DEMING, NM, TEMPE, AZ, AND VALENCIA, CA

For what seemed like forever we finally caught up with some very nice weather in Deming, NM.  We spent 3 days exploring the area.  We took a drive up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings that were incredible.  The drive there from Deming is 100 miles, 30 of which is a slow drive through the mountains that were full of twists and turns.  We couldn't believe the amount of snow that was on the ground.  The elevation in the area is about 7,000 feet and some areas are shaded.  If nothing else the snow looked pretty from a distance.  When we reached the ranger station we hiked up to the cliff dwellings for a guided tour of the dwellings.  It made for an interesting hike on some slippery portions of the trail that had frozen snow and though they sprinkled some dirt on the trail there were areas that were slippery.

The Dwellings were built around 1276 by the Mogollon Indians.  I would encourage anyone who travels in the area to take the time to visit the dwellings.  Pictures do not do justice.

Our next stop was Tempe, Arizona.  We really enjoyed the area as it is a modern well planned city with lots of parks.  It has several universities and is bike friendly.  With Light Rail available in many areas transportation is convenient.  We stayed at an Elks Lodge that was centrally located and very convenient to the interstate, shopping, and parks.

We continued west to California and spent one night in Indio, CA.  This is an area that is very popular for RV'ers and is near Palm Springs.  It is beautiful, but very expensive.  Sunday morning (Jan. 23) we drove up to Valencia, CA which was our destination for this portion of our travel.  This will be home for the next couple of months as we want to spend time with Andrea's son Adam, his wife Alma and the two little ones Amanda and Aldan.  Valencia is located about 30 miles north east of LA and is considered high desert.  The day time temperatures have been in the low 70's and the nights in the upper 40's to low 50's.  Just perfect.

Monday we took a drive to Ventura Beach which was about a 35 minute drive through the mountains was beautiful.  The mountains here are so different then those found on the east coast of the country.  The drive was well worth it.  The Pacific Ocean is incredible to see.  We found a nice dog friendly park with a marina that was right on the ocean.  Angel just loved it.

Well, that is it for now.  Thank you for following us as we travel.

Miles of smiles,
Charlie, Andrea and Angel.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, FT. STOCKTON, TX and VAN HORN, TX.

I know in an earlier blog that I said I would not complain about the weather.  We hoped to see so many sites in San Antonio that it is famous for.  Andrea and I ventured out to the Alamo and though it is steep in history it was not what I expected.  Perhaps it is because it is so built up around it and the big gift shop right in the middle of it kind of takes away from the image I had in my mind.  River Walk is very impressive, but because of the cold there were very few people out enjoying it.  We had lunch, and then walked along the river.  You have to appreciate what went into planning it many years ago.  After 3 days of nothing but very cold temperatures in San Antonio we left in pursuit of warmer temperatures.

After San Antonio we stopped in Ft. Stockton to rest for the night.  There is not very much going in this little town along I-10.  Many years ago (1990), my brother-in-law Mike, and I stopped there on our way back to Florida from California.  The Pizza Hut restaurant that he and I stopped at is still there.  Believe me it is not much to speak about.

We left Ft. Stockton on Thursday and arrived in Van Horn again just for the night.  We needed to just chill (pardon the pun) a little so we could walk and stretch our joints.  The temperature was not bad (mid 50's).  The camp ground was pretty empty (4 other RV's).  It was really a nice place.

On Saturday we arrived in Deming, NM.  Our initial plan was to stay here for one day.  We like the RV park here and have decided to spend a few days here.  The weather is really great.  Yesterday it was in the 60's during the day.  We were surprised how cold it got last night.  The temp dropped to 29 and the water hose froze.  Fortunately the water tank on board did not freeze so we were able to use the water pump on board.  Tonight I will disconnect the water hose from the coach to avoid this from happening again.

Today we plan on going to a museum here in Deming that we were told was really first class, and tomorrow we plan on going to some Gila cave dwellings near Silver Springs which is about an hour away from here.  The apartment caves were abandoned hundreds of years ago.  It should be interesting to see.  More later.

Miles of smiles,
Charlie, Andrea, and Angel

We are in Houston, Texas

We arrived here on Wednesday after a two day stay in Beaumont, Texas.  We had only planned on staying one day, but felt an extra day was needed so we could do some house keeping chores that were needed after spending 9 days in New Orleans.  Hidden Lake RV Resort in Beaumont was really nice and the staff helpful and friendly.  The drive to Houston was fairly easy until we got into the heart of the city.  Traffic in Houston even at 2 o'clock in the afternoon was quite intense.  All I can say is thank God for GPS's.  We found the Elks Lodge in Stafford, TX with no problem.  They have a really nice set up for traveling Elks in RV's.  They have 10 spaces with full hook up of water, electric and sewer.  Like other lodges we have stopped in along the way the members are very receptive to meeting members from other parts of the country.

Last night we played Bingo and had similar luck as we did at the casino in New Orleans.  Oh well it is for a good cause as the Elks provide lots of support for veterans, and do lots of work with children with medical needs. 

At this point we are thinking of leaving for San Antonio on Sunday, but may stay on for a few more days since the accommodations are so nice here.  Tomorrow we are taking a ride down to Galveston to check out the beaches. 

We found a beautiful park in Sugar Land, TX that is close to the Elks Lodge.  They have a walking trail that runs 2-1/2 miles and we really enjoyed walking it as did Angel.  They also have a reflection pond that was quite serene.  

Until next time, miles of smiles.            
Charlie, Andrea and Angel

HAPPY NEW YEAR - WELCOME 2011

Another year has slipped on by and though 2010 seemed to go by rather quickly when I look back on it Andrea and I enjoyed so many things.  While living in The Villages we enjoyed playing golf, a fun game called Pickle Ball, lots of different card games, joined a bowling league, spent lots of time with my brother Jim and Caren, and made some really good friends (Dian and Ken). 

As much as we enjoyed all of these fun things there was something missing for us.  It dawned on us that we missed traveling.  To us travel is the adventure of discovery.  So with the travel bug in our hearts we decided to sell our home, buy an RV and fulfill our desire for travel and adventure.  Our timing was not the greatest as far as weather is concerned.  We left Florida during a very cold Arctic cold front and the weather for the most part has either been cold or rainy.  In spite of the weather we have really enjoyed ourselves.  We have met some fellow travelers who too are following their desire to explore what our great country has to offer. 

The temperature has warmed up so it is so nice not to have to wear those heavy jackets, gloves and hats, but rain has replace cold.  Hopefully when we get a little further west we will see a change for the better.  At least we are comfortable in the coach no matter what the weather is doing outside.  For that we are thankful.

We leave Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort tomorrow and will be staying at an Elks Lodge just west of here.  We are there for one night then on Monday morning we take Elaine to the airport, hook up the car behind the RV and head for Beaumont, TX for one night, and then onto Houston.

One of the things that New Orleans is famous for is great food.  Sometimes it is at a fancy restaurant and sometimes a diner.  The Camellia Grill is not fancy, but the place is always packed and the food is really good.  Another great place was Pascal's Malale.  Today we are going to Commanders Palace where I have to wear a sports jacket (no jeans) and dress pants.  Oh the things we must do to enjoy a good meal.  What a way to start the year.

Happy New Year.  Until next time, miles of smiles,

Charlie, Andrea, and Angel