Saturday, May 31, 2025

Mike Lynch

 In Loving Memory of Mike Lynch

It is with a sad heart that we share the passing of Mike Lynch on Friday, May 30th, at 5:20 PM. Mike was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. His warmth, strength, and spirit touched many lives, and his memory will live on in our hearts forever.




Friday, May 30, 2025

What's in a Name

What’s in a Name: Friendships, and Future Plans

A journey through memories, maintenance, and the ever-evolving Alfa life


Introduction

Every name carries a story, and every story leaves a mark. In this edition of “What’s in a Name,” we reflect on friendships forged in rally lots, projects finished under the Arizona sun, and plans for what comes next. But first, a little cleanup—literally and figuratively.


Finishing the Job: Venable’s Mini-Split & More

We’ve nearly wrapped up the installation of Venable’s Solar/Grid-Tied Mini-Split. Jeff still has a bit of cleanup to do (the easy part), and a few cables will need trimming later. I'll share some photos near the end of this post.

Along the way, Susan and Linda have been making the most of the season—exploring nearby towns, diving into thrift markets, and laughing all the while. The only thing missing? Garage and yard sales—usually a staple of Yuma life.

And speaking of teamwork…

Jeff and I tackled another project: replacing his city water fill valve. He and Zid hadn’t been able to get the hose off, but with a bit of effort and elbow grease, we had the old one out and a new one installed in just 15 minutes. Other than those two items, we made quick work of the remaining maintenance tasks.


Back to Where It Began: PIR 2012

To understand this next name, we have to go back to 2012, to a GoodSam Rally at the PIR race grounds in Phoenix. Susan and I were preparing for retirement and figured it was time to get our feet wet in the RV world. We arrived in our 2003 Alfa SeeYa, ready to volunteer and explore.

I worked parking and security; Susan helped with incoming rigs. That’s when we saw it—a parade of Alfas, rolling in together. It was a sight to remember. I told Susan, we have to go meet those people. And meet them we did.

That was our first encounter with the Alfa Roadrunners.

We were welcomed instantly—pulled in by one especially bold and unforgettable woman.


The Name is… Lynch

Yes, the name that inspired all of this? It’s Lynch.

If you smiled reading that, you already know. Lorraine and Mike didn’t ease you into friendship— Lorraine, she dropped anchor, handed you an application, and told you where to sign.

Before we had a proper hello, she had already pressed a $10 Roadrunner application into Susan’s hand. That’s just who she was—passionate, no-nonsense, and incredibly warm. Bootsie made sure we weren’t just “RVers,” but Roadrunners—part of a family we didn’t know we needed.

She embodied what this life is all about: community, laughter, and the kind of stories you tell around campfires and rallies for years to come.


Mike, Lorraine & Our Road Ahead

Not far behind in shaping our Alfa life were Mike and Lorraine.

It was Mike who “encouraged” me to become an officer in the Roadrunners. Lorraine sealed the deal by ensuring Susan was fully on board. Their support (and persistence!) played a huge role in our journey.

Even as they transitioned from motorhome to camper to home life, from Casa Grande to Pinetop to Florence, Arizona—they’ve remained close friends and part of our circle.

They’ve also been with us as we start our own transition—from our Yuma lot to Plan B: a Park Model in Yuma, for when we slow down on the road.

Eventually, we’ll shift into Plan C: our 1973 log cabin tucked in the High Country of Show Low, AZ. A quieter season, but still filled with memories waiting to be made.


In Closing

This journey—this life—isn’t measured in miles, rigs, or upgrades. It’s measured in names like Lynch's, friendships like Mike and Lorraine’s, and all the moments in between.

From fixes and fun to future plans, this chapter is one more reminder that RV life isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you meet along the way.


Here to Mike & Lorraine, you will always be a part of our life and in our hearts and prayers. We know the road ahead will be rough, with many decision to be made. 

Remember you will Always,  be a big part of our life and where the road map in our travels.










   

Final Phase with the Venable's






Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus Da Bus


Monday, May 26, 2025

What's in a Name - Bandera TX

A Familiar Face and a Reunion in Bastrop

So far, only one person has guessed the correct answer:

Hank and Ellen Folk, from Bastrop, TX.

We first crossed paths with Hank and Ellen years ago, but our most memorable time together was at the 2019 Alfa Roadrunner and AOC Rally in Fredericksburg, TX. Like many friendships forged on the road, it started with shared stories, laughs, and, of course, discussions about our beloved Alfas and the ongoing improvements we were making to them.

As time rolled on, life shifted—as it always does. They transitioned from a Class A to a Class C RV, adapting to new rhythms and routines. But in 2024, after the Bandera Rally, life brought us back into each other’s orbit. We were in need of an animal eye care specialist for Dakota, which led us to Bastrop for a few nights while we lined up vet appointments in Austin.

Naturally, we reached out to Hank and Ellen to reconnect.

What followed was a heartwarming visit—filled with great conversations about people, Alfas, life, and the adventures we’ve all experienced since our last meeting. The kind of connection that reminds you how special this RV community really is.

The worst thing I forgot, is where did I put the photos of Hank and Ellen.

So, Where Are We Now?

After Bastrop, it was time to head to Bandera, TX, for a visit with the Venables. Even though it was a few miles off our planned route, we couldn’t pass up the chance—it had been nearly six months since we last caught up, and we knew a stop in Bandera would be well worth the detour.



Of course, it had to be hotter than Show Low. And with the added humidity in the air, even Dakota wasn’t interested in her usual morning walks. She definitely misses the cool mornings at the Show Low cabin and those peaceful forest strolls through the pines.

While we're here, we’ve been exploring the area, driving around, and helping out with a few small tasks. I've even been getting my hands dirty—yes, actual work! But it feels good to pitch in, especially when it's for friends who feel more like family.




Of course no photos of me on the roof of the shed completing the installation of the panels.

Stay tune for the next installment and What's in a Name game

 Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus Da Bus


Sunday, May 25, 2025

Let’s continue to play What’s in a Name

Let’s play What’s in a Name! Here’s how it works: I write about someone we met along our travels — and sprinkle in a few Easter Eggs. Your job? See if you can guess who they are… or maybe even if I’m talking about you. Now I may or may not have photos

Our second fuel stop was south of El Paso, TX — at the Petro Truck Stop, where we took on 55 gallons of diesel. Retail price: $197. Thanks to our Open Roads (TSD) card, we paid just $159.




It was 2019. We — along with some good Folks — were on our way to the Alfa Chapters rally in Fredericksburg, TX. The route was full of wonderful sights and unforgettable moments. Just like many of the Folks we travel with and who were coming to the Rally. Along with Richard Mares and Marley, some Folks just seem to hit it off. 

That trip took us along I-10, before we turned north onto NM 80 from Roadforks, NM. Then came a right onto NM 145, then NM 338, and finally onto NM 9.

(P.S. — NM 9 is a 109-mile-long stretch of highway that crosses Hidalgo, Grant, and Luna counties. It’s remote, scenic, and worth every mile.)

One of our stops was Pancho Villa State Park, New Mexico. And here’s where things got interesting — we somehow misplaced our 2015 Ford F-150. That’s a story for another day.





This year, thankfully, has been smoother. We left Las Cruces and headed east on I-10, making our fuel stops and overnight stays as usual.

Our next stop? Sonora, TX — where we stayed at Stadium Park. A quiet place tucked into what looked like an older RV/mobile home park. Full hookups, pull-through sites, and just right for a night or even a restful couple of days. Cost: $40 cash. (Apparently, that rate might change depending on the day or time.)


And of course, we met some nice Folks — including Kevin, who guided us to our site with a friendly wave.

So… did you spot the clues? Recognize any names or places?

Last Clue, we were fortunate to stop in a small tome of Bastrop. Texas and not Louisiana, where we had the chance to get together again and reminisce.   

Let’s keep playing What’s in a Name?

Oops, just a few photos. What can you shoot along the way ? Not much.








Safe Travels and Journeys 
Susan, Tilly, Dakota and Me
DaGirls Rv & Gus the Bus


Thursday, May 22, 2025

Name

 


What's in a Name, But a Game

The Game ? if you spot your Name you have to reply

Our first stop was the Maverick Fuel Station. As you know, we use three different refueling cards:

  • TSD – Open Roads, connected to our bank account

  • Mudflap, connected to a credit card

  • Maverick NITRO Card, also connected to our bank account

Even though Maverick is part of the Open Roads network, we chose to use the NITRO card because it offers a better discount.

One important thing to remember: in Arizona, there's an 8% fuel tax when using high-flow diesel nozzles. In the photo, you can see two pumps. I’m using the low-flow pump — which is not subject to the 8% fuel tax. It might take a few extra minutes to fill up, but that small delay saves us an additional 8% on fuel. $3.07 on Gas Buddy and $3.06 on Open Roads network




Our route took us east on US 60, we have been on this road many times in the pass, but this time, the landscape has been totally change due to the climate. No snow and range for many months.



This time of day you will always see something different along the road up ahead.




All of the vehicles were Unmarked Sherriff  and county law enforcement. At least 6 trucks. The only thing we saw was a female suspect on the side of the road and a mid size car.



Pie Town — Did Someone Say PIE?

It was many years ago when we first came to Pie Town. I originally learned about this quirky little town from a segment on CBS News Sunday Morning. Turns out, Pie Town holds a Pie Festival once a year — how could we resist?

But the pies aren’t the only reason to visit. Our good friends and fellow Alfa Owners, Carla and Terry Noble, live here. Susan and I spent a week visiting them on their beautiful property. Their nearest neighbor? Half a mile away — and there’s no cell phone service out there.

It was peaceful, remote, and filled with great conversation… and yes, plenty of pie.




As we continued our journey east, we crossed over the Continental Divide.
It’s one of those quiet milestones that makes you pause — not because there’s a dramatic marker or a grand monument (though sometimes there is), but because of what it symbolizes. From this point on, all rivers flow eastward, heading to the Atlantic instead of the Pacific.

The landscape around us shifted subtly. The air felt a bit cooler, the sky stretched wider, and the mountains began to roll into plains. It’s a reminder that every journey has its turning points — not just in direction, but in spirit.

We pulled over briefly to take it in. No cell service, no traffic — just us, the road, and the open sky. It’s the kind of moment that sticks with you, even long after the miles have passed.







Our overnight stop? Elks Lodge in Las Cruses, NM.







Ok, did you catch the Game ? What's in a Name ? 

Karla Noble

Terry Noble


Who will be the Next name in the Game


Safe Travels and Journeys 
Susan, tilly, Dakota and me
DaGirls Rv, & Gus Da Bus

Travel Day #15 – On the Road Again

Travel Day #15 – On the Road Again Hard to believe, but it's already Travel Day #15 since we rolled out of Show Low, Arizona . Even mo...