:30 p.m. sitting, but we actually didn’t get our food until around 7:00 p.m. In the meantime, I had a hilarious conversation with Lawrence and Arvila, from the state of Washington, and who have been married for 61 years!! Neither of them looked as though they were in their eighties, but unless they were children when they married, they must be in that neighbourhood. Larry has a wicked sense of humour, which I suppose has helped him to remain young at heart. </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdNOQT_Yt_znlV1Q-ylngQqPenF7w_MqiN7PXFtgiO63yUNfEMbTPqygvOY2xHdGORe4pTlmSk9GOFlsFlBNJowWnzq7B7P8EfQ9ojMkQK2edfMSzdHtVJjrjPkVunuHEKH3aS7NS4SSH/s1600-h/2008+02+29+19+Lawrence+%26+Alvila+Married+61+Years.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163594701875954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdNOQT_Yt_znlV1Q-ylngQqPenF7w_MqiN7PXFtgiO63yUNfEMbTPqygvOY2xHdGORe4pTlmSk9GOFlsFlBNJowWnzq7B7P8EfQ9ojMkQK2edfMSzdHtVJjrjPkVunuHEKH3aS7NS4SSH/s200/2008+02+29+19+Lawrence+%26+Alvila+Married+61+Years.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Arvila & Larry</span></em></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">PANCAKE BREAKFAST<br /></span></strong><br />Yet another event planned by volunteers was the pancake breakfast this morning. There was coffee available, plus as many pancakes as you wanted, with syrup. A nice way to start off the day.<br /><br />Once again, I took Ripley over to the alfalfa field behind Indian Skies, and I noticed through my binoculars that there were two prairie dogs standing up on their hind legs, on the berm in the field. These are not the same ones that I saw in the subdivision across the street. Ripley sent them scurrying down their burrow holes.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">OFF TO PHOENIX AGAIN<br /></span></strong><br />This Saturday is another full day, and at noon Ripley and I headed north once again to Phoenix where my first stop was the famous Heard Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of southwest Indian artifacts. Good old Maude maneuvered us through the intricate freeway system directly to the right area. As I got closer, I found that the street was down to one-way in each direction, due to construction, and that there was a lot of traffic in the area. I came across a sign saying “Free parking for Heard Museum”, and quickly turned in to park and to ensure that Ripley was left comfortably in the shade with windows open.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">HEARD MUSEUM INDIAN MARKET & FAIR<br /><br /></span></strong>As I have mentioned previously, I seem to luck out in finding great events by accident, and today was no exception. The Heard Museum was hosting its annual Indian Market and Fair today and tomorrow, and I found myself wandering through pathways of booths featuring food and exquisite crafts of all kinds – pottery, jewelry, ironwork, painting, etc. etc. There were also native people demonstrating basketmaking, beadwork and weaving.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L1WgEMUZDU5vt7k4CXGy4HfjmU7eGQ0E1pNNeNW0O6IesxEEpmJtrdfsf9Zbs_aSp2ZJQsYuXnpq6trF20wHnfHxgV5VDUtQUwWLQDmyFxOKfrjqsh7_vBgafsnEpd-gYxLSn_llqcXG/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164350616120146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L1WgEMUZDU5vt7k4CXGy4HfjmU7eGQ0E1pNNeNW0O6IesxEEpmJtrdfsf9Zbs_aSp2ZJQsYuXnpq6trF20wHnfHxgV5VDUtQUwWLQDmyFxOKfrjqsh7_vBgafsnEpd-gYxLSn_llqcXG/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+021.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIFFwf3Dlx6ZDapcbHacuv7mjMZo9eu-ii11hIrU6OhT7NS6b981yxKC9RJvmTLPDsMMITTX7MU3Ipt5rzQYU1DEIjVICGQ7FwtXbGbcRRTLA3wwLFwA8HxZz5LRwjeyi1lCR_ATYYTBQ/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164208882199362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIFFwf3Dlx6ZDapcbHacuv7mjMZo9eu-ii11hIrU6OhT7NS6b981yxKC9RJvmTLPDsMMITTX7MU3Ipt5rzQYU1DEIjVICGQ7FwtXbGbcRRTLA3wwLFwA8HxZz5LRwjeyi1lCR_ATYYTBQ/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+037.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoUCYYejLILr4Uu-EyUmCyICM0z8B7awCl7mbxRDz3jAVfMc1tqf-0oasikMXc0s8yr613QBRHGYDlmgpnlwrIdqJOWJ_9YR3-6nO9LSmqSIvrthfTq9RdtmAgAnKQ8OYso6n0qLopnxm/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164097213049650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoUCYYejLILr4Uu-EyUmCyICM0z8B7awCl7mbxRDz3jAVfMc1tqf-0oasikMXc0s8yr613QBRHGYDlmgpnlwrIdqJOWJ_9YR3-6nO9LSmqSIvrthfTq9RdtmAgAnKQ8OYso6n0qLopnxm/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The museum had provided very large ceramic greenware horses to five artists who each finished them in their own style. The finished products were magnificent and were to be auctioned off in a raffle costing $100 per ticket.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNBC0eC6TgajElblNf7zFCxBpJqg_7F1Sb7bdrQAQ2vtVEWUo9rn4K-EkJAtRYGt5x3XAj5w1SixothhBzTwMzC34tNmh-kYft8Htmgs-tsWcCWJKdDYZq7gX19rubOEarloXoNqs4t_J/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163981248932642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNBC0eC6TgajElblNf7zFCxBpJqg_7F1Sb7bdrQAQ2vtVEWUo9rn4K-EkJAtRYGt5x3XAj5w1SixothhBzTwMzC34tNmh-kYft8Htmgs-tsWcCWJKdDYZq7gX19rubOEarloXoNqs4t_J/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />In the field adjacent to the Museum various tribes performed their own style of dancing in gorgeous costumes, while the narrator explained who they were and what the dances represented. I was surprised to see that there were Aztec and Mayan dances included, all performed by young people who appeared to be a dance troupe, led by an older man whom I assume was their teacher. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPIYTMkcvqE5RbK7ycp60Bb3VoJYCiRACyS50ZQ_mLhWn8ym3vKRrxMpFhMPAnn1Tbwe2U_J4eWYgx-fuFfdfDCQmJEiKmyZgO_e1B0ftI5kXGqwzwqtQH9GZ3EL1YeYDLdAtx0cTto2K/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181167481647279010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPIYTMkcvqE5RbK7ycp60Bb3VoJYCiRACyS50ZQ_mLhWn8ym3vKRrxMpFhMPAnn1Tbwe2U_J4eWYgx-fuFfdfDCQmJEiKmyZgO_e1B0ftI5kXGqwzwqtQH9GZ3EL1YeYDLdAtx0cTto2K/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+115.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J_kXECzkmQ8rtOAXsurr3-hNWy20kX_k6XDmQAkLDocAJQs2RFQN_l59vqKev8rPCUy3QyTwuH4EjMB4fM-xUE0CM76d_jOKiKUV62sk8KRjiyRfybCejrTGrdOWqhIkdcrpiY0qWmMy/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164543889648482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J_kXECzkmQ8rtOAXsurr3-hNWy20kX_k6XDmQAkLDocAJQs2RFQN_l59vqKev8rPCUy3QyTwuH4EjMB4fM-xUE0CM76d_jOKiKUV62sk8KRjiyRfybCejrTGrdOWqhIkdcrpiY0qWmMy/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+118.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I spent some time in this round stage watching the dancers performing Canadian and native Arizona tribal dances, and regretted that I had not arrived earlier.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhbRnxqYmGm6qqENZuoRsmA2pEXlyAWellIQPaXlrD8aQLTvY9jwIRCjmFEWBSuR10gZ6xLozG7fOb574EcXFR3kbEGbjps0OamcnVofigkzWnru-niUbvusfgq7J2Rx8D6dvMXz0ss8j/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164659853765490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhbRnxqYmGm6qqENZuoRsmA2pEXlyAWellIQPaXlrD8aQLTvY9jwIRCjmFEWBSuR10gZ6xLozG7fOb574EcXFR3kbEGbjps0OamcnVofigkzWnru-niUbvusfgq7J2Rx8D6dvMXz0ss8j/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+153.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />However, I did want to visit the museum too, so headed off there and was amazed to see an enormous collection of kachina dolls in the exhibits. Each of the tribes was represented in its own area, and I could have remained there for much longer, but the museum area was closing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP-OG-mvKu26VPVfUp4LZOOQEYPm5DEMgzgD0D8LOEBPHIKIGMxIziUpV2tuqYleycGifSOTiwKHLenlqDOZ3NOgLuQSPJjXR5gr5_6Cbzr7SeqCxbU7YhTL2iCR5tnGteA47ir0YWOeF/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Heard++Museum+11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163719255927554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP-OG-mvKu26VPVfUp4LZOOQEYPm5DEMgzgD0D8LOEBPHIKIGMxIziUpV2tuqYleycGifSOTiwKHLenlqDOZ3NOgLuQSPJjXR5gr5_6Cbzr7SeqCxbU7YhTL2iCR5tnGteA47ir0YWOeF/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Heard++Museum+11.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pLmqBeoP4IFHhrt-HZqG1ox5-wAkFQxVhsX_E3BUV-7Eo7p1m1mNHLdAFhzmNsrXwSh25GLlQpa_ykD-eZqM1bbqdNJTKmd6XlJs54_G3uiL3DUOGIqQJXJBFtegrlPmLDrVAY7mUdGJ/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Heard+Museum+04.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181163856694881042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pLmqBeoP4IFHhrt-HZqG1ox5-wAkFQxVhsX_E3BUV-7Eo7p1m1mNHLdAFhzmNsrXwSh25GLlQpa_ykD-eZqM1bbqdNJTKmd6XlJs54_G3uiL3DUOGIqQJXJBFtegrlPmLDrVAY7mUdGJ/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Heard+Museum+04.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hurried back to the dance area, in time to see a Japanese Kodo drummer perform in conjunction with two of the Aztec drummers. He explained that he had emigrated from Japan to Arizona ten years ago, and was told that he was a “brother” to the Indian tribes here and was invited to perform with them. It was really quite something to watch the three of them on their different kinds of drums.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM6Rdly1flYeYRnTAOFGlI8_sTW9YQ1Q-zpVAyd0EdQojpWr8HoEZX5YCjb1nRApSeV5aC3wZGgXtAeG08kjMzM6isjF9iUu1ofqE1iYu7vOBGpHGVVZI9gYNatW1kadTJS4uvzxAa7Of/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181164844537359234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM6Rdly1flYeYRnTAOFGlI8_sTW9YQ1Q-zpVAyd0EdQojpWr8HoEZX5YCjb1nRApSeV5aC3wZGgXtAeG08kjMzM6isjF9iUu1ofqE1iYu7vOBGpHGVVZI9gYNatW1kadTJS4uvzxAa7Of/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpkVXwGzi3hD0pSM58Rr3K_YzV1v0Vr9_tbPNdm7b9coT597bR9fuVmZngbKQTWmQ_tpLkkIfDEuAqh9YXJpnqAN3yY0v7AezsxUfTjpNmTAeF8i-wu5BwivzN_sXH1mdldKSW1DU5rrZ/s1600-h/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181165012041083794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpkVXwGzi3hD0pSM58Rr3K_YzV1v0Vr9_tbPNdm7b9coT597bR9fuVmZngbKQTWmQ_tpLkkIfDEuAqh9YXJpnqAN3yY0v7AezsxUfTjpNmTAeF8i-wu5BwivzN_sXH1mdldKSW1DU5rrZ/s200/2008+03+01+Good+Indian+Fair+%26+Market,+Heard+Museum+156.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The final dance of the day is the round dance, which the narrator said was for everyone and invited the audience to join in. This had happened at the Pow Wow in Silver City and I had regretted not joining, so I did this time. On my one side there was a young child and on the other, one of the performers, and the chain of dancers slowly moved out of the circle and around the adjacent hill. It was a great way to end this part of the day, as I joined the many people making their way back to their cars in the various lots that had been allocated for parking for this event. It had cost $20 instead of the $9 that I had anticipated paying, but was worth every penny to be involved in this festival.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">HOCKEY FIX<br /></span></strong><br />Since I had not managed to get to a Phoenix Coyotes game previously, it was my intention to combine the trip to this city by not only going to the Heard Museum, but also in catching a hockey game. Maude took us through the maze of traffic to the suburb of Glendale, to the area of the Jobing.com Arena where the Coyotes play. I had brought a meal for Ripley, made sure she was comfortable and headed towards the arena to find out about parking. I was directed to a lot across the street where the University of Phoenix arena is (supposedly one of the must-see sites because of its retractable roof), and discovered the parking was free!! What a difference from Toronto!<br /><br />The Jobing.com arena is right beside a large shopping mall, and I headed over to see about finding a scalper for a ticket, only to find that there were none around (maybe because it is a shopping mall). I had thought that it would be relatively easy to get a ticket, as hockey is not a popular sport here in Arizona. But I had not counted on many Calgary fans showing up in their jerseys and taking up all the cheaper seats. The box office was offering suite seats for $50, (still a good deal) and I managed to get one of these. But, because of the unexpected fees at the Heard Museum and the extra money for a hockey ticket, I had very little cash with me left for supper. I wandered around the mall looking for an ATM, but the only one I found inside a restaurant rejected my Canadian debit card. I was fortunate to find a restaurant where I had a very nice Polynesian chicken dish and drink for $8.50. I had $8.25 and the cashier very kindly fished into her tip pot to come up with the other quarter!<br /><br />On the way into the arena, each fan received a duffle bag with the Coyotes logo on it – I can always use another duffle bag! I made my way up to the exclusive suite section, and sat beside two people from Calgary wintering in Mesa, in the front row just behind the goalie, and was torn between rooting for Calgary or Phoenix. Phoenix was the team owned by The Great One, whereas Calgary was Canadian (albeit from western Canada). What I hadn’t heard was that Cujo was now the goalie for Calgary, and that clinched it for me. I would root for Calgary. Curtis Joseph has been a favourite of mine from the time that he played for Toronto, and I was pleased to hear that he had a job again in the capricious world of hockey. After Calgary got the first goal, it was obvious that the man sitting on my left was a Phoenix fan, and as the goals mounted in favour of Calgary, he remained silent.<br /><br />Calgary won 3-1.<br /><br />We got back to Indian Skies around 12:30, and I couldn’t go to sleep immediately after such an exhilarating day. I took Ripley for a walk and the park was silent. As everyone is over 55 here, people tend to go to bed early. The nightsky was sparkling with stars, and after returning Ripley to the RV, I headed for the hot tub to reflect on the day. I wasn’t able to get to sleep until about 3:00 a.m.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />After sleeping in, I drove Ripley over to the vacant subdivision for her romp with her ball. I didn’t see the prairie dogs there today, perhaps because the berm on which they have made their home is also used for a small amount of truck traffic. It made me wonder if they have moved.<br /><br />I have long had an interest in jewelry, and the craft class I attended has sparked an interest in making my own. I thought that I would head off to Wal Mart to pick up a few things to get started, and what I couldn’t find at the Coolidge store I did find at the Casa Grande store. I could see where this hobby could become quite expensive, but I’m eager to try.<br /><br />The rest of the day was filled with domestic chores – laundry, housework and finishing up my hanging gourd lantern, which I had not been able to do in class on Friday.<br /><br />Later, I went to the ice cream social, and went to bed relatively early.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1153540475922571840.post-1511781649967048442008-02-28T22:47:00.000-08:002008-03-10T16:49:42.303-07:00EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-SIX - ARIZONA WEEK THREE<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>EPISODE NUMBER THIRTY-SIX – ARIZONA<br />FEBRUARY 15 - 22, 2008<br /></strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">NOW WITH PHOTOS<br /></span></strong><br /><em>If you would like to write to me, my address until March 20 is Marilyn Cole, c/o D&J Ziolkoski, Apt. 2, Trail Riders Holiday Park, 2460 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85213,U.S.A.<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW19bKszcfXXR67-2DjxAm_OkxxpXAVpCtT2LcvJQ0qa3YUJkp7BnMvZixE0FAjLZ2MNfutnNISHIBJINPgwciqZXxr3AbWjNWjOsf8lgT_KmleEU0b5ORjr88lde4zKJDqyX9HIIxqwXW/s1600-h/2008+02+20+08+My+Rental+Car+%26+Ripley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176258634959004082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW19bKszcfXXR67-2DjxAm_OkxxpXAVpCtT2LcvJQ0qa3YUJkp7BnMvZixE0FAjLZ2MNfutnNISHIBJINPgwciqZXxr3AbWjNWjOsf8lgT_KmleEU0b5ORjr88lde4zKJDqyX9HIIxqwXW/s200/2008+02+20+08+My+Rental+Car+%26+Ripley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#009900;">My Rental car with Ripley in Driver's Seat</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Friday is Donuts and Coffee hour in the morning. Although I haven’t yet participated in many of the events, I decided to go to this one and meet more people.<br /><br />I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but it is customary for everyone to bring their own cutlery and dinnerware to the various eating events. Today I only needed to bring my coffee mug, but if I had known that there would be only powdered creamer, I would have brought my own milk too.<br /><br />Residents in the park contribute door prizes, but I was not lucky enough to win anything. However, I did pick up one of the red plastic piggy banks so that I can put in my change. The money collected goes to help the local schools and students who cannot afford basics like shoes.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>VISITING JERRY AND DIANE ZIOLKOSKI<br /></strong></span><br />After Donut hour, I headed north about 60 miles to Mesa (a suburb of Phoenix), to meet up with Jerry and Diane Ziolkoski. Jerry is one of my many cousins living in Winnipeg, and whom I met for the first time just a couple of years ago, when I decided to seek them out and flew out to Winnipeg. Jerry’s father and my father were brothers. Since then, we have kept in touch and I was pleased to learn that Jerry and Diane were renting an apartment in Mesa for three months, and we arranged for me to visit them. They are allowing me to use their address for my mail. I was sad to learn that Jerry suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, but he doesn’t allow it to stop him from doing the things he wants to do. He does tire easily because of his medication.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW<br /></span></strong><br />Because the RV park they are staying in does not allow dogs, I left Ripley behind. This day is one of the very few rainy days in Arizona, but we decided to go to nearby Westworld where the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show was on. We found a parking spot not too far away from the entrance and hurried inside, out of the drizzle.<br /><br />We wandered around the many exhibits displaying gorgeous horse sculptures and artwork, western clothing, saddles, jewelry, etc. etc. We stopped at the booth of Casino Arizona to enter our names in a draw, and returned for the scheduled draw at 5:00 p.m. Jerry won one of the five prizes!! It consists of a dinner for two and show at Casino Arizona, plus a limo to and from the casino. We were able to get a few extra tickets for the show so that I could go too, and perhaps Diane’s sister and her boyfriend (who are arriving next week), and we also got some tickets for complementary drinks.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1I9LkAahWeQp9PApC7BPNWDxuvg1PmnQ0VuVfj9VTIYDujZKgdWKZBjx2me70Cacxzi4saDhQSoatf7RymciieMbxq2FIaiAdrH62SwuDX7ew9sBVFSaec1trpZx78QAKAslfRmP9_Hd/s1600-h/2008+02+15+01+Diane,+Jerry,+Casino+Staff,+marilyn+at+Arabian+Horse+Show.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176249804506243362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1I9LkAahWeQp9PApC7BPNWDxuvg1PmnQ0VuVfj9VTIYDujZKgdWKZBjx2me70Cacxzi4saDhQSoatf7RymciieMbxq2FIaiAdrH62SwuDX7ew9sBVFSaec1trpZx78QAKAslfRmP9_Hd/s200/2008+02+15+01+Diane,+Jerry,+Casino+Staff,+marilyn+at+Arabian+Horse+Show.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Marilyn, Casino staff, Jerry, Diane</span></em></strong></div><div> </div><div>We went on further to the big indoor arena, only to find that there were no classes going on at that time, and that the events scheduled later in the evening were all children’s classes. We chose to leave then, and return next Friday to watch some events.<br /><br />We were all hungry by then, and stopped at a Chinese buffet in Mesa to fill our faces. The trouble with buffets is that you always eat more than you should!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">RETURNING HOME<br /></span></strong><br />On my way up to Mesa, I had relied upon my GPS to find the best route, but it had taken me off into the city of Gilbert with many traffic lights, making the trip longer than it needed to be. On my return to Coolidge, I took the freeways that loop through Phoenix, allowing me to get home much more quickly. However, when I arrived back at Indian Skies around 10:00 p.m., I had totally forgotten that the gate is locked after 7:00 p.m. and I did not have the pass code with me. I was contemplating a long night outside the gate, only a couple of hundred yards away from the comfort of my bed, not to mention poor Ripley who was probably crossing her legs by then! But I was in luck. Since it was Saturday night, I had to wait only about twenty minutes before another car came by and I was able to enter.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />I had noticed that there was a walled subdivision across the road from the alfalfa field where I had previously taken Ripley. I decided to investigate and discovered that, although the streets were paved and named, the utilities were all installed, there were no houses! There is even a landscaped waterway and children’s playground. I guess it was a housing development that fell prey to the declining market. In any event, it was a great place to let Ripley loose with her soccer ball. She shows such delight in retrieving the ball when I throw it, bringing it back in her teeth and barking with joy, all the while wiggling her stump of a tail. She will repeat this endlessly until I tire of it.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">GOING TO THE MOVIES</span></strong><br /><br />The local newspaper advertised an afternoon matinee of several movies at the Harkin Theater in Casa Grande, including one that I had wanted to see, not because of the title of the movie, but because of the leading actor. This time I took the shorter route on the side roads and was dismayed when a flock of sparrow flew up across the road in front of me, and I couldn’t avoid killing one of them.<br /><br />I have long been an admirer of the work of Daniel Day Lewis and consider him to be a very fine actor (My Left Foot; Age of Innocence; The Unbearable Lightness of Being; Last of the Mohicans), so of course I wanted to see his latest film “There Will Be Blood”, despite the title which I think is appalling. The movie is definitely violent, but is a character study of two individuals, an oilman (Daniel Day Lewis) and a preacher (Paul Bano). The latter is someone I have never heard of, but I felt that he was just as good in his supporting role as Day Lewis was in the lead role. (As it turns out, he did win the Oscar for his role as a man who started out with nothing, discovering his first oilwell and developing his business into a huge enterprise and losing his humanity along the way).<br /><br />On the way home, I bought a new bike tire and left the bike with Steve, who said he would put it on.<br /><br />Later, I took Ripley for another round of soccer ball in the vacant subdivision, and as we walked around afterwards, she startled a burrowing owl sitting in an excavation hole!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2008</span></em></strong><br /><br />There is a strange man who has made it his business to go around to all the dumpsters in the park and root through it for the recyclables that weren’t put into the proper containers. While I’m sure it is very laudable of him to do so, it does look very odd!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BIOSPHERE 2<br /></span></strong><br />While visiting the Johnson Space Center, in Houston, I had read about an interesting project that purportedly was first conceived as a prototype for a future habitat on Mars, known as Biosphere 2, located in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson. Built at a cost of $150,000,000, in 1986 by Space Biospheres Ventures, the idea was to develop a fully self-contained facility entirely sealed from the earth below by a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner. According to the brochure, the facility is 3.14 acres, 91 feet at its highest point and contains 6,500 windows and 7,200,000 cubic feet of sealed glass and contains 300,000 square feet of administrative offices, classrooms, labs, conference center and residential housing. The plan was to have four men and four women live in it for a total of two years in the first phase, and then more people for a further four months, starting in 1991. After that, it seems to have been more or less abandoned (probably due to the fact that the experiment was less than successful, I surmise).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg5JYone6sNjevUQFo_nmKRayVX-Kuco3NuXWsK_pJo27cJMVhUsvGjhOHz6dEP1J8_gzPE5MYVXj39lfU6HjNDfGjyuJRKX4TGAVq1X8DY2vwF2jhz2jSLpEbLN-p_ouLA2CmhEXM69s/s1600-h/2008+02+17+09+Good+Building.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176250474521141570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg5JYone6sNjevUQFo_nmKRayVX-Kuco3NuXWsK_pJo27cJMVhUsvGjhOHz6dEP1J8_gzPE5MYVXj39lfU6HjNDfGjyuJRKX4TGAVq1X8DY2vwF2jhz2jSLpEbLN-p_ouLA2CmhEXM69s/s200/2008+02+17+09+Good+Building.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Columbia University took over the facility from 1996-2003, but due to lack of sufficient funding, it fell into disrepair. It was opened to the public in 2002 and was purchased by a consortium who leased it to the University of Arizona in July, 2007. It is slowly undergoing a renovation, and I have to guess that the admission fees are partially funding this because I was surprised to have to pay $18 for the seniors rate. That is one of the problems in visiting various sites in Arizona. The admission fees really eat up the budget in a hurry.<br /><br />Since I had driven approximately 80 miles to get to Biosphere 2, I decided to pay the fee, leaving Ripley in the car in the shade. I walked past typical southwestern style buildings which is where I assume staff and students live while there. I didn’t see a single person in this area and wondered if most of the buildings were vacant.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbI7__Xyvs71c_JJCzl6f29R944gkmuqXiCpxQB2ZR5HlvSbfAMME9YY6k-QsAwWLbqdt9JkH8uU3ASKuaUJN53CVkVsOBmXcrxwA1lhiFaMAcAiAOEroZRtIDkbCL5wXTrfWDw0gPZsN/s1600-h/2008+02+17+06+Housing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176250208233169202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbI7__Xyvs71c_JJCzl6f29R944gkmuqXiCpxQB2ZR5HlvSbfAMME9YY6k-QsAwWLbqdt9JkH8uU3ASKuaUJN53CVkVsOBmXcrxwA1lhiFaMAcAiAOEroZRtIDkbCL5wXTrfWDw0gPZsN/s200/2008+02+17+06+Housing.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The guided tour begins in the human habitat where the Biospherans lived, where they grew their crops and the kitchen where they cooked their meals. They were completely sealed off from the outside world (except for internet and phone) and had to depend entirely upon what they could grow in order to sustain themselves.<br /><br />The guide (who was a retired school principal) was very knowledgeable and was able to answer everyone’s questions, volunteering information about why the experiment was not entirely successful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMjaP8HvEG-F_8d7zTFGkmmuaH0O76NTooyB8_zdytWmixTVasRau3NYzthqBO3bv0a2UTZko8qKALOgCiBrj6IHjEbmAMXs1OON2TkKSqLgTDOmK-ImpscXMdQLyR_26N8hsMrme0lfG/s1600-h/2008+02+17+15+Guide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176251007097086306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMjaP8HvEG-F_8d7zTFGkmmuaH0O76NTooyB8_zdytWmixTVasRau3NYzthqBO3bv0a2UTZko8qKALOgCiBrj6IHjEbmAMXs1OON2TkKSqLgTDOmK-ImpscXMdQLyR_26N8hsMrme0lfG/s200/2008+02+17+15+Guide.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>For one thing, it seems that the architect called for a manufactured glass-like durable substance that was very durable but which did not allow the ultraviolet rays of the sun to penetrate, thus inhibiting photosynthesis. The insects and birds that were put into the vegetation soon died because the plants did not reproduce properly, starting a chain reaction in the rest of the species. The insects had no food and died, and the birds had no insects on which to feed and died as well. There were no insects left to pollinate the plants, and the humans had to go around with Q-tips and hand-pollinate the plants. When we entered the sealed chamber containing the various plants, we could see how badly off the vegetation was. The million gallon saltwater tank was far from healthy; the coral was almost dead; the water was green with algae growth, and the level was very low. The waterfall was not operational. The mangrove had disappeared.<br /><br />The guide had mentioned that galagos had been put into the rainforest in order to give the humans some company. However, I had to question the choice of species. Galagos (also known as bushbabies) are nocturnal, notoriously shy and African. The rainforest consisted of all Peruvian plants. It would have made far more sense to have used a monkey like a capuchin or wooly monkey neither of whom are not adverse to being companions to humans and who are native to South America.<br /><br />It seemed to me that whoever was in charge of choosing what animal species to use really knew little of animal husbandry. I don’t know what species of birds or insects were chosen, but besides the wrong choice of primate, the domestic animals chosen were pygmy goats, pigs and chickens. The goats got loose and ate all the food in the vegetable garden and produced very little milk, so they were slaughtered. Anyone who knows anything about goats knows that they are adept at escaping from any pen. There wasn’t much mention of pigs in the guide’s talk, but he did say that the chickens laid very few eggs because they were not receiving proper nutrition from grain.<br /><br />As we descended from the rainforest down to the savannah past the dead mangrove, through the tropical thorn scrub and into the coastal fog desert, we encountered graduate students busily working on various projects, continuing the long, arduous task of repairing the damage done by neglect. The University of Arizona has received a very substantial grant to operate the Biosphere 2, and it would appear that they are beginning to turn things around. It certainly is a wonderful field study for the students, who are carrying out studies on the effects of global warming and other very relevant topics.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDalEtqIZSkhMYh8Jg4q4jhX9WX14d8lZPXlAWwrxeDsXqhmKfQQFOuZ9QFSjgXZljlQ8ASQfCsNRQm94yeZWRac3hh-UQujY5tY4MoStnnu5g8tKPJWr80ihbyb41BTe8jGMgPyi4iKr/s1600-h/2008+02+17+14+student+conducting+photosynthesis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176250736514146642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDalEtqIZSkhMYh8Jg4q4jhX9WX14d8lZPXlAWwrxeDsXqhmKfQQFOuZ9QFSjgXZljlQ8ASQfCsNRQm94yeZWRac3hh-UQujY5tY4MoStnnu5g8tKPJWr80ihbyb41BTe8jGMgPyi4iKr/s200/2008+02+17+14+student+conducting+photosynthesis.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The guide took us through an underground area where the mechanical systems control the temperatures so that, regardless of the cold winter nights or the hot Arizona summers, the temperature inside the habitat remains constant – quite a feat in itself. It is also responsible for recycling all the water so that there is no loss in volume. From here we went through a tunnel into a huge room where the water storage is. The roof is a remarkable construction made out of a very strong rubber-like substance which contracts and expands the roof as needed, so that there is no implosion or explosion as the temperature outside changes.<br /><br />The website of Biosphere 2 cites as its mission “to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii26Ca6a_wZwrt38Sno4V23vUOSIhAkookvVAKKZquibqrl4G85C3Bw7OLzbm0n10cRldD9Jo3ivzby8D5uXhwkwIIjlA51918g6QAm-JUssFXHEDizO2PGxWyJlCr2RAOj5AjoxnQQaxn/s1600-h/2008+02+17+25+Oracle+Mountain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176252647774593394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii26Ca6a_wZwrt38Sno4V23vUOSIhAkookvVAKKZquibqrl4G85C3Bw7OLzbm0n10cRldD9Jo3ivzby8D5uXhwkwIIjlA51918g6QAm-JUssFXHEDizO2PGxWyJlCr2RAOj5AjoxnQQaxn/s200/2008+02+17+25+Oracle+Mountain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Santa Catalina Mountains behind Biosphere 2</span></em></strong></div><div> </div><div>There were many remarkable things to see, and certainly there was a lot of thought put into building such a structure. There was no mention of the Mars experiment in the talk, but I can’t imagine that the US government would have funded the original concept at a cost of $150M unless the space program had been involved. As to its future, who knows? There are things that just couldn’t be fixed (like the wrong use of a substitute for glass), but it is certainly a very interesting place to visit. And the view across the Santa Catalina Mountains is magnificent.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">TOM MIX<br /></span></strong><br />On the way back, Ripley and I stopped at a picnic site that had a statue commemorating Tom Mix. I vaguely remember a comic strip about this American cowboy, and the plaque mentioned that he epitomized the Old West, and died in 1940, before I was born. The highway runs through the desert, and much of it was a national park with no fencing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksF3iIPm3n2H45MWNznaSbdqt6qYHdBrrTFQrsz-mUPC8_KbinBRLng9cN9s_wfQIjjIM8dvp_S6ZqIJ-ePIdhSosEqsazBvHQ5JB-dX7BGXAxJV1wKVcUOSuyxp4ffbzTpmXmxAejgHk/s1600-h/2008+02+17+27+Tom+Mix+Monument.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176253180350538114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksF3iIPm3n2H45MWNznaSbdqt6qYHdBrrTFQrsz-mUPC8_KbinBRLng9cN9s_wfQIjjIM8dvp_S6ZqIJ-ePIdhSosEqsazBvHQ5JB-dX7BGXAxJV1wKVcUOSuyxp4ffbzTpmXmxAejgHk/s200/2008+02+17+27+Tom+Mix+Monument.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We passed many ranches on the way, and it was interesting to note that there are no barns in the traditional sense. There really is no need for an enclosed structure in the climate here in Arizona, and the buildings generally have a solid steel roof, with open sides.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">ICE CREAM SOCIAL<br /><br /></span></strong>I arrived back at Indian Skies in time for the Sunday Ice Cream Social, another of the activities planned by the residents. For $1.00 I was given a generous scoop of strawberry ice cream (there was a choice of vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and pistachio), plus a dollop of strawberry syrup as well as a ticket for a door prize.<br /><br />Tonight was special because it was also the commemoration of 50th wedding anniversaries of four of the couples in the park. They were seated at a head table, introduced and we were told how they met, and each had their photo taken in a gazebo set up. Afterwards the announcer asked if there were other couples celebrating anniversaries, and several stood up. One couple was celebrating their 62nd anniversary this year!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 – PRESIDENT’S DAY<br /></span></em></strong><br />Today is officially a holiday, and I slept in. Apart from taking Ripley for a drive to play with her soccer ball, I did very little.<br /><br />As I was sitting outside my rig at my computer, I noticed a very charming scene. An elderly woman was taking a stroll around the park using her walker, and her husband was keeping pace beside her.<br /><br />I’ve slowly been reading the little book that I had picked up in Pinos Altos, New Mexico entitled “In Pinos Altos Once Upon a Time”. The book reproduces newspaper articles from the 1800’s in that mining community and provides real vignettes into the life of the miners and their families. One that caught my eye was the story of the origin of the word “gringo” dated November 10, 1890:<br /><br />“<em>Sundry English vessels, it is said, did a long time ago cast anchor off Matzatlan, and sailors as is a time honored custom, took an early opportunity of going ashore and getting drunk. Several of them were parading the streets and singing, and the song among others that particularly caught the Mexican ear was that old friend of Englishmen titled ‘Green Grow The Rushes, Oh!’ After that whenever an Englishman came in sight, it was customary to remark, ‘Aqui vienen los green-grows’, and ‘green-grows’ very soon got to be written and pronounced gringo, and has stuck to the foreigner ever since.”<br /></em><br />I think that my microwave oven has given up the ghost. I have tried unplugging it, I’ve checked all the fuses, but it still doesn’t work. I use it a lot, so I guess I will have to buy a new one.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008<br /></span></em></strong><br />Hoppy, my next door neighbour, very kindly assisted me in putting my awning up, as I have done it so rarely (it was far too windy in New Mexico) that I had forgotten how to do it. One of the things that I like about this park is that people are always willing to help each other out.<br /><br />I drove around Coolidge to do a few errands (post office, Wal Mart, groceries, etc.). On my way back I spied an ice cream store and had a wonderful old-fashioned milk shake, made with real milk and real ice cream. What a treat!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SORRY, WAYNE</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><br />Originally my plan for today was to drive to Phoenix to see a hockey game with the Phoenix Coyotes (Wayne Gretzky’s team), but then I noticed an ad for an event at the University of Arizona in Tucson. I love watching dancing and had wanted to see the group “Forever Tango” when they were in Toronto last year, but the ticket prices were exorbitant. When I saw that they would be appearing at Centennial Hall one night only, I made the decision to order a ticket and drive down.<br /><br />It was much faster this time in a car, but the fact that all the downtown exits are closed for construction does make it harder. With the help of good old Maude, the GPS, I maneuvered through the streets, and as is usual with all campuses, had to park some blocks away. I had brought Ripley with me because she really enjoys car rides and I knew that she would be fine staying in the car while I was at the performance, after taking her for a walk first. I parked on a street that seemed to be part of the student residential area, and felt safe in leaving her there.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">FOREVER TANGO</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><br />The performance was all that I had expected – and more. There were seven pairs of dancers, plus one singer and ten musicians. Four played the bandoneon (a Spanish accordion), plus others played violin, viola, cello, bass, piano and keyboard. Some of the acts were duets, others, groups. The dancers were simply amazing, especially the lead pair Jorge Torres and Marcela Duran. I can’t imagine how they were able to avoid tripping each other as they rapidly wove their legs around each other. The tango is a very sultry dance and they surely were the epitome of that form of expression. All in all, I totally enjoyed the evening – and it only cost $35 for the ticket!<br /><br />I am getting to know my way around Tucson a bit, and it was fairly easy to get back on to I 10 and head up the highway to Indian Skies, arriving home around 11:00 p.m.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I’ve mentioned that there are many activities here at Indian Skies, all organized by a volunteer council of the residents. It is truly surprising to me to see how many people pitch in to organize the events.<br /><br />Wednesday afternoon is “Country Jam” from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Today seven of the park residents got together with their various instruments to jam. The numbers vary, depending upon who is here at the time. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRi_QXjKVG0LNz64RGTF1VA_UwaekUorIpWYzDVupzwbG9VWsLT5tf5iCREEdMzs7xtIyQrUZAcwZKq0BUAUpVSUffVmavwccueanqoBcgjWXI16Xp6l1r1zR5mBTXqXi1d5cbi_67i8W/s1600-h/2008+02+20+04+Country+Jam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176258110972993938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRi_QXjKVG0LNz64RGTF1VA_UwaekUorIpWYzDVupzwbG9VWsLT5tf5iCREEdMzs7xtIyQrUZAcwZKq0BUAUpVSUffVmavwccueanqoBcgjWXI16Xp6l1r1zR5mBTXqXi1d5cbi_67i8W/s200/2008+02+20+04+Country+Jam.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There were three guitars, one banjo, one harmonica, one accordion and one violin/guitar. Two of the men and the single woman sang country songs, and I was surprised at just how good they were. It seems that one fellow used to make his living singing at weddings, etc. and they all have been playing their instruments for many years as amateurs. I asked one of my neighbours of they practiced, and she said, no they just get together on Wednesdays. If that is the case, they were able to follow each other quite well.<br /><br />I checked my weight in the card room. I now weigh 144 lbs. That’s 12 lbs. less than when I began this adventure, and I have Ripley to thank for that. Walking with her has been a great source of exercise. Speaking of that, I took her out once again with her soccer ball. She is so happy when she has that ball to chase around. She carries it in her teeth or pushes it with her nose and barks as she does it – one of the very few times that she does bark (the other being when she is warding off strangers). I only hope that she is not eating the bits that she manages to chew off the ball.<br /><br />I have learned to give her a cooling off period after her chasing the ball so that she won’t vomit in the car, so we took a walk around the vacant subdivision and scared up the same burrowing owl, who seems to have taken up residence in one of the excavated holes. It’s actually a pretty good place for wildlife, as there are no people around to disturb them. Now that I know it’s there, I’ll take Ripley around it so that she doesn’t frighten it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AcAJt2cNmV3Ny23fuYSOLiJjitvakfyYraLFDhynjR_xKcZZQrQIMIv0_L9XslUAAp2DpC8AoBGPEa_ehwUf21SMbZoGH_FZth_kEZLVsfuJWR-PQuvdojfDcmp6X-NC_PCrFts519kP/s1600-h/2008+02+20+06+Indian+Skies+Space+%2332.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176258372965999010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AcAJt2cNmV3Ny23fuYSOLiJjitvakfyYraLFDhynjR_xKcZZQrQIMIv0_L9XslUAAp2DpC8AoBGPEa_ehwUf21SMbZoGH_FZth_kEZLVsfuJWR-PQuvdojfDcmp6X-NC_PCrFts519kP/s200/2008+02+20+06+Indian+Skies+Space+%2332.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">My Site at Indian Skies</span></em></strong></div><div> </div><div>On my return, I met my neighbour on the other side of me. Sherry is a full-time resident in her RV and works at Safeway in nearby Florence. She has a permanent roof and patio plus a storage shed, and like many people here in the USA, thinks nothing of living in a trailer. I have certainly adjusted my attitude towards “trailer people” since I’ve been on this trip. There are, of course, the areas where it is obvious that the name “trailer trash” can apply, but there are many others who care for their homes and hold jobs, or are retired.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">LUNAR ECLIPSE</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><br />Tonight a lunar eclipse was scheduled, but wouldn’t you know it? This is one of the very few nights where it is cloudy here, and unfortunately I missed the eclipse. My friend Jane Dewar in Georgia sent me a lovely photo that Steuart had taken with his fancy equipment.<br /><br />Around midnight, the wind really started to pick up, and I hurriedly rushed outside to take my awning down. It took me some time to figure out how to do it properly, and the strong wind whipping the awning certainly didn’t help, but eventually I did manage to get it down in one piece. That’s the danger of putting the awning up. I have been told of horror stories where the wind has simply ripped the awning right off, or knocked it over the roof of the RV, causing damage to the roof.<br /><br />After that, I decided to relax in the hot tub. I haven’t mentioned it, but I am in there just about every evening now.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>After consulting with Rosemarry, the office manager, I headed off to Wal Mart to buy a new microwave. The prices certainly are reasonable here in the US, and I got a very nice one, complete with a browning element for only $70. Hoppy, my neighbour took out my old one from its cabinet, and is going to help me install the new one, once I am sure that I want to keep it. I will try it out for a day or two before we anchor it into the RV. That’s one thing that I always have to think about. You can’t just simply buy something and put it on a shelf. It has to be installed properly so that the next time I drive off, it doesn’t land on the floor.<br /><br />I saw the burrowing owl again today, and unfortunately Ripley disturbed it because it had moved to a different hole.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2008<br /><br /></span></em></strong>Today, it is still cloudy and cool. It is unfortunate as I am heading to Mesa again today.<br /><br />But first, there was Donut Hour – and I won a door prize! I don’t quite know what I will do with two fishing lures that have giant hooks on them. Maybe make some earrings?? Or donate them to the next door prize event!<br /><br />As I planned to be away for most of the day and evening, Steve and Anna very kindly dogsat Ripley. Anna took her around to visit several of the residents, and apparently she was quite the hit.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">BACK TO PHOENIX<br /></span></strong><br />Meanwhile, I got on my way to Jerry and Diane’s apartment and it rained quite heavily in spots along the road. They have a nice two-bedroom apartment, one of a few that are available at Trail Riders Holiday Park. It has a living room with a fireplace, a washer and dryer in the kitchen area, and a large patio, and they are quite comfortable there.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW</span></strong><br /><br />We headed off to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show as planned (I drove my car this time), and arrived in a drizzle. For $7 admission fee, we headed to the bleachers to watch the events scheduled.<br /><br />When I was a teenager, I loved Arabian horses, and was very involved with the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada, even acting as Show Secretary for a couple of years. I dreamed of being able to attend the Scottsdale show, which is the biggest (there were exhibitors from eleven countries, with 2,600 entries this year). It took awhile, but I finally made it!!<br /><br />We found good seats on the far side of the large arena, and I happily ran down to the rails by the reserved seating, to take photos of some of the classes. There were many dogs in the aisleways being taken around by their owners on leashes, and I know that Ripley would have had a great time if I had brought her.<br /><br />The extent of classes offered has certainly expanded since I was involved. We weren’t in time for the Mounted Native Costume class, unfortunately – always fun to watch. But we did see two Western Pleasure Championship classes, </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy9S6SthLUcBNgUvjDegBOF7F9x58SKfYcgI3g_bWrZTekGSwxRJKOgYAK4jnZp10OKR9UcEsu7SwiP45c0hyphenhyphenem_NfOlt0FmMdwKV6Sk_tRiO1mya5tjbsiilnhUxyhKh5TKri6_Sl3nZ/s1600-h/2008+02+22+06+Good+Scottsdale+Western+Pleasure.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176259240549392850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy9S6SthLUcBNgUvjDegBOF7F9x58SKfYcgI3g_bWrZTekGSwxRJKOgYAK4jnZp10OKR9UcEsu7SwiP45c0hyphenhyphenem_NfOlt0FmMdwKV6Sk_tRiO1mya5tjbsiilnhUxyhKh5TKri6_Sl3nZ/s200/2008+02+22+06+Good+Scottsdale+Western+Pleasure.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Country English Pleasure- Mares, Country English Pleasure-Geldings,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC-Kl6mTClgoHulsVPduRIGkSPTi8G0sZsnLgBWwTmVNF8fbjW4_1TT-D88yC4IXgocdYRz3QojVfQsXI4lYZa3gHY6Oilm5jKGjqjlptuIJAkLfb1To3wudm13Pnnp7pq6ZBo7oY1mx-/s1600-h/2008+02+22+13+Scottsdale+English.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176259506837365218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC-Kl6mTClgoHulsVPduRIGkSPTi8G0sZsnLgBWwTmVNF8fbjW4_1TT-D88yC4IXgocdYRz3QojVfQsXI4lYZa3gHY6Oilm5jKGjqjlptuIJAkLfb1To3wudm13Pnnp7pq6ZBo7oY1mx-/s200/2008+02+22+13+Scottsdale+English.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Half—Arabian Western Pleasure and last of all, the Arabian Freestyle Liberty class. This last class was new to me – and was it spectacular! The three entrants were each brought into the ring separately in a halter. The halter was then taken off and the horse was allowed to go free in the ring. The object was to show off the various gaits of the horse to music and for it to travel around all areas of the ring while the audience cheered. At the end of the exhibition, the two handlers have two minutes to halter the horse. The horses are trained to perform like this.<br /><br />The first beautiful grey stallion moved around the ring well, but wanted no part of being caught. Instead, he was more interested in sniffing the urine of the horses who had been there earlier. It was quite obvious that the two handlers were afraid of him – and he knew it. After about ten minutes, it took the three judges, the show steward, plus other volunteers to corner him and send him into the exit chute, where one of the judges finally grabbed hold of his mane. The judge was whirled around in a circle a few times while clinging to the mane, and eventually the halter was put on the horse. Of course this horse’s score was quite low.<br /><br />The second horse performed quite well, but it was the third magnificent grey stallion who put on a wonderful show. He appeared to enjoy performing for the audience, and tore around the edge of the arena, with his tail erect as only Arabians can do (they have one less bone in their tail than other horses); he would stop at various points, reverse his direction, strutting off again. At the end of his time, he stood perfectly still for his handlers to halter him. Of course, he won the class! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ev2gXK8rN5nsbCImf7GVAsg92l84oS-keSaRkjIQx-A897S-5DDSeaybDbnnhMhfqHMBoQbmOSqTUG0pM_H4uVgk2BeORxT8BGK66daSfvGVCOYl4bE5YuKtiuU9Po0bX_xL76-FmlXJ/s1600-h/2008+02+22+16+Good+Liberty+Horse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176259786010239474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ev2gXK8rN5nsbCImf7GVAsg92l84oS-keSaRkjIQx-A897S-5DDSeaybDbnnhMhfqHMBoQbmOSqTUG0pM_H4uVgk2BeORxT8BGK66daSfvGVCOYl4bE5YuKtiuU9Po0bX_xL76-FmlXJ/s200/2008+02+22+16+Good+Liberty+Horse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It was a great way to end the afternoon events. Our plan had been to go to the horse show in the afternoon, and then make our way over to the US Airways Arena to try to get tickets for the basketball game later. It started at 8:30 p.m., so we had plenty of time to wander around the exhibit area once again, and admire the gorgeous artwork and sculptures,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgTmVO35ZUd6tCzU9qJHimFMF-e7WKfeQCjKULxsnHTISHdu9VUoCbboPnL04sLV7bGTPsRVcY3wkLLtBgZgu4uxgwQgvwgPJ2U0UhYqbQWy7nJ9ZE3g2emtspNBkZncOSQFL-XrSLrqN/s1600-h/2008+02+22+33+Sculpture.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176260340061020690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgTmVO35ZUd6tCzU9qJHimFMF-e7WKfeQCjKULxsnHTISHdu9VUoCbboPnL04sLV7bGTPsRVcY3wkLLtBgZgu4uxgwQgvwgPJ2U0UhYqbQWy7nJ9ZE3g2emtspNBkZncOSQFL-XrSLrqN/s200/2008+02+22+33+Sculpture.jpg" border="0" /></a> as well as the wonderful jewelry, clothing, tack, etc.<br /><br /></div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUomWdh08zxCXuPMDWhEtP9UKv0E2lSjGTWj0hjP8IziA9VBNnKN62jU1SP0Pq8dqgr1zZN4IG1HD0rG_xcDsy9W-tSufTvGdR0MzN7PvIuGTw4aeXUHgdZWk79GE7jmwg5aJXTR3Fz55/s1600-h/2008+02+22+29+Artwork.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176260065183113730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUomWdh08zxCXuPMDWhEtP9UKv0E2lSjGTWj0hjP8IziA9VBNnKN62jU1SP0Pq8dqgr1zZN4IG1HD0rG_xcDsy9W-tSufTvGdR0MzN7PvIuGTw4aeXUHgdZWk79GE7jmwg5aJXTR3Fz55/s200/2008+02+22+29+Artwork.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">I GUESS BASKETBALL IS POPULAR HERE IN ARIZONA</span><br /><br /></strong>It had stopped raining by the time we decided to leave and make our way across the city to the arena where the Phoenix Suns play. Good old Maude took us around via the various freeways, and we arrived around 7:00 p.m. I had suggested to Jerry and Diane that we not buy tickets in advance because the scalpers would be around, based on my experience in Toronto. However, I had really underestimated the appeal of basketball in Arizona. And it didn’t help that Shaquille O’Neal had just joined the team. The box office was sold out. Not even the scalpers had tickets! So, we were disappointed that we couldn’t get into the arena and agreed to head back to Mesa to watch the game on TV instead.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">SHRIMP AND TV<br /><br /></span></strong>On the way home, we stopped at Long John Silver for a combination fish/shrimp platter, and as usual there was enough on my plate to take home a doggy bag.<br /><br />The game against the Boston Celtics was exciting – but it would have been better if we could have seen it in person. We agreed that I would order tickets and that we would go another day, after Diane’s sister Jeanine had gone back home. She is arriving tomorrow for a week.<br /><br />Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it seems that Ripley had a good time with Anna and Steve, and she had been returned to my RV when I got back at 1:00 a.m. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sleep, so headed for the hot tub, and then read until 4:00 a.m. I had found an early work of Randy Wayne White, when he was writing as Randy Striker – a typical James Bond type of book (hero kills the enemy, gets the girl).<br /><br />It had not rained at all in Coolidge, whereas it poured heavily in Phoenix.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Travelling Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00189170618824777616noreply@blogger.com0