tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80748933932807802202024-03-15T18:09:55.975-07:00Semi-True Tales of Our Life on the RoadCome Ride with Us...Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.comBlogger847125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-88234191527117712212013-04-21T12:59:00.001-07:002013-04-21T12:59:21.930-07:00SOLD!<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Yes, Scoopy has been sold, purchased by blog-reading friends Linda and Steven.  They got in touch very shortly after we posted the particulars, and we worked out the details fairly quickly. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We can’t imagine a better home for Scoopy.  Linda and Steven are “graduating” from their well-loved pop-up tent trailer – a big step, and they are just as green as we were when we first purchased Scoopy from her original owner.  A two-day boot camp is on the agenda when they arrive to take the keys mid-May.  We like knowing that many more adventures are in Scoopy’s future, and are happy to pass our well-loved rig to people we know will enjoy her.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The new owners, from our visit with them in September, 2011:</font></p> <table cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="742" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="389"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KGUGG9Lv14E/UXRFCdV5nII/AAAAAAAANOo/JGljcyRNPF8/s1600-h/Linda%252520with%252520smile%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Linda with smile" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="Linda with smile" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SLYFEI1D7LY/UXRFCgE3Y1I/AAAAAAAANOw/D0skcNnjEdw/Linda%252520with%252520smile_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="300" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="327"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nMKdnZeqvNo/UXRFDK1erJI/AAAAAAAANO4/z_Pk8Ubr5OQ/s1600-h/Steven%252520with%252520smile%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Steven with smile" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="Steven with smile" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KTfmrkYG7KY/UXRFD-hFpFI/AAAAAAAANPA/hsgls8lFaP0/Steven%252520with%252520smile_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="300" /></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So many of you got in touch through comments and email when we announced that Scoopy was for sale!  In answer to some of your questions, we are happy and doing fine.  Many of you mentioned that our decision to quit full-timing was a huge surprise.  Actually, it was rather a surprise for us, too – but life does take unexpected turns from time to time.  We both are so glad we had the good health and energy to enjoy full-timing for the many years we did, and to create such an abundance of special memories.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">It tickles me how much our current living situation is like RV’ing.  We live in a beautiful mobile home park in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California.  Once you purchase your mobile home (which costs considerably less than a motorhome and is about four or five times the size), the site rent is similar to a well maintained 55+ RV resort, with similar amenities (clubhouse, pool, hot tub, lake, walking trail) but much larger sites.  The people we meet on the lakeside trail are friendly, and often walking a little dog, just like campers we met in our travels.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">BUT – and it is a big one – the view outside the windows changes only with the seasons.  I never wonder, when I awake in the morning, what I will see if I peek out the bedroom window.  On the other hand, if something breaks, I know who to call for repairs!  I now have a library card, and know which nearby grocery store has the best produce.  And Trader Joe’s is within 30 minutes!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Best of all, we are in close proximity to family, friends, and fabulous hiking in the Sierra Nevada.</font></p> <table cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HWy3BXrgVrY/UXRFEHwe8EI/AAAAAAAANPI/dO2PTZm_G3c/s1600-h/Water%252520crossing%252520Frank%252520and%252520Odel%25255B41%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Water crossing" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="Water crossing Frank and Odel" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YEU_nw3QS2k/UXRFE39kM9I/AAAAAAAANPQ/SXa58JidDXs/Water%252520crossing%252520Frank%252520and%252520Odel_thumb%25255B38%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="262" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zQ5bke0RO4s/UXRFFqU6MRI/AAAAAAAANPY/Ipah8miJhwI/s1600-h/Beautiful%252520Twin%252520Lakes%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Beautiful Twin Lakes hike" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="Beautiful Twin Lakes hike" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C2bP4QfSa0g/UXRFGG5mqSI/AAAAAAAANPg/rFH8vCgMA8I/Beautiful%252520Twin%252520Lakes_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="262" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So, though travel in Scoopy is no longer in our future, we have plenty to enjoy in our new digs, especially now that spring has arrived.  We’ll be back on the high country trails as the snow melts, and we have plans in the works for remodeling the most outdated aspects of our new home.   Who knows, maybe I’ll have something to write about!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-91573007889173229792013-03-16T13:26:00.001-07:002013-03-16T14:19:38.142-07:002002 TRAVEL SUPREME MOTORHOME FOR SALE (CA) – $58,000<p><font face="Maiandra GD"><font size="4">2002 38’ Travel Supreme motor home.   </font><font size="4">350 HP Cummins diesel with 6 speed Allison transmission, exhaust brake.  125,000 miles.  Two driver’s side slides.  Recent renovations, meticulously maintained, non-smokers.  Many extras.  Great rig for full timing (CCC of 4,700 lbs).   Currently located near Sacramento, CA.  $58,000.</font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lUqYNO-W1sw/UUTVduke_bI/AAAAAAAANLY/UnW4b4yK_iU/s1600-h/102.%252520TS%252520Curb%252520Side%25255B52%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Curb Side, with electric awning partially deployed" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px; display: inline" alt="Curb Side, with electric awning partially deployed" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bgrUFAjo0Fk/UUTVeAiY47I/AAAAAAAANLg/qEKuEU4xyQQ/102.%252520TS%252520Curb%252520Side_thumb%25255B52%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="340" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">$12,000 renovation in 2011 includes new carpeting throughout, new (blackout) day/night shades, new flat screen TV and cabinetry modifications.  (Click <a href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/2011/02/carpet-is-done-windshields-are-in.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/2011/01/renovations-are-underway-exploration.html" target="_blank">here</a> for narrative and photos of that process.)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">New Splendide stacking washer and dryer added February 2012 (<a href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-hit-big-city-tucson-az.html" target="_blank">This post</a> describes the installation.)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">New microwave/convection oven installed November 2011.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">All standard amenities, including </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">4-door fridge with ice maker, </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">propane oven, </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">7.5K generator, 2 flat screen TV’s.  100 gallon fresh water tank, 60 gallon gray water, 40 gallon black water. Electric awning with remote, automatic satellite TV antenna, chest refrigerator/freezer in basement, safe in basement, 4 AGM house batteries, AM/FM/CD player with satellite radio receiver, snap-on solar screens for windshield and cockpit windows.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Also available at this price are these accessories: <br />Pressure pro tire pressure monitoring system for 10 tires (motor home and towed) <br />50-amp Energy Management System <br />Brake Buddy breaking system for towed <br />12 volt portable Fantastic Fan</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Click on any photo to enlarge it, or <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/104220751583848590980/albums/5855332232144844737" target="_blank">click here</a> for complete photo tour.  Contact Odel King.  530-303-3443 or via email at LBandOK (at) gmail.com (using standard address format).</font></p> <table cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3XCRPiTvIjk/UUTVenlPd5I/AAAAAAAANLo/oc7KxiQ8A4Y/s1600-h/105.%252520Cockpit%252520and%252520sofa%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Front cockpit and sofa in main living area." style="float: right; display: inline" alt="Front cockpit and sofa in main living area." align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qrD7O-dtop4/UUTVe9bz-TI/AAAAAAAANLw/0qWzEEZDt_g/105.%252520Cockpit%252520and%252520sofa_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="188" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BZCruinMhco/UUTVfffRk9I/AAAAAAAANL4/WdtWLZSBDyA/s1600-h/109.%252520Dinette%252520and%252520sofa%252520in%252520slideout.%252520Dinette%252520and%252520sofa%252520in%252520slideout%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="From cockpit: dinette and sofa slide." style="float: right; display: inline" alt="From cockpit: dinette and sofa slide." align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cBHLb4fZWVw/UUTVf0q_TqI/AAAAAAAANMA/eSSx3VCqxh4/109.%252520Dinette%252520and%252520sofa%252520in%252520slideout.%252520Dinette%252520and%252520sofa%252520in%252520slideout_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="188" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xe35dpwTTOg/UUTVgZxgbgI/AAAAAAAANMI/zGXfVBDIAjI/s1600-h/112.%252520%252520Propane%252520oven%25252C%252520refrigerator%25252C%252520hallway%25252C%252520dry%252520bar.%252520%252520Propane%252520oven%25252C%252520refrigerator%25252C%252520hallway%25252C%252520dry%252520bar%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="View of kitchen from sofa" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="View of kitchen from sofa" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uw4Pjb4T8xk/UUTVg0LAbFI/AAAAAAAANMQ/toVjWr0z62I/112.%252520%252520Propane%252520oven%25252C%252520refrigerator%25252C%252520hallway%25252C%252520dry%252520bar.%252520%252520Propane%252520oven%25252C%252520refrigerator%25252C%252520hallway%25252C%252520dry%252520bar_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="188" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-14874734311923897482012-07-13T21:13:00.001-07:002012-07-13T21:14:48.086-07:00SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY DAD, BILL BROWN – 12/13/1925 TO 7/07/2012<p><font size="3" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1XuA5EI5g94/UADx-llnPMI/AAAAAAAANEg/XB--R8d9s4c/s1600-h/Bill%252520Brown%252520in%252520cap%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="My Dad" alt="Bill Brown in cap" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3VhfRC0gfoA/UADx_FF8krI/AAAAAAAANEo/KPBfWx8wqDA/Bill%252520Brown%252520in%252520cap_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="300" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">A big factor in our recent decision to buy a home base in Diamond Springs, California, was its proximity to my parents, both 86 years old.  After my Dad suffered a stroke three years ago, his health slowly declined, particularly during the past few months.  With the help of hospice, we (my mother, two sisters, and I) were able to keep him comfortable at home, and he passed away in his own bed, as he wished, on July 7.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">One of the biggest accomplishments of my life was a joint venture with my dad: building a houseboat designed to live aboard fulltime.  Daddy had learned carpentry and building from his father in law, sharpening his skills over the years with DIY projects.  I remember him improving every home we lived in as I grew up, always with creativity and attention to detail.  Once he retired, he extensively remodeled two cabins in the California foothills.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When I approached him about building the houseboat, he listened and considered carefully (as he always did), then agreed.  Little did we know what was to come!  We figured it would take 3 months – instead, it took a year, working long weekends during Sacramento’s blazing summer heat and windy, rainy winter.  It was both a great learning experience and a great bonding experience, and I will always admire (and appreciate) the patience he brought to the task.  We launched on the Sacramento River with a sense of both relief and accomplishment, and it was my cozy home for nine fun years (and where I lived when I met Odel). </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Now is a time to be with family.  Scoopy, our motorhome, is in storage while we focus on pulling together furnishings for our new home base and adjusting to the new normal.  Our fulltiming days are over, but our traveling days are not.  As for this blog?  Time will tell whether I pick up the blogging habit again when we resume traveling.  It has been a fun, interesting, rewarding pastime, but not one I will continue when we are stationary.  Thanks for traveling along with us over the years, and happy trails.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-85947158284381854532012-05-27T08:27:00.001-07:002012-05-27T08:27:01.137-07:00A CHANGE IN DIRECTION: WE’RE BACK IN CALIFORNIA<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The idea of full time travel came to Odel and me in October of 2002, while we were visiting southern Arizona.  We’d never had an RV, but in light of Odel’s planned March 2003 retirement, we were considering alternatives to staying in our house in Sacramento.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Within 3 months, we gave ourselves a cram course on RV’s, made a quick decision, and bought our first (and, so far, only) RV.  On April 1, 2003, we took off.  Everything we owned was in the motorhome or in the Jeep behind us.  Inspired by a whim, this abrupt life change was just right for us.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We’ve never known when we would transition out of fulltiming, or why.  A couple of weeks ago, my sister Sydney let us know that a mobile home with a fantastic lake view was for sale in Lake Oaks, the mobile home park where they live, a lovely spot in Diamond Springs, California.  She suggested we consider buying it as a home base, close to them, to our parents, and to Rosanna and Auntie Carol.  Our immediate response was “no way, we are not ready”.  A week later, after a little daydreaming, thought and conversation, we figured it was worth investigating. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We left Boise last Tuesday, and today we a signed contract on our new home base… though NOT the mobile home with a beautiful view that enticed us to drive 600 miles back to California!   </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We looked at half a dozen mobile homes for sale in Lake Oaks, and were surprised to find that other features beat out a fabulous lake view:  <font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">a big, FLAT lot (unusual in this hilly, forested park) with a graveled side yard perfectly suited to a kitchen garden; a huge combination living room, dining room, and appealing (large) kitchen; a neighbor on just one side; a low maintenance front yard with huge trees and dappled shade; a flat, covered carport large enough for two cars; lots of privacy; easy proximity to the lake, the lake trail, and the clubhouse (where Odel and Frank can hone their skills on the pool table, or Odel can join the poker players).  </font></font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Another plus: the park has RV storage for $30 a month, and we can walk past Scoopy daily as we circumnavigate the lakeside trail. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The walls are freshly painted, the carpeting brand new.  The effect is light, bright, clean and airy, ready to move in.  It felt great the minute we walked through the door.  We made an offer, they countered, and for $40,000, we have a home base.  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The site rental is less than what we budget for campground fees; the entire house cost a fraction of the price of our motorhome when we bought it 10 years ago.  I can’t quite wrap my head around that.   </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Escrow will close in about a month, just in time for us to head to Colorado to meet friends from Texas in July. Until then, we’re making lists, budgets, and trying to figure how where we’re gonna get some furniture. :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Two weeks ago, in Idaho, we had no inkling we would soon be home owners.  Today, we’re celebrating this unexpected turn of events.  Hooray for the inspiring whim!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-64593130739671265502012-05-17T22:03:00.001-07:002012-05-17T22:03:39.498-07:00BACK IN BOISE, IDAHO<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zPVv9Wv4hCc/T7XYEyheJ0I/AAAAAAAANBc/XHatJcGeNvU/s1600-h/BASE%252520Jumpers%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="BASE Jumpers lined up on the Perrine Bridge as we left Twin Falls." alt="BASE Jumpers in Twin Falls" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OU5lo4bsrYU/T7XYFtjZzfI/AAAAAAAANBk/PLQ8xNifO60/BASE%252520Jumpers%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="289" /></a>Our summer travels have gotten off to a slow start, thanks to a few mechanical problems.  Our blowout on the way to Twin Falls was certainly the most bothersome (read: scary) of these, but not the most costly!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">As we left Wells, Nevada, on our way to Twin Falls, we noticed that our air tanks (for our air suspension  brakes) were losing air whenever we stopped and turned off the engine – we could hear it escaping near the back of the motorhome.  Of course, the tanks were losing air as we drove, too – but our compressor was able to keep up with the loss when the engine was running.  We’ve experienced this same problem in years past, and knew it was likely to be a faulty ride height adjuster valve.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Though it was safe to drive, we didn’t want to tackle any mountain passes (especially the downhill slopes!) until we had it repaired.  That meant a detour in our plans and, instead of heading to Missoula, Montana, from Twin Falls, we diverted towards the Cummins repair facility in Boise, Idaho.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Since we left Twin Falls on Saturday and didn’t have an appointment in Boise until Tuesday, we stopped along the way in tiny Glenns Ferry, where the Snake River posed a significant obstacle to travelers on the Oregon Trail at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/oreg/planyourvisit/site9.htm" target="_blank">Three Island Crossing</a>.  Being a weekend, the pretty campground at the Three Island Crossing state park was completely full, as was the campground at Carmela winery, next door to the state park.  Lucky for us, we settled in at RV Camp and Cabins (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/05/rv-camp-and-cabins-glenns-ferry-id.html" target="_blank">click here to read our review</a>), a comfortable little campground that participates in Passport America.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sWT0nXyHXRw/T7XYHuBCX7I/AAAAAAAANBs/vNXBb0BLQU4/s1600-h/Three%252520Island%252520Crossing%252520of%252520the%252520Snake%252520River%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Three Island Crossing of the Snake River" alt="Three Island Crossing of the Snake River" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QpgGpHcB4H8/T7XYIk9A8-I/AAAAAAAANB0/dn_eRW9LoOQ/Three%252520Island%252520Crossing%252520of%252520the%252520Snake%252520River_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Besides visiting the Three Island Crossing Interpretive Center and catching up on our laundry, we tackled yet another minor problem, our Brake Buddy.  After over nine years of excellent service, this little auxiliary braking system needed a new 12 v. plug.  Odel took care of that problem, and when we left Glenns Ferry on Monday, the Jeep and its braking system seemed back to normal.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Our campsite on Monday night was the parking lot of the Cummins repair facility just off the interstate south of Boise – where we were happy to have a 50 amp electric hookup to deal with the 85 degree sunshine!  Scoopy was into the repair bay at 8 am on Tuesday, with a diagnosis around 10:30: new ride height valve needed; radiator steam cleaning recommended; update of our EMC (engine monitoring computer?) software recommended.  We said yes to everything and pulled out of the repair lot around 2 pm, $500+ lighter and ready to roll!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MiMOwUdgQmg/T7XYJuoO4mI/AAAAAAAANB8/NwUPtkFVFy8/s1600-h/Map%252520Boise%252520to%252520Missoula%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Next week: Boise to Stanley to Salmon to Missoula." alt="Map Boise to Missoula" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y65WnOQOM6o/T7XYKbRfMSI/AAAAAAAANCE/3qHUxV7R8-0/Map%252520Boise%252520to%252520Missoula_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="300" /></a>From time to time, readers or email correspondents ask about budgeting for fulltime RV travel.  My opinion?  The budget item most likely to be underfunded is the kitty for RV repairs.  Things break down all the time!  It might be mechanical (like the ride height valve), a broken slide mechanism, wind/hail damage, or an air conditioner that poops out on the hottest day of summer.  Minor things (the step cover motor quit working several years ago; we never DID fix that) or major things (replace the U joints; repair the refrigerator).  There is always something that needs attention;  we’re happy when the “something” doesn’t keep us from moving.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So here we are in Boise, staying once again at Hi Valley RV Park, where we first stayed last September (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2011/10/hi-valley-rv-park-boise-id.html" target="_blank">click here to read our updated review</a>).  We’ve enjoyed a few of the brewpubs in town, and today we visited the educational <a href="http://www.peregrinefund.org/world-center" target="_blank">World Center for Birds of Prey</a> (where they raise the California Condors that are released near the Grand Canyon).  Odel fit in a round of golf, and we’ll stay long enough to visit Boise’s downtown farmer’s market on Saturday.  Sunday, with all systems now functioning, we’re heading off into the mountains of central Idaho, the Sawtooths and the Bitterroots, through Stanley and Salmon, then north to Missoula.  Now, that sounds like summer!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-88273435871320976862012-05-14T08:05:00.001-07:002012-05-14T08:05:19.201-07:00TWIN FALLS, ID: A VISIT WITH FRIENDS, BASE JUMPERS, FALLS AND THE SNAKE RIVER<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I3gt_BVXVio/T7Ee_5JUOpI/AAAAAAAAM-8/ciRvoXaOeg8/s1600-h/Shoshone%252520Falls%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls%25252C%252520Idaho%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho" alt="Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UZfxWdZIu2o/T7EfBT-cVtI/AAAAAAAAM_E/AZvjileaTNk/Shoshone%252520Falls%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls%25252C%252520Idaho_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on what happened to cause our tire to blow.  We think it likely that the steering locked for some reason, with the tires a couple degrees off of straight… but the idea of the brake calipers sticking on the front left wheel makes sense, too.  We probably won’t ever know for sure, but the symptom (pulling to the left) was very obvious – so we feel pretty confident that we will know if it happens again.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Once we got the new tires, all was well in Twin Falls.  Before we arrived, Boomer friends Becky and Lonnie let us know that they live in Twin Falls when they aren’t traveling (Becky has lived here her whole life!), that they were in town, and would be happy to show us the highlights.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We took them up on their offer, meeting for lunch at a comfortable, friendly restaurant, <a href="http://www.elevation486.com/" target="_blank">Elevation 486</a>, on the edge of Twin Falls finest tourist attraction, the Snake River Canyon.  Because it was windy and cold (though deceptively sunny), we got a table inside, next to a window looking out at a large patio, the empty tables and chairs, and beyond to the fabulous view.  This place must be jammed on a warm day!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2UZBxhn7Ibw/T7EfD4eTBEI/AAAAAAAAM_M/b5vCPbwwuk0/s1600-h/Golf%252520courses%252520on%252520both%252520sides%252520of%252520Snake%252520River%252520Canyon%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Golf courses on both sides of Snake River Canyon, with the river down the middle." alt="Golf courses on both sides of Snake River Canyon" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9NmSQrx9uVk/T7EfFGLKr6I/AAAAAAAAM_U/SP4PKRHF1LY/Golf%252520courses%252520on%252520both%252520sides%252520of%252520Snake%252520River%252520Canyon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Fortified by a good meal (Odel and I were able to stick to our vegan commitment with delicious tomato soup and a salad), we headed off to hit the scenic highlights of the canyon, Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls (which is now one lone fall).  Shoshone Falls (top photo) looked spectacular to us, but apparently it paled beside the thunderous, record-setting volume last year, when none of the rock beneath the falls was visible – can you imagine??  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">There are walkways along much of the canyon rim, and we spent plenty of time peering down to the river and the golf courses spread out below.  Our day of sightseeing ended with an abundance of wine and conversation (both excellent) at Becky and Lonnie’s beautiful home – thanks so much for your time, friends.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">If you have ever traveled through Twin Falls, you likely have traversed the <a href="http://www.visitidaho.org/attraction/outdoor-recreation/perrine-bridge/" target="_blank">Perrine Bridge</a>, crossing the Snake River Canyon.  The canyon is breathtaking, the bridge is lovely and graceful, and it is an internationally renowned mecca for BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumpers – thrill seekers who jump from fixed points wearing a parachute.  The Perrine Bridge is one of the few places in the world where BASE jumping is legal, and it is a huge draw for jumpers from other countries (and the US, of course).  <a href="http://basejumping.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/tips-for-jumping-the-perrine-bridge-base-jumping-apex-base/" target="_blank">Here is a fascinating web page</a> about BASE jumping from the Perrine Bridge – all kinds of information I never would have thought about while watching these daredevils.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Perrine Bridge.  Click to enlarge.  Notice the vehicle traffic on the bridge and the chute of the jumper below it, just about in the center of the photo.</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>This group of BASE jumpers from Australia were preparing their chutes at the Visitor Center.  You can see the top of the bridge in the background.</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GJNB0_-rX8E/T7EfHFKGUgI/AAAAAAAAM_c/T4HWQO3n7cA/s1600-h/Jumper%252520near%252520center%252520of%252520photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Jumper near center of photo" alt="Jumper near center of photo" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1rhOA7PQOrQ/T7EfIKqey6I/AAAAAAAAM_k/vFlr43GFMjY/Jumper%252520near%252520center%252520of%252520photo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="286" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BdJx6DClK8/T7EfKH-_4jI/AAAAAAAAM_s/VFHDHd8TnPE/s1600-h/Base%252520Jumpers%252520preparing%252520their%252520chutes%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Base Jumpers preparing their chutes" alt="Base Jumpers preparing their chutes" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b4plET-3_pc/T7EfLERdhnI/AAAAAAAAM_0/q2Qj5Nn467A/Base%252520Jumpers%252520preparing%252520their%252520chutes_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="286" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On Friday, we headed over to the Visitor Information Center adjacent to the bridge to watch jumpers prepare their parachutes and jump.  A group of half a dozen Australians planned to spend the day jumping; when we were here 5 or so years ago, we talked with a couple Brits who had come to spend their week long vacation jumping.  It is very difficult to capture a BASE jumper’s descent with my little pocket camera, but <a href="http://youtu.be/9iYzChw0plc" target="_blank">here is a link to a 10 minute video</a> on You Tube that shows a jump in the first 30 seconds (I haven’t watched the entire video yet – saving bandwidth until we are using someone else's WiFi!).</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">If you are passing through Twin Falls in an RV, you can stay at the Visitors Center parking lot for one overnight, long enough to explore the canyon and watch the BASE jumpers.  We chose Rock Creek Park (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/05/rock-creek-park-twin-falls-id.html" target="_blank">click here to read our review</a>) as our base camp, and recommend it if you plan to stay a few days.  There’s more to Twin Falls than first meets the eye.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-49005153553599120352012-05-11T15:59:00.001-07:002012-05-11T15:59:40.828-07:00FROM NINE YEARS OF FULLTIMING, A LESSON. (AND A VEGAN RECIPE ANYONE WOULD LOVE)<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Each morning when I awake, my thoughts turn to my plans for the day.  Maybe we’re moving to a new spot, or have a hike planned.  Maybe we’re meeting friends.  Food always plays a big part.  Are we eating at home?  What am I cooking?  Do we need groceries?   </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Whether we already have plans or they are being formulated as I turn over to peek out at the weather, I always have some expectation for the day, my Plan A.  Sometimes flexible; sometimes not so much.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On Wednesday, leaving Wells, we had a relaxing Plan A: a short (well under 150 miles) drive north to Twin Falls, ending at a previously researched campground that sounded very appealing.  Phone a couple of friends in town and arrange a meet-up once we arrive, then kick back and relax.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Of course, our blowout was not part of Plan A!  When it happened, and particularly when we learned that it would take the tow truck an hour to an hour and a half to reach us, we did what nine years of fulltiming has taught us to do: let go of Plan A, the sooner the better!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z_yeMwBH32M/T62Z1SyN4RI/AAAAAAAAM9U/1tLZojKOVJA/s1600-h/Shoshone%252520Falls%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls%25252C%252520Idaho%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho" alt="Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hDgH9Ufm-rk/T62Z2Qx1lMI/AAAAAAAAM9c/mY_Eop235Ac/Shoshone%252520Falls%252520in%252520Twin%252520Falls%25252C%252520Idaho_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Over our years of travel, due to breakdowns (yikes, everything in the freezer has thawed out!), illness of people (sorry, but I really can’t leave the motorhome this morning) or pets, or weather (OMG, what just blew by the window???), we have had to throw Plan A out the window many times.  Eventually, it dawned on us: no matter how our day existed in our imaginations, </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">holding on to that plot line in the face of a new reality simply adds stress to the current, unexpected situation.  The sooner we let go of Plan A, the easier it is to find the solution to a challenge – and maybe enjoy (or at least somewhat appreciate!) whatever this unscheduled, unimagined new reality has in store.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">For me, it is usually NOT fun to have a problem throw a wrench into my Plan A – yet my enjoyment of fulltiming has a lot to do with encountering the unexpected, the serendipitous, the unknown.  Throwing away our travel plans because we lucked into the most fabulous site in the campground (with the great view and no mosquitos) or found an unexpected gem of a town, is easy.  The trick is in learning to throw away Plan A when the unexpected and <em>unwelcome</em> strikes.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Funny thing about Wednesday… we left Wells as planned, and we ended up in Twin Falls as planned.  There was a lot of “the unexpected” in between!  :)  Letting go of Plan A made the in-between experience much less stress-filled.  It’s a lesson I need to keep in mind.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On a completely different subject:  judging from the number of comments left on my blog, most of you readers are interested in FOOD.  I don’t do much baking, but recently came across a recipe (pulled out of a magazine, and I don’t know which one) that has got me firing up the oven once a week: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17u9SJ_l9Jjbvshy0UjGCL5jNrOlCQhPLZKxUISNjt88/edit#" target="_blank">Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies</a>.  No dairy, no eggs.  Ingredients healthy for diabetics and for those trying to keep cholesterol down.  Big, chewy, moist and yummy.  And very filling.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">One cookie (they are big, and around 200-250 calories each) makes a good breakfast for those who don’t like a big breakfast, or for breakfast as you are heading out the door.  Great to take along on a hike or a long day of sightseeing when you’re not sure where/when you might catch a bite to eat.  It’s a keeper.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-78825351234050324332012-05-09T18:48:00.001-07:002012-05-09T18:48:20.465-07:00A TOUGH DAY: A TOW TRUCK, A COUPLA’ TIRES, AND A HAPPY ENDING<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vr5a7M9Fhog/T6sdJEc3PGI/AAAAAAAAM7o/HHUGZfSqXf0/s1600-h/A%252520bit%252520desolate%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="A bit desolate, but safely off the highway" alt="A bit desolate" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jpgQTngj_X0/T6sdTVuSxQI/AAAAAAAAM7w/LL6R8K4GUKM/A%252520bit%252520desolate_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Highway 93 runs north from Wells, NV to Twin Falls, ID.  It is mostly two lanes, with not much in the way of shoulders – just gravel that slopes rather steeply away from the roadbed.  Every so often there is a gravel pullout on the side of the road, but nothing very big… certainly not very accommodating for a large motorhome towing a vehicle.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">As we left our overnight spot in Wells this morning, Odel noticed that the motorhome was pulling to the left, and more than “just a little”.  After some discussion, we decided to pull over and do a walk around of the rig… except that there was no safe place to pull over.  In fact, there was no<em> unsafe</em> place to pull over.  No place to pull over period!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We had around 120 miles to our destination in Twin Falls, so did all that we could do – kept on going, nervously.  Oh, how I longed for one of the many large, lovely rest stops we had visited along I-80 yesterday!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BFAdxUaV-cM/T6sddnBlYVI/AAAAAAAAM74/8xWlESlbpaU/s1600-h/Check%252520this%252520out%252521%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="What a pitiful sight." alt="Check this out!" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f6AiP1lsvlc/T6sdnuWWxGI/AAAAAAAAM8A/lBUXHjFcQw4/Check%252520this%252520out%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Forth-eight miles from Wells, our Pressure Pro tire pressure monitoring system began screeching its alarm: low air in the front left tire of the Jeep, 26 pounds.  No place to pull over, of course.  Within 15 seconds, the air pressure was down to double-ought: two big zeros on the display.  Our first blowout.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We were climbing the slope of yet another small mountain range.  All Odel could do was slow down (though of course we both freaking out verbally – I’m sure I said something like “Wah, wah, wah!!!)).  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">As we neared the top of the summit, guess what?  A large (sloping, of course) gravel pullout!   We were so shaken that I don’t know if we drove a 1/4 mile or a 1/2 mile after the blowout, but we were SO GRATEFUL to have found a place to get off the road.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The tire was in shreds, but the wheel was still undamaged.  Hurray for Pressure Pro!  Without the warning, who knows how much damage we would have done as we continued on to Twin Falls?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">In spite of our problem, we had points in our favor.  First, a pullout, so we were safely off the road.  And not just a pullout – a pullout at the top of a summit where were could use our cell phones and WiFi (we had just driven through many miles of little to NO cell service in the valleys below).  What great good fortune.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0G8h29gMdSM/T6sdxIKoMII/AAAAAAAAM8I/fVkP3aC6idc/s1600-h/Adios%25252C%252520friend%252520Jules.%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Adios, dear friend" alt="Adios, friend Jules." align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UmRDfIE0rTE/T6seCaz4MTI/AAAAAAAAM8Q/ta2DnfwNgOM/Adios%25252C%252520friend%252520Jules._thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>It was almost comedic trying to describe our location to the service rep at Coach Net, our emergency roadside service provider.  She had a hard time understanding that there was no “nearest intersection” and no “street address”, that the “nearest community” was 18 miles away and consisted solely of casinos and motels.  The best I could provide was “a gravel pullout alongside highway 93, 18 miles south of the Idaho/Nevada border, surrounded by miles and miles of desolate scrub”.  If there was a community in the area, WE were it, a community of 2 named Brokedown!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Thanks to our wonderful Garmin NUVI GPS, I was able to provide our GPS coordinates, our distance from Wells (south of us), our distance from the state line (north of us), and our distance to Twin Falls, all with the simple touch of a button (I could have provided the elevation, too, but she didn’t need it).</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Next, I pulled up Google on my computer (hurray for our Verizon aircard!) and found the Les Schwab tire store in Twin Falls, Idaho.  A quick phone call confirmed that we could be towed there, and elicited the name of a good local towing company with a flatbed truck.  I called Coach-Net back with our destination address, the tow company suggestion, and things got underway.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ADjXFtCcv9k/T6seJCoQ9VI/AAAAAAAAM8Y/Qhci7kG44fE/s1600-h/Rock%252520Creek%252520Campground%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Rock Creek Campground, a green oasis." alt="Rock Creek Campground" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cs_hudscMbA/T6seM-419EI/AAAAAAAAM8g/1QZWb4wv5wM/Rock%252520Creek%252520Campground_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>One and 1/2 hours later, the tow truck arrived, Jules was loaded, and we took off to meet again at Les Schwab.  Too bad for us, we lost an hour when we crossed into Idaho and the Mountain Time Zone – but Jules had two new-to-us (good, used) tires mounted and we were back on the road before too long.  Just two and a half miles to our goal, Rock Creek Park, where we are now comfortably situated, looking out on lovely green lawns and Rock Creek.  I am unwinding with a margarita while Odel went off to try to solve another (thankfully minor) Jeep problem.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The big question: what the heck happened?  We had four brand-spanking-new tires on the Jeep, just purchased in Sacramento.  We ALWAYS (and this morning was no different) check to make sure the Jeep tires are rolling (not sliding) and the brake lights are working before we pull out for the day’s drive.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GbVNB08kWAk/T6seVh6GgxI/AAAAAAAAM8o/hBZ5enjUuV0/s1600-h/Rock%252520Creek%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Rock Creek is rushing in spring." alt="Rock Creek" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4weSfT6eILA/T6seXzDdVXI/AAAAAAAAM8w/_KMzLGZT6HE/Rock%252520Creek_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>We noticed the motorhome pulling to the left as we left Wells (a big clue, since that problem was solved once we detached the Jeep), but the tire didn’t blow out until 45 miles later!  The left front tire was totally ruined, but the right front tire was ALMOST usable, just moderate damage (it did need replacement), and the back tires are fine.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">If it was a brake problem (brakes locked for some reason), wouldn’t both tires (or all four) have similar damage from being dragged?  Since they didn’t, does that imply that the front left tire sustained major damage later in the trip – a nail or other major puncture?  Yet the “pulling to the left” symptom was evident almost from the start, 45 miles before the tire failure.  It’s a mystery, probably not to be solved by us non-mechanics.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So we lost a day, and paid out $190 for a couple of good used tires.  Coach-Net picked up the $260 bill for the tow.  The weather is great, the margarita now gone (but another is not far away), and all is well in our world once again.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-49629927867559663042012-05-08T17:28:00.001-07:002012-05-08T17:28:05.159-07:00ON THE ROAD AGAIN: SACRAMENTO TO RYE PATCH, NEVADA<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t3myrxjbDFk/T6m6BFXkkYI/AAAAAAAAM60/MinAsg8Gt34/s1600-h/Road%252520construction%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="The road construction was challenging! Watch out for that truck coming in on the right!" alt="Road construction" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uXpMUEx_WZQ/T6m6CTOtLAI/AAAAAAAAM68/cqCRHvFrdgU/Road%252520construction_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>It’s a long uphill haul from the Sacramento Valley to the top of Donner Summit on Interstate 80.  While Odel jockeyed for position with the slow-moving semi’s and their heavy loads, I watched the outside temperature slide from 77 degrees when we began our climb (around 10 am) to 63 degrees as we reached the summit (around 11:30 am).  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Of course, while the higher altitude meant a steady drop in outside temperature, the long, sometimes steep grades meant that the engine temperature was relentlessly climbing.  Add in the numerous construction zones and we were very happy to cross the summit and head down the other side.  Good practice for our visit to the mountains of Colorado later this summer!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Soon after we descended from the summit, we passed Truckee and crossed the California/Nevada state line, where the trees thinned and the arid bones of Nevada’s landscape were revealed.  We negotiated the heavy traffic and construction zones through Reno and Sparks, took a brief break for lunch at a vista point (can’t believe what passes for a “vista” in that part of Nevada!) along I-80, and kept rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ to our destination for the night, Rye Patch State Recreation Area.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We first discovered Rye Patch (run by the Nevada State Parks) 4 years ago – a wonderful oasis in an otherwise rather bleak landscape.  (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2008/06/rye-patch-recreation-area-rye-patch.html" target="_blank">Click here to read our review from 2008, updated</a> to reflect a fee increase from $10 to $14.)  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Lots of green trees, a large lake impounded by Rye Patch Dam, and very friendly park rangers make this stop a winner with us, even though there are no campsite hookups.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L8bUZmpc7Yk/T6m6D47QfII/AAAAAAAAM7E/s0h62NI9Thw/s1600-h/Our%252520overflow%252520site%252520at%252520Rye%252520Patch%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Our site at Rye Patch Recreation Area; we picked the overflow so we didn't have to unhook the Jeep." alt="Our overflow site at Rye Patch" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ven5aBbantI/T6m6EjpranI/AAAAAAAAM7M/oC_qNR8L75o/Our%252520overflow%252520site%252520at%252520Rye%252520Patch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a>This time, instead of unhooking the Jeep and backing in to one of the campsites, we parked in the huge graveled “overflow” area just west of the dam.  We had the whole place to ourselves, with a view of the lake, the campground, and the arid mountains to the east – quite a nice change from our month-long stay in the close quarters of Cal Expo.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Speaking of Cal Expo, I updated <a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2011/11/cal-expo-rv-park-sacramento-ca.html" target="_blank">our review from November of 2011</a> to reflect a couple welcome improvements: the WiFi now extends to all the sites, including those on “the slab”, where we stay; and four or five of the usually vacant sites in the gravel lot were made available for camper or visitor parking, a reasonable solution to our often-voiced complaint about lack of tow and towed vehicle parking.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">All in all, it was a good travel day after sitting for 30 days in one spot.  :)</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-40760946236682241872012-05-03T22:16:00.001-07:002012-05-03T22:16:54.618-07:00FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FOOD: FIVE WEEKS IN CALIFORNIA’S CAPITOL<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Five busy weeks in the Sacramento area, and the only photos I have taken are of food!  That’s what happens when we spend time with my family and friends – food talk, cooking, eating… and discussing what we’re planning to eat at our next meal.   Boy, did we have fun!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">While in Tucson in March, <a href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/2012/03/omnivore-vegetarian-vegan-whats-your.html" target="_blank">I stopped in at Native Seed/SEARCH</a> – and began an unintentional love affair with heirloom beans (dried).  Yum, yum – so much variety of color, texture, shape and taste.  I picked up an inspiring cookbook while there, <a href="http://www.ranchogordo.com/html/rg_beanbook.htm" target="_blank">Heirloom Beans</a>, which introduced me to <a href="http://www.ranchogordo.com/" target="_blank">Rancho Gordo</a>, a source for heirloom beans in Napa, California.  A visit to Rancho Gordo’s retail shop immediately went on my “to-do while in Sacramento” list… and I placed an order with them for twelve different kinds of beans, to be sent to my sister Sydney’s house in advance of our arrival in her neighborhood.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOAwvLTAsgs/T6Nl9H-S4-I/AAAAAAAAM5M/Nbjn1pd0zDA/s1600-h/Bean-tub-at-Rancho-Gordo4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Bean tub at Rancho Gordo" alt="Bean tub at Rancho Gordo" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pR97wl9mueQ/T6Nl-DM-rII/AAAAAAAAM5U/CTh_6nq0Er0/Bean-tub-at-Rancho-Gordo_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9NQM9itlccQ/T6NmApR1WhI/AAAAAAAAM5c/3tl3_xBCT3s/s1600-h/Beans-in-Roz-hand4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Beans in Roz hand" alt="Beans in Roz hand" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p9qMvOxo3SI/T6NmBYp4UQI/AAAAAAAAM5k/ezAp1V4bWfw/Beans-in-Roz-hand_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3">I love the sign in this tub of dried “touching beans”: <br />”Go Ahead – You Know You Want To”.</font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3">Rosanna couldn’t resist reaching into the tub, and neither could I.  What a fun idea!</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">At the same time Odel and I were sampling new (to us) bean varieties in Arizona, Sydney (a vegetarian, along with my BIL Frank) had picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.thechinastudy.com/" target="_blank">The China Study</a> and found the information presented there compelling.  By the time we hit Sacramento, emails were whirling between me, Sydney, and our cousin Rosanna, a long-time vegetarian, about beans, veganism, and all related topics.  And my 12 pounds of heirloom beans had arrived from Rancho Gordo.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So we planned an event.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Six cooks in our family – my younger sister Nancy, my older sister Sydney, BIL Frank, cousin Rosanna, Auntie Carol (Rosanna’s mom), and I – each chose one kind of bean and took it home.  We picked a later date to convene at Rosanna’s new home (she and Auntie Carol just moved up to Placerville from Sunizona, Arizona) with our cooked beans.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-71giAl98-14/T6NmFsJyA3I/AAAAAAAAM5s/9epcF06IcoQ/s1600-h/2012-04-1611.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Six delicious vegan bean dishes" alt="2012-04-16" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x85v5DLQGG0/T6NmKcJ31TI/AAAAAAAAM50/0Sre-Q1etPc/2012-04-16_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="865" height="541" /></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><em>Clockwise from upper left: Good Mother Stallard Bean and Barley Stew; Black Beans in Red Velvet Mole on Mashed Sweet Potatoes; Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (using Lila beans); Christmas Lima Beans and New Potatoes in Miso Bagna Cauda; Black Bean “burgers” with Salsa (using Ojo de Cabra beans); Cannellini Beans with Broccoli Rabe on Garlic Toast.</em></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On the chosen day, we each arrived with our beans.  In preparation, we had each set aside enough plain cooked beans that all of us could taste each bean “unadorned”; the rest of each bean type was prepared as a vegan dish.  Following the wine tasting example (and with both wine and beer at hand), each cook introduced their chosen bean while we passed the unadorned sample for poking, prodding, admiring and tasting.  And of course, I had prepared a note sheet for all participants.  :)  Each bean was discussed in its turn, copious notes taken, opinions exchanged. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ea7kqUufXLQ/T6NmQfwMgzI/AAAAAAAAM58/mlmSvDIj6gU/s1600-h/Lunch-in-Napa3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Our vegan lunch in Napa when Rosanna, Carol and I visited Rancho Gordo." alt="Lunch in Napa" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zqpDaBRVn5I/T6NmRGxy82I/AAAAAAAAM6E/gL6y3W6TkSY/Lunch-in-Napa_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Then we got down to the real event: tasting the dishes.  I’ll tell you, this group can COOK!  What a blast – and what a fun, fun way to discover new beans and recipes. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">With so many vegetarians in our family, with my newfound obsession with beans, and with lots of discussion amongst us about The China Study, <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/" target="_blank">Forks Over Knives</a>, and <a href="http://engine2diet.com/about_e2" target="_blank">The Engine 2 Diet</a>, even Odel’s interest was piqued.   (By the way, if you are interested in “the other side of the story”, <a href="http://rawfoodsos.com/" target="_blank">this witty, thorough and well-written blog</a> is an interesting read.)  We both would like to reduce our cholesterol and our weight, so we’ve decided to explore a “plant-strong, whole foods” menu for four weeks, beginning when we head off for our summer travels on Monday.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">It is difficult to imagine that Odel and I would give up our omnivore ways permanently (though I must say that the “pink slime” story was extremely unappetizing!), but we both enjoy food adventures.  Eating “plant-strong, whole foods” (the Engine 2 Diet’s description of a no-animal-products diet that includes minimal amounts of processed foods) has introduced all sorts of new foods and recipes into our lives (and mouths).  I’m interested to learn what changes (if any) we see in ourselves after a month without meat or dairy… or store-bought cookies!  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Meanwhile, we’re finishing off the lamb chops, steaks, and Italian sausage pasta sauce still stashed in our freezer.  :)</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-1930373500574405742012-04-01T11:05:00.001-07:002012-04-01T11:27:23.368-07:00TIME TO MAKE TRACKS - COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA TO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--nyTMoKzG4w/T3iYkJNgFtI/AAAAAAAAMuQ/RgA_ZBAE90w/s1600-h/Mt.%252520Humphreys%25252C%252520heading%252520north%252520on%252520I-17%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Heading north on I-17 towards Flagstaff - snow on the mountain tops." alt="Mt. Humphreys, heading north on I-17" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YmA7Y44HYFQ/T3iYlNRxLlI/AAAAAAAAMuY/NwmLxDwIWHY/Mt.%252520Humphreys%25252C%252520heading%252520north%252520on%252520I-17_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>We have returned to our ex-hometown of Sacramento, California, in springtime each of the 9 years we have been traveling.  (Today begins Year 10 – Happy Anniversary to us!)  Each year, we’ve arrived a bit earlier… and this year we planned our earliest arrival yet, April 2nd.  Once that date was set, the speed and direction of our travels fell in place.  Leaving Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/03/dead-horse-ranch-state-park-cottonwood.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to read our review), we knew we needed to cover 900+ miles in 8 days – no big deal.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Our plan?  From Dead Horse Ranch State Park, head up I-17 to Flagstaff, hang a left, and land in Williams, Arizona (motto: Gateway to the Grand Canyon) for three nights (to include a day trip to the Canyon); Williams to the Elks Lodge in Needles for an overnight stay; Needles to Mojave for the night, then on to the Escapee park in Coarsegold, California for two nights – with potential for a day trip into Yosemite National Park if weather cooperated.  A short drive from Coarsegold to the Sacramento area would be the final leg.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JA_pLMl3jXs/T3iYmgeBr6I/AAAAAAAAMug/7CHN4q0w3xE/s1600-h/OK%252520and%252520LB%252520at%252520Canyon%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="A sunny day at the Grand Canyon" alt="OK and LB at Canyon" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NMJ2nxHkCgE/T3iYnd5chOI/AAAAAAAAMuo/QVSXPpXzNPk/OK%252520and%252520LB%252520at%252520Canyon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>RV travel is very weather dependent!  This time of year, in the southwest, wind is not infrequent… big wind.  We kept a close eye on the weather as we headed north and west.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Our drive to Williams from Cottonwood was short and enjoyable.  After spending the winter in the arid southwest, we felt elated as we headed into the forests of Arizona’s higher elevations.  Snow on top of Mt. Humphreys!  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On I-40, we turned west, dropped a little in elevation, and settled in to a site at Canyon Gateway RV Park (review to come later) for three nights… which turned out to be one night too long.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We had beautiful weather for our drive, and more of the same on Tuesday – so we headed off in the Jeep to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  In prior visits, we have camped (with Scoopy) at the south rim; this time, we opted for the day trip, since it is both easier and cheaper to visit by car.  Fabulous day – cool sunshine, manageable crowds.  We walked and walked and walked, ogling the canyon and enjoying major people-watching.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNcGiCb-0og/T3iYo3q7yxI/AAAAAAAAMuw/zJzCWWSN3zg/s1600-h/OK%252520with%252520Elk%252520at%252520Grand%252520Canyon%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="An elk steps onto the trail at the Grand Canyon" alt="OK with Elk at Grand Canyon" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2hjv6ix-B1o/T3iYqHFpxaI/AAAAAAAAMu4/UDI2hRNtXNs/OK%252520with%252520Elk%252520at%252520Grand%252520Canyon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>At one point, sitting on a bench along the Timeline trail, three elk came grazing up the hill behind us, completely unfazed by the pedestrian traffic.  Clots of camera-toting tourists formed, snapped their photos, then moved on… and we got a huge kick out of their guesses concerning the nature of these animals.  "Llamas?  Alpacas?  “Moose, look, moose!”  Deer?  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Relaxing on the bench, Odel played senior ranger, providing animal identification to those who asked.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">My favorite “mind’s eye” snapshot?  A skinny, twenty-something male, smoking a cigarette, creeping slowly towards one of the big animals, taking photos with his iPad (or maybe a video?).  Such a funny juxtaposition of nature and technology!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On Wednesday?  Nothing much.  If we hadn’t already paid for three nights in Williams, we would have moved on.  A hike I thought we would like was still under snow… I should have started our taxes, but couldn’t get motivated.  Ho, hum… :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Time to check on the weather again.  The report?  Needles, our next stop – and only 175 miles away – was considerably hotter.  While we enjoyed cool sunshine at Arizona’s higher elevations, California’s low Mojave desert was hot; the forecast for Needles on Thursday was pushing 90 degrees.  Ugh.  What a place to spend the afternoon!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3riarx1uCKA/T3iYq-rs9wI/AAAAAAAAMvA/HoYk_lxHM9U/s1600-h/Saturate%252520Before%252520Using%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Remember these? From the days of desert travel on Route 66." alt="Saturate Before Using" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T6gDPSsne24/T3iYr0txkEI/AAAAAAAAMvI/WhRA3pkNric/Saturate%252520Before%252520Using_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a>Driving through southern California’s desert areas on I-40 is one of my least favorite routes.  It probably was interesting the first time we did it, maybe even the second and third.  Now, though, it is a long, usually hot, slog.  Heading west, I-40 dips down from a couple thousand feet above sea level at Kingman, Arizona, to a couple hundred feet above sea level at Needles, on the Colorado River, then climbs up and down the arid mountain ranges that march across the landscape.  Tiny towns, deserted service stations, closed rest stops (not all, thankfully), wild tire skid marks cutting across lanes… lots of scrub, plenty of heat.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Where I-40 ends at I-15 in Barstow, we pick up highway 58, even more boring.  Four Corners, Boron, Mojave… flat, pale, scrubby.  At last, 58 begins climbing up to Tehachapi through a pass populated with giant windmills – a clue to high profile vehicles drivers that this isn’t a good place to travel during a wind storm.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">To avoid the heat of Needles, we decided to stay in the upper elevations as long as possible.  On Thursday, we drove a mere 100 miles, from Williams to Blake Ranch RV Park (review to come later) a dozen miles short of Kingman, AZ.  We’d have a longer drive on Friday, but better weather for any sightseeing we could dig up on Thursday afternoon.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">And we found some GREAT sightseeing near Kingman!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nrMoF4plH5Y/T3iYtZgmK-I/AAAAAAAAMvQ/C-C7QK7d8yg/s1600-h/Heading%252520west%252520on%252520I-40%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Heading west on I-40 near Kingman" alt="Heading west on I-40" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WrTiMhDtzOo/T3iYuLQ6nbI/AAAAAAAAMvY/xwJXzTFqZk4/Heading%252520west%252520on%252520I-40_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="271" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LWtCeLDpWxQ/T3iYv0KvhtI/AAAAAAAAMvg/YicIWUxw0ZU/s1600-h/From%252520Route%25252066%252520towards%252520Oatman%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="On Route 66 towards Oatman" alt="From Route 66 towards Oatman" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_WOdWQY4pXE/T3iYwxWj17I/AAAAAAAAMvo/ZsCdPKH-hsw/From%252520Route%25252066%252520towards%252520Oatman_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="271" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">With such a short drive, we were set up in our new site by noon.  We headed back out on I-40 and into Kingman, Arizona, taking the turnoff onto old Route 66, once THE route to L.A. from the east.  After a quick lunch stop, we were on that famous road, heading up over Sitgreaves Pass towards the revitalized mining ghost town of Oatman.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The drive was FANTASTIC!  Twisting, turning, climbing and descending.  The interesting sights we discovered along the way piqued my curiosity, and I found <a href="http://www.doney.net/aroundaz/route66/sitgreavespass.htm" target="_blank">a great website detailing this stretch of Route 66</a> when we returned home – I especially enjoyed the part about Model T’s <em>backing</em> up the slope, and about the Shaffer Fish Bowl (I climbed those steps and photographed the bowl).  Oatman, our goal, was not of much interest to either of us – too touristy – but we were happy that it had drawn us into this lovely, historic drive.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fFXOnkWS_NE/T3iYyjTSeLI/AAAAAAAAMvw/RI2A8PHUW9w/s1600-h/Shaffer%252520Fish%252520Bowl%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Shaffer Fish Bowl" alt="Shaffer Fish Bowl" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sj66ka5YgIU/T3iYzQtnhxI/AAAAAAAAMv4/HH12kVn83zs/Shaffer%252520Fish%252520Bowl_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a> <br /></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-26yGq1-Ljqs/T3iY06aRsRI/AAAAAAAAMwA/M7gDdesc_a4/s1600-h/Another%252520nice%252520view%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Another nice view" alt="View from the fish bowl." align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nVrvtNoPebA/T3iY1qaeksI/AAAAAAAAMwI/kbe6PbVly5Q/Another%252520nice%252520view_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">Above: I climbed the cliff side steps to the Shaffer Fish Bowl, captured from a seep from the rocks. <br /> <br />Below: the “ghost town” of Oatman had too many tourists and shops for us.</font></em></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">Above:  the view from the fish bowl ledge. <br /> <br /> <br />Below: The Garmin’s route map of the road to Oatman – very accurate! <br /></font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UHpMbyGakbM/T3iY3K9-fUI/AAAAAAAAMwQ/72F1S0_9QS8/s1600-h/Too%252520many%252520tourists%252520for%252520us%252521%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Too many tourists for us!" alt="Too many tourists for us!" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jFVbEXTEfyY/T3iY38ZGkUI/AAAAAAAAMwY/lkFwO_GhSno/Too%252520many%252520tourists%252520for%252520us%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="246" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S8xKZIC4scQ/T3iY49YOf8I/AAAAAAAAMwg/7ILnfrtVCY0/s1600-h/Twists%252520and%252520Turns%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Twists and Turns" alt="Twists and Turns" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pdIVeCk-m94/T3iY5ndQ-lI/AAAAAAAAMwo/S8cioL8XgUU/Twists%252520and%252520Turns_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="254" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Early Friday morning, we pulled out of Blake Ranch RV Park and headed west again, planning a drive of almost 300 miles to Mojave, California.  The forecast was great (though a little warm): sunny and calm.  But a change was coming, with high wind warnings posted for all the passes in southern California, including the wind tunnel of Tehachapi Pass. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When we hit Mojave at 2 pm, we just rolled on through, and ended up posting our highest one-day mileage record, 375 miles.   We took advantage of the calm winds to climb Tehachapi pass, roll down through Bakersfield, and continue on to the big, flat parking lot at the Elks Lodge in Wasco.   The entire, boring Mojave desert drive was behind us and we had just a short hop up to our next stop.  Yippee!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xd6AIk9peNY/T3iY7l9tmNI/AAAAAAAAMww/nK8rUKprryA/s1600-h/Half%252520Dome%252520in%252520snow%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Half Dome in snow, from the Yosemite webcam." alt="Half Dome in snow" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2-232H6P3sY/T3iY8rgNxFI/AAAAAAAAMw4/HIqclJLCszQ/Half%252520Dome%252520in%252520snow_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="300" /></a>And now, we’re safely settled at the beautiful Park of the Sierras, the Escapee RV park in Coarsegold, California (review to come later).  Our drive from Wasco to Coarsegold was wonderfully uneventful; by the time the forecast wind and rain hit us, we’d finished setting up camp and taken a short walk.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I was up early this morning to check the Yosemite webcams, wondering whether we should venture up Highway 41 to the national park.  Ha, ha, ha!  Yes, the road is open (chains required)… but I don’t think we have the right clothing for the park today (photo from the Sentinel Dome webcam).</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tomorrow, we’re off on the last leg of our winter travels, back to visit family and friends in Sacramento.  Maybe we can slip back down to Yosemite before we head out for our summer travels.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-34180142051511238962012-03-25T15:09:00.001-07:002012-03-25T15:09:02.249-07:00OUR VISIT TO POPULAR SEDONA, AND MORE FOOD: POLENTA AND GRITS<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bw6O_ukLvjM/T2-XTWWbprI/AAAAAAAAMpY/Dc3-aFDRnjY/s1600-h/Red-Rocks-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Red rocks of Sedona, AZ" alt="Red Rocks 1" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IIgX3FnVJkQ/T2-XUhsp9gI/AAAAAAAAMpg/MEYR2cKFZ9o/Red-Rocks-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a>Saturday dawned cool and sunny, perfect for our planned day trip to Sedona, 20 miles away.  We packed our lunch, grabbed our maps and were out the door at 9 am.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The small city of Sedona is nestled in one of the beauty spots of North America – my opinion, and the opinion of hundreds of thousands of people who come to gaze upon it… including hordes who wanted to gaze upon it on Saturday.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Like many beautiful places, Sedona suffers from its popularity.  Strip malls (albeit far more attractive than most) and traffic line its approaches; the town center was a stressful knot of stop-and-go traffic and tourists.  We weren’t interested in browsing or shopping, so passing through town was simply a practice in patience.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Approaching from the west, our first stop was the Boynton Canyon trailhead.  Gaping at the enormous, stunning, red rock formations as we approached the parking area, we looked forward to enjoying this popular trail, leading to one of Sedona’s famous vortices.  From both the written trail description and the number of cars in the parking lot at 10 am, we knew we wouldn’t be alone.  </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">What we didn’t know – unfortunately - is that half a mile or more of the trail runs directly adjacent to a luxury resort that spreads across the bottom of the narrow canyon.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Less than a quarter mile into the hike, the trail enters a designated wilderness area (always a good sign, in my mind – no powered vehicles or bikes allowed).  Shortly after signing the wilderness register, the trail approached the edge of the resort – and for the next 1/2 mile or more, we were serenaded by the sounds of leaf blowers, cars, and a chain saw doing its thing.  Even after we left the resort behind, the sounds of gas powered engines followed us up the narrow canyon.  What a shame!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DLzdcMzfUEA/T2-XWeGHEsI/AAAAAAAAMpo/W28NMlmdIAg/s1600-h/Red-Rocks-35.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Red rocks along the Boynton Canyon trail." alt="Red Rocks 3" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--t7EjWVAEAM/T2-XXSDEhQI/AAAAAAAAMpw/m8qkuMT5omI/Red-Rocks-3_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="260" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ijsH6Xc_xjM/T2-XZNJ2RJI/AAAAAAAAMp4/Q_fMt7O78U4/s1600-h/Red-Rocks-45.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Beautiful views along the trail." alt="Red Rocks 4" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rUCG9teI7as/T2-XadO1rqI/AAAAAAAAMqA/czaZPcNJ234/Red-Rocks-4_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The scenery, though was just what we hoped: glorious!  Both of the photos above were taken along the trail, along with dozens more – it was difficult to keep the camera in my pocket.  So, though I wouldn’t hike<em> this</em> particular trail again, we did enjoy the views and the weather.  No vortex effects to report.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XYhzndcq7mU/T2-XeGih1bI/AAAAAAAAMqI/P_5CIq6IInQ/s1600-h/Oak-Creek-Canyon-switchbacks3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks on highay 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff." alt="Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MdzoO3uy5wk/T2-XfF_cXoI/AAAAAAAAMqQ/P7y7run7_jg/Oak-Creek-Canyon-switchbacks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="285" /></a>Part two of our planned excursion was a drive up beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to the switchbacks 14 miles north of Sedona.  There is only one way to access the canyon from the south, and that is right through the knot of congestion in the heart of Sedona.  We worked our way through town, and joined the other drivers heading up the canyon on a beautiful day in a beautiful area, windows down, sunroof open.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">What a drive!  The canyon is narrow, as is the two lane, winding road.  Oak Creek boiled with muddy snowmelt from the recent storm.  At times, rocky cliffs crowd the roadside; everywhere, high, carved, brightly colored rock walls vie for attention.  Per posted signs, vehicles over 50 feet long are prohibited on the switchbacks on highway 89A.  Though we did see a tour bus descending, there is NO way we would use this route to travel in the motorhome from Sedona to Flagstaff!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Back home, I found <em>many</em> interesting comments about huitlacoche (aka corn smut or Raven’s excrement) – blogs about food always seem to touch a chord.  The biggest surprise came from Judy (Travels with Emma): “<em>I think I would have liked to try one of those quesadillas</em></font>.”  <font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I don’t think of Judy as a very adventurous eater, but her comment and <a href="http://travels-with-emma.blogspot.com/2012/03/grits-squirrels-no-see-ums-and-expenses.html" target="_blank">a recent blog post</a> indicate otherwise; she tried grits!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Both grits and polenta are made of ground corn.  Polenta is a favorite of ours (grits, not so much) and Judy’s post reminded me to include a recipe I discovered the other night, </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1-7jAEf3dzYkYfcNDPHBAlohBy_-aZAXmOe1L82Z4W8k" target="_blank">Enrico’s Easy Polenta</a> – baked in the oven!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Cooking boiling cornmeal on a stovetop can be hazardous; the thickened mass looks like lava as hot bubbles form and burst.  Stand back!  Polenta can be cooked in the microwave, but I’ve ended up with a massive mess when I used too small a bowl. Cooked in the oven?  Trouble- and mess-free!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I used the creamy polenta in its traditional role – in place of pasta, </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">topped with a tomato-fennel sauce.  Next morning, I cubed the now-firm leftover polenta, fried it in olive oil, put it on top of a pile of savory beans and topped it off with mildly spiced guacamole.  Yum!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-46693291738910321472012-03-23T17:02:00.001-07:002012-03-25T16:37:07.740-07:00EXPLORING DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK AND BEYOND–COTTONWOOD, AZ.<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nGuBIYyCew/T20OjbTE_-I/AAAAAAAAMlg/e395e0acIqk/s1600-h/Heading%252520down%252520to%252520Camp%252520Verde%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Heading down to the Verde Valley on a long, steep grade." alt="Heading down to Camp Verde" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2ueaoUaccyw/T20OlIHnRYI/AAAAAAAAMlo/Xg2P8muBOlU/Heading%252520down%252520to%252520Camp%252520Verde_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a>We just returned from a failed attempt to visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/index.htm" target="_blank">Tuzigoot National Monument</a> on foot from the trails at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/03/dead-horse-ranch-state-park-cottonwood.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to read our review).  10,300 steps, and we turned back without success.  :) </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">BUT – the sunshine was warm on our shoulders and bare legs (yep, we dug out shorts), a light breeze was blowing, the temperature was 70 degrees.  The cottonwood trees show a hit of green and birds were serenading us, so it wasn’t all bad.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Quite a bit of snow fell in the high country before we left Congress on Wednesday morning.  We took the longer, more big-rig friendly route from Congress to Cottonwood: south towards Phoenix, east on highway 74 to Interstate 17, north to highway 260 which runs northwest to Cottonwood.  As we climbed up over 5,000 feet on the interstate, a thin layer of snow covered the slopes – and here at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, the surrounding peaks still show signs of the recent storm.  It was a lovely drive.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vrStjjlov4s/T20OmskjRaI/AAAAAAAAMlw/FHQ_8VuUvPQ/s1600-h/Site%25252070%252520at%252520Dead%252520Horse%252520Ranch%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Our site at Dead Horse Ranch; snow on the distant peaks." alt="Site 70 at Dead Horse Ranch" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rNhxL21B7XA/T20OoNHzCwI/AAAAAAAAMl4/9ZQtUOaDekE/Site%25252070%252520at%252520Dead%252520Horse%252520Ranch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="299" /></a>Spring break!  We forgot all about it until we pulled into the state park, but were quickly reminded by the kids tearing around the campground on bicycles and on foot.  The campground has been full all week, with lots of activity today as the weekenders are arriving.  This is a huge park, with miles of trails, adjacent to the Verde River (which is actually WET, rather than the usual dry Arizona riverbed).  Plenty of trails for hiking, a lagoon for fishing, a tent campground loop separate from the RV loops; I can see why this park is so popular.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">After a morning hike yesterday, we hopped into the car and headed up to Jerome, a copper mining town very reminiscent of Bisbee (though larger and busier).  Phelps Dodge ran the mines in Jerome (like they did in Bisbee – and maybe Ajo?).  Jerome clings to the steep side of Cleopatra hill; driving is a challenge.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The population of Jerome dropped from 15,000 to 50 after the mine closed in 1953.  Like Bisbee, Jerome was saved by hippies and artists who moved in and eventually created an atmosphere appealing to tourists.  Now, Jerome boasts numerous restaurants, shops, and wine tasting rooms.  The streets were packed with tourists when we visited mid-week.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DjuXjFL_aHA/T20OqVoZJaI/AAAAAAAAMmA/jF79livP2Ks/s1600-h/Jerome%252520on%252520Cleopatra%252520Hill%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Jerome on Cleopatra Hill" alt="Jerome on Cleopatra Hill" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z7SyoKYRtdg/T20OrpDPItI/AAAAAAAAMmI/KjGEWwA7w8c/Jerome%252520on%252520Cleopatra%252520Hill_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="251" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lbO3_5khhLY/T20OttAkuaI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/41KhjFGZSh8/s1600-h/Front%252520of%252520Jerome%252520Grand%252520Hotel%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Front of Jerome Grand Hotel" alt="Front of Jerome Grand Hotel" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0p6F26Mha_w/T20OwKr2nxI/AAAAAAAAMmY/8i9-UGONJZ0/Front%252520of%252520Jerome%252520Grand%252520Hotel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><em><strong>Above</strong>: Looking at Jerome from below.  The big building at the top is the Jerome Grand Hotel. <br /> <br /><strong>Below</strong>: a funny intersection in Jerome as we walked up to the historic hotel.</em></font></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><em><strong>Above</strong>: the Jerome Grand Hotel up close and personal.  <br /> <br /><strong>Below</strong>: Looking down on Jerome from the hotel’s vantage point.</em></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hrUhX6XJIB0/T20OyLAAmaI/AAAAAAAAMmg/ebi4YJkMjyg/s1600-h/Funny%252520Jerome%252520Intersection%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Funny Jerome Intersection" alt="Funny Jerome Intersection" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fnuqn2AUeRc/T20Oy6ENw5I/AAAAAAAAMmo/RCI2bCDksUM/Funny%252520Jerome%252520Intersection_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="249" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BTofVm3yXb4/T20O06vQZKI/AAAAAAAAMmw/1uUAEYHQQpg/s1600-h/Looking%252520down%252520on%252520Jerome%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Looking down on Jerome" alt="Looking down on Jerome" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rjnVBFWG7XQ/T20O2CbbhJI/AAAAAAAAMm4/2kmmPpnOfKk/Looking%252520down%252520on%252520Jerome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="251" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">After a couple of hours exploring this quirky town on foot, we were ready to sit down to a meal.  The campground host back at Dead Horse Ranch had recommended 15.Quince (pronounced keen-say, the Spanish word for fifteen) for “Mexican food with a twist”, so that is where we settled.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y2a36chSOSg/T20O4ncwxwI/AAAAAAAAMnA/-xPcI1diAnk/s1600-h/Quince%252520Restaurant%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Quince Restaurant" alt="Quince Restaurant" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UJMshjdnCwg/T20O5uH8IjI/AAAAAAAAMnI/gOOC29uh_0k/Quince%252520Restaurant_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="250" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The restaurant was small, busy and bright, with a polished, stamped metal ceiling.  Color and art everywhere your eye rested, and I got a huge kick out of the TV: the Food Network was on (Paula Deen), rather than ESPN! <br /> <br />Odel ordered “Braised pork with black beans and green rice”; I ordered quesadillas.  Filling choices were the usual, plus something very unusual: <a href="http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Mexican-Ingredients-1032/huitlacoche.aspx" target="_blank">huitlacoche</a>, a corn fungus considered a delicacy in Mexico.  That’s what I picked.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WAdF1Lvd4a4/T20O7-J-UgI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/0OVICJxeAT8/s1600-h/Carnitas%252520for%252520Odel%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Odel's lunch plate." alt="Carnitas for Odel" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uyhH6hdaNGA/T20O9WeUrCI/AAAAAAAAMnY/mcqmxQrwIOc/Carnitas%252520for%252520Odel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="270" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1v8a6DDEHQI/T20O_MiwSlI/AAAAAAAAMng/upGaXhoOz3M/s1600-h/Quesadillas%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="My huitlacoche quesadillas" alt="Quesadillas" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wlbY63bvTeM/T20PAO2t0BI/AAAAAAAAMno/kJ6wqbrUJ9M/Quesadillas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Awesome!  Both servings were so large that we knew immediately we were looking at both lunch and dinner, and so yummy that we were happy to have the leftovers.  I had heard of huitlacoche before, but had never had it in such quantity.  The fungus is chopped, the slowly sautéed until it becomes a savory, oily paste, quite rich tasting.  In this dish, the paste had been mixed with soft, sautéed chile peppers and onions – awesome is the best description.  Too bad huitlacoche isn’t more readily available in the U.S.; I’d love to get my hands on some.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dMPN94lq5NE/T20PBs7NaFI/AAAAAAAAMnw/A_ccYld2zXs/s1600-h/Tuzigoot%252520from%252520the%252520Verde%252520floodplain%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Tuzigoot from the Verde floodplain" alt="Tuzigoot from the Verde floodplain" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gIg0KoL1YkE/T20PC5RgBKI/AAAAAAAAMn4/oBTUtwASkWs/Tuzigoot%252520from%252520the%252520Verde%252520floodplain_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="260" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TQgGLS5zrnc/T20PEm9eX6I/AAAAAAAAMoA/i0PA_VrruBQ/s1600-h/Tuzigoot%252520and%252520the%252520mountains%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="From the top of Tuzigoot" alt="Tuzigoot and the mountains" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M_yOLcG9rMw/T20PFlBenpI/AAAAAAAAMoI/QDXi9NKX978/Tuzigoot%252520and%252520the%252520mountains_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Tuzigoot in the distance, from the trail.</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Standing on top of the ruins.</em></font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">4:56 pm: It’s now later afternoon and – guess what – we made it to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/index.htm" target="_blank">Tuzigoot National Monument</a>, via car.  From the hilltop ruin, it was easy to see the trail we had walked this morning, and to see where we turned around – about half a mile short of the trail up the hillside.  It is an interesting site, beautiful in a spare way.  We weren’t going to leave without a visit.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tomorrow?  We plan to revisit Sedona, to hike to one of the vortices for which it is famous.  Red rocks, here we come.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-61836588733193503152012-03-20T13:27:00.001-07:002012-03-20T13:27:45.593-07:00OMNIVORE, VEGETARIAN, VEGAN: WHAT’S YOUR FOOD PHILOSOPHY?<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E3PsSK552Wo/T2joFzUDWlI/AAAAAAAAMjo/iKnbF0v5gmQ/s1600-h/Cranberry%252520Choc%252520Chip%252520Cookies%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="I made Cranberry Chocolate Chip cookies while Odel watched sports on TV and rain came down outside." alt="Cranberry Choc Chip Cookies" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bFK5cGajVOU/T2joG67wKTI/AAAAAAAAMjw/kuIWVFRSYVc/Cranberry%252520Choc%252520Chip%252520Cookies_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="200" /></a>Back when we were in Tucson and I had a cold, I didn’t feel like planning meals or shopping for food.  Lucky us, I had the simple ingredients on hand to make an extremely easy “comfort food” soup that I had never tried before: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1D573U7XAmieGwX4kAcPuGDB1dit2pTp2bRXB_64ohVs" target="_blank">New England Sweet Potato Soup</a>.  I’d saved the recipe from Better Homes and Gardens “Ultimate Slow Cooker” magazine back in 2008 (!), and finally decided to buy the sweet potatoes when I realized I had all the other ingredients on hand.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">This is the perfect recipe for when you don’t have the time or energy for anything complex – just load the ingredients in the crockpot, come back 5-6 hours later (say, after a nice nap), mash, season and serve.  I topped it with chopped green onions and coarsely chopped, roasted pecans.  Vegetarian as I made it (with milk); vegan if you leave the milk out (soy or almond milk would be a good substitute); for omnivores if you add the optional crumbled bacon topping.  Odel particularly liked this soup (probably due to the unusual sweetness).  Next time, I plan to serve it with a moist, chewy bran muffin with cranberries or raisins.  Great, easy, and somewhat unusual meal for a cold day!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X4RzVjRGytM/T2joJdTNcnI/AAAAAAAAMj4/daSBJKhrwOs/s1600-h/Red%252520Scarlett%252520Runner%252520Beans%252520in%252520Tomato%252520Fennel%252520sauce%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Red Scarlett Runner Beans in Tomato Fennel sauce - the huge beans look like mussels!" alt="Red Scarlett Runner Beans in Tomato Fennel sauce" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wVVpk61wxwU/T2joLZhqEzI/AAAAAAAAMkA/RzMcBOopK7Y/Red%252520Scarlett%252520Runner%252520Beans%252520in%252520Tomato%252520Fennel%252520sauce_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="300" /></a>Omnivore, vegetarian, vegan… there has been a good deal of talk about the options around our house lately.  Back when <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/nutrition-advice-from-the-china-study/" target="_blank">Bill Clinton lost 20+ pounds after reading The China Study</a> and switching to a (mostly) vegan diet, Odel and I talked a little about cutting meat out of our diet.  Nah, never went anywhere with that – but I did cut back on the amount of meat we eat.  Odel filled in with KFC or a hot dog whenever his carnivore gene objected.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Recently, The China Study surfaced in our conversation again, and with more force when we read an email from my sister Sydney, a vegetarian who recently bought the book and wrote: <em>“It is a REAL EYE OPENER!!!!! You should really get it.”</em></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">It is difficult for me to imagine Odel and I becoming vegans, but I do plan to read the book.  In the meantime, I’m fascinated with the <a href="http://www.ranchogordo.com/html/rg_beanbook.htm" target="_blank">cookbook</a> and heirloom beans I bought when we were in Tucson, at Native Seeds/SEARCH.  If anything could replace meat in our diet, it would be beans.  Both Odel and I love them, and their meaty texture and flavor – along with a dollop of olive oil (or bacon fat – he, he) – provides a lot of the texture and richness that we appreciate in meat dishes.  Plus, they are a natural for the crockpot, one of the few kitchen appliances that earned a ride along when we hit the road.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MCTr3g1oq54/T2joM-gxqOI/AAAAAAAAMkI/_59e7U5DAm8/s1600-h/Giant%252520Red%252520Scarlett%252520Runner%252520Bean%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Now, that's a MEGA-bean! Red Scarlett Runner Bean." alt="Giant Red Scarlett Runner Bean" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BtFGNxoXmFs/T2joN94HfQI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/ezEH4CbzqBg/Giant%252520Red%252520Scarlett%252520Runner%252520Bean_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="300" /></a>During our two days of snowy/rainy/cold weather, quite a bit of cooking took place in our little kitchen.  Homemade cookies, a dinner of Red Scarlett Runner Beans in Tomato Sauce on Creamy Polenta, and my other new favorite, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1O0k1-tkT74XiQYxEeLlexH5xhLnamtaSihniCpwU4XE" target="_blank">Wilted Kale with Beans and Squash</a> (supposed to be Cranberry Beans and Delicata Squash, but I had Anasazi Beans and Butternut Squash – so that’s what I made).  Like the New England Sweet Potato Soup, this is recipe has a surprising (and intriguing) sweetness.  Totally vegan… but we accompanied it with organic, all beef, bratwurst that we picked up at the Tucson farmers’ market just before we left town.  Omnivores.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Our current food philosophy?  Light on meat (and more of it comes from farmers/ranchers at the farmer’s markets), even lighter on dairy (Odel doesn’t like cheese; I buy milk about once every three months; and our freezer can’t keep ice cream frozen).  Heavy on plant foods: grains, beans, vegetables and fruit, purchased as close to our current location as possible (farmers’ markets whenever possible; foods in season and not from the southern hemisphere as the next best thing).  Guess you’d call us omnivores with a locavore bent.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The number one thing we could do to improve our diet is to cut out crackers, chips, and store-bought cookies. We both love salty, crunchy snacks; processed snacks and baked goods are our biggest downfall – along with overindulgence in general!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MOC2CqfN3LQ/T2joPa6z_1I/AAAAAAAAMkY/r9wvxeIVr2E/s1600-h/Pasta%252520sauce%252520and%252520sauteed%252520vegies%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Odel's pasta sauce cools while I cook vegies for the lima beans and smoked turkey in the crockpot." alt="Pasta sauce and sauteed vegies" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6i_NIvsLg5g/T2joQCT2aBI/AAAAAAAAMkg/J7H1IblcZk4/Pasta%252520sauce%252520and%252520sauteed%252520vegies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="268" /></a>This morning, before Odel headed off to the golf course (yes, our warm sunshine has returned), he made a batch of his <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1m639CrlEBclgY_p014ZQczZyEY51ia9xsAX_xxuWayY" target="_blank">fantastic pasta sauce</a> (with meat), which we’ll put in the freezer to reheat and enjoy on whole wheat pasta (which we both prefer) as we continue to travel north over the next few weeks.  (I might try adapting that recipe one of these days, replacing the Italian sausage with small beans; beans and pasta have a long and honorable partnership.)  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When his cooking was done, I put <a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd8qdfsb_29hj7zb2fk&hl=en" target="_blank">Lima Beans with Smoked Turkey</a> in the crockpot for tonight’s dinner: beans, lots of vegies (added kale this time, and replaced celery – which I didn’t have – with a bulb of fennel, which I did).  A little meat, a lot of vegetables.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We may not eat “right”, but we sure do eat “good”.  :) </font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-29760198333751399612012-03-18T13:25:00.001-07:002012-03-18T13:25:28.511-07:00WINTER COMES TO CONGRESS, AZ<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The stormy weather predicted to blow in from California arrived right on schedule.  Rain pounded on our roof last night, the temperature plummeted, and I wasn’t surprised to see snow on the nearby mountains when I peeped out the window this morning.  As I write at noon, a blustery wind is blowing, rain drops blur the windshield from time to time, and the temperature is around 40 degrees cooler than yesterday at this time.  Very wintery!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Snow on the nearby mountains</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Coming our way</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AGQew3jxu3U/T2ZEQwZRMmI/AAAAAAAAMhU/dYiqUYinbVg/s1600-h/Awoke%252520to%252520snow%252520near%252520North%252520Ranch%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Awoke to snow near North Ranch" alt="Awoke to snow near North Ranch" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N0F0-oRFdWM/T2ZER6eP9WI/AAAAAAAAMhc/gHUonnrCGOk/Awoke%252520to%252520snow%252520near%252520North%252520Ranch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="250" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iWf-W653Pk8/T2ZEToh4DKI/AAAAAAAAMhk/cNu1T0h2TxE/s1600-h/Coming%252520our%252520way%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Coming our way" alt="Coming our way" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DaUp7f1GBeI/T2ZEUmKSDKI/AAAAAAAAMhs/Mdqyh4nlKD0/Coming%252520our%252520way_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">What a complete change from the weather we’ve enjoyed during the past few days!  We’ve spent much of our time outdoors, hiking, reading, and socializing.  Walking around North Ranch, we often run into people we know, or end up in conversations with friendly residents of the park.  Yesterday, as we stood outdoors talking with Jackie Hada – a Boomer friend who had organized a happy hour at her place soon after we arrived – we were surprised to see a woman approach pushing a stroller holding her cat!  As she got near, she asked “Are you Odel and Laurie?”  Thus we met Pat McFall, familiar to us through Mike McFall’s blog, <a href="http://mikepatstravels.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-2012.html" target="_blank">Mike and Pat’s Travels</a>.  We’ve had several such serendipitous encounters since we arrived.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Here are some photos of our recent desert explorations (hover your cursor over a photo to read the caption); quite a change in the weather!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RVMjmjcMBJ8/T2ZEccwByfI/AAAAAAAAMh0/V4yALvXUcrQ/s1600-h/Vulture%252520Peak%252520Trail%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Laurie on the Vulture Peak Trail" alt="Vulture Peak Trail" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NOo-SWy22AE/T2ZEdYi_nGI/AAAAAAAAMh8/9CaxEUILu_0/Vulture%252520Peak%252520Trail_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="241" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-woqiQxousD0/T2ZEfVHZd9I/AAAAAAAAMiE/dMjqNvT9XgQ/s1600-h/Rest%252520break%252520with%252520trail%252520on%252520the%252520right%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Rest break with trail on the right" alt="Rest break with trail on the right" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DwPxxlFD48E/T2ZEgZJpbkI/AAAAAAAAMiM/ChS8F519quA/Rest%252520break%252520with%252520trail%252520on%252520the%252520right_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="278" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aBBIiL5iVIc/T2ZEiScSfeI/AAAAAAAAMiU/0XUXsPnkAO0/s1600-h/Odel%252520and%252520Crested%252520Cup%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Odel and Crested Cup, a crested saguaro cactus" alt="Odel and Crested Cup" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QXS9r3JQi5A/T2ZEjCzexBI/AAAAAAAAMic/0_YFOqQSuc8/Odel%252520and%252520Crested%252520Cup_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="261" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W-jjTh5QZUc/T2ZEmrP5wXI/AAAAAAAAMik/JDcNQPEY2iY/s1600-h/Cactus%252520in%252520bloom%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="A wild cactus in bloom on the Vulture Peak trail." alt="Cactus in bloom" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-btvc-Hglqh0/T2ZEn6jo_kI/AAAAAAAAMis/vpvfd1dIgnM/Cactus%252520in%252520bloom_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="273" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VPYuw2kDrb8/T2ZEpuNrZUI/AAAAAAAAMi0/q8q3e8DdKmk/s1600-h/Pink%252520cactus%252520flowers%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Pink cactus flowers - don't they look fake???" alt="Pink cactus flowers" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pKbIgo3ddyo/T2ZEqdBTysI/AAAAAAAAMi8/-O2fmFxSgCw/Pink%252520cactus%252520flowers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="353" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OPk0XBSODR8/T2ZEsJ86R9I/AAAAAAAAMjE/LQWnfylNSkw/s1600-h/Easter%252520Cactus%252520in%252520bloom%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Easter Cactus in bloom" alt="Easter Cactus in bloom" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zWMEuNczQus/T2ZEtNa20JI/AAAAAAAAMjM/xhobmWoHeA8/Easter%252520Cactus%252520in%252520bloom_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="189" /></a><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />These two cacti are blooming here at North Ranch.  Many of the lots have beautiful desert landscaping with cacti in bloom.</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Odel (engrossed in watching golf and basketball) just leapt up from the couch and yelled “it’s snowing!”  Yep, I see some flakes mixed in with the rain.  I hope you all are warm and dry, wherever you are.  Think I’ll go make some cookies.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-41151145891708186682012-03-15T10:06:00.001-07:002012-03-15T13:54:13.930-07:00A CHANGE OF PLANS: WE EXTEND OUR STAY AT NORTH RANCH – CONGRESS, AZ<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-azjzxgPH_kc/T2IhER8mxCI/AAAAAAAAMdk/Y-mAoxcqKtM/s1600-h/Downer4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="A ride on the Pink Jeep in 2005." alt="Downer" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4LrqNnXDyT4/T2IhGyTc09I/AAAAAAAAMds/_k2aa1zF0aw/Downer_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="200" /></a>A few weeks ago, we reserved a site at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona – elevation around 3,500 feet.  We plan to use the state park as a base camp to explore <a href="http://www.azjerome.com/" target="_blank">Jerome</a> and <a href="http://www.visitsedona.com/" target="_blank">Sedona</a>, two of northern Arizona’s top scenic spots, which we’ve barely brushed on prior travels (though we have taken the Pink Jeep tour in the red rocks of Sedona).  With a bit of good luck, we figured we might even squeeze in a trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon after we left Cottonwood, heading west.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Those plans changed as we watched the weather forecast for our upcoming reservation in Cottonwood.  Chance of SNOW???</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CwFmTLQFtOQ/T2IhJaI7ILI/AAAAAAAAMd0/Tc_znMPT2GU/s1600-h/Cottonwood-weather5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Cottonwood weather" alt="Cottonwood weather" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kwQ3CHAlntk/T2IhK0dFzvI/AAAAAAAAMd8/Giu3PbowMRI/Cottonwood-weather_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="251" /></a>Congress, our current location (and about 1,000 ft. lower) looked slightly better, but also wet and cold… but here we have full hookups, a huge, indoor, activity center with scheduled activities, and a clubhouse with a comfortable library – and friends.  Odel called Dead Horse Ranch State Park and pushed our reservation out another five days, when the weather returns to warm sunshine.  Smart move, my man!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Meanwhile, here at North Ranch (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/03/escapees-north-ranch-rv-park-congress.html" target="_blank">click here to read our review and see photos</a>), the weather has been fine, fine, fine.  Sunshine every day, warm temperatures moderated by a slight afternoon breeze, and very cool nights.  Residents and other travelers are ultra-friendly; we’ve made new friends (mostly when Odel is recognized by a blog reader) and hooked up with old friends.  It is easy to see why traveling Escapees fall in love with the place.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Unlike many of the Escapee parks we visit, North Ranch is not a co-op with jointly-owned lots.  Instead, developed lots at North Ranch are deeded and privately owned.  RV’s are allowed on ALL deeded lots, as are mobile homes, park models, site-built homes and everything in between.  It reminds me greatly of the <a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2010/12/fortuna-foothills-yuma-az.html" target="_blank">Foothills area of Yuma</a>, though this is a much smaller (MUCH smaller) neighborhood.  Here are some examples - click on any photo for a larger view.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Transient spaces in the campground.</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">A plain, clean, undeveloped deeded lot.</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Covered single wide with RV parking.</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pXdK0ADNSS4/T2IhNBp7dtI/AAAAAAAAMeE/mcvXzbawsmQ/s1600-h/Row-of-transient-spaces8.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Row of transient spaces" alt="Row of transient spaces" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ok3US9E_SzA/T2IhOaahKhI/AAAAAAAAMeM/QF0XtF0V0zk/Row-of-transient-spaces_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="150" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p1eEsx3Z5Kw/T2IhQywpDVI/AAAAAAAAMeU/eKsu1ICn7q4/s1600-h/Plain-clean-lot7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Plain, clean lot" alt="Plain, clean lot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBQIXDdwHxI/T2IhSPItW-I/AAAAAAAAMec/kSs-RxJVxUg/Plain-clean-lot_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="150" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aDhO3pso1Sg/T2IhTj1-iLI/AAAAAAAAMek/xwyofxChuOk/s1600-h/Single-wide-cover-and-lot6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Single wide, cover, and lot" alt="Single wide, cover, and lot" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-59rFtnC6B5E/T2IhUyBxUqI/AAAAAAAAMes/rh1xUH81-Yw/Single-wide-cover-and-lot_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="150" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Large RV shelter with attached casita and detached garage.</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Southwestern style casita with plenty of RV parking.</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Large, site-built home.</font></em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u4sx0729E4c/T2IhW9I0OfI/AAAAAAAAMe0/94b3Ahp8bEE/s1600-h/RV-cover-and-casita6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="RV cover and casita" alt="RV cover and casita" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0yopn67REVA/T2IhX29p8RI/AAAAAAAAMe8/URH3iwFI2jU/RV-cover-and-casita_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="150" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7Ft1XtDeic/T2IhZzruO3I/AAAAAAAAMfE/IKSeIdu4_hQ/s1600-h/Large-casita-and-RV-pad6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Large casita and RV pad" alt="Large casita and RV pad" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_rwJj59Ub4/T2Iha0jtsPI/AAAAAAAAMfM/OsvYUDW1L6Y/Large-casita-and-RV-pad_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="150" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--x-JqZrWwQk/T2IhckPkZ0I/AAAAAAAAMfU/wfJsl3qcMng/s1600-h/Fancy-home6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Fancy home" alt="Fancy home" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PLRzA2pUovI/T2IhdwMp-gI/AAAAAAAAMfc/6FC519y1wn4/Fancy-home_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="150" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When we aren’t off getting our exercise elsewhere, it’s great fun to wander the streets of North Ranch examining the deeded lots (many of which are for sale).  Most are very well maintained; pride of ownership is evident here.  All lot owners have access to the common areas of the park, the activity center, the clubhouse, and what appears to be a maintenance building (we haven’t checked that out yet, other than a quick peek at the pickle ball game going on inside).</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aekMtaqz7Us/T2IhgPfCNwI/AAAAAAAAMfk/ogWUZNbt4GY/s1600-h/Rosemary-in-bloom4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Rosemary in bloom" alt="Rosemary in bloom" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u-vDR_h06rg/T2IhhTbuPBI/AAAAAAAAMfs/UEEIjDhgF-4/Rosemary-in-bloom_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="260" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZJunQZWRiu4/T2IhlsuGGuI/AAAAAAAAMf0/IZfGCDdxmFM/s1600-h/Out-the-back-gate5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Out the back gate" alt="Out the back gate" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gAMfepDQjUg/T2Ihm-EeReI/AAAAAAAAMf8/GXDJUoctMcI/Out-the-back-gate_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Rosemary in bloom in the native plant garden.</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Out the back gate into BLM land.</font></em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On the north side of North Ranch, a beautifully designed desert garden features native plants and a giant, ancient, saguaro.  At the back of the property, an gate provides access to desert walking out on the BLM managed property surrounding North Ranch.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">All in all, a good place to sit out three or four days of winter’s return.  :)</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-7069506999370085062012-03-14T07:50:00.001-07:002012-03-14T07:51:20.280-07:00THE POSOLE, COMPLETE<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Odel proclaimed it the best pot of posole EVER!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PVtzTR0vZjc/T2CwF1XDqyI/AAAAAAAAMbY/fUXTUflxGSw/s1600-h/Posole%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Freshly cooked hominy." alt="Posole" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qZynOyPV4Ys/T2CwHidI7pI/AAAAAAAAMbg/FsbCcl1EYhk/Posole_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1dge55TB5Y/T2CwJeAESSI/AAAAAAAAMbo/RGQg5we8f_g/s1600-h/Completed%252520posole%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Completed Posole: pork, green chilis, hominy, spices." alt="Posole" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cI2T8PcZyTQ/T2CwKYoakjI/AAAAAAAAMbw/QoyYSG7rzgs/Completed%252520posole_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">Freshly cooked dried corn (hominy), went into…</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">… Posole, a stew of meat, hominy, chiles and spices.</font></em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Al and Kelly (The Bayfield Bunch) were invited for dinner, so I kept the heat on the mild side. We served the traditional accompaniments: shredded cabbage (put it in the bowl first, then ladle the steaming stew on top), chopped green onions, chopped radishes, and chopped cilantro. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9rCeDmxmQR8/T2CwMSwCDzI/AAAAAAAAMb4/MBEdhhSsSqc/s1600-h/Chile%252520Roof%252520in%252520Hatch-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Chilies drying on a roof in Hatch, New Mexico, mid-September" alt="Chile Roof in Hatch-1" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CbQvrxYNsC4/T2CwNB6eKFI/AAAAAAAAMcA/Eo40yEKzKoA/Chile%252520Roof%252520in%252520Hatch-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Though it is an extra step, rehydrating and cooking the dried corn was worth the effort (though I would still use canned hominy in posole when I don’t have dried – which is just about always).  Thanks to the home-cooked hominy, the broth of the completed stew had that wonderful toasted corn flavor I associate with fresh corn tortillas – yummy.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">If you are interested in making a batch of posole, my recipe for <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nbkvASmrBdDxs-6xp6Ax2NbXVCJ6kVHTLNAtBvVEhQ/edit?hl=en_US#">posole in the Crockpot</a> is in the recipe archive on the left side of the blog, easily adapted to a pot on the stove.  It is very mildly seasoned, so increase the seasoning if you like it hotter.   Use the best canned hominy your can find (I like <a href="http://www.juanitasfoods.com/about/">Juanita’s</a>, available in the Mexican section of major supermarkets); ditto for the green chiles.  When I used canned – which is most of the time – I use <a href="http://www.hatchmexicanfood.com/">Hatch</a> brand, and if you’ve ever been to Hatch, New Mexico, you know why!   I took the photo above in mid-September several years ago, as we drove down the main street of tiny Hatch.  It seemed as though every roof in town was used to dry the local product.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-1421244058725081872012-03-12T12:45:00.001-07:002012-03-15T10:07:52.128-07:00A BIRTHDAY, SUNSHINE, FRIENDS, SIGHTSEEING – CONGRESS, AZ<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5mFbVtcsrEU/T15SHDhIUXI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/0MYnC18r-Is/s1600-h/Odel-and-the-Schoolteacher3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Odel and the just-arrived schoolmarm in Wickenburg" alt="Odel and the Schoolteacher" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EB_wdD024ME/T15SJPfgZEI/AAAAAAAAMaA/7UdKJfARe5Q/Odel-and-the-Schoolteacher_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Odel had a birthday yesterday – not one of the biggies.  Since he has already passed Golden Age pass age, social security age and Medicare age (the GOOD milestones), he wasn’t very excited about it.  Ho, hum, just another day… but we made it a good one.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We started the day with lots of jokes about birthdays we’ve celebrated on the road (for some reason, the BAD ones stick with us).  One of Odel’s worst was in Ft. Stockton, Texas, at a horrible, cramped little RV park.  We arrived late in the day, in a downpour and, as Odel stood in a mud puddle in the rain about to plug our rig into an electric box with no breaker (we know better, NOW), he wondered if it would be his last birthday.  Fortunately, he survived.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">This year, we decided to spend his birthday at North Ranch (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/03/escapees-north-ranch-rv-park-congress.html" target="_blank">click here to read our review</a>), the Escapee Club’s RV park in Congress, AZ.  This area, north of Phoenix and south of Flagstaff, is mostly a mystery to us, with the exception of a couple “drive-throughs” over the years.  We came to visit Wickenburg and Prescott and explore the beckoning open space – and to drive, in the Jeep, highway 89 north to Prescott.  This route has quite a reputation among RV’ers – narrow, winding, difficult, to be avoided.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We paid a short visit to Wickenburg on Saturday – long enough to view the <a href="http://www.wickenburggolf.com/">golf course that Odel is playing</a> right now, to gather a map and brochures from the visitor center, visit the <a href="http://www.westernmuseum.org/">Western Caballeros Desert Museum</a>, to enjoy lunch at Nana’s Sandwich Saloon (I’d eaten a big breakfast, so my lunch was pie and coffee), and to wander the historic downtown with its fun history stops (statues with audio enhancement).   Wickenburg was charming – very western, clean, big enough but not too big, filled with interesting history.  Worth more time!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QhIJQ71EhrY/T15SLJBc0BI/AAAAAAAAMaI/L2AJW-wXq9Y/s1600-h/Skull-Valley-Garage7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Skull Valley Garage" alt="Skull Valley Garage" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Q0Ch_p0S6Y/T15SMWVYyzI/AAAAAAAAMaQ/WZaoZ9eOga0/Skull-Valley-Garage_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="300" /></a>Sunday: off to Prescott.  We mapped a 100-mile loop that would take us north on the devilish 89 to Prescott, then northwest out of Prescott for a looping return on route 10 through Skull Valley - couldn’t find any history on that less-than-welcoming name!  Our elevation here at North Ranch is around 2,400’; highway 89 summits a few miles this side of Prescott at 6,100’ before descending to Prescott at around 5,400’ (Prescott is Arizona’s “Mile High City”).  We knew we had an adventure ahead…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">… which began with a stop just 6 miles north, to surprise Al, Kelly and Pheebe (The Bayfield Bunch) as they worked on the property they hope to buy on Ghost Town Road in Congress.  Al captured us peering in the windows; <a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/2012/03/planting-cactus-brush-clearing-and-2.html">click here to read his blog post</a>.  After a quick tour and hugs all around, we were off, heading north.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Highway 89 deserves its reputation.  A series of warning signs alerted us to the fact that vehicles over 40 long are not allowed on the highest, narrowest, most winding portion of the road before the summit.  Don’t ignore them!  It was a fun drive in the Jeep, and obviously is a favorite of cyclists (motorcyclists, that is).  Odel got to be the passenger (happy birthday); as driver, my eyes were mostly glued to the road and to the motorcycles anxious to speed around us.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Prescott is a good-sized city.  We missed – on purpose - all the big-box stores (apparently out of the east side of town) including Costco and the NEW Trader Joe’s that opened on Friday!  Trader Joe’s and Costco – Prescott has arrived in the big leagues.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Interior of The Palace</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>History in the Palace: contents of the safe.</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yBNHIEgAZAc/T15SOcVGORI/AAAAAAAAMaY/8xXLQ5cq0G8/s1600-h/The-Palace8.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="The Palace" alt="The Palace" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7N8BZkmd-Hg/T15SP0R0wdI/AAAAAAAAMag/PTH0bCuSOlw/The-Palace_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DQLaz2RZMbw/T15SSX0ghGI/AAAAAAAAMao/VF5oJ5S6E6o/s1600-h/Contents-of-the-Palace-Safe4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Contents of the Palace Safe" alt="Contents of the Palace Safe" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ls4kEXeQHuc/T15ST0vBmxI/AAAAAAAAMaw/4Ij4wYoeQKA/Contents-of-the-Palace-Safe_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We spent our time in the historic downtown area.  Kelly had mentioned The Palace, with a reputation for good burgers… so that was our lunch choice.  The Palace interior is filled with historical memorabilia, which we perused thoroughly while we awaited our lunch (and we concur – GOOD burgers).  We topped off our meal with a spin around the courthouse square, then settled into a sunny bench for a spell of people-watching.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I preferred the homebound route, through Skull Valley, to the outbound route.  The road is less winding and wider, but what I liked best were the views, more open and expansive.  The weather was perfect, and we rode along with the sunroof wide open.  Seemed like a winner of a birthday to me.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On a totally unrelated note, remember the dried posole I bought in Tucson at Native Seeds/SEARCH last week?  The experiment has begun.  Last night, I washed the corn and covered it with water; this morning, I rinsed it, then simmered it in fresh water for two and a half hours, until it was tender (though still very chewy).  At this point, if it was in a can, it would be called hominy OR posole.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Q1Q8_Xy1z0/T15SVHeDk8I/AAAAAAAAMa4/PI8Z2j5iZOU/s1600-h/White%252520Corn%252520Posole%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Lime-treated dried white corn - posole." alt="White Corn Posole" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2x3QlEHAtD0/T15SXJr6iaI/AAAAAAAAMbA/2iH6v8UL3dc/White%252520Corn%252520Posole_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MJII8-cuSVI/T15SZQMmllI/AAAAAAAAMbI/eYJB1l6oiSU/s1600-h/Posole-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Cooked posole, aka hominy." alt="Posole-1" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PY_dxkstUHc/T15SbJnyEPI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/sTcTH1u2gB0/Posole-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">One pound cooked into nine cups, four of which are now in the crockpot with pork, onions, garlic and the mild, roasted, poblano chilies I picked up at the Tucson farmers market.  Tomorrow’s dinner (guests are coming)is Posole, in the “green chile stew” sense of the word, along with the standard accompaniments: shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, green onions, chopped cilantro. Will we taste a difference between the canned product and the dried product?  I’m sure you all are dying to know – he, he, he!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Time to slip outdoors to enjoy this beautiful day.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-15167693338028613742012-03-10T08:05:00.001-08:002012-03-10T08:05:55.112-08:00LAST WEEK IN TUCSON – UPS AND DOWNS<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p1oeiri9mWU/T1t7jC-_I-I/AAAAAAAAMXU/vxbnTcMLMV4/s1600-h/Aravaipa%252520Heirlooms%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Shopping at the Sunday Farmers' Market in Tucson" alt="Aravaipa Heirlooms" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mJ3PCszZV0U/T1t7kY_OIGI/AAAAAAAAMXc/MbnDEhaODiw/Aravaipa%252520Heirlooms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a>I woke up at 5 am this morning, thinking about the kale, cabbage, and asparagus in my refrigerator bins, about the dried beans I bought in Tucson last week, and about the various treats stashed in my freezer.  My brain immediately began to mix and match, wondering whether I should sauté the kale with the organic, all beef bratwurst from the farmer’s market, or whether I wanted to use the kale with the heirloom Four Corners Gold beans (also picked up in Tucson) to make a variation of <a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd8qdfsb_34d8mg53cs">White Bean and Shrimp Stew with Greens</a>.  And don’t forget the roasted green chilies from the farmer’s market and the dried posole (which I’ve never used before)… I’ve got a nice pound and a half of pork shoulder… all the ingredients for my <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nbkvASmrBdDxs-6xp6Ax2NbXVCJ6kVHTLNAtBvVEhQ/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1#">crockpot Posole recipe</a>.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">And that’s when I knew I was going to beat this cold!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Last week in Tucson had its highs and lows.  We settled into our <em>reserved</em> site at Catalina State Park (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2011/02/revisiting-catalina-state-park-tucson.html">click here to read our review from one year ago</a>, updated with information about the new reservation system for Arizona State Parks) on Saturday afternoon, filled with plans for the next five days: visit Tucson’s largest and oldest farmers market on Sunday, a visit with the Wishnies, specialized shopping for me, golf for Odel… and lots of hikes in the state park.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We got off to a good start at the wonderful Sunday farmers market (southeast corner of River Road and Campbell, if you want to go).  We loaded up on goodies (organic beef bratwurst, fresh goat cheese, roasted Poblano peppers, Argentine-style empanadas, mesquite flour cookies, and another salmon pie from Anna’s Kitchen), soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed the people-watching.  Back home, my Kindle and I spent some quality time in the lounger in the sunshine.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PX6JcjpeB54/T1t7lyW1_cI/AAAAAAAAMXk/eOtfi0P5Cco/s1600-h/Roasted%252520Peppers%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Freshly Roasted Peppers at the farmers' market." alt="Roasted Peppers" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xtO7PXkVQBA/T1t7nF_0DVI/AAAAAAAAMXs/Yp15aJuz7_U/Roasted%252520Peppers_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="284" /></a>Monday morning, m<font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">y throat felt a little scratchy, which I put down to allergies or simply the dry, dry Arizona climate.  W</font>e took an hour-long hike along a wildflower-carpeted ridge in the park (and I didn’t take my camera!), in preparation for lunch with Fred and Jo Wishnie at Vivace, a favorite restaurant in Tucson.  We hadn’t seen them for quite awhile; what a pleasure to relax in that lovely restaurant with good foodie friends over a fantastic meal.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We followed lunch with a quick stop at Trader Joe’s and a longer visit to Costco.  By the time we got home, I felt quite tired.  As I stored away our purchases, Odel came in with the really bad news: coolant was dripping out of our radiator!  As our day wound down, we watched Jules towed away… boo-hoo.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tuesday, we got a call from <a href="http://www.aastrotransmission.net/Tucson-auto-repair-shop-location.html">Aastro Transmission</a> on Ina Road (highly recommended by us).  Long story short: two days of repairs (of many, many problems, not just the radiator), $2,800 bill plus the cost of a car rental for a day.  Meanwhile, my scratchy throat turned into an enervating cold.  Tuesday was not a good day for us!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Wednesday, we rented a Ford Escape.  Odel had a golf tee time and, in spite of my low energy, I had a couple errands I wanted to run while in Tucson.  It was rather fun to drive the Escape, one of the vehicles that might make a good towed for us when we replace our 2001 Jeep (which, with the recent repairs, should see us through the end of this year).  </font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="800"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="160"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sTZUybPEInc/T1t7nwswyfI/AAAAAAAAMX0/Ah0oVyS7wAY/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Lima%252520Beans%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Christmas Lima Beans" alt="Christmas Lima Beans" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TuebaoMdnCU/T1t7oQ-0PgI/AAAAAAAAMX8/fSXQDP3n6N8/Christmas%252520Lima%252520Beans_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="130" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="160"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OcYztA15B6o/T1t7pb0gyII/AAAAAAAAMYE/OS_DCcebP3s/s1600-h/Scarlet%252520Runner%252520Beans%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Scarlet Runner Beans" alt="Scarlet Runner Beans" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7eE2XmaeEbg/T1t7qIzHpkI/AAAAAAAAMYM/eBUu7DaulkQ/Scarlet%252520Runner%252520Beans_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="130" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="160"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BykzUt4n9YI/T1t7rB2TvAI/AAAAAAAAMYU/5XQ8egFYA1c/s1600-h/Four%252520Corners%252520Gold%252520Beans%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Four Corners Gold Beans" alt="Four Corners Gold Beans" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SASDDNmfSR4/T1t7r_GnUgI/AAAAAAAAMYc/wqgTvEOJnv0/Four%252520Corners%252520Gold%252520Beans_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="130" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="160"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-recdB9AM-9g/T1t7s9fD0CI/AAAAAAAAMYk/4eo0ZzwtzCk/s1600-h/blue%252520Corn%252520Posole%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="blue Corn Posole" alt="blue Corn Posole" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MScve-hL20s/T1t7tvayxjI/AAAAAAAAMYw/37V3dH_Iyt4/blue%252520Corn%252520Posole_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="130" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="160"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pHP8v4v-tk8/T1t7uahUHsI/AAAAAAAAMY4/9EQv9iKJwAM/s1600-h/White%252520Corn%252520Posole%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="White Corn Posole" alt="White Corn Posole" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UKxuXFE5mbM/T1t7uxEAX7I/AAAAAAAAMZA/liSo21So6kU/White%252520Corn%252520Posole_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="130" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Maiandra GD"><em>Photos of heirloom beans and seeds courtesy of the Native Seeds/SEARCH website.</em></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">My target?  <a href="https://nativeseeds.org/index.php/store/retail-store">Native Seeds/SEARCH</a>, a non-profit that “<em>conserves, distributes and documents the adapted and diverse varieties of agricultural seeds, their wild relatives and the role these seeds play in cultures of the American Southwest and northwest Mexico</em>”… promoting “<em>use of these ancient crops and their wild relatives by gathering, safeguarding, and distributing their seeds to farming and gardening communities</em>.”  Oh, did I have fun there, and certainly did my part to help support this worthy organization.  :)  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I came away with three kinds of new-to-me dried beans; two bags of dried corn (posole) – one white, one blue; and a great new cookbook.  We know “dried corn posole” as hominy when it is canned, which is the only way I have purchased it in the past, and “posole” is used both for the dried corn and the dish made from pork, green chilies, and hominy/cooked dried corn.  Confusing, eh?  I’ve got some fun food experiments coming up!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Odel, meanwhile, was freezing on the golf course, playing in the strong, dust-laden winds that plagued Tucson on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.  I think I had the better day!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EdQUrH5_oNk/T1t7w_5JFcI/AAAAAAAAMZI/mNJuB06uzIs/s1600-h/Tucson%252520Sunday%252520market%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="People watching at Tucson's Sunday market" alt="Tucson Sunday market" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ugfnSI6_uk/T1t7zJJPjiI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/XdhJUHaESG8/Tucson%252520Sunday%252520market_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="293" /></a>We returned our rental on Thursday morning, on our way to meet Paul and Marsha Weaver (<a href="http://wheresweaver.blogspot.com/">Where’s Weaver</a> – we read each other’s blogs) at the new (open 6 months) Bisbee Breakfast Club in Tucson.  Our lively conversation covered all the usual RV interests, and it was fun to spend time with these new friends after exchanging blog comments for the past few years.  The food report:  our breakfasts at the Tucson branch of the BBC were as good as those in Bisbee… but it just wasn’t the same to walk out into the strip-mall ambiance of busy Ina Road instead of the funky Lowell neighborhood of the original BBC.  Still, we’d go again when in Tucson.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Checkout time at Catalina is now noon (another change that came with the reservation system), so we were on the road to Dogpound South, John and Brenda Brown’s (<a href="http://johnbrendasincredibleadventure.blogspot.com/">John and Brenda’s Incredible Journey</a>) place in Maricopa.  By early afternoon, we were plugged into electricity on their big, level, lot, sitting in the sunshine catching up with them (last seen by us in Bouse, AZ, a year ago or so).  John and Brenda are Canadians who bought their Maricopa property last year so they could bring their horses with them when they come to Arizona in the winter.  They are avid riders, true cowboys (well, Brenda is not a “boy”, but you know what I mean).  Besides their two horses, they brought their ranch dog, Meg, and a son’s dog, Mac.  Between the horses and dogs, we felt right at home, as though we were back at Rosanna’s Paws and Hooves ranch.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8KeDCSa_DOY/T1t70o8-jmI/AAAAAAAAMZY/TXrkREUkiJ0/s1600-h/Meg%25252C%252520Mac%25252C%252520and%252520Odel%252520play%252520ball%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Meg, Mac, and Odel play ball" alt="Meg, Mac, and Odel play ball" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kncffD7NbcE/T1t71hTl1CI/AAAAAAAAMZg/uW4X6la9XDw/Meg%25252C%252520Mac%25252C%252520and%252520Odel%252520play%252520ball_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="280" /></a>The dogs absolutely tickled me.  Meg, a herder, is completely focused on teaching visitors to throw something – anything! - for her.  As we sat chatting with Brenda and John, Meg would bring a little stick, some tiny, 4 inch long thing she managed to find on their lot, and lay in next to my foot (or Odel’s), staring at it intently.  When we were non-responsive (mostly because these little twigs were too small to throw!), she would reposition the twig on my shoe, her nose pointing at it from 6 inches away, eyes never moving from her prize.  It was so, so funny.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Friday morning, before we all left (north for us, south to Catalina State Park for the Browns, their horses, and the dogs), Odel and I spent quite awhile playing with the dogs.  While Odel kicked Meg’s ball for her (to retrieve and stare down until he kicked it again), I took pictures and played with Mac, the two year old Rottweiler.  This is totally easy, because Mac’s interest is in shadows.  Since we were out early, our shadows were long – all I had to do was wave my arm while Mac jumped all over the moving shadow.  He, he!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_81ephYvoyI/T1t73YLAayI/AAAAAAAAMZo/PQl1m6OcNlQ/s1600-h/Meg%252520waits%252520for%252520the%252520kick%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Meg waits for the kick as she teaches Odel how to play ball." alt="Meg waits for the kick" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MOdQlMD8GRk/T1t74eVlnUI/AAAAAAAAMZw/6NmKoDPToKc/Meg%252520waits%252520for%252520the%252520kick_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>By noon, we were settled into a big, level site at the Escapee park, North Ranch, in Congress, AZ, northwest of Phoenix.  Sunny, warm, calm, open – I knew right away we will be happy here for the next week.  It is new territory for us, though we’ve driven through the area in the past (and spent one night dry camping here several years ago), and we’re happily anticipating explorations of both Wickenburg and Prescott, nearby towns.  Al and Kelly (<a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/">The Bayfield Bunch</a>) are boondocking nearby; we are looking forward to visiting with them, too.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">After a walk around the park, a bit of socializing, and soaking up the sunshine, we turned in early… and when I awoke this morning thinking about food, I knew this cold is just about licked.  Today, we’re off to Wickenburg – barring any surprises!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-21702804264523819732012-03-05T06:06:00.000-08:002012-03-05T06:06:10.074-08:00Chappy Trails: Tornado Up Close and PersonalAs I drank my morning tea and caught up on friends' blogs, Bobbie Chapman's post gave me chills: her brother's account of living through the recent tornados. I'm linking here to his account of the recent events. It is a riveting story.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://chappytrails.blogspot.com/2012/03/tornado-up-close-and-personal.html">Chappy Trails: Tornado Up Close and Personal</a>Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-12449449160670061762012-03-04T08:10:00.001-08:002012-03-04T08:38:31.962-08:00I’VE LOST TRACK OF THE DAYS!<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5KyqDLGBmfI/T1OTwxuXqvI/AAAAAAAAMW0/tE3sHKDHfmI/s1600-h/Our%252520row%252520against%252520the%252520fence%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Our row against the fence" alt="Our row against the fence" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JxQMFx17XHY/T1OTyYXG8jI/AAAAAAAAMW8/KdB3Iw5Rq20/Our%252520row%252520against%252520the%252520fence_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="268" /></a>It’s been over a week since we left Paws and Hooves ranch – where has the time gone?  We whiled it away on the Mexico border, at Turquoise Valley Golf and RV Park (<a href="http://wecallithome.blogspot.com/2012/03/turquoise-valley-golf-rv-park-naco-az.html">click here to read our review</a> and see photos) in Naco, AZ, 5 miles south of Bisbee.  I was exceptionally lazy… what the heck did I manage to get done?  Walked through Bisbee to see what had changed since our last visit; bought myself a new pair of Ariat boots for hiking, this time with a thicker, knobbier sole for more protection on the rocky trails of Arizona; went for a hike with Odel at Fairbank, an interesting ghost town not far from Tombstone.  Hung around inside, hiding from the wind.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Odel, on the other hand, was busy.  <a href="http://www.turquoisevalley.com/">Turquoise Valley golf course</a>, Arizona’s oldest, is just across the street from their RV park.  When Odel wasn’t actually playing golf (did he play two or three times in five days?) , he was over on the putting green or practicing his chipping.  Mostly this was for the fun of the game… but with a tee time scheduled on Friday with our friend Alex, shaving a few strokes off his score might have been in the back of his mind.  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">It’s been a couple of years since we were in Bisbee, and we’ve seen changes.  The biggest?  Activity around the mine tailings.  Mine tailings in Bisbee would be considered hills or even mountains in some areas – huge heaps of rock removed from both the deep, deep Lavender pit mine and the underground Queen mine.  According to the guide on the new Bisbee Trolley Tour ($6 per adult for an entertaining and educational tour of Old Bisbee on a trolley), the tailings are being reworked to reclaim minerals using newer, more cost effective technology.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PxsTpmUMd3Y/T1OT5vY3gSI/AAAAAAAAMXE/F2l6IkjcXJ0/s1600-h/Equipment%252520at%252520work%252520in%252520Bisbee%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Equipment at work in Bisbee" alt="Equipment at work in Bisbee" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4KQBBNnz9w/T1OT7KNk4rI/AAAAAAAAMXM/Z3Cx744BefU/Equipment%252520at%252520work%252520in%252520Bisbee_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="252" /></a>And big news about the <a href="http://www.bisbeebreakfastclub.com/bbc-bisbee-home.aspx">Bisbee Breakfast Club</a>:  They are going to be open Friday nights, serving burgers!  I had recently noticed that the <a href="http://www.bisbeebreakfastclub.com/tucson/bbc-tucson-home.aspx">BBC opened in Tucson</a> (on Ina Road), and I remember that the BBC had been for sale the last time we were in town, so I asked our waitress about it while we enjoyed breakfast before our hike.  The scoop?  the BBC changed hands about a year ago, expanded by adding the Tucson location, and will experiment with the Friday night opening.  The food and service at the Bisbee location is as good as always, with the same generous portions.  I wish them all the best with their expansion plans.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">While Alex and Odel played golf on a very windy Friday, Ellen and I explored Bisbee.  Alex and Ellen have not visited here before, so we began with the new trolley tour.  The highly recognizable trolley is based at the main parking lot near the Copper Queen Hotel at the foot of Brewery Gulch, and I recommend it if you’d like an entertaining overview of the history of Bisbee and its buildings.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">After our 50 minute trolley tour, we wandered through town.  I noticed the usual ebb and flow of shops, some gone, others changed hands (the new-ish owner of Chocolate plans to stay open 10 months of the year, rather than 4-5), and a few new (a tea shop – YAY!). </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Odel and I had been longing for the Italian food at Rosa’s Little Italy and the stars aligned for us.  Rosa’s is open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and reservations are a must.  Alex and Ellen were arriving on Thursday, while Odel and I were departing on Saturday… so I called a week ahead for a reservation on Friday night.  After warning Alex and Ellen not to snack before dinner, we all met at Rosa’s at 6:30, each couple toting a bottle of wine – BYO here, with no corkage fee.  A delicious meal with wonderful friends… it was the perfect way to end our short stay in Bisbee.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-11058340305813841752012-02-25T18:27:00.001-08:002012-02-25T18:37:01.683-08:00LAST DAYS AT THE RANCH: DIARY OF A WORK DAY<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AVLpba2Row0/T0mYOwlPX8I/AAAAAAAAMT0/fPOHAVHOD6c/s1600-h/Breakfast%252520club%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Breakfast club, ready for our work day." alt="Breakfast club" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p724aPMRZu4/T0mYQidybpI/AAAAAAAAMT8/4k6kA05gX9s/Breakfast%252520club_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Since we, Ron, and Rosanna arrived on the ranch Wednesday night, it has been transformed.  The work crew is composed of six – five seniors (Rosanna, me, Odel, and Art and Suzan, the RV’ers who have been property sitting for the past month), and 30-year old Ron.  What a congenial group!  The energy and good humor of everyone in the group has made this tough project rewarding and fun – I sort of imagine this is how pioneers or homesteaders felt out on the range or prairie, everyone bringing their strengths to the effort, then sitting around swapping stories at night.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1FCusXcdEhc/T0mYRwPoYwI/AAAAAAAAMUE/JGGaRY4A068/s1600-h/Fresh%252520tortillas%25252C%252520eggs%25252C%252520pintos%25252C%252520salsa%25252C%252520avocado%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Fresh tortillas, eggs, pintos, salsa, avocado" alt="Fresh tortillas, eggs, pintos, salsa, avocado" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sn1gqUW6CCw/T0mYS3LQkDI/AAAAAAAAMUM/CXgqUYAmvRQ/Fresh%252520tortillas%25252C%252520eggs%25252C%252520pintos%25252C%252520salsa%25252C%252520avocado_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="153" /></a>On Thursday, after burying Farah the sheep, we all started sorting and hauling,  There was way too much “stuff” to get a clear picture of the scope of the effort, so we just started filling bags and boxes: stuff yet to move to California; books to be donated to the local library (boxes and boxes!); useful stuff to give to Gene, who runs the local flea market; stuff that was being sold or given to friends or neighbors; and broken or otherwise useless stuff to go to the local dump (a BIG category).  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Friday was more of the same: refrigerators and deep freezers were emptied and defrosted; shelves were emptied; cupboards were cleaned out; piles were sorted, pickups were loaded, and goods were hauled off.  A friend of Rosanna’s arrived with a trailer to carry away furniture and the piano, and we began to see real progress.  By the end of the day Friday, sitting at the dinner table in Art and Suzan’s RV, we made a plan for Saturday – beginning with breakfast, to use up the eggs in Rosanna’s refrigerator!  I put some of the pinto beans we found in the barn freezer in the crockpot overnight, and we all agreed on breakfast at 8:30 am Saturday.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Loading up after breakfast.</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Odel with a load for the dump.</font></em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HArMm4rSppE/T0mYUMPKOkI/AAAAAAAAMUU/kwayKm0_li4/s1600-h/Another%252520load%252520for%252520the%252520dump.%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Another load for the dump." alt="Another load for the dump." align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KJc7rloJxtA/T0mYVMGJ25I/AAAAAAAAMUc/OLz3kb3FzVE/Another%252520load%252520for%252520the%252520dump._thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="250" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Urts0ij9g0I/T0mYWyqjujI/AAAAAAAAMUk/H6eUDLaIF1M/s1600-h/Loaded%252520up.%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Loaded up." alt="Loaded up." align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8R1uM9JF6ZQ/T0mYXzHAUZI/AAAAAAAAMUs/ZRcUScrBueQ/Loaded%252520up._thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">What an excellent beginning to the day!  We enjoyed scrambled eggs, pinto beans, salsa, avocado and freshly cooked tortillas sitting in the morning sun. It was so much fun that we settled on an early (4 pm) dinner so we could dine outside again. Then we got back to the business of packing, hauling and cleaning. We filled one pickup with trash for the dump, and Odel and Ron took off for Elfrieda.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Art and Suzan ready to head to Gene’s.</em></font></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Ron almost lost a thumb to this cage!</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QYv5bLg1QvI/T0mYZUyJ6XI/AAAAAAAAMU0/CHvgeMzXOjQ/s1600-h/Another%252520load%252520for%252520Gene%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Another load for Gene" alt="Another load for Gene" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_h6HDbtmTE/T0mYaOqKKuI/AAAAAAAAMU8/s_u31lzw1fk/Another%252520load%252520for%252520Gene_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="250" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JlCwwWZk-MI/T0mYbX71nHI/AAAAAAAAMVE/XYj22XiILwg/s1600-h/Old%252520cage%252520loaded%252520for%252520Gene%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Old cage loaded for Gene" alt="Old cage loaded for Gene" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eojrSJX0NH4/T0mYcWpmM8I/AAAAAAAAMVM/U-b3C77nZ8g/Old%252520cage%252520loaded%252520for%252520Gene_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Suzan and Art’s pickup was loaded for a trip to Gene’s flea market; they took off as Odel and Ron came home with a load of hay for the four remaining farm animals.  Once they unloaded the hay, we filled the pickup with another load for Gene and away went the guys.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fy_HM2boWSs/T0mYdsFPvYI/AAAAAAAAMVU/JCgZd2E1qvY/s1600-h/Success%252520-%252520a%252520clean%252520barn%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Success - a clean barn!" alt="Success - a clean barn!" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vCWF3YQ-UuM/T0mYesa8aKI/AAAAAAAAMVc/TxOuNvvnUno/Success%252520-%252520a%252520clean%252520barn%252521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Rosanna and I just kept loading and sorting bags and boxes; every so often, I took a break to work on the dish (<a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dd8qdfsb_16vj5xc4dw&hl=en" target="_blank">Southwest Cornbread Pudding</a>) I was putting into the crockpot for dinner.  Just as I finished up in the kitchen, Rosanna knocked on the door saying I had to “come and look”.   This is what I saw – and I’m posting this photo for Donna, for Sydney and Frank, for Auntie Carol, for Joy and Greg, all the people who know what the barn used to look like (borderline hoarders)!  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">By the time all the trucks arrived back at the ranch (early afternoon), Rosanna and I were taking a break in the sunshine, and soon our four co-workers joined us for iced tea and beer.  Then it was back to work, but relaxed… a little work here, a little there.  We cleaned up an old table from the barn and set it with a tablecloth and some of Rosanna’s old dishes and wine glasses, then converged with food, wine, and good appetites.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">A toast to the ranch!  A toast to the workers!  A toast to a great day!</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">The old barn table cleaned up pretty well!</font></em></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Another good meal with good folks.</font></em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i9L9eVZBuYs/T0mYgI56utI/AAAAAAAAMVk/KP0nUkyTt_k/s1600-h/Dinner%252520at%252520last%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Dinner at last" alt="Dinner at last" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qvDkEXTvwQM/T0mYhH1VZ-I/AAAAAAAAMVs/QKy_4CXLO3o/Dinner%252520at%252520last_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="250" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6hYdrYpQXAI/T0mYim8e43I/AAAAAAAAMV0/gl9fa69aGxA/s1600-h/Southwest%252520cornbread%252520pudding%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Southwest cornbread pudding" alt="Southwest cornbread pudding" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HMbnevXJgcs/T0mYjYzF88I/AAAAAAAAMV8/Os3R1-OOMM4/Southwest%252520cornbread%252520pudding_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-63004721370259680712012-02-24T08:37:00.001-08:002012-02-24T08:37:30.486-08:00A BUSY WEEK AND A BIG SURPRISE – TUCSON<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We had our week so carefully planned.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On Monday, we’d do all the “get ready to go after three weeks in one site” stuff.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tuesday morning, we’d pull out early to deliver Scoopy to Revived Auto Detailing for a day and a half beauty treatment.  We’d spend the day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and check into a motel on the east side of town, near Sabino Canyon, overnight.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dv_bQlMvdYM/T0e8jtuBF8I/AAAAAAAAMSU/4DhjxF6G6kA/s1600-h/Barn%252520Owl%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Barn Owl at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum" alt="Barn Owl" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ph4l7Nh9bnI/T0e8k2gb-TI/AAAAAAAAMSc/zZfELIP7xFg/Barn%252520Owl_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="300" /></a>Wednesday, we’d hike in Sabino Canyon in the morning, pick Scoopy up at 1 pm and skedaddle on over to Catalina State Park.  Arriving in early afternoon, mid-week, we’d be likely to snag a W/E site by the end of the day, where we’d spend the next week or so hiking and visiting with our friends Alex and Ellen.  Odel made a tee-time for he and Alex for Friday.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Sounds great, eh?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">On Monday, I emailed Ellen to find out how things looked at Catalina State Park; had they had any delay getting a site?  An overnight in dry camping?  Her reply, which arrive quickly, mentioned the word “reservations”.  Reservations??  At Catalina???</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">In a quickly flurry of emails, we were surprised to learn that Arizona State Parks, first-come, first-served for all the time we have been traveling, are now on a reservation system!  Our carefully-crafted plan was useless; all the empty sites Ellen could see from her window were reserved.  A quick phone call to a reservations agent confirmed what we found on the online website: all sites, with the exception of one night here or there, were reserved for the next 10 days.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Wow, did that change our plans!   The rest of </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Monday afternoon was spent in hasty research and preparation to leave, and by the end of the day we had recovered from our big surprise.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tuesday morning, we had Scoopy in the hands of Revived Auto Detailing at 9 am, and we were at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum just in time to powerwalk down to the 10 am </font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Raptor Free-Flight show (with a short stop to photograph and admire the barn owl, as well as the docent who patiently exhibited the bird on her outstretched arm).  The morning free-flight show features several different kinds of raptors; the afternoon ( 2 pm) show features a family of Harris’s hawks.  We stayed around long enough to see both shows, enjoying the wonderful trails, exhibits, and lunch in the few hours between the raptor shows.  No visitor to Tucson should miss this incredible attraction, and one visit definitely is not enough.  I could write reams about our visit, but the real message is: GO!</font><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"></font> </p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kXspRqGPf3A/T0e8mfKZF2I/AAAAAAAAMSk/bF1LI_W8zXs/s1600-h/Harris%252520Hawk%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Harris Hawk sitting on the trainer's hand." alt="Harris Hawk" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mfiskb2nG1M/T0e8nM9QUMI/AAAAAAAAMSs/P9tHOZ1PeRQ/Harris%252520Hawk_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4ET3BpCAbTc/T0e8orpjvmI/AAAAAAAAMS0/B3b59OB9m1A/s1600-h/Harris%252520Hawk%252520in%252520flight%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Hawk in flight" alt="Harris Hawk in flight" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6_F3Z8s4CUE/T0e8qog__2I/AAAAAAAAMS8/KF6-GR0XWbI/Harris%252520Hawk%252520in%252520flight_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">We were pretty well wiped out by the end of the afternoon, and just managed to beat Tucson’s commute traffic as we drove all the way from the west side to the east to check into to our motel, Comfort Inn at Sabino Canyon.  This very unassuming motel is tucked into the end of an uninspiring strip mall, but we had done our research and the place lived up to reviews we read: very friendly staff, very clean rooms, and an appealing interior design that erased the image of our strip mall location.  The sparkling hot tub and pool felt SO GOOD after our day on the trails of the museum.  A very good Mexican dinner followed, and we were sound asleep by 9 pm in a very comfortable king-sized bed.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NVf_haz817c/T0e8sFIe5AI/AAAAAAAAMTE/0YnaBAd55sE/s1600-h/Pool%252520and%252520hot%252520tub%252520at%252520Comfort%252520Inn%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Pool and hot tub at Comfort Inn" alt="Pool and hot tub at Comfort Inn" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O4L9_JtIOUY/T0e8s5n-ANI/AAAAAAAAMTM/FJlmRgyPEtE/Pool%252520and%252520hot%252520tub%252520at%252520Comfort%252520Inn_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="260" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yrhb6qAnWAQ/T0e8uuKz-gI/AAAAAAAAMTU/HQVemPoi0TI/s1600-h/Fountain%252520courtyard%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="One of several shady fountain couryards." alt="Fountain courtyard" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjIAJ-ZZN4M/T0e8vQuRqNI/AAAAAAAAMTc/M-6A1tz4JLI/Fountain%252520courtyard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Wednesday morning began just as we’d planned, with a hike at Sabino Canyon (preceded by a quite good, full breakfast at the Comfort Inn, included in our overnight stay).  A phone call to Revived confirmed that Scoopy would be ready to pick up at 1 pm, and we proceeded with Plan B: fill the rig with groceries, then head down for one last visit to Paws and Hooves Ranch, where Rosanna and her nephew Ron would arrive that night for several days of post-move cleanup work.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When I say fill the rig with groceries, I mean some major shopping.  The nearest good-sized grocery stores to the ranch are at least 45 minutes away.  The nearest restaurant is a café that isn’t open for dinner; dining out is not the easy option – particularly for vegetarians Rosanna and Ron.  Since Rosanna no longer had a working kitchen (everything had been moved to California), we turned Scoopy into a food truck.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">In two hours of shopping (Costco and Sunflower Market), we packed Jules to the ceiling with fresh produce, wine, frozen seafood, bread, cheese – everything that we needed for breakfast, lunch and dinner for four ranch hands for 4-5 days.  It took us a good half hour to transfer everything to Scoopy, and we left with bags of groceries still unpacked to beat the traffic out of town.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CQUGOcM7s8U/T0e8xIVqNJI/AAAAAAAAMTk/_C_3MZn0RRQ/s1600-h/To%252520the%252520land%252520fill%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Back at the ranch." alt="To the land fill" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--1D5ewRyZ3k/T0e8yMRZFWI/AAAAAAAAMTs/FCcbSba0RHc/To%252520the%252520land%252520fill_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="288" /></a>A hike, marathon shopping, and a 2+ hour drive… we were so happy to pull into Paws and Hooves Ranch.  Rosanna’s property sitters, Suzan and Art (part of our Escapee Boomers RV club), welcomed us with hugs, then left us to set up near the barn where we could plug into a 15 amp outlet to keep our batteries topped off (Suzan and Art being in the RV site).  I put together some vegetable soup for dinner, and we carted food and wine over to the house to greet Rosanna and Ron when they arrived at 9 pm.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">So, we’re back at the ranch for one last visit.  The weather is very good, we’re a congenial group, and there is PLENTY of work to be done.  Yesterday, as we were burying Farah – an elderly sheep who died the day before we arrived – in heavy, rocky soil, dust covered and sweaty, Rosanna made a wry comment about how we owed all the fun to Catalina shutting us out with their new reservations policy.  You know what?  We’re glad we’ve been diverted back to Cochise County and one last visit!</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-25859166400535282112012-02-19T15:34:00.001-08:002012-02-19T15:45:34.601-08:00BACK IN TUCSON, TAKING IT EASY<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PdMk77F_dQ0/T0GGxehO5ZI/AAAAAAAAMRk/atDdyPt3k4U/s1600-h/Evening%252520in%252520the%252520desert%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="A lovely evening in the desert" alt="Evening in the desert" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A2sZjIyVpbo/T0GGy2eCuNI/AAAAAAAAMRs/iAFAZiVe-Cc/Evening%252520in%252520the%252520desert_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="288" /></a>When I flew back to Tucson on Thursday from Sacramento, Odel and I had plans to visit the <a href="http://www.desertmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum</a>, one of the highlights of Tucson, on Friday.  Instead, I awoke late and moved around like a slug until almost noon.  I don’t know if it was the grey skies or the high activity level of the prior week, but doing nothing held great appeal.  With the exception of a trip to the grocery store and a short walk in the desert, that was exactly what we did.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">I awoke reinvigorated on Saturday, but didn’t want to head to the museum on a weekend.  Instead, I planned a day in town: a farmer’s market, a visit to one of Tucson’s great independent bookstores, a stop at Trader Joe’s, and lunch at Chopped, a favorite Tucson restaurant.  Odel was happy to sign on as driver/accomplice.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Farmers markets in winter?  Yep, here in sunny Arizona.  We decided to visit Tucson’s newest farmers market (<a href="http://farmersmarkettucson.com/the-markets/sat-at-maynards" target="_blank">Farmers Market at Maynard’s Kitchen</a>), in the middle of downtown Tucson at the old train depot.  We had a plan: walk the entire circuit once before making any purchases.  This worked as well as it always does – in other words, not at all!  :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">The selection at the farmers market was very, very good.  Though there weren’t many booths, there was great variety – and we immediately got hung up at a booth selling savory pies of all descriptions.  Most of the pies featured chicken, but the one that caught my eye was made with Copper River Salmon from Alaska.  Since we had paused for a moment, the vendor quickly engaged us in conversation and offered samples.  Oh, boy, that salmon pie was fantastic.  Since I doubted we would run into the same thing for less money just around the corner, we made our purchase of the frozen pie, which the vendor obligingly kept in his freezer until we were ready to leave the market.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wwlRFXma-lo/T0GG5QxcWdI/AAAAAAAAMR0/5oOcx-8-TB4/s1600-h/OK%252520at%252520the%252520Farmer%252527s%252520Market%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Odel taking a break at the Farmer's Market (sitting on the bench)" alt="OK at the Farmer's Market" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jkSp-6bNdWY/T0GG7eg4PlI/AAAAAAAAMR8/nOJw38dTtEg/OK%252520at%252520the%252520Farmer%252527s%252520Market_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="296" /></a>After that, it was all caution to the winds.  I bought a delicious roasted vegetable puff pastry for breakfast; Odel bought some sort of custard-y sweet.  Cranberry walnut bread went into the bag.  Then we came to the vegetables, all locally grown, and we added kale and kohlrabi to the mix.  Two guys had a business selling beautiful, unusual beans packaged with herbs as soup mixes and we snapped up a couple packets when they gave us a taste from their crockpot.  We passed on tea, salsas, homemade tortillas, ceviche, grass fed beef and books about raising chickens at home; no fresh roasted coffee beans for us, or homemade biscotti (unusual restraint).  It was a great little market!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">When I was in Sacramento, the bill for our lunch in the café at the Crocker Art Museum was presented in a book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pat-Conroy-Cookbook-Recipes-Life/dp/0385514131/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">The Pat Conroy Cookbook</a>.  If you have read Pat Conroy’s books, you know that food plays a prominent role, usually seafood from the Carolinas.  The cookbook featured Conroy’s reminiscences (real or fictional, I don’t know) introducing his favorite recipes, and I wanted it!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tucson has a wonderful independent bookstore, <a href="http://bookmans.com/our-stores" target="_blank">Bookman’s</a>, with two or three locations.  They sell both new and used books (their used book selection is huge), so I set out to see whether I could find the cookbook there.  The answer was “no”… but I had a good time browsing through the cookbook section anyway.  Maybe I’ll end up buying it retail eventually, but I’ll give myself a chance to forget about it first.  I really DON’T need another cookbook…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-28dKrORyGZU/T0GHCIENlII/AAAAAAAAMSE/pNBRxrFnCPQ/s1600-h/Ironwood%252520Picnic%252520Area%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Ironwood Picnic Area" alt="Ironwood Picnic Area" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JdiTc1Wbn6g/T0GHC4UZcXI/AAAAAAAAMSM/crfrT419K_0/Ironwood%252520Picnic%252520Area_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Then we were off to Trader Joe’s and Chopped, which has now changed their name to <a href="http://www.choicegreens.com/" target="_blank">Choice Greens</a>.  They still specialize in (huge) custom mixed salads, just as good as I remembered (I ordered spring greens with asparagus, peas, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, a yummy mix of crunch, sweet, and salty).</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Back home, we spent an hour or two chatting with <a href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/2009/07/warm-welcome.html" target="_blank">Day and David, a couple we first met in Oregon a few years ago</a> when they hopped up from a picnic table and introduced themselves (they knew us from this blog).  They left a note on our door the other day; they are here at Justin’s.  David is a self-described “foodie”, a fan of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives so, as the sun dropped and the cool breeze sent us each to our own rigs, we made a plan to share breakfast at Coyote Pause, a local favorite, on Monday.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Today we took a long, looping hike through the desert, out to the Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park.  This tree (an Ironwood) is said to be 250+ years old, and is by far the largest tree in the area.  With it’s gnarled trunk, scaly bark, and the welcome shade it casts on the sturdy concrete picnic table, it is one of our favorite goals when hiking from Justin’s or Desert Trails.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Back home, Odel tossed a load of wash in our new washer – both new appliances are working perfectly.  Tonight: the last two hours of series 2 of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/season2.html" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a>.  Boo-hoo!  Sundays won’t be the same without Maggie Smith.</font></p> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074893393280780220.post-5923519542996852952012-02-08T17:01:00.001-08:002012-02-08T17:01:22.494-08:00A LAID-BACK WEEK IN TUCSON<p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2V_wrJdaww4/TzMao-u9AKI/AAAAAAAAMQQ/raiRwL0USUM/s1600-h/LB%252520working%252520hard%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; float: right" title="Taking a break along the trail..." alt="LB working hard" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Y2GpwdLtOQ/TzMapl0X9OI/AAAAAAAAMQY/jZq2Hnr6hDU/LB%252520working%252520hard_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="286" /></a>We’ve had an unusually calm week here at Justin’s.  The only “chore” on the agenda was to test the washer and dryer to make sure they worked – and they do.  So, we’ve managed a daily hike in the desert, Odel’s been out on the links, we saw “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (mixed feelings), visited Safeway.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">And we met Brenda and David Bott, of <a href="http://www.outsideourbubble.com/" target="_blank">Outside Our Bubble</a>.  I first connected with the Botts a few years back, when I followed a link about a RV’ers cruise they were putting together, and I have read their blog off and on since then… and they have done the same.  We planned a meet-up in Quartzsite in January 2011 (didn’t work out) and again in January 2012 (didn’t work out).  The third time was charmed, and we spent a few very pleasant hours talking with Brenda and David on Superbowl Sunday (early in the day, of course).  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Brenda and David are two decades younger than Odel and I, and work via the internet.  David is an avid conversationalist who spoke freely about his concerns for the future (their own, and the country’s), and it was very interesting to listen to the viewpoint of a person different from me in many ways.  In the RV world, unless we are with close friends, we usually avoid political topics, but as we sat in the desert sunshine, we felt our way into usually difficult discussions with respect and interest.  “Civil discourse” is the term than came to mind, and the couple of hours we spent together gave me interesting food for thought.  It was a very enjoyable meeting.  Thanks for the visit, Botts.  </font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><font size="3"><em>With just a little more effort…</em></font></td> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p align="right"><font size="3"><em>… we got David to pose for a photo.</em></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4ECDHJ3xqtE/TzMassdTMeI/AAAAAAAAMQg/Z_nw8dYQWa4/s1600-h/David%252520expounds%252520with%252520Brenda%252520and%252520Odel%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="David expounds with Brenda and Odel" alt="David expounds with Brenda and Odel" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ud9jV_6lnOQ/TzMatqMavPI/AAAAAAAAMQo/dzwuiOpjFB8/David%252520expounds%252520with%252520Brenda%252520and%252520Odel_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l1s9IiSK8OY/TzMaxiHdnxI/AAAAAAAAMQw/Xc89D1eFMGA/s1600-h/David%25252C%252520Brenda%252520Bott%25252C%252520Odel%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="David, Brenda Bott, Odel" alt="David, Brenda Bott, Odel" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KXTvPSDsFFs/TzMayQ7PFmI/AAAAAAAAMQ4/-amZf_0dkfY/David%25252C%252520Brenda%252520Bott%25252C%252520Odel_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="280" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Other than that… oh, let’s see, I *did* back up my blogs and do my usual monthly computer maintenance: virus scan, malware scan, and backups of both computers, my least favorite job other than doing our taxes!  I mention this only as a reminder to those of you who intend to back up your computers, but procrastinate… :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Maiandra GD">Tomorrow morning, very early, Odel will drop me off at the airport for a week-long stay in Sacramento.  He has at least a couple days of golf planned; I’ll be visiting my family and checking out Rosanna’s new place.  See you when I get back.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="700"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f-7olO1e3cE/TzMa0xC44EI/AAAAAAAAMRA/dNwcjqPazpE/s1600-h/That%252520baby%252527s%252520sharp%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Friendly desert foliage - NOT!" alt="That baby's sharp" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-awHtxh5HWII/TzMa1iWj0GI/AAAAAAAAMRI/TonHtovGhwM/That%252520baby%252527s%252520sharp_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="260" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--ihhfVRapmg/TzMa3g_tHiI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/wVAA9yrlcEw/s1600-h/Odel%252520on%252520the%252520Starr%252520Pass%252520trail%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="Odel on the Starr Pass trail." alt="Odel on the Starr Pass trail" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JXVcXTpB2SI/TzMa4UraQJI/AAAAAAAAMRY/uiXRDyrk1_Q/Odel%252520on%252520the%252520Starr%252520Pass%252520trail_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Laurie and Odelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08160352835343733761noreply@blogger.com10