Sunday March 1
On
to a new rant as it is March 1 after all and it is getting hot here in
Q.
To
revive old news... remember this outfit I posted about at the end of January
that moved to Rice Ranch and set up a buffet.
Now
it is March and an update is on order.
They
had to have had a power transformer and a whole new pole for the download
wire and power panel installed by the power company. You can see the fresh
dirt around the pole. That MUST have been big bucks.
Now you know they NEVER opened
up. That was the good news as they would have lost more money if they had
bought food and no customers showed up. The big tent show had already
closed and left town. We see this so often, people with good intentions
just don't do a business plan and put it to paper to see if it is a viable
money making idea. Now they have put lots of money into this trailer
and why oh why they thought they could show up in Q AFTER the season. We
wish them well but they didn't have a clue in this case. The dining tent
has been removed as part of it blew down in the last windstorm. This must
have worked in other situations but not this time.
Now on to more pressing
(I mean growing) matters.
I noticed grass or weeds
starting to grow up through our artificial turf. Now what does that tell
you.
Might be we have been here
way too long. Do we need to get a weed eater to trim our plastic turf from
getting out of hand? Not sure the local hardware store (Herbs) even carries
weed eater replacement string. Maybe I should just get out some Miracle
Grow and sprinkle some all over and see what happens. Might be more fun
than growing tomatoes. Sure would be nice to rub my toes in nice green
grass instead of desert gravel.
Next year for an idea (since
Herbs) I know does have bags of cow manure, I could grow our own instead
of relying on science to make our patio green. Or is the current AZ heat
wave getting to my brain cells.. (Think what would happen if I was
here in the Summer) with real heat. There is a new nursery in town that
moved down here from Parker. Think the owner is now also the new mayor.
Could just go wild and lay down some sod to tingle my feet in. Sod might
just be cheaper than plastic green turf. It is pricey! Of course would
need to put down a plastic barrier so as to be able to restore the desert
to its natural state when we leave. Now you didn't think I would throw
cow manure just any old place now do you? Just think what I could do with
black water... NOT! Don't think I would want to run my toes through
that. Bet grass or sod could take a couple of nights of low temps much
better than TOMATO plants! Been there done that...
Terry took this when I talked
him into going up to wipe the dust off the solar panels. Looking northeast.
Monday March 9
On Saturday we headed off
to Parker, AZ. I wanted to get to Bank of America before they closed
at 1. Normally they are very busy but I walked in to no other customers.
I had a check to cash and while doing taxes on Friday (I use Tax
Act) I found an old Series EE Bond that needed to to be cashed as it
was falling apart and I handed it over the the bank clerk in a plastic
bag. They took it without question. It was from around the 60's and had
grown a big $59 above the $200 value. I think I had many more of these
but must of lost track of them over the years. Wonder if there is a government
web site that I can check to see how many bonds were issued to me back
then and if I can retrieve them? Silly thought I think. I might have a
lost bank box with bonds it it. Snooze you loose I guess.
Then went up to the La Paz
County park to check out the every Saturday flea market and campground.
Wanted to see how busy the
campground was if we decided to head up that way when we pack up and head
out of Q. This is their boat docks and fishing area off the river. You
can camp right around the inland docks. See the TV dish in the foreground.
This is a great park and has things for everyone. They are not fussy as
we saw people camping in areas that normally would be used for picnics.
All space was being used and everyone looked happy.
The market was busy and the
campground was full, with a sign only dry camping available. Later Terry
found out why... It is spring break in California and the vacation campers
were out in force coming over to AZ to party. This is more of a family
thing unlike Havasu City where they they get the collage kids big time.
The county campground offers
winter seasonal camping right on the river.
You can see the river beach
on the right. If it weren't for the Terry's involvement in the rock
club this would be a good spot to land.
The new Wal*Mart store in
Parking is coming along. Sure looks like it will up and open by the fall
season.
After Safeway and $128 later
we headed back to Q. I did have to purchase three bottles of Pinot Nior.
Our good friend Tad at the (hear we go again) Rock Club turned us onto
this wine barital. I like a drier wine and this was to my liking. We are
now tasting several different wineries that produce this blend.
Terry on Sunday did bread
in the dutch oven over coals. I really liked this batch as the bottom
was a little dark as in slight burnt... and so good.
We are trying to get our
act together so we can get out of town and travel for a couple of months
before I have appointment for doctors, etc. The route maps to the outback's
are still being studied. Terry is waxing the 5er as I give him pointers
on the fine art of the job, and showing him the missed sections of wax
that needs to me wiped that he missed. At times he wants to wipe me instead.
On Tuesday we shall head over to Blythe as we (he) is out of Maguiers paste
wax. Don't think we (he) should change brands in the middle of the job.
He sez he is half done.
I say he still has half
to do yet. Sort of a half full, half empty water glass kind of thing.
Paul & Joyce, of Paul
& Joyce, Exploring our Country stopped by as they were
on their way to Silly Al's for pizza for supper. They were pizza
deprived, as not having any, for a few weeks now while on the raod. That's
waht they claimed anyway, and as the sign sez... You haven't been to Q
unless youv'e been to Silly Als.
We had a very nice visit.
They are getting more solar installed at Discount Solar here in Q later
in the week. Hint: the best place to get this done. Getting right
into this off the grid kind of thing. Check out their web blog.
They are in a Class A and
check out their toad.
Wednesday March
11
I got
several emails with the news NuWa Inc. was starting back up in June.
That
is the company who made our new 5er...
Great
news as so many RV manufactorus are shutting down.
Look
at the ones who are having problems...
Sunline,
Travel Supreme, Monaco, Weekend Warrior, Pilgrim, King of the Road, National
RV, Alfa, Western Rv, Country Coach, Chinook, Bigfoot, NU-Wa, Teton Homes,
Extreme Rv, and Ameri-Camp
And
now the largest one out there Fleetwood is shutting down trailer production
and hopes to still build some MHs in Chapter 11.
So
I posted this on RV.NET forum
I
fulltimed in a new off the dealers lot 2003 HitchHiker II Deluxe non LS
for 5 years and it never went back to the local dealer for service. Ordered
a new 2009 DA 348SB in July (just said go for it) and got it in Oct. Now
after living in it in AZ boondocking for 6 months am going back for service
to the factory for a couple of items. Fresh tank has a dripping leak, and
a squeak in the kitchen floor. Not like a slide fell out or anything. This
unit is solid fit and finish all around. And when I call the factory I
get friendy answers to my questions. A human person answers on the first
ring.
You
RVers know what it is like to call Fantastic Fan... for service. It's the
same way with Nu Wa. Need I say more.
Now
Mike, the owner, has stated he has found a way to start back up. May not
be the same full line or models. Producing the 2010 models along tha same
lines as the 2009 units. Why change a great product. The basic changes
from my 2003 to 2009 unit were dramatic They had already advanced to a
superior 5er. And if you didn't know, they only build 5th wheels, so as
I like to say KISS. (Keep It Simple Stupid. Do what you do best...
Sure
thing it will a more lean company. But if they can bring back even some
of their loyal employees there should be a small celabration that some
jobs are returning.
Now
we need to support them and vist your local HitchHiker dealer and get a
great deal on a unit sitting on their lot.
One
of the reasons they are starting back up might be, is the units on dealers
lots were selling so good. People are smart they know when they see a good
deal on a great RV.
Better
yet order one to be built just the way you want it.
Motivated
employees back to work building the best 5th wheels just the way they have
been doing for years.
Lay
me off (was shutdown) and bring me back to work "I'll work hard to make
this work again for all of us, my paycheck, and the people who buy what
I make."
Sort
of the bottom line to get this company and the country up to speed again.
Sure
not life in Q, but on a rant tonight.
Saturday March 14
Life
is winding down here in Q. We were board sitting out on the patio
early evening so we of course broke down and went into Q for Fish Fry.
Others had been raving about the fish at the "Best Mexican" restaurant.
All we could think of was that was the place next to the Pilot truck stop
that we never saw anyone eating at. And the old story about when it was
the Best Chinese place and how they fixed their chicken till it got shutdown
by the health dept.
But
off we went anyway and found they have a parking lot off and behind that
hides the cars in it. The decore was a bit rundown and all the walls were
a dark pink. The place was not packed but a good turnout as it is very
late in the season. You can cross any street and not have to look for traffic
anymore. Back to the fish, it was Yummy as some of our friends would
say. The best in Q we would now think. The breading was light and didn't
overpower it. The great part was it was $7.95 so with ice tea (that was
watered down but we didn't go there for the tea) we got the main bill for
right at $20 bucks. Plus tip.
Earlier
we went for a ride out back in La Posa North. I said we were board. Were
hoping for wild flowers but they weren't out as big time as we had hoped.
Perhaps we needed to get further back in the back country, but with a dually
diesel plowing over narrow ATV roads that turn into trails we had to stop
before we were ready to.
Looking back toward Rainbow
Acres and the valley from the east side.
This shot below from last
year in the same area. Click on it for a larger 235 K version.
I use a 5 M version for
my monitor background image.
We are getting ready to head
on out of Q late next week. That means getting our ouside stuff bundled
up and stored. Here is the picnic table I just stained and all the junk
gathering up as we get organized again.
We have friends that will
use the picnic table at their residence in Brenda this summer and the canopy
and grass floor is going to another place. Just roll up the turf and haul
it off. Terry will finish waxing the 5er and we will be ready
to roll after the last of the rock club meetings next week. Our only
firm plans are to be in Chanute KS on May 19 for appointment for trailer
service. So time for a little adventure. Doing lots of background study
on roads and routes and campgrounds.
The weather here in March
so far (knock on wood) has been fantastic. Clear, dry, and not to warm.
It tends to get to hot for us by mid March but this year it is a little
cooler, which is just the way I like it. I don't take heat well.
I know if you're a local
it's still the middle of winter. They think it's cold if it gets below
100.
Later Saturday 5 PM
Thought
you would like to see Terry hard at work waxing our 5er. He is almost done.
Now only need the rear end panel waxed. He loves our new ladder.
Blatent advertising just
like our friends Derek and John do on their site. Thought I'd try it.
Maybe just once, we shall
see. So get in gear and buy this great ladder. Remember it is the 300 Lb.
model.
So you want to see his face...
Blonds need to wear hats at all times. For once he is wearing one.
We did take time to experience
life as we know it.
A great campfire with tunes
from the 60's on XM satellite radio.
Monday March 16
A busy
day just hanging out in Q getting ready to get out of town later this week.
No one has to turn out the lights and the sun is not going to stop beating
down this summer.
Terry
had his last day at the rock club today, gave his keys back for the season.
Do you hear a sigh of relief from me. Now to get the picnic table and canopy
loaded up on the PU to deliver to Richard and Diane's place in Brenda tomorrow.
Not just a quick visit dropping of our stuff, but a party is in the offing
as it is St. Pats day and Richard is also celebrating his birthday early
in one fun event. They can also put the picnic table to good use for the
party.
I worked
on the computer most of the afternoon testing to make sure our DataStorm
Internet Dish will work when we get on the road. We have had it up pointing
at our satellite at 89 West for months. Need to make sure it would go down
and go back up on its own and lock on. We will be stopping at various campgrpounds
and it has to work or I'm going to be a very unhappy camper. Well
the first time I tried it, it went up tried to lock on to airplaines going
over. By that it tried to link to anything and everything. Not Good. I
had wrote down the coordinate dish pointing settings of where we are at
here in Q so I could get it up by telling it where to manually point. Not
in auto mode. Once online I could ask questions at the www.datastormusers.com
site
and determine how to change my settings so it would work in auto mode.
Made several configuration database setting changes and retried an auto
search of the dish. Bingo, it went up and went right to the correct satellite
22 thousand miles away, locked on, did its checks so it doesn't interfere
with others, like DirecTV, so now it's working fine.
I
could not full-time without internet service. No Way No How.
I'd
be a fish out out of water. Terry might try as the fly fisherman he is,
try to send a (I hope barbless) fly hook at me but I would spit
it
out. I need my Internet... So does He.. He still has
to do his taxes (and upload them). I got mine down!!!!
In
a week or two he will be in seventh heaven on the San
Juan River below Navajo Dam State Park in NM. Blondes look nice with
smiles on their faces when they wake up knowing they get to go fishing
in blue ribbon waters. We should be there for weeks. We have a season pass
good to camp in each NM State Park for 21 days for $4 a day with full hookups.
(or dry camp for free)
Water
flows are looking good (asked Terry if he had checked) he sez they are
about 500 cfm. Last year they were over 5000 crm and not good for fishing.
Think he is getting motivated? YES.. Helps... as he is getting our
5er set up for travel.
First
going to go south AZ and up west side of NM on some back roads we have
never taken before.
Stay
tuned.
See
where we are at right now. DataStormUsers
map ID 98
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