Gone RVing!

Candy and Randy R please read this

2012-03-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

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Fitting LED lights

2012-03-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

Guajome County Park, Oceanside, CA

Some time ago our fluorescent lights in the motorhome started failing. We bought new tubes, but they still would not work. We did some investigating and found out that the lights that were fitted in the Seneca have cheap ballasts which fail about 4 to 5 years after installation. We were thinking of getting new ones, but then we saw a sale at Camping World where they had new LED fittings for sale at $39.99 each. Today we picked up 6 fittings (shoulda bought 8) and Michael is busy installing them. What a difference! The light is a bright white and once we instal solar, it will a big difference as they use a lot less electricity.

Loretta arrives

2012-03-06T19:11:00.001-08:00

Where are we today?

Guajome County Park

This morning my sister went to LAX to meet Loretta who has flown in from Brisbane, Australia. Loretta and my sister lived with Virginia back in the 1970s, so it is important for Loretta to be here now as Virginia is slowly slipping away. I went over to the condo for a while to meet Loretta and then I came back to Guajome just after lunch. The weather is getting cooler again and it looks as if we might have more rain.

I have reserved a spot back here next week. We will more than likely go back to Bernardo Winery for the weekend as the park is fully booked over the weekend.

This evening we are periodically being rattled by explosions from Camp Pendleton. They must be doing maneuvers over there. We are quite close to the military camp, so it is quite disconcerting to have the RV rattled every so often.

Guajome County Park

2012-03-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

Guajome County Park, Oceanside

Welcome to our blog, Elaine and Robert and Robert the Wheels (who is actually Robert of Elaine and Robert). :-)

Yesterday we asked the lovely folk at Bernardo Winery if we could stay Saturday as well. They were very happy for us to stay. Wonderful place with wonderful people.

At about 11:30 We left Bernardo Winery. I went to San Diego Airport to meet my sister, Patricia and her two children who are coming, from Maryland, to stay and see Virginia. My sister will be here for about 3 weeks and the kids will be here for about 5 days. Michael took the RV and went over to the parking lot outside the Chateau to wait for us.

As soon as my sister and family were settled into the condo, we took the RV over to Guajome County Park, where we had reserved a site for 5 days. The park is big, over 500 acres, but only 35 partial hook-up sites, with water and electricity. We were not able to get weekend bookings as the campground is full on weekends, but that is OK as we can stay in wineries. We are about 12 miles from the Chateau. We have already paid for a month at the storage in San Marcos and now it seems that we will not be using it for 1/2 the month. Oh well, as my Dad used to say, "It is only money".

Robert and Elaine were also here, so we had a "Happy Hour" or three with them. I forgot to take photos!! Grr.... It was hard to say goodbye as I felt there was so much more to talk about.

Here are some pictures of the park and some of the other rigs. We are kinda out of place here:

Our site.

A Walk and a Meal

2012-03-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

Bernardo Winery

This morning we went for hike along a trail near Lake Hodges in the San Degiuto River Park. We saw the old Sikes Adobe Farmstead and walked round to see the old Mule Hill Battlefield and where the town of Rancho Bernardo began. The site of the old town is now below the surface of Lake Hodges.

In the afternoon we went over to the Chateau and had dinner with Virginia, Ila and Peggy. Virginia was not well and had to be taken back to her room in Assisted Living so that the Hospice Nurse could attend to her.

Peggy, Ila, Virginia and Dee

Bernardo Winery

2012-03-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

Bernardo Winery

Our "spot"

We asked Bernardo Winery if we could stay 2 nights (Thursday and Friday). Permission was given. We parked down in the lower area near some multi-million dollar homes where the "Ball Players live" we were told by the winery staff. Don't know which ball players, but we think it is baseball because we found a wifi internet signal with the name of ALEast. Encrypted so we could not use it.

Harvest Hosts is an organization which allows members to park at Wineries, Farms and Orchards for free. usually for only 1 night at a time. At the right is the Harvest Host Logo. Click on it to be taken to their wen site. If you decide to join, please enter our names into the "Referred By" field. That way, you will get an extra free month added to your membership as will we.

At Bernardo Winery we met a British couple, Elaine and Robert. They have been travelling in their Fleetwood Bounder for the past few years. They store the motorhome in British Columbia and fly over to Canada every year to spend the winter months travelling North America. We spent some time chatting and, again, it felt as if we had known them for longer than just a few days.

Our stay was really nice. We were close enough to the Chateau to get there if we were needed, but far away enough to get a much needed break. Friday morning there is a farmer's market at the winery and we bought some yummy granola and some fresh strawberries.

Walking through the Winery "Town"

Farmer's Market

Cafe Merlot

A really busy week.

2012-03-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

On Monday the 27th we took Greg to San Diego Airport for his trip back home to Toronto. We went back to the condo at The Chateau and started getting the place ready for the visit of Virginia's friend from Seattle. Virginia and Ila have known each other for 80 years!! Now that is a friendship! Ila and her daughter, Peggy, arrived on Thursday March 1st and moved into the condo for 3 nights. Michael and I took the motorhome over to Bernardo Winery under the Harvest Hosts membership.

Virginia and Ila - Two 91 year olds.

A Day in the City.

2012-02-26T21:32:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

Our third day with Greg was spent in the city of San Diego. We started the day in the Old Town. Interesting old buildings and some history, but for the most part, commercial enterprises. We got there at opening time of 10 am, so we were to early to have lunch at El Fandango which has fantastic fish tacos. We did have some wonderful coffee, though. Great to see a whole rack with South African Rooibos Tea.

Shelves with bottles of Rooibos tea

Chair made of horns

Print Shop

Our next stop was Seaport Village and the Embarcadero. We just wandered around and looked at the boats out on bay, rock balancing and the general scenery.

Cruise ship about to leave port.

Balanced rocks

Beautiful sail boat

After spending a couple of hours down at the Embarcadero, we went into the Old Gaslamp Quarter section of San Diego and had lunch at an Indian Restaurant. I don't eat very spicy foods, but this was delicious.

Lunch at Monsoon, Indian restaurant in Gaslamp Quarter

Buffet Table

Different curries

Mango Mousse, very yummy

Old Buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego

Michael found a beer drinking buddy

To finish up the day we went up to Balboa Park to the Photographic Exhibition, which Greg really enjoyed.

A Day at the Coast

2012-02-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

Today's adventure was a trip down along the coast, but before we did that we went over to Kit Carson Park in Escondido to see the mosaic Queen Califia's Magic Circle. We had see this last year and felt that Greg would find it interesting, which he did.

Then over to La Jolla where we up Mount Soledad for a 360 view of the San Diego area. It was still a bit hazy, but the view from there is always absolutely incredible.

Next stop was the beach in La Jolla. Greg waded into the ocean and it was about 56F. Too cold to swim without a wet suit, but we did walk along the beach, and Greg did his signature handstands.

One legged bird

From La Jolla we went along the Pacific Coast Highway (101) to Encinitas. One of our favourite spots there are the meditation gardens because they have the best view of the ocean from high on top of the cliffs. The gardens are very pretty too.

Right across the road is Swami's Cafe. We had some wonderful fresh organic Turkey and Avocado Club sandwiches. Greg had a Mahi Mahi wrap. Just wonderful.

Further up the coast we passed through Leucadia, Solana Beach and on to Carlsbad. A quick call into the Outlets to get Greg a pair of smart casual pants and a shirt as we were having dinner with V at the Chateau and they have a no jean and T shirt dress code for dinner.

We dressed V up in her finest, did her hair and took her over to the dining room. She is really not well, but she did enjoy the visit from Greg.

Greg at dinner in his "borrowed" dinner jacket from the communal closet in the dining room.

A very successful day all round.

A Day in the Desert

2012-02-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

This morning we were up early and set off for the desert. First stop was at Dudley's Bakery to pick some Almond Coffee Cake and a loaf of Rosemary Bread. We took a quick drive through Julian and carried on up to the Anzo Borrego State Park.

Greg and Dee, Anzo Borrego State Park

Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus

Desert Scene

Greg and Michael discussing F stops and Apertures

Greg photographing the desert

Rocks

We went to look at a few of the sculptures on Christmas Circle,

Greg escaping the mouth of the big bird

Greg and Big Bird

Greg get a kick from the horse

Then looked for a place for lunch and found a Mexican Restaurant called Pablito's Mexican Bar and Grill where we had a really nice meal. The restaurant is wonderful with a great menu and reasonable prices. Michael and I shared 2 beef tacos, beans and rice. I totally forgot to take pictures.

After lunch we drove over to The Salton Sea.

Bad smell at Salton Sea

When we were here 12 years ago, this part of Salton Sea was all under water

Dead fish by the thousands

Pier

Harbour entrance blocked by a sand bar

Almost sunset, time to go.

We went to Mozambique!

2012-02-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

We picked our son, Gregory, up at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana at about 6 pm. He had driven from Las Vegas in a rented Mustang Convertible, taking backroads and spending time in the desert. He loved the drive, stopping to take photos along the way.

From the airport we went to Mozambique Restaurant in Laguna Beach. What a fabulous place. Michael had the Prawns Peri-Peri, Greg had the Wild Salmon on cous cous and I had the Lobster special. The food was outstanding! I accompanied this with a South African Chardonnay. South Africa makes wonderful wines. If you have not tried them, the next time you are in the supermarket/bottle store do yourself a favour and pick up a bottle or two. We also had a South African Liqueur called Amarula, which in my opinion is so much nicer than Baileys Irish Creme

The owners of this restaurant are South African and we met up with George Poulos, whom we had met last year as well. His family had run the best drive-in restaurant in Durban, South Africa and we were regular patrons there. It was called Tropicale. They had the best double thick Chocolate Malted Milkshakes in the world. The family eventually had to walk away from it as it had become the target of thieves and gunmen.

I am so sorry that I forgot once again to take photos of the food. It was beautifully presented and was wonderful.

If you are ever in Laguna beach. I strongly recommend that you try their cuisine.

Next post, Dudley's Bakery, Julian, Anzo Borrego State park, Borrego Springs, and the Salton Sea.

We are really excited

2012-02-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

Our son, Gregory, arrives here from Toronto, via Las Vegas, today. He was attending a photographic conference in LV since Sunday and decided to make the trip down here to see us and Virginia. He has rented a car (Mustang Convertible) in Las Vegas and is driving to John Wayne airport. We will pick him up there at 5 pm. On the way home we will make a detour to Mozambique Restaurant in Laguna Beach and then continue home to the Chateau. Report on Mozambique later!

What I really dislike about the West Coast.

2012-02-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Where are we today?

The Chateau at Lake San Marcos

Over here on the West coast, or California to be specific, I really dislike the fact we are on the left edge of civilization as we know it. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Southern California weather, anything has got to be better than 30 below and snow. What I am talking about is the fact that when I am ready to sit down and chat with friends back in the East, in the UK, the Middle East and in South Africa, they are all asleep. So I really feel rather isolated out here. We won't even discuss the friends over in Australia and New Zealand, after all they are a whole day ahead of us! I just feel sort of left behind and sorry for myself right now.

The Rat

2012-02-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

Just by way of introduction, today's Guest Writer is my sister, Patricia.

Finding exactly the right Christmas gift for Virginia has been a perennial problem of mine for the past 33 years. Because how do you make the person who gave you your life (without actually having given birth to you) feel special? Since I was 21 I have been living in the US entirely as a result of Virginia's generosity and adventurous spirit. She was the one who hatched the plan that made it possible for me to travel to America in spite of having a passport the US didn't recognize (Rhodesian). She was the one to volunteer to sponsor me to come here as a student (the only way I could enter the US on my dud passport). And she was the one who opened her home and her heart to me while I studied at The American University in Washington, DC. And that's just for starters. Since then there have been amazing trips and gifts and lots and lots and lots of support, both material and otherwise. Along the way I have accumulated a husband, two children, several careers, many friends and a wealth of amazing experiences, none of which would have been mine without Virginia. With the greatest tact and discretion she has helped me, my sister and our dad over rough spots and never actually asked for anything in return.

Do see my problem?

Over the years, my family has pretty much run the gamut of "thoughtful" gifts - flowers, special books, movies, a little statue of the Chinese god of longevity (glad that one worked!), calenders made up of photos of my spawn, a needlepoint picture made with my own fair hands (agony for a non-sewer like me and never again repeated). The years have passed and it has become more and more difficult as Virginia has entered her "victory lap" years. We all come into this life not needing too much in the way of "stuff" and we leave pretty much in the same state. Such is the stage dear Virginia now occupies. She is "shedding" rather than "accumulating". So, around about November of this past year, I was once more wracking my brain trying to think of what we could give Virginia for Christmas.

And then it came to me. We would give her a rat. (I will pause here so that you, dear readers, can thoroughly enjoy your frisson of horror........................)

Yes. A rat. A real one. Furry, with ears, whiskers and a tail. By the name of "Mojo".

But Mojo is not just any rat. He is a trainee HeroRAT and he lives in Tanzania where he is currently being taught how to detect landmines. Once trained, Mojo will join a rodent bomb squad that sniffs out landmines left by rotten humans. (Think of that the next time you turn up your nose at a rat, not one of which has ever left a bomb for children to step on.) In much the same way she once sponsored my education, Virginia (through our gift) is now sponsoring Mojo's "education." I do not, however, claim to be either as endearing or as useful as Mojo and my sense of smell isn't nearly as acute. Also, I'm not prepared to creep around on my hands and knees looking for landmines. Not even for Virginia.

Here is a little video to introduce you to Mojo and his buddies:

And here is a link to APOPO, the non-profit that runs the program: APOPO

And, finally, here is a touching letter sent out by Mojo a couple of days ago eulogizing his role model, Ziko, who has gone on to rat heaven: Mojo's Letter

I am delighted to say that Virginia is thrilled with her new rat. He really was the perfect gift for her because like Virginia, Mojo is brave, generous, and possessed of sweetness of spirit, a great sense of fun, a never-say-die attitude, adventurousness and killer cuteness. What could be more appropriate?

Addendum:
Dee writing: Now, my dear readers you know a good part of the story of Virginia. Sometime in the future I will fill in the rest, as promised. We might call her a HERO in her own right.

To add to this, she has just donated an additional $100 to the HeroRAT program.

It's very important to know....

2012-02-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

...the height of your rig! We use the All Stays Camp and RV app or the Low Clearance app. These apps are also available for Android operating systems.

CRUNCH!!!

Welcome to new reader, Ann Wilson. Enjoy the ride!

This puts it all in perspective for us Canadians

2012-02-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

California fuel prices are going through the roof! As you can see from the screen shots on this page Diesel is quite a bit higher than gas.

If prices keeping going higher and higher will you change your RV driving habits? Give up RVing? Stay longer and drive shorter distances? What will you do? Scroll right to the bottom of the page to get the Canadian perspective.

Comparison

California:

Gas: USD 4.09 per gallon = CAD 1.10 per litre.

Diesel: USD 4.23 per gallon = CAD 1.14 per litre.

Lowest gas prices in these states

Arizona: USD 3.69 = 99c CAD

Texas: USD 3.49 = 94c CAD

New Mexico = Arizona

Louisiana: $3.59 = 96.7c CAD

Calculated using Gas Runner app (for the iPhone) on the iPad.

Today's Canadian prices

In Toronto:

Gas price = $1.19 - $1.31 / litre

Diesel price = $ 1.25 - $1.46 / litre

In Vancouver:

Gas price = $1.20 - $1.37

Diesel price = $1.23 - $1.46

In Calgary:

Gas = $1.03 - $1.14

Diesel = $1.11 - $1.23

Enjoy your travels!!

Fire in Yosemite?? Bucket List Item.

2012-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

Get to Yosemite in mid February to see this phenomenon.

Fire in Yosemite

Motorhome Fire

2012-02-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

A motor home in Indio burst into flames this morning in Indio. Here is the report from MyDesert.com. I read elsewhere online that it was caused by the fridge. That is scary!

Motor Home Fire

We have been asked.....

2012-02-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

....to test an Anti-Bacterial Sanitizer. The unit treats your water with minute amounts of ozone, thereby killing mold and bacteria almost immediately. The unit also removes the taste of chlorine in water and leaves it sweet tasting. The great thing about this particular unit, is that it runs off 12 volts, so is perfect for the RVer and boondocker. It has just arrived here at the condo so we will be trying it here first. At the beginning of March we will be boondocking for a few days. At that time we will do some taste tests on water from the fresh tank (which has not been sanitized for quite a while!).

I found this link about purification of water with Ozone. It is very interesting and very positive.

Biozone

Go to our Product Reviews Page for further information.

How to remove Word Verification on Blogger

2012-02-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

As many of you have found out, Blogger has changed their Word Verification into a (sometimes) very difficult to read formula. This is going to discourage some people from leaving comments. In case you do not know how to change this setting, here are the instructions.

To remove this step in the posting of comments on your blog Follow the following steps:

1. Go to your Dashboard

2. Click "Settings"

3. Click "Comments"

4. Make sure that "Show" is selected here

5. Select "Always" for "Comment moderation" and "No" for "Show word verification" etc.

6. Enter your email address (I use a unique address just for comments) into the provided box and Click on "SAVE SETTINGS"

And you are done!

Blogger, why did you do that???

2012-02-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

New Blogger word ID

Blogger has changed their word verification for comments to a very hard to read two word verification. I have changed my comment system as at least one of our readers has alerted us to this. So I am now back to personal verification. If your comment does not show immediately, please be patient as it may be some time before I am able to approve your comment. I have been spammed in the past, so this will be the way I have to do it now.

Moving Day

2012-02-15T21:50:00.001-08:00

Today we put the Seneca into storage and moved into Virginia's condo at the Chateau at Lake San Marcos.

After lunch we took Virginia down to Tri-Cities hospital to have more cortisone injected into her hips, in the hope that she will be able to walk again. She has also developed a urinary tract infection and is now on anti-biotics. One thing after another. I really pray that she will at least of her old life back.

"Seeing the Sky Painted Every Shade of Lipstick, is worth it!"

2012-02-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I missed it, but back on about the 9th of February there was a CBS segment about women RVers.

Here is the link for those of you who also missed it.

Single Women RVers

Welcome to new readers, Sherry and Charlie and Jeff and Sheryl Bright.

Why is it so hard to cut the cord?

2012-02-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

I have just had my 3rd night back in the Motorhome and I am still fretting over Virginia. Is she comfortable? Do they remember to turn her to prevent bed sores and to heal the ones she got while in Respite. Was she a little short of breath yesterday? Did she get her newspaper this morning? Are they managing to transfer her from wheelchair to recliner, or wheelchair to bed, or bed to commode without hurting her or scaring her by almost putting her on the floor? What's wrong with you, people? I did it alone for a month!

Today is very dull, with big soggy clouds rolling over the hill and then there are blue patches. I wonder if the sun or the rain will win. It is 17C (63F) at the moment. Better than the minus horrible degrees in Toronto!

I have been learning more about the Wifi Ranger and will update my review on my Mods and Stuff Page. It is fantastic!

3 dead in Florida RV Park standoff, including 1 Canadian.

2012-02-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

Just saw this news article in the Toronto Star.

Canadian man among the dead in Florida RV park standoff