I keep telling Richard that he should blog more often. He thinks everyone will be bored to hear about the things that he does everyday, reasoning that no one cares or will be interested, that it is just the same old same old, so why tell about it. I reminded him that we have gone many places and seen many interesting sites since we moved here. Even if it is only a walk in the desert, we go someplace almost every day, and my opinion is that there are people out there that want to hear about it – so he told me to write a blog. I’m without a doubt the poorest writer of my entire family but that hasn’t stopped me from posting for quite some time now.
With Richard’s help, I have made quite a few improvements on my van. Besides mounting my solar panel on the roof, most of the jobs have been minor. I have developed an adequate system for a shower, added storage space, rewired and rerouted most of my interior wiring, and organized some of my electronics. It is always a compromise when you are designing for a small space. You are forced to keep it simple and it helps prevent any impulse buying.
We have made a few trips into town. Yesterday we walked through the Yuma Marketplace, really just a tent covered flee-market of shops set up with everything from crafts, art, clothing, RV paraphernalia, and tools, to snack bars and country singers. I saw a few things I need but I knew I could get them cheaper at Walmart. It was a fun time, but walking on pavement for a couple hours tired our feet more than several miles out in the desert, so we didn’t stay at the marketplace long.
Contrast
Richard and I rode our motorcycles to the Imperial Wildlife Refuge last week (keeping a close eye on my gas consumption), and also stopped to see the military display of tanks and guns near Yuma Proving Grounds. Richard told me stories about working on several of the sighting mechanisms for the Howitzers while serving in Vietnam. A few days later we obtained a visitors pass for the base and toured a museum detailing the history of testing at the facility. Almost every morning we can hear them firing guns out in their test range. The booming sounds like a thunderstorm approaching.
Dianna likes to go for walks a lot more than Richard and I do. I try to get into regular hiking but I’m still having some foot pain and wonder if more rest will help it. We have, however, hiked a few times looking for geocaches and that’s always fun. On these nice days it is great to be outside enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.
Today we went to Algodones, Mexico. Richard and Dianna had dentist appointments for checkups and cleaning but ended up having more work done than they were anticipating. Dianna and I walked to the pharmacy to purchase medicine, strolled through a few shops, and stopped for a beverage at one of the outdoor bistros, while Richard sat through a root-canal at the dentist. Can you tell which of us had more fun?
I was a little worried about getting back into the US. I had applied for a passport at the courthouse a few days before and learned I could use the application along with photo ID to legally cross the border. I thought that maybe the border guard would give me more of a check than normal, but I passed right through without any hassle.
In a couple of days we will head back to Mesa. After a short visit with family, we will once again head west toward California. Our general direction will be the same but our paths will diverge. It has been so great spending time with Richard and Dianna. They have helped me with transportation, repairs, supplies, and I can’t tell you how many numerous times they have had me over to eat. Dianna is a wonderful cook!
I know I will miss hanging out with my brother most of all. The times we ride our motorcycles together, work on a project, or just spend time relaxing and watching TV, bring back the memories when we were kids growing up and inseparable. It has been a wonderful trip.
I really enjoyed reading this update. You guys sure have the life! I’d love to be footloose and fancy free, living out of an RV and seeing this beautiful country.
We look forward to seeing you this week for another visit before you head west again. I know then it will be several months before you are back this way, as you have your spring/summer John Muir Trail hike coming up. Drive safe.
I feel kind of funny commenting on your blog when we are sitting only a few feet apart and I can talk to you easier than type. I’ll just say, I agree.
Don’t ever say, or even think, that you are the poorest writer in the family; in fact, I’d say just the opposite! Anyone who can keep me on the Appalachian Trail for five and a half months, waiting anxiously for the next blog, equals any of the famous, celebrated writers I have read. You bring every event to life;I am amazed.
I have to agree with Mom. You have a great style to your writing.
I want to add that I find your blog the most interesting of the family (no offense to my other siblings — yours are good, just not quite as good as Dale’s). Your friendly, casual and sincere voice and your descriptions make the reading fun and easy.
Castaway it is getting about time to head to Damascus for trail days and see some old friends. You had better get back to Georgia it will take about 5 weeks to make the journey. When can I expect you? I will be leaving April 10 or there a bouts . I thought you went out there to see about your mother sounds like you are see the country.