tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53931952012-01-28T10:31:31.713-06:00Tioga &amp; George travel the roads of the west searching for adventureTiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-72993915952802067682012-01-28T05:48:00.008-06:002012-01-28T10:31:31.727-06:002012-01-28T10:31:31.727-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/fan-clutch.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4:30AM - Fan clutch</span></span></u></a><br /> For several weeks an unidentified sound has come from MsTioga's engine. This sound is&nbsp;intermittent. Only is heard for a second, and then stops. Yesterday MsTioga had to climb thru some mountains that topped out at 1800 meters. MsTioga's engine got pretty hot during that climb. This overheating is unusual. MsTioga's cooling system has only overheated in the past when something is not right.<br /> <br /> This morning it came to me that perhaps the unidentified sound and overheating problem are related. Maybe the fan clutch is failing or has failed?<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Central America update</b></span><br /> Is the planning stage of an adventure exciting for you? It sure is for me!<br /> <br /> A couple of days ago I stumbled upon a website of the <b><span style="color: blue;">Uxlabil</span></b> apartment/hotel in Guatemala City [<a href="http://www.uxlabil.com/" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]. Although this website is published in Spanish, your browser should be able to translate to English.<br /> <br /> Uxlabil is quoting a month's stay for $568US! I know that this price seems remarkably low. And it is low. However, the location in Guatemala City is a good one. I am really thinking very hard about going for it!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7AM - Weng</b></span><br /> I am glad to see that Weng's blog readership is climbing. January will bring over 8,000 visits to Weng's "Mail Order Bride" blog.&nbsp;Weng has been publishing every day lately. It's fun to blog!<br /> <br /> Click on "Read Weng" link to the right of this post.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Breakfast Camp</b></span><br /> This is the first time MsTioga and I have traveled the Mascota road from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara. In past years we've always traveled south before turning east. Usually to visit Manzanillo or some other place further south of Puerto Vallarta.<br /> <br /> This Mascota road is a slow one for MsTioga. Many twists and turns. Many ups and downs. We have traveled thru some pine covered forests on this trip when MsTioga climbed high enough for those trees to thrive.<br /> <br /> The Mascota road seems to us to be "back country" Mexico. When we drove thru the Pueblo of Mascota, it was like traveling back in time 100 years. From cobble stone streets to the adobe walled buildings.<br /> <br /> We have made a Breakfast Camp alongside the highway. Even way out here, the little Banda Ancha Telcel stick is able to get us on to the net!<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-28-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-28-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 550px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Breakfast Camp along Mascota road to Guadalajara</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">62°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/warning.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Tomorrow.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.47808,-104.789808&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7299391595280206768?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-54066455470621043632012-01-27T10:34:00.011-06:002012-01-28T05:49:03.659-06:002012-01-28T05:49:03.659-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/warning.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Warning!</span></span></u></a><br /> My friend Jonna lives in Merida, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. In her blog, Jonna describes the Dengue fever that she is suffering. Not knowing what Dengue is, I looked it up. It's a tropical mosquito borne disease.<br /> <br /> Oh my God! Is Dengue prevalent in Guatemala City where I am going? I looked it up in Google. Yes! Dengue is prevalent in Guatemala City!&nbsp;For an instant I was frightened! Then&nbsp;I wondered if Dengue is right here where I am in Puerto Vallarta. Yes! Dengue is here in Puerto Vallarta! Dengue is also in Miami, Florida and a lot of other places too.<br /> <br /> Last year as I was driving around in Northern California, I observed that there are posted a lot of new signs that warned, "<i><span style="color: blue;">Tsunami Hazard Zone. In case of earthquake, go to high ground or inland"</span></i>. &nbsp;Hmmmm? How am I to going to keep track of this warning?<br /> <br /> Any day now I expect to read a new warning that reads:<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Warning: Bad news for food users!</b></span></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1PM - Going toward Guadalajara</b></span><br /> MsTioga pulled out of our camp at Tacho's RV Park in Puerto Vallarta. We are heading toward the big City of Guadalajara. The highway that we have been traveling on goes up several hundred meters then down several hundred meters. Up and down. Up and down. I needed a nap and MsTioga needed a rest.<br /> <br /> We came to a sign that stated, "Rest stop ahead". We pulled in and I am resting at a place where somebody is selling land. There are seven lots for sale way out in the middle of nowhere!<br /> <br /> If you want to see where MsTioga is resting, click [<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.78077,-104.92814&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>].<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Staying in hotel</b></span><br /> MsTioga came to the Town of Mascota. There is an old hotel there named <i><span style="color: blue;">"La Puerta De Enmedio"</span></i>. We thought maybe to rent space for MsTioga in the spacious yard. The cost for space is 200 pesos and the cost for a room is 300 pesos. So, we took the room!<br /> <br /> The grounds of the hotel are actually quite nice. From the kitchen of our room we see the expanse of lawn and the pond.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-27-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-27-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 550px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">View of garden from kitchen door</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">81°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/tachos.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/fan-clutch.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.47808,-104.789808&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-5406645547062104363?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-49727742650441115782012-01-26T08:25:00.013-06:002012-01-27T10:39:53.763-06:002012-01-27T10:39:53.763-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/tachos.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Tacho's RV Park</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday we stumbled upon Tacho's RV Park, and decided to stay here. Tacho's is located not too far from the Puerto Vallarta WalMart. Would you believe there are TWO WalMarts here in Puerto Vallarta! However, even though Tacho's is close to PV's shopping, this is a relatively quiet place. Especially quiet at nite for sleeping!<br /> <br /> There are many people staying the whole winter here at Tacho's. My next door neighbor is from Quebec and he is staying four months. The rent to stay for a month is 8000 pesos. $616US at today's exchange rate.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-26-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-26-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Tioga and Jorge at Tacho's</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - The plan!</b></span><br /> Several Readers have written asking questions about our Central and South America trip plan. The thing about the "plan", is that there is no plan! Not really, anyway.<br /> <br /> Have you noticed in the past that MsTioga and I just sort of wander around? We don't really want to know where we are going. Because we want to be surprised when we get there.<br /> <br /> There are so many possible alternatives for the Central and South America adventure, that it boggles our collective mind.<br /> <br /> We may decide to only visit Guatemala this winter and drive MsTioga there. We could do the bus thing as we wrote about earlier. Or, we might visit all of Central America this winter and fly back to MsTioga from Panama. Or, we may travel all over Central and South America and be gone for two years!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A challenge</b></span><br /> Thinking about a trip like this one is quite a challenge. All sorts of negative things pop into the head. For example, our life living inside MsTioga is so comfortable. Why consider giving that comfort up for even a moment and go live in hotels?<br /> <br /> Readers write about people they know who have gotten sick on the food in Central America. We have received stories about travelers who got their backpack's stolen in a bus station. And about being squished into an over crowded chicken bus with hardly enough room to even breathe!<br /> <br /> The good thing about a trip like this one is that is that everything is <i><span style="color: blue;">up-in-the-air</span></i>. We could fly from Mexico to any city in Central or South America and just explore to our heart's content. Then return to MsTioga whenever we wished.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - My two sons</b></span><br /> I've not written here about my two sons in awhile. However, I think about them both every single day. For me, the story of my two sons is a tragedy. My son David ended his own life in 2010, one day before his 46th birthday.<br /> <br /> My youngest son does want me to write about him by name in my blog. For the passed couple of months, my youngest son is not talking to me. Maybe this is best. For some reason that I cannot explain, whatever I say to him is mis-interpreted and makes him angry. I do not want to cause him anguish, so I stay out of his life.<br /> <br /> The story of both my sons is a lesson for us all. We are capable of creating our own reality inside our minds. If we choose to create a negative reality filled with doom and gloom, so it will be. If we choose to believe that anything is possible for us to achieve, so this will be.<br /> <br /> Just because we believe things will be great for us, does not mean that life will be easy. We may struggle against great obstacles. But if we keep our eyes on our goal, eventually we come out on the bright side of life. We just cannot ever give up.<br /> <br /> My son David gave up. Those who loved him, do not know why he gave up. Now, David is only a memory. He is a pic on my blog. A pic leaning against MsTioga's chair.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2009/11/11-01-2009A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2009/11/11-01-2009A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">George and David in the kitchen</span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>November 01, 2009</b></span></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Blue sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/plan-change.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/warning.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.65579,-105.23304&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-4972774265044111578?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-44207920529614893322012-01-25T07:53:00.006-06:002012-01-26T08:27:11.977-06:002012-01-26T08:27:11.977-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/plan-change.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Plan change</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday the lady who owns the RV storage building told me that MsTioga would be staying in a very humid environment and would be subjected to mold infestation. She advised, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Wash the interior with a mild bleach solution to avoid coming back to a big mess!"</span></i> Wow!<br /> <br /> We decided that MsTioga would not enjoy a humid environment. What to do? We had a Team Meeting and decided that MsTioga would be better in a place well away from the ocean. Some place in a high elevation. Some place like Tequisquiapan in the State of Queretaro!<br /> <br /> So, we continued south and spent the nite in the City of Puerto Vallarta. When we arrived here it was getting dark. We were not able to find an RV park and camped on the street in a place where we Nite Camped several times before. Yes, after the two robberies we decided not to do this street camping anymore. But we had to make an exception.<br /> <br /> By the way. This is the very first time that we have been in Puerto Vallarta when there was not even one cruise ship anchored in the harbor.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-25-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-25-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Creek below our Puerto Vallarta Nite Camp</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1PM - RV Park</b></span><br /> MsTioga is camped in an RV Park in Puerto Vallarta. If you want to see where we are, click on "Nite Camp Location" below.<br /> <br /> Our camp is in a shady spot. Good thing too! Because it is 83 degrees outside.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">83°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/central-and-south-america-adventure.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/tachos.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.65579,-105.23304&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-4420792052961489332?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-80413916181245774352012-01-24T01:52:00.009-06:002012-01-25T07:56:14.173-06:002012-01-25T07:56:14.173-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/central-and-south-america-adventure.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 Midnite - Great Central and South America Adventure!</span></span></u></a><br /> Who knows how fates conspire to create our destiny? Is it God? Angels? Spirits of loved ones passed on? Whatever or whoever it is, seems to be sitting on my shoulder pointing my way forward.<br /> <br /> Who arranged for Bill and Carol Asirimarco [RVing pioneers to Central and South America] to be here with me at this particular moment in time? When I visited Bill and Carol this morning and asked their opinion of my proposed bus trip thru Central and South America, they both thought that this was a wonderful idea!<br /> <br /> Bill advised that it would not be good to drive MsTioga into the Andes Mountains! The Andes would be too much for MsTioga because the highway goes up and down often traversing several thousand feet in elevation from valley to to mountain top. Much better, Bill said, to take a bus which would free me from driving and allow me to view the scenery along my trip.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1AM - When will this trip begin?</b></span><br /> You may be wondering, <i><span style="color: blue;">"When will our Great Adventure trip to Central and South America begin?"</span></i><br /> <br /> The answer is: <b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Today!</span></i></b><br /> <br /> That is right! Today the rent that we paid to stay at El Chaco's RV Park is all used up. Time to move on. We will be heading south to La Peñita RV Resort in order to talk to the people who own the resort and RVers who are staying there.<br /> <br /> It is our understanding that many RVers who stay at La Peñita Resort store their RV&nbsp;close-by&nbsp;during the off season. This RV storage place must be very secure. Extremely important for MsTioga to be in a safe place while her Team Members who are going on this great adventure trip are gone.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/Sun_MoonA.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">65°F<br /> Clear nite sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/inverter-story.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/plan-change.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.63091,-105.23006&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-8041391618124577435?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-49221685852288350312012-01-23T09:32:00.010-06:002012-01-24T01:54:48.430-06:002012-01-24T01:54:48.430-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/inverter-story.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8AM - Inverter story</span></span></u></a><br /> In March, 2010, we purchased an Aims 1000 watt true sine wave inverter from the online "Inverter Store". When the Aims arrived, it did not work! So, the inverter was sent back to the factory. It took the Aims factory some months to return the inverter. And we only recently put the Aims into service.<br /> <br /> The first thing noticed strange about this Aims inverter, is that when we played movies over MsTioga's sound system while the Aims was on, a loud "buzz" was heard. The Aims manual warned about this "buzz" and blamed it on low quality sound systems! Hmmmmm!?<br /> <br /> Yesterday while using our MacBook Pro computer, the track pad began being jumpy! The MacBook never did that before! Searching for "MacBook jumpy&nbsp;track pad" in Google, we found that this is a <i><span style="color: blue;">power supply</span></i> related problem! The Aims again!<br /> <br /> So, this morning we re-installed our old Xantrex/Jazz modified sine wave inverter. The Jazz still works. We only bought the Aims because it was assumed that a true sine wave inverter would be better for our electronic equipment. Funny thing, the Jazz only cost $99 but has given good service for almost nine years. The Aims cost $379 and proved to be an engineering nightmare!<br /> <br /> The Jazz inverter does not produce any "buzz" in MsTioga's sound system. And the MacBook Pro's&nbsp;track pad&nbsp;is not jumpy when charging on the Jazz inverter.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Learning by mistakes</b></span><br /> I've always been envious of persons who seemed to be able to figure out the right way to do something&nbsp;<i><span style="color: blue;">"<u>before</u>"</span></i> they did it. I've always been the kind of person who figures out the right way by first doing it the wrong way. Then I try another wrong way, maybe even a third wrong way before stumbling on the right way to do something.<br /> <br /> I have a relative who is one of these <i><span style="color: blue;">"<u>right way</u>"</span></i> people. Somehow he has always been able to figure out how to do things right the first time. We used to go to Las Vegas together. We would play craps together on the same table. I would make the same bets that he would make. But he would wind up a winner, and I would lose money. Wow!<br /> <br /> Sometimes I have day dreams about living my life over again but knowing what I do now. That way I would not be making all of the mistakes that I have made. Somehow I know that this would not work for me. I am one of those people who <i><u><span style="color: blue;">must</span></u></i> make mistakes in order to figure things out.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-23-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-23-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge with MacBook in front of MsTioga</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Weng fans!</b></span><br /> My dear friend Weng has been posting to her new blog everyday lately. I am so very happy for Weng. Apparently her life is balanced now so that she finds time for working, taking care of family AND blogging.<br /> <br /> Also, I believe that Weng's writing skills are improving a lot. Very good for Weng fans!<br /> <br /> Tune into her blog by clicking on the <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"<u>Read Weng</u>"</span></i></b> pic/link to the right of this story.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">74°F<br /> Blue sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/electronic-person.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/central-and-south-america-adventure.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-4922168585228835031?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-15213904511104506802012-01-22T12:48:00.003-06:002012-01-23T09:37:46.182-06:002012-01-23T09:37:46.182-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/electronic-person.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11AM - Electronic person</span></span></u></a><br /> I'm an electronic person. More people know me electronically than know me in real life. Lately I have wondered what will happen to my electronic self after I pass on to the next world. This morning on National Public Radio, there was a program about companies that can be engaged to "take over" your website after death. Really! I am not kidding!!<br /> <br /> Thru the use of evolutionary technology, these companies analyze what a client has written. Thru this analysis, what you would have written next may be deduced.<br /> <br /> So, after my passing, I may still continue to have adventures to share with you. Amazing!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/mexico.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/inverter-story.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-1521390451110450680?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-59733670793222681512012-01-21T08:50:00.007-06:002012-01-22T12:51:18.873-06:002012-01-22T12:51:18.873-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/mexico.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Mexico</span></span></u></a><br /> Do you remember when I was considering leaving Mexico and returning to the USA? That was during our December trip south in Mexico right after the two robberies [<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2011/12/caution-fear-courage.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>].<br /> <br /> I am sooooo glad that MsTioga and The Team decided to stay in Mexico. Because we are having such a great time being here. It would have been a terrible event in my life if I ran away from my dreams because of fear of what "might" happen.<br /> <br /> Even doing ordinary things such as shopping and going to restaurants here in the City of Tepic, bring me so much joy. To think that I may have missed all of this but for a moment of fear! Wow!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - New adventures!</b></span><br /> Do you think about going on a new adventure? I sure do! Even now in my 75th year, I think about going to new and exciting places.<br /> <br /> Just yesterday I was thinking what it would be like to take a bus trip down thru Central and South America. Did you know that there are modern buses that carry passengers down there? Air conditioned buses with nice bathrooms! Hmmmmm?<br /> <br /> Here is a website about TicaBus [<a href="http://www.ticabus.com/ingles.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>].<br /> <br /> Here is a website about "Bus Travel in Central America [<a href="http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/09-04/bus-travel-central-america.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>].<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/TicaBus.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/TicaBus.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">TicaBus</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3PM - Back at El Chaco</b></span><br /> MsTioga has returned to El Chaco and is Day Camped on the giant lawn in front of the restaurant. Some trees keep MsTioga mostly in the shade. Very nice!<br /> <br /> Although it is 90°F outside, a gentle and constant ocean breeze is keeping things comfortable.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-21-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-21-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">MsTioga on the lawn at El Chaco</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">90°F<br /> Blue sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/busted-tank.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/electronic-person.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-5973367079322268151?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-78143973689150799912012-01-20T12:05:00.007-06:002012-01-21T08:51:46.426-06:002012-01-21T08:51:46.426-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/busted-tank.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Busted tank</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday we told the story about repairing MsTioga's grey water drain. After installing the repaired drain pipe, we found that the black water tank's outlet appears to be also busted. Probably from the recent trip down a very bumpy road that messed up the solar battery bank's floor.<br /> <br /> If we were back in California, there are a number of RV mechanics that have experience removing and repairing dump tanks. But here in Mexico, I do not know of any. So, I am going to have to keep the black water tank pretty much empty in order to keep it from leaking. Not a problem while staying here in El Chaco where each RV parking place has a sewer connection.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Mexican liability insurance</b></span><br /> Today is the last day of coverage for MsTioga's Mexican liability insurance. We use Mexican Adventure Insurance Services to renew this coverage. Buying this insurance is done online and is very easy to do. After buying the insurance [cost $212US for one year], I am given the opportunity to print the policy.<br /> <br /> However, the printer did not work! It is an HP printer, and for some unknown reason, sometimes this printer works and sometimes it doesn't!<br /> <br /> But we have a backup printer aboard. It is also an HP. The installation was on the Windows 7 side of our MacBook Pro computer. The MacBook runs both the Mac operating system and Windows 7. But the Windows installation crashed! For us, HP installations into Windows always crashes.<br /> <br /> So we decided to install the HP printer on the Mac side. The Mac installation went thru flawlessly. Hmmmm? Macintosh computers! There is NO substitute!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Heading to Tepic</b></span><br /> Our shopping list is long enough for us to make a trip to the City of Tepic. So, we are now heading up the hill. As you may know, we love this trip because of all the tree tunnels along the way.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7PM - Sushi then Nite Camp</b></span><br /> After grocery shopping at the WalMart, it was time for supper. There is a new sushi joint here in Tepic. As I was driving to WalMart this afternoon, we spotted a billboard over Highway Insurgentes announcing the opening of Fukai Sushi. We checked Fukai's location using our Garmin GPS, and it was only a few blocks away from the WalMart!<br /> <br /> It's sort of weird going to sushi joints in Mexico. There aren't any Japanese people working there!&nbsp;The Mexican sushi wasn't bad though. Would you believe that they did not have any wasabi! Told me that wasabi is not very popular in Mexico<br /> <br /> We are Nite Camped in our usual place in the Tepic neighborhood across from the WalMart.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">69°F<br /> Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/cracked-drain-pipe.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/mexico.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.49614,-104.8811&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7814397368915079991?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-77662264703225988312012-01-19T10:08:00.009-06:002012-01-20T12:06:28.357-06:002012-01-20T12:06:28.357-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/cracked-drain-pipe.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Cracked drain pipe</span></span></u></a><br /> The problem that was described yesterday turns out to be a cracked drain pipe. In the pic below, the red arrow shows the crack location. The crack extends about 1/3 of the way around the pipe. RVer John believes that a temporary repair may be made using ABS cement.<br /> <br /> I am going to try and order an entire new valve assembly from the USA.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-19-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-19-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 7px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Cracked drain pipe</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Yesterday's "Temperance" post</b></span><br /> After publishing my "Temperance" post yesterday, I received a lot of negative comments from other RVers staying at El Chaco RV Park. It seems as though nearly everybody saw themselves in my story! Wow!<br /> <br /> When I re-read this story myself, it was clear that the story was quite a bit judgmental. Also critical.&nbsp;I guess that I should have kept my judgments and criticism to myself.<br /> <br /> But something good did come from that post. I don't think anybody from around El Chaco will be including me in their conversations when they are drinking. Some of them will not even talk to me anymore!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1PM - RVer John repairs cracked drain!</b></span><br /> RVer John came up with a great solution for repairing MsTioga's cracked grey water drain. First he cleaned up the area around the break with a Dremel tool. Then John mixed up epoxy resin adhesive cement with a hardener.<br /> <br /> In the pic below you may see what a nice job John did to the joint.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-19-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-19-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Curing epoxy-resin joint</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">70°F<br /> Mostly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/temperance.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/busted-tank.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7766226470322598831?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-79876565988727057102012-01-18T12:51:00.011-06:002012-01-19T10:10:53.675-06:002012-01-19T10:10:53.675-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/temperance.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11AM - Temperance</span></span></u></a><br /> When Benjamin Franklin was a very young man, he <i><span style="color: blue;">"conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection."</span></i> This is a direct quote from Franklin's autobiography. His very first rule or virtue was:<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Temperance</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation</b></span></div><br /> I am writing about this because drinking has been on my mind lately. Here in the El Chaco RV park, there appears to be a preoccupation with drinking. My friends and&nbsp;acquaintances who <i><span style="color: blue;">"drink to elevation"</span></i> often undergo personality changes.<br /> <br /> The most common personality change that I've observed is going from a sensitive person who communicates well to one who talks without stopping. Maybe this is actually talking without listening. Often I find myself being an audience to a person who goes on endlessly while I try to figure out how to get the hell out of there without offending!<br /> <br /> I do not want to be perceived as a person who is judgmental or critical of others. Nor do I want to be perceived as a prude. But I find myself increasingly challenged in dealing with those who <i><span style="color: blue;">"drink to elevation".</span></i><br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6PM - Dump valve repair</b></span><br /> This afternoon I've been doing leak repair on the ABS pipe that goes to MsTioga's dump valves. The ABS joint just above the grey water valve has been leaking. Today I noticed that the ABS pipe that goes into the black water tank is leaking too.<br /> <br /> Time to do some repairing.<br /> <br /> RVer John knows a lot about plumbing. And he has been advising me. I had bought some PVC cement to repair the ABS joint above the grey water valve. John told me that PVC cement would not work with ABS pipe.<br /> <br /> The 90° elbow above the grey water valve cannot be removed from the pipe. Apparently this joint developed a very slow leak in only a portion of the joint. The rest of this joint is on solid!<br /> <br /> I would prefer to buy a new ABS pipe and 90° elbow and join these two parts with ABS cement. But if I cannot locate a plumbing store that sells ABS pipe, I plan to clean the existing leaking joint and try to seal the leak by applying cement to the outer part of the joint.<br /> <br /> Since it was getting dark, I stopped working and walked over to El Chaco restaurant to use their WiFi to tell you about this plumbing job.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7AM - Weng gives you a re-introduction!</b></span><br /> This evening I tuned into Weng's blog and read that she is giving her readers a re-introduction to her story. This is a great idea. Weng has a terrific story to tell. And many readers may not know about her. So, by re-introducing herself, she is bring her readers up to date.<br /> <br /> If you have not ever tuned into Weng's blog, try clicking on the "Read Weng" picture link just to the right of this post.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Very light clouds</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda-volcano.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/cracked-drain-pipe.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7987656598872705710?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-90236877682931385632012-01-17T07:51:00.004-06:002012-01-18T12:53:53.161-06:002012-01-18T12:53:53.161-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda-volcano.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Baking soda volcano!</span></span></u></a><br /> We have been messing with using baking soda as a drain cleaner. By putting dry baking soda down the drain followed by hot white vinegar, a baking soda volcano is supposed to be created inside the drain. This volcanic reaction is, according to what we know and have read, supposed to clean a drain up great.<br /> <br /> However, we have not observed any BIG reaction that even comes close to being a volcano. Only a bit of fizzing. Then nothing! Hmmmmm?<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Getting warmer!</b></span><br /> For the past several days, each day has been getting warmer. Today the low temp was 65°F and this afternoon the high was 85°F. As you may imagine, it is very comfortable here on the Playa de Matanchen.<br /> <br /> Right now I am inside El Chaco's restaurant in order to use their WiFi. RVers staying at El Chaco drift in here to buy drinks or use the WiFi.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-17-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-17-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge inside El Chaco using WiFi</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">85°F<br /> Clear blue sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/renter-dave.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/temperance.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-9023687768293138563?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-24492510840731661852012-01-16T08:36:00.012-06:002012-01-17T07:52:49.510-06:002012-01-17T07:52:49.510-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/renter-dave.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Renter Dave</span></span></u></a><br /> Today we want to introduce you to Renter Dave! He is here in the Pueblo of Aticama to stay at Weng and Francisco's Hill Top Home as a caretaker. For his caretaker service, Renter Dave will rent Hill Top Home for free!<br /> <br /> Yesterday evening, MacBook Pro and I were walking over to use El Chaco's WiFi. It was already passed dark. Renter Dave was just entering El Chaco, and I stopped to say, "Welcome!" I was surprised that Dave already knew me. He had been a Reader for a long time.<br /> <br /> Renter Dave drives an 18 foot long Class-C Fleetwood Tioga Arrow on a Dodge chassis. He calls his RV "Dod". Can you guess why? Hmmmm?<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-16-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-16-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">This is Dod</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Blogging from Hill Top Home!</b></span><br /> This post is coming to you from Hill Top! Our little Telcel WiFi modem stick works up here!<br /> <br /> We are in the small room just off the kitchen of Hill Top Home. MacBook Pro is sitting on the short wall of this room. We are both&nbsp;looking over Matanchen Bay and see Aticama below.<br /> <br /> Bill and Renter Dave are out on the deck making plans. They seem to be getting along great!<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-15-2012X_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-15-2012X_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Renter Dave &amp; Señor Bill</span></b><br /> <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In Weng and Francisco's kitchen</span></b></div><br /> <b>PS:</b> Click [<a href="http://davedodsoff.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>] to read Renter Dave's blog.<br /> <b>PPS:</b> Weng has been posting a lot lately! Click on her <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Read Weng"</span></i></b> pic link!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">78°F<br /> Wispy clouds</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/pancakes.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda-volcano.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-2449251084073166185?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-45844304418097839742012-01-15T08:45:00.003-06:002012-01-16T08:37:40.931-06:002012-01-16T08:37:40.931-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/pancakes.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8AM - Pancakes and waffles</span></span></u></a><br /> Do you remember the time, maybe a year or two ago, when I decided to eat a low-carbohydrate diet? My good friend John P. from San Diego was doing this diet to control diabetes. John sent me info about his diet. Although I do not have diabetes myself, after looking into this diet, I thought that it would be a good one for me!<br /> <br /> Of course this meant that I'd have to cut back on pancakes and waffles! Wow! I used to eat pancakes or waffles at least twice a week. Since that diet change, I only eat them about once a month.<br /> <br /> I decided to make pancakes this morning. And my stomach is soooooo anxious for that first bite!<br /> <br /> New Mavicita is planning to put a pic of this pancake breakfast on the blog for you to see.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-15-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-15-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Pancake breakfast!</span></b></div><br /> <b>PS:</b> The pic shows David, me, Joe in 1997 at Joe's college graduation. The little pic is my Mom smiling at me in 1989.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">67°F<br /> Wispy clouds</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/renter-dave.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-4584430441809783974?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-10772891274586693972012-01-14T08:43:00.008-06:002012-01-15T08:46:12.427-06:002012-01-15T08:46:12.427-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Drains and baking soda</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday I posted in my blog about MsTioga's kitchen drain getting clogged. In response, Reader Nancy1340 posted in Shoutbox that, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Hot water and baking soda. Done every 6 months and you will have no more problems."</span></i></b><br /> <br /> It just so happens that we bought a can of baking soda when we went shopping in Tepic last week. The baking soda was bought to remove corrosion from Mr. Sunny's solar battery cables. Now we have a new use for this baking soda! Thank you sooooo much, Nancy1340!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Restaurante Tradiciones</b></span><br /> MsTioga is Morning Camped in the City of San Blas because I wanted to eat at a fantastic little restaurant called, <b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Tradiciones."</span></i></b>&nbsp;This little eating place is one of the best, if not the best, in the City of San Blas.<br /> <br /> I've ordered a cheese filled chili relleno. Yummm!<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-14-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-14-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Restaurante Tradiciones-San Blas, Mexico</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - The coolness of El Chaco</b></span><br /> We are back enjoying the cool breeze that gently blows thru El Chaco's outdoor restaurant. It is a bit warm this afternoon. 88°F! So the cool breeze really is nice.<br /> <br /> I am watching a movie using El Chaco's WiFi.<br /> <br /> <b>PS:</b> El Chaco in English means The Roadrunner.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - An American in Mexico</b></span><br /> I want to share with you a story about an American couple who immigrated to Mexico and live in the City of San Blas. The amazing part of this story is that this couple had no income. No pension. No Social Security. They came to San Blas hoping to earn their living there by working illegally! Without papers! Amazing!<br /> <br /> Click [<a href="http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january142012/mexico-life-vp.php" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>] to read this story!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">88°F<br /> Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/morning-internet.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/pancakes.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-1077289127458669397?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-15689656779207943112012-01-13T11:13:00.008-06:002012-01-14T08:44:27.230-06:002012-01-14T08:44:27.230-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/morning-internet.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Internet in the morning</span></span></u></a><br /> Nearly every morning John and Carol go over to El Chaco to use the restaurant's WiFi. This morning MacBook Pro, New Mavicita and I were there too! We all sit at the same table and do our internet stuff while schmoozing.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-13-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-13-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">John and Carol using WiFi at El Chaco</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>12 Noon - Plumbing crisis!</b></span><br /> MsTioga's kitchen drain has been giving signs of plugging up for a long time. This morning the drain really backed up! Something had to be done!<br /> <br /> I mentioned the problem to RVer John, and he recommended removing the drain including the trap. I was a bit concerned about doing this job myself. But John encouraged me, so I went and started the job.<br /> <br /> After removing the drain, I could see that the trap was completely stopped up. Taking the drain outside to the hose bibb, I was able to completely clear the stoppage. However, after re-installing the drain, the stoppage continued. Apparently there was a clog downstream from the trap.<br /> <br /> A plunger was borrowed from El Chaco and the sink was filled with hot water. Then I plunged many times. The drain began running again! After several more sink fillings and plunging, the drain seems to be running fine again!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1PM - Weng is posting again!</b></span><br /> Are you a Weng fan? Weng has begun posting again. And her blog has a new look.<br /> <br /> Click on our "Read Weng" link and take a look-see!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/chips-flying.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/baking-soda.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-1568965677920794311?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-26779915949629400312012-01-12T10:34:00.004-06:002012-01-13T11:15:06.329-06:002012-01-13T11:15:06.329-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/chips-flying.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Flyboy Chip ready to fly!</span></span></u></a><br /> Do you recall when Flyboy Chip lost his bag of wing struts? Somehow the bag rolled off Chip's trailer somewhere here in Aticama and were never found! So, Chip ordered a new set of struts from the factory. The shipment was supposed to arrive at the United Parcel depot in Puerto Vallarta late this afternoon. But, they arrived yesterday, one day early!<br /> <br /> This morning Chip and his buddy [and mechanic] Joe are assembling the ultra light aircraft in the field in front of Paraiso Escondido Restaurant.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-12-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-12-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Flyboy Chip</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - Carol goes flying!</b></span><br /> Late in the afternoon the tide receded enough for Chip to go flying. After Chip returned, he asked, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Anybody want to go up?"</span></i>. Carol was ready, and said, <i><span style="color: blue;">"I want to go up!"</span></i><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-12-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-12-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Carol getting ready to go up!</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">73°F<br /> Clear blue sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/hilltop-home3.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/morning-internet.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-2677991594962940031?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-2927259197561804972012-01-11T09:14:00.003-06:002012-01-12T10:35:51.209-06:002012-01-12T10:35:51.209-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/hilltop-home3.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8AM - Hilltop home</span></span></u></a><br /> This morning New Mavicita and I are taking a walk along the bay-side dirt road which is a shortcut between Playa Matanchen and Pueblo Aticama. We want to take a look-see at Weng and Francisco's "Hilltop home".<br /> <br /> We hope to visit with Señor Bill who is living up there permanently. You may recall that Señor Bill built a casita [small home] up on hilltop.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Señor Bill's new wall</b></span><br /> The first thing that we saw as we went up the hill and approached Señor Bill's home was his new wall. Of course New Mavicita had to capture a pic of this wall. Do you see Señor Bill's little home at the rear of this pic?<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Señor Bill and his new wall</span></b></div><br /> Bill told me about the moving of the motorhome that you see in the pic above. The motorhome is Bill's primary home when he lives in Aticama. Señor Bill lives here during the winter. When it gets uncomfortably warm and humid in Aticama, usually after April, he moves back to Portland, Oregon.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Bill and George in the window</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1PM - Haircut, lunch and visiting</b></span><br /> I asked Señor Bill where he got his haircut, and he told me about Wendy's Salon in Aticama. I've needed a haircut for over two weeks. Wendy is a very nice young woman who cut my hair for only 25 pesos! After my haircut I went across the street for a BBQ chicken lunch. Sooooo good!<br /> <br /> Then New Mavicita and I went to visit our friend Juana who lives in Central Aticama. When I got to Juana's home, she was talking to her Dad in front of their home. Juana, as you may already know, is a very good friend of Weng.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-11-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Juana and her Dad</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">78°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/paradise.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/chips-flying.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-292725919756180497?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-25681913232596773212012-01-10T12:43:00.003-06:002012-01-11T09:16:01.683-06:002012-01-11T09:16:01.683-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/paradise.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11AM - Paradise</span></span></u></a><br /> A reader wrote to us yesterday concerned that our blog posts lately were very calm. "Not much going on!", he wrote. Of course, as you may know, paradise is a very calm place. And Playa Matanchen and Pueblo of Aticama are considered by many to be paradise!<br /> <br /> It is especially calm around here because tourism is greatly reduced. Tourism from Mexico is low because of economic conditions. Tourism from the USA is down because of fear of criminal activity.<br /> <br /> Even though we on the TiogaRV Team have experienced some criminal activity ourselves, we have not had that experience where we are now. This place is paradise, and is quite safe!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sundown - Playa Matanchen</b></span><br /> New Mavicita captured kids running on Playa Matanchen at sundown.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-10-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-10-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_mostly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Mostly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/no-signal.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/hilltop-home3.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-2568191323259677321?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-28399159459603910792012-01-09T09:48:00.005-06:002012-01-10T12:45:15.223-06:002012-01-10T12:45:15.223-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/no-signal.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8AM - No signal!</span></span></u></a><br /> Work has been happening up on MsTioga's roof this morning. For over an hour we have been attempting to get the antenna properly connected to the the cable that connects to XM Radio.<br /> <br /> Do you recall the incident where Mr. Sunny's solar panels flew off MsTioga's roof? Well, that incident also ripped the cable out of our XM Radio's antenna. No way to repair that ripped cable. Too bad, because this was a large antenna that pulled in the signal really good down here in Mexico.<br /> <br /> However, we have on board a tiny antenna that came with our first XM Radio. About a week ago we attached this tiny antenna to the end of the cable on MsTioga's roof. And, the tiny antenna worked! At least it worked for awhile. Then the antenna stopped working.<br /> <br /> The cable for these antennas is the coaxial type with a shield surrounding a core wire. The core wire for this tiny antenna is really, really small. Almost impossible to work with that tiny wire let alone make a secure electrical connection!<br /> <br /> So, this morning all that XM Radio does is state on its screen, "No signal". No sound. No music. No news.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Fred wants WiFi</b></span><br /> Fred who lives next door to El Chaco wants internet access. When I was over at his home a couple of days ago, I promised to return when Telcel service began operating again. Fred wants to learn if Telcel will function well at his house.<br /> <br /> I walked over to Fred's this morning for a visit. But Fred was not home.<br /> <br /> I have good news and bad news for Fred. Yes, Telcel has their network up and running again. However around here in Aticama and Playa Matanchen, Telcel is soooooo slow. Sometimes it takes several minutes to bring up a web page.<br /> <br /> I don't think Fred would be happy with a Banda Ancha Telcel stick.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - XM is on again!</b></span><br /> I just kept playing with the cable. And finally, at long last, music is now playing on the XM Radio.<br /> <br /> Never give up!<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-09-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-09-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Messing with XM cable</span></b></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_mostly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br /> Lots of clouds</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/secretariat.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/paradise.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-2839915945960391079?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-1970889794804682202012-01-08T08:21:00.006-06:002012-01-09T09:50:50.727-06:002012-01-09T09:50:50.727-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/secretariat.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Watching Secretariat</span></span></u></a><br /> The Telcel Banda Ancha network began working this morning. So, what did we on the TiogaRV Team do? We watched interviews on YouTube about the great racehorse, Secretariat. Penny Chenery Tweedy, Secretariat's owner. Lucien Lauren, his trainer. Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey during the horse's Triple Crown wins in 1973. Wonderful to listen to their stories.<br /> <br /> And of course we watched actual footage of the June, 1973 race at The Belmont Stakes when Secretariat ran the fastest race in history. What a horse! [<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoFquax2F-k" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - First RV to South America?</b></span><br /> Who were the very first RVers to go from the United States to South America? Do you know the answer to this question? Hmmmmm?<br /> <br /> We will give you some hints. This trip was made in 1978. The RVers who made this trip are camping with us at the El Chaco RV Campground!<br /> <br /> Click [<a href="http://www.movingon1.com/firsttrip.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">here</span></b></a>] to find out the amazing answer!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">73°F<br /> Clear</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/telcel-network.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/no-signal.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-197088979480468220?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-45814153852993642792012-01-07T13:06:00.006-06:002012-01-08T08:22:47.662-06:002012-01-08T08:22:47.662-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/telcel-network.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11AM - Telcel network down</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday MsTioga and The Team Nite Camped in the City of Tempic. We like to stay in the nice residential neighborhood across the road from the WalMart. We never had any problems Nite Camping here.'<br /> <br /> During the evening we tried many times to use our Banda Ancha to connect to the Telcel network. We kept getting dropped! This morning we went to the Telcel service center for help.<br /> <br /> Going to a Telcel service center is quite an interesting experience! The office consists of a line of about 15 women who help customers with problems. All of these women are dressed very nicely. Their facial makeup is excellent. They must spend a lot of time each morning fixing themselves up!<br /> <br /> The Telcel lady who helped me took my Banda Ancha and MacBook Pro computer into the service department for testing. Soon she returned to tell me that the Telcel network around Tepic has been having problems for a few days. She suggested that I return to the Telcel office if I could not get an acceptable connection in a couple days.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>No big deal!</b></span><br /> I got a big kick out of this response to the Telcel network being down. Here in Mexico, such a thing is not a big deal. Nobody goes crazy complaining. They just live with it.<br /> <br /> When I saw how calm the service lady was with their network being down, I adopted that attitude too! Afterwards it occurred to me that if the same thing had happened to me in the United States, I would have made a fuss.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - Schmoozing with Fred</b></span><br /> I spent much of the afternoon schmoozing [talking] with neighbor Fred who has a home next door to El Chaco. Fred is the first person that I met upon arriving in Aticama in the year, 2008.<br /> <br /> Fred built a duplex home on his property. The home became difficult to sell when the real estate slump hit a few years ago.<br /> <br /> As Fred and I sat in his home with our chairs facing out toward the Ocean, I could not help but remark to him how very gorgeous is the view. Just spectacular!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">70°F<br /> Clear</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/unmarked-tope.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/secretariat.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-4581415385299364279?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-72530378005824896502012-01-06T11:08:00.008-06:002012-01-07T13:32:56.664-06:002012-01-07T13:32:56.664-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/unmarked-tope.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10AM - Unmarked tope!</span></span></u></a><br /> MsTioga and The Team have headed out from El Chaco and are going to the City of Tepic. This is shopping trip. We like to visit the big stores in Tepic.<br /> <br /> On the way up the mountain, we came to an unmarked tope! Usually topes [speed bumps] are painted and/or signed. This tope completely surprised me. It was almost camoflaged. I jammed on MsTioga's brakes! Too late! We went over the tope too fast.<br /> <br /> The top of the dresser/cabinet in the bedroom was knocked off. Every battery in the battery bank was off kilter! Big bad bummer!<br /> <br /> It took about half an hour to get everything back together again!<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - More about topes!</b></span><br /> My little post about a tope has generated some interest. Messages are arriving in both ShoutBox and email. So, here is a bit more info about topes. <b><i>Pronounced: "toe-pay".</i></b><br /> <br /> Topes come in many different ways. There are topes that must be crossed at less than 1 mile per hour in order to keep from jarring your vehicle. Some may be crossed at 15 miles per hour with no harmful effects. Some topes are constructed by individuals in front of their house. Sometimes a bunch of topes will be built one after another. Maybe 50 or more. These may be described as vibradores [vibrators].<br /> <br /> I have come across a tope in the middle of nowhere. No intersection. No nothing. Suddenly there's a tope. Why is it there? Hmmmm?<br /> <br /> The tope that attacked me today was not marked with paint. Maybe the paint wore off over time and nobody bothered to maintain it. I had driven on this road to Tepic hundreds of times. Sometimes a tope that never got you before will vengefully strike you. You never know!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">80°F<br /> Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/clean-rv.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/telcel-network.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.496157,-104.881051&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7253037800582489650?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-57075963502652305822012-01-05T10:31:00.006-06:002012-01-06T11:10:20.255-06:002012-01-06T11:10:20.255-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/clean-rv.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Happiness is a clean RV</span></span></u></a><br /> For MsTioga and myself, having our RV home clean has a very deep meaning. Because we both love to keep ourselves clean, neat and tidy. So, if we find ourselves not keeping our RV home clean, this means something is very wrong!<br /> <br /> As you may have picked up from reading our blog story recently, MsTioga and I are feeling really great. If you inspected MsTioga this morning, you might find that the kitchen area is very clean. Kitchen counter corners clean too. Carpet corners, the entire floor, window frames, all those places where dirt and dust gather are clean. Oh yes, you may find places that still need cleaning. But we have our eyes on those places and will be getting at them soon!<br /> <br /> It's been well over a year since our RV home has been squared away as well as it is right now.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Flyboy Chip</b></span><br /> Flyboy Chip of Ultra-Light fame is back camping at Paraiso Escondido on La Playa de Matanchen. A terrible thing happened to Chip's airplane. A bag which stored wing struts fell off Chip's trailer right here in the Pueblo de Aticama! Chip did not realize that the bag was missing until early this morning.<br /> <br /> A search was made of the road where the bag may have landed, and nothing was found. Signs offering a reward for the return of the bag have been posted in Aticama and nearby La Palma. Also, the loud speaker advertising system in both towns announced about the missing bag.<br /> <br /> So far, nobody has come forward to return the bag of airplane parts and claim the reward.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Battery report</b></span><br /> Using only solar panel electric power for recharging Mr. Sunny's battery bank, the batteries have been coming up to 14.1 volts. A completely full charge may only be achieved by these Crown brand batteries when 14.5 volts is reached.<br /> <br /> Our battery bank is still delivering reliable electricity during the nite. But as we mentioned before, the time for this battery bank to be retired is approaching. We likely will buy new batteries this summer when we return to the USA. At that time the battery bank will be five years old.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">79°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/san-blas.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/unmarked-tope.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-5707596350265230582?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-28605688488395846052012-01-04T08:12:00.009-06:002012-01-05T10:32:43.370-06:002012-01-05T10:32:43.370-06:00<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/san-blas.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - San Blas</span></span></u></a><br /> Yesterday we wrote to about going to the small City of San Blas, about 10 miles north of El Chaco. We all piled into Bill and Carol's Jeep. John and Carol and I were in the back [there are two Carols in our group].<br /> <br /> We headed up to San Blas in order to go to the Wala Wala Restaurant. This restaurant proved to be a real find! Food nicely prepared and in good quantity too. I ordered garlic fried shrimp and it was really great!<br /> <br /> After supper we all walked up to the Telcel store. Remember yesterday we wrote here about being able to renew our Telcel subscription by credit card. Well, that proved to be a little inaccurate. Yes, Telcel charged our credit card. But although Telcel had the money, their system did NOT renew our subscription.<br /> <br /> With Bill doing the talking with the Telcel guy [Bill's Spanish is perfect-he was born in Argentina], we soon learned that the credit card charge did not appear on my Telcel account. Apparently Telcel had not completely tweaked their credit card routine! It turns out that the best and most secure way to renew a Telcel subscription is to actually go to a Telcel store and do the transaction there.<br /> <br /> I am using Telcel to send you this blog post!<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-04-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-04-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Wala Wala Restaurant-San Blas</span></b></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Bill &amp; Carol-Ann's Great Adventure!</b></span><br /> We just got back from a great adventure led Bill and Carol Ann [since there are two Carols, one will be called Carol-Ann and the other Carol].<br /> <br /> First we went to a very small but wonderful restaurant for breakfast. The restaurant is next to the Telcel store in San Blas. Everybody agreed that this is a swell place to go for food [Everybody includes Bill, John, Jorge, Carol-Ann and Carol].<br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pueblo of Singayta</b></span><br /> After breakfast we headed out of San Blas searching for the Pueblo of Singayta where there is a very nice plant nursery that we all wanted to visit.<br /> <br /> While passing thru Singayta we happened upon a bunch of young school students at recess. They were sooooo happy to see us and we were so happy to see them! Bill handed out candies to these kids. Wow! That was a great time!<br /> <br /> These students told us where the plant nursery is located. It is just across the highway from Singayta. A really neat guy who worked at the nursery told us about the many flowers, plants and trees that are growing there<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-04-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/01/01-04-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Carol and Carol-Ann at the Singayta nursery</b></span></div><br /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pueblo La Libertad</b></span><br /> Bill, our fearless driver, loves to explore. Bill drove into the Pueblo of La Libertad. The road thru the center of La Libertad is paved with stones. We can only imagine how much labor went into this road!<br /> <br /> We stopped at a small grocery store to buy some cold drinks. Soon we were surrounded by a bunch of students returning home from school. These kids were all excited to be talking us. I guess that we are a&nbsp;curiosity&nbsp;because not too many tourists wander into La Libertad. Not recently anyway because of the huge decline in tourism during the past few years.<br /> <br /> If you click [<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.599582,-105.170488&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>] a map will come up showing the location of Pueblo La Libertad.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">83°F<br /> Clear sky</span></b></div><br /> <br /> <div align="center"><hr /><br /> <a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/telcel-success.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/01/clean-rv.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21.494076,-105.198536&amp;spn=0.504684,0.630341&amp;t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br /> <br /> <img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="550" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-4377559648966894"; /* 728x90, created 8/16/08 */ google_ad_slot = "0978928645"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-2860568848839584605?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.com