Bailey

Joined Sam’s Club today to take advantage of their lower fuel prices.  Well that and they have a beer advent calendar for a crazy low price!!

At .74/can our fussy Allan can trash the ones he doesn’t like.  

My wine calendar is thanks to Target!  Not such a good deal, they will both be a hoot to open!

Bring on December!!

 

To enter Barry M. Goldwater Range you must obtain a permit, even if you are not driving.   Requirements: watch a video then complete an exam. Once done the permit is free and lasts from July 01 to Jun 30th.  The permit allows you to explore, target practice, boondock for up to 14 days in any 28 day period.  Nope, not doing that!

“The Barry M. Goldwater Range is the third largest military reservation in the United States. Since its establishment in 1941, the Goldwater Range has served continuously as a tactical air combat training center. The restricted airspace that defines the Goldwater Range covers about 2.7 million acres and contains 57,000 cubic miles of airspace. This airspace extends over most of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, but no ground-based military activities occur there.”

For our first time off roading in quite a while, Allan selects a shorter trail, Fortuna Mine.  The ability to go 25 mph doesn’t last long.  Click  The ride beginsWe entered the facility at 1103a by 1112a we were checked to ensure we have our permits!  Good he did as he also gave us an area map which kind of ended up saving us. He also checked this toy, so it’s not just us.  He had a taser and a mean looking gun so thought it best not to take a photo of him.

No idea what 54 represents but love the sun 

This way to Fortuna Mine!

Bob is raring to go… 

Can this city born Bob make it?  Here’s hoping!!

We learn in the video some ordnances may still be active.    We also learn we may encounter rattlesnakes and wildlife.  FF:  We saw none, only one lonely bird and Allan missed it

Guidance here is by post.  Our first A5We wonder how many other toys we will encounter, the first 2 are approaching

Then nothing, no more toys, no more posts. We drive and drive

Bob says “don’t worry, you are in good tires”  I’ll get you back!There are two ways we can go.  With no directional posts to help, we get out and each walk up the “road” a bit

We think we did an incorrect turn somewhere cause timing wise we should be at Fortuna Mines.  Such exciting times, with amazing scenery.

Finally, post A6A

Drive and drive and drive some more!  In the distance we see what we thing may be a cell tower.  Hopefully, we’ll regain cell service!

Nope, wrong again it’s an emergency call tower.  There are no markers to it, nothing on the map – what’s the chances you’ll run into distress in front of this? A directional post would be helpful.

On we go.. click Bumpty, bump

No directional post but a point of interest…

It wasn’t that interesting

Very nice   

Are we just totally lost?

Nope!  When we least expect to, we turn the corner and there it is!  Made it to Fantuna Mine!

This guy likely found Fantuna quicker than we did, LOL The road back!  We are feeling a little relieved

The closer we get to civilization, the quicker we directional posts appear.  You know, when you really don’t need them

To the left of the post, there it is Telegraph Hill that we still can’t believe we climbedWe’re BACK!!     Will Allan remember how to drive on a real road?  

Back at Bailey we check out what our friend, Miranda calls “Desert Pinstriping”It sounds worse when it happens, than chalk on a chalkboard!

Today we visit 2 States & 2 Countries 🙂

I’m a little leery of getting my teeth cleaned in Mexico cause I have super sensitive gums.  Being the trooper I am and cause Allan has an on/off tooth issue off we go.  Our friends recommended Rubio Dental, with 400 dentists to choose from in Los Algodones we’ll go with the recommendation.

We arrive at 9am, when the “receptionist” learns we wish a cleaning (instead of some major) he whisks us off to the neighbouring dental clinic he says is his “brother’s”

I feel like a sheep being led to slaughter!  This is where he takes us   

Here we are, having filled out their forms 

Within minutes we are both in dental chairs

Happy to say it went well, we now both have pearly whites!

Allan however, needs to have a crown replaced.  He has had on/off issues with it for a while now. His last Canadian dental visit they told him he was on borrowed time so we believe it is time.  Question, replace in Mexico or wait till we get back?  We are leaning towards Mexico.  It will be $300, we are trying to determine how much coverage we have at home but Blue Cross isn’t making that easy.

Off we roam with our clean teeth.  Such a colourful place 🙂

Lunch time!     

Started out on the patio but the wind picked up so in we go

Doves on the roof keeping us lunch company!  We are 2nd in line to get back to the States. The line ups can be horrendous which is why we do the early lunch then head back.  No issues crossing back, all we bought was some hot sauce this time.

We’re lacking steps

So stop at the West Wetland Park, our first visit, we have been to the East Wetland Park.  This one is bigger

Step mission accomplished! 

This happy guy HAS a beer!  Trying out a new one, Kilt Lifter, a Scottish style amber ale

Think we are on the right track!   

Today’s first adventure is to Painted Desert Trail in La Paz,  Doris and Kevin, who sent us to Telegraph Hill, are sending us here.  They assure us this trail is a piece of cake.  In the hot tub last night, another couple confirmed it was an easy trail, walking sticks not required.

What no one told us was, the 4 mile/6.43k drive in on a very bumpy dirt road!

These roads & worse are what Bob is built for but are our bodies??

We’re here… 

Pictures are worth a thousand words  🙂

Half way = “Rewards”

Prior uphill climb=going back down, down we go!

We are heading to the path down there

Who’s that coming out of that cave!!

We’ve determined this is the “horse poop” capital in the States.  Every few steps we encounter more poop.  Finally took a photo

Guess I’m really not good at not commenting.  It is super windy here but no snow, loving it!

Turn the corner and there he is!  Our faithful Bob!!

Our drive out is when we thought to clock the mileage Part 2 of today’s adventure

The hot tub couple said we should go to Lake Martinez as it’s just down the road

 

Wish this Tiki Bar was open

What an eclectic place. There are homes worth millions next to dilapidated homes/trailers.

Wee Allan standing between the garage doors WOW vs REALLY

Those views!

Birds in the water.  Now if I was my friend, Miranda, I’d know what birds.  For now they are just birds 🙂

Drive back we snap the helicopter on a popsicle stickThen the Yuma Proving Grounds which will be another’s day adventure

Back home we go for left over pizza, salad, and Allan’s first attempt at fries in the air fryer, then hot tub.

See you all tomorrow,  Pleasant, sweet dreams.

UPDATE:  Fries were delicious as was the entire dinner

 

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is today’s adventure.  Lots of reading todayThe watch tower

The view from the tower

Click on the images to enlarge.  Easier to read 🙂

​The Sallyport

In the Prison/Museum we go.  Don’t you hate it when the sun ruins the photo?  NOPE!The layout 

The Women in Prison = Trouble

​

​The Bell

The cells.      These guys are in this cell

No latrines only one bucket for all the cell mates

Who’s that in the cell? 

When prisoners were bad, the “Dark Cell” awaited themThere are 2 door in, Allan is standing by the second door.  So very dark in the cell

What they did to get here.                                            Escape anyone?

What did this handsome hunk do to get in? 

In it’s 33 years, the prison housed 3,069 inmates — 112 of whom died during their stay

Self guided tour over we head to the wetlands trail.  After Telegraph Hill we welcome this flatness.  Yep, muscles are a bit tender

No marking at the beginning of the trail but find these at the end of it

Must have been quite the party AKA people are pigs

Back we go, 1-1/2 miles          This is where we are heading to

We encounter a Survivor type hut…

… with quite the view   

We investigate this site and determine it’s Yuma Live Steamers

We were hoping to visit when they are operational but their site only gives scheduling till May 2022

Lunch time! 

Fun fact!  Owner Chris Wheeler started Prison Hill Brewing themed around the Yuma Territorial Prison not only because the brewery is less than a mile from the prison, but also as a nod to his great-grandfather, Jesus Gil, who served time in the prison because of the fallout from a poker game gone sideways.

 

 

Our dear friends, Doris & Kevin wintered in Yuma last Winter and are happy to share their last year’s adventures to make them our this year’s adventures.  It’s from them we learned about “Howling at the Moon”.

We arrive at Telegraph Pass at 1034 raring to go!  5.3-mile/8.53 km loop trail/3 hours to complete.The long rocky road ahead     

We’ve got this! Or do we???

1115a The stick things are starting to look like cell towers.  Funky tree, photo worthy 🙂

1126a:  The long road continues     

Yuma, yonder wayWe walked that snake trail  keeping our eyes open for real snakesSee the ants on the trail that are really peopleFor the last 15ish minutes everyone we passed going down said “You are ALMOST there”  Clearly many do not know what ALMOST means.   Stupid determination rules!  Yep we are “mucho” wiped.

The views are cool but “to die for” as many posted not likely LOL

Deserved?  Without a doubt!  Remember we are the couple who hate doing UPS!!Here’s the towers

When Kevin & Doris made it here there was a flag.  No more flag, we did see the bench on the way down but no flag  We wanted to find the flag! This is Doris and their friend, Kevin is the photographerHow do we make this a loop like AllTrails said it could be?

106p:  A lot faster going down.  Ta ta cell towers

Yuma       

The most deserved, soothing hot tub yet!

We should get bonus steps for all those UPS!!

Having nothing to do with nothing, here goes,,,

661-3914  😉

Yes we are still Doris & Kevin fans, what will you bring on next??

 

 

Today is our much anticipated return to Los Algodones.  We love border towns…

We have 4 objectives:  1) Hair cuts 2) Mani/Pedis  3) Check out dentists 4) Lunch

3 will be a daunting task as there are so many dentists.  This is the dental capital of the world with city has more than 400 dentists working in one square mile.  The procedure is they give you a “free” exam then give a quote for the service required.  I think it’s best for people who require a crown/bridge, etc who do not have dental coverage at home. We are just looking for a cleaning so that is likely about $50US (our portion at home is a little less) I regress, lets start at #1.   We both got chopped.  I’m feeling a little bit slighted as I’ve been Allan’s barber for the last 2ish years.

On to #2   When we first arrived this morning, the salon was not busy,  a mani/pedi was $15.  We wanted to have a margarita and cerveza while having it done as we did in Progresso, MX but liquor sales here do not begin until 11 so no booze for a while.

No problem let’s check out the sites and stuff you don’t need but will likely end up buying,  At 11 our time we try again, but no it’s only 10 local time, we did not realize they are on PST not MST.

Let’s go for the mani/pedi, the rate is now $15 for the pedi & $10 for a mani.  Gosh darn!  Allan does a search for another salon, finds one a 10m walk away.  Surely they will be cheaper.  Yes, I’m that cheap!   Where did the pavement go?   OK maybe not this cheap!  I would have turned back but Allan was on a mission!  Does this look like we’ll find a nail salon?

 

Picture 4 above, is a victorious Allan shouting “I found it!”

Back to town we go to pay the $25

3) dentists so, so many.  Think we will stick with the recommended Rubio

4) LUNCH Yahoo. So delicious!! Shrimp in garlic sauce for me, chicken fajitas for Allan

Not sure what this guy is selling but he’s doing it with a motorized bike

Now for the useless stuff we didn’t need but bought anyways.  The Coffee Tequila may have been necessary!  Bracelet started at $20, paid $5; not bad for gold 🙂  Cactus $45 paid $15.  Tequila 8.99, chips 1.89 no haggling for these.

  Cheers!   Yummy!!

Meet “Dannie” our dancing cactus!     

Back for a hot tub, what will tomorrow bring?

Almost since the beginning of having Bailey, 4ish years. our holding tank sensors AFTER emptying the tanks read Grey 3/4 full, Black 1/2 full.  The toilet sensors did change to green but we normally had to “swizzle” (shoot water into the tanks, eventually they turn green)

We can last 3 days between dumps.  The last few dumps the sensors would turn red after 1-1/2ish days.  Time to seek outside assistance.  In comes “RV Flush” 

Patrick explained the issue is the “poop” turns into struvite which is hard as rock.  He showed Allan a sample and banged it on his trailer.   Yep,  it’s  hard!

Patrick in action

Within 1/2h our tanks show as ….

We use Happy Camper Tank treatment.  Patrick says the product is good but use twice the amount they call for.  He however, recommends TankTech SRX Probiotic RV Tank Treatment  We’ll try it when we are out of HC

That done we’re off to check out Walley’s World, no not Walmart but Wally’s World full of great RV stuff

Next stop Big Bob’s Carpet to check out, well carpeting

Next delicious dinner, another poop. didn’t take a photo

Next local jam, more country than we like but still fun

  Hot tub time!

Good night!

 

9a:  In rolls Pirate Mobile RV, again.  Already have 5 hours (over 2 days) into this repair.

  Will they figure it out today?

110p:  Did Travis faint cause even he can’t believe that at 110, 4+hours in (for a so far total of 9+)  they still can’t figure it out201p:  Is Russell praying to the “Mighty RV Repair Master?”

Cause now, not only are the old issues not resolved they managed to short the 12v line meaning we have no lights.

345p:  Lights back on!  They had to bypass a relay they blew up, their words.  Not sure how good that is for Bailey but we just want them gone, we missed an appointment and were stuck here all day.  Not having fun!  Did walk the park, several times, to get our steps and hoping these clowns would figure it out.

405p:  Miraculous, after jerking us around all day, the chairs swivel,

the awnings go out, we think.   Russell wanted to sell us a controller, we put that on hold. It’s  very windy today so don’t want to send the awnings all the way out, that may create another problem.

$1,728.98 please which includes a credit card swipe service fee of 2.78% which they didn’t tell us about when we asked what they accepted as payment and a 5h no charge discount.

Relieved the day is over and of course we’re re-hashing it all, but at least doing so in the hot tub!

Hope y’all had a more funner day!

Thanks to our friends, Doris and Kevin, we know about “Howling at the moon”                     A Yuma event that takes place during a full moon.  It’s a well attended event, not sure how all these people know about it.  We’ve not seen it advertised anywhere.  They do have a FB page that we only know about thanks to D&KDinner = Texas Twinkie (Texas Twinkies start as a hollowed-out jumbo jalapeño, stuffed with chopped brisket and cream cheese then wrapped in bacon)

Live entertainment was, entertaining 🙂 

Up close & personalGot us some new garb!

Getting darker 

We were amazed at how quickly the moon rose!  Let the howling begin click here  IMG_7883

And it’s up!!

Such a fun, different night

Back to the hot tub and the moon is totally high 🙂