Victoria Island British Columiba

The last time we posted, we had just completed a day trip to Seattle, Washington. Since then we completed our look around Sequim, Port Angeles, Chimacum and the surrounding areas.

Looking back, we were just to far away from Seattle to make another foray back into town.

Since then, we have now crossed into Vancouver Island. Our spot for the week is 80 Km north of Victoria City. Quite a hike from our normal location. This means 2.5 hours round trip, and close to 100 miles. So a 6 hour visit into Victoria turns into a 8 to 9 hour journey. Looking back, we should have found a closer spot as we will be putting miles and adding gasoline to the truck. Thinking we were saving a few dollars will cost us more in the end. So, be wise, stay close to town and then move out to another location.

Since we are on Verizon, and in Canada, we have to be careful in our data usage. Unlimited/24 Gigs does not mean the same while we are here. Verizon allocate/limits you if you go over a certain amount each day. So plan ahead. Photos will be little if none until we get back into USA.

I'll see what I can do later.

Our ferry crossing, we disconnected, Susan in truck and me in the Rv. Little strange, but follow the instructions from the parking person and you will be find. Prior to disembarking, look carefully at satellite views of where you are going, check your map and ensure you have desinitation in your GPS. Including your location for connecting back up. We selected May Fair Mall, traffic, was busy, construction on road but in all people were nice about a big rig on the road.

Our location? Well this is a camping spot and not a destination. Families and long term people come here. Heavily treed, no satellite, fee for Dakota & Tilly. As stated earlier 78 Km from Victoria City, 10 Km to nearest small town (Chemainus), and 24 Km to a bigger town (Duncan). So plan carefully.

I will catch up with what we have been doing and seeing later.

In the mean time

Safe Travels & Journeys
From
DaGirls AKA Dakota & Tilly
Susan & dale

Packing Day - Day 6 and counting down

So, here it is Saturday, last day/night at the Cochiti COE.

Friday night was spent breaking bread & wine with Jeff and Linda.We also met our neighbors Jan & Bill. They will be attending the AIBF with the SKP's Boomers Group.

I also like to tell you a very liitle bit about my new toys:
First is my Endoscope Wireless Camera - LINK PRESS HERE .

Mine happens to be 15 Ft, the image is clean and bright, just the right size to get into host hard to reach places, not suitable for turbine engines, but, reaching behind the back of the radiator system?   Yes sir, can't wait to try this baby out.

My next toy, was shown to me by Tom, he purchased this little gizmo in Jan. So far very pleased with it. I have read the reviews and watch a video.

Spent a few minutes setting it up based on our current position. I also have it link to both or our phones. We will be trying it out, when we move to Enchanted Trails RV Resort on Sunday.

One of the important things to remember:

Maximizing your battery life:

In order to understand how to maximize the battery life of your LevelMatePRO, you will need some basic understanding of how the device works.  In simple terms the LevelMatePRO is always in one of two states, either in a “sleep” state or an “awake” state.  When the device is in a sleep state it is using an extremely small amount of battery current and is not able to be connected to by your smartphone or tablet.  When the device is in the awake state it is using a much larger amount of battery current and is able to be connected to by your smartphone or tablet.  So where battery life is concerned the more you can keep the device in the sleep state the longer your battery life will be.

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The other important thing to understand about the LevelMatePRO is how it switches from the sleep state to the awake state and vice versa.  The device is designed to switch from the sleep state to the awake state when it detects motion.  So when you arrive at your camping location the unit will be in the awake state and will be connectable to your smartphone or tablet for use of the system.  Lack of motion switches the device from the awake state to the sleep state after a certain number of hours that is defined by the user through the LevelMatePRO app.

On Thursday we traveled to Albuquerque, for some supplies and other items. 2 of those items were 2 new 6 Vdc deep cycle batteries. Costco, here has Interstate Batteries for $84. A far cry from the $135 I was quoted in Arizona. Now all I need is 2 old batteries as core return.

This now brings my storage up to 880 Amps. I completed the installation in less than a hour. Next week I will redo some of the cables, to make a cleaner look overall. Can't wait to try them out with the solar, that is if the sun decides to come back out soon.

Sun Slowly Rising Up in the Distance

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys
http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

Day 8, and counting

Well, here it is Thursday, we spent Wednesday inside as the rain came along with cool weather. Today however we are on Albuquerque, picking up supplies and packets
So will keep this short. Today turned out to be a warm one.
So we will stay long enough to do the dirty deed and get home.
Dakota is hoping for dog park and of course DQ. So we are in search of places.

Tent Rocks Hike - Day 9 and Counting Down

We decided to make the most of Tuesday, as news was rain on Wed. and Thur. I have been looking for a good hiking trail and settle in on the Tent Rocks Hike. A gentleman we met over in the Pillar area, recommend this hike.

It is really 2 hikes in one, but you can do either.

We invited Jeff and Linda to join us, and along the way we met up with Peter.

Jeff, Linda, Peter, Susan & I.

The total distance is 3 miles round trip with an increase of elevation of 700 Ft. As you hike you will be taken through a slot canyon, with HooDoos, trees, sandy trails and switch back. The hike is listed as easy to moderate. 

The trail is easy to follow, however there are a few places where you are required to step up over 2 ft. So, people with knee problem, take it easy and coming down, sit down and slide off. 

Once we were back, it was in search of dinner. I settle in on Lupitas valley cafe - Press Here. Tom and Diane recommend Lupitas during their stay here. Lupitas is a converted home for the Nuns of "Our Lady of Guadalupe Church".

It is strange being in a very small town and yet, here is a restaurant, serving excellent food. No alcohol, but, it might be possible to bring your own bottle of wine. Call ahead to verify or just leave it in the car and ask.

Anyway, back to the Hike, the day started a little cloudy and windy, but once in the canyon, it became a little warm. I need to remind everyone, bring water, and snacks. 

The hiking is in a National Park System - No PETS allowed - and please do not leave in your car.

Links to Photos of our Hike - Press Here 

  

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys
http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

10 Days and Counting Down to AIBF

Alright we landed at CoChiti Lake, NM., in a COE CG. We are in the West side and the older section. Since we have been here, we made a run to Bernalillo, NM., for supplies, Dakota and Tilly came along to check out the Pet Store. Sorry no DQ this time.

We have made numerous walks to the boat ramp area, Dakota, has learned to run and jump in the water from the dock. Where she learns this stuff, I'll never know. She has been lizard hunting around the Rv. Found a hole big enough to put her head in. Susan covered that up real fast.

I spent time cleaning the outside of the Truck, by hand (spray bottle and rags), and then spent time waxing it.

On one of our walks I came across a centipede and a millipede, cool. Then on Sunday I came across a new pet. I did ask Susan if I could keep it, that is if it wanted to come home with me.

Well it didn't, so I let it continue its journey.

Tom and Diane stopped by, as there were on the east side, they have since moved onto the KOA east of Santa Fe.

Jeff and Linda, arrived yesterday afternoon, from Farmington, NM. We got together for dinner and stories.

I always keep our maps updated as to where we have traveled and places we have seen. The map is located on the right, all you need to do is click on it to enlarge.

Here is a small recap of the map:

If you have not clicked on the map to the left, then you are missing photos of the areas we have been to.

WooHoo, I finished my navigator training video yesterday.

Last Word - Get Out there and have Fun

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys
http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

Wrapping Up Here at the Royal Gorge CG - 13 days and counting

As full timers, we have learn to be patience. And the pass week was no difference, as road construction was on the highway. So, you can see by the photos what some of our time went to:

During our time at the CG, we came across this object paying next to a electrical box:

On the back was the words, if you find this you can keep or re-hide. All they asked is you post on Facebook under "    ".


One of the places we found was a drum factory and store:

The drum on it side was made for Mick Fleetwood for concerts, however he has never picked it up. So it remains at the store.

I thought this photo was neat at the clouds show a mountain.

We also made the journey to Los Alamos for the day. Needless to say, many people have been there, so there was no need to capture photos. But i will say, we found a Paw Friendly Pub, where we enjoyed chicken tacos and a beer on the patio.

The final trip was the enchanted circle. One place we stopped allowed a short hike in the Carson National Forest.

One of the last stops of the day was the town of Eagle Nest: Susan and I both agreed, this would make a great place for a fall rally. Prices were great, fishing awesome, hiking in the NF and just plane quiet place for a few people. Best route in, would be from Raton, NM. 

Eagle Nest

This week, PBS has been showing a 10 part series on Vietnam. I have seen most every show on Vietnam, and try to understand the WHY?

The 2 photos came for the Vietnam Memorial located in Angel Fire:

For additional reading Press HERE

 The last photo I cannot really describe. Put if you click on the photo, notice the bracelets on the top shelf, left side. Total number is 7, these are the MIA's that have been returned, compared to the ones still missing that were from the area.

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys
http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

Santa Fe, NM - Day 24 and Counting

We arrived around 10:30 in Santa Fe. This was after stopping off at a Campground and refueling our propane tank. Let me warn you, when doing this take a close look and do not trust anyone. We were directed around  and got almost in too tight, only to find out the refueling was on our passenger side.

Anyway, to high of price, places charge prices for a free by-product from making gas. Propane was a product that they would burn off. RIP-OFF.

Anyway, we are staying at the Elks Lodge, along with 2 other Rv's. Folks, if you stay at a lodge, DONATE something to these lodges. As some are in dire straights and need all the help they can get. DON"T LEAVE without GIVING SOMETHING.

Remember the creed of the brotherhood.

Off of the rants.

We managed to reach John Kurz and ended up having dinner along with Jennifer and a visiting guest. Lovely time was had by all.

No photos this time around.

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys
http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

On DaRoad to AIBF–27 and Counting

Our second night here in Tucumcari,and what do we find?
An Elks Lodge, yes, you read it, with 8 Rv sites. Free for Dry Camping, $15 for electric & water 1st night with 2nd night free. Ends are 50 amp, centers 30 amp.  That’ll teach us, not to look first, $15 Vs $56. What a difference. And being an Elks lodge, lot’s of friendly people. Well, next time and there will be a next time, we’ll stay there. Lodge has a pool, sauna and 1/2 court basketball court, too.

We have visited 4 museums in the area, each one is unique and wonderful:

Tucumcari Historic

New Mexico Route 66 Museum

The day before our visit they received the new piece below for the floor:

Can you guess what Year and Model it is?

Dinosaur Museum

Photos were on yesterday's Blog

Railroad Museum.
This is a new museum, only 3 years old, they are still under development. I still recommend a stop here. 


Susan wanted a new hair perm:

We also spent time driving and walking in town. We did manage to snap a few photos of uniques items we spied:

Tomorrow or would that be today? We head to Las Vegas, NM., and stay at the Elks Lodge there. Susan does not really like going someplace without a place to stay. So, I believe she has us booked out for the next 5 to 9 days? I’ll see and read about it on her calendar schedule.

So, what can I leave you with? First, Slow Down, Relax, Stop in Small towns and walk around and talk to the locals. It is amazing the things we have learned since we have started doing this. 

Ok, now that I got that out of my system: 

More photos for Susan's Photo Collage Wall, in the reading room.
So, really what can I leave for you?

Susan:   Ha, Ha, Ha - love that.....

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeyshttp://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song