Home - Base

Yes we have a home base now. We reported on this last year on the SKP Co-Op lot we picked up.

We returned here to do minor repair and of course laundry. I believe Susan did 9 loads of wash. We were invited over (including Dakota & Tilly), to Mike, Lorraine place, along with Jim and Dorothy for dinner and drinks. Mike did an excellent job on the steaks, along with the salad Susan made.

With good friends, puppies by our side, life is good.

While here I made a repair to our roadmaster guardian rock shield. The driver's side mounting bracket is made from a casting, once it breaks, you cannot weld it, however, me being me, I made a new bracket, drilled, bolted it back in place. Life is good again.

Today, Thursday, we will be heading out to Gila Bend for a overnight stay and then on to Puerto Penasco, Mx., for a 2 week downtime on the beach.

Dale

08 Gold #4695, DaGirls Rv Travels

Aka Dakota & Tilly

Safe Travels and Journeys

http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/

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

On DaRoad to AIBF–26 Days and Counting

We got on the road around 7:24 am, on Sat. morning. We had disconnected water and sewer the night before, and cleaned up around the area. In the morning all we needed to do was, connect the truck, electric, and remove the leveling blocks. 

As we were leaving, Susan, Tilly and Dakota were watching the road for me, ensuring I did not make a wrong turn:

We arrived at the Elks Lodge around 10:30 am. just in time for this:

Poker run around town and up to a lake north of town. As we were walking, we met and talked to a few of the people going on the run. We were invited back, to join in with the dinner and fun, but did not quite make it in time. 

After settling in – we drove over to a Farmers market we saw coming in:

Once back, and stopping at a DQ, Yes Dakota, we know, a DQ a Day Keeps the Beast a Happy Dog..

Once back at the Rv, we parked, setup and relax for a few minutes, then it was off again. 

We had chance upon a Fire Department setup at a park downtown, we were informed Hamburgers were being served around 12:30.

This time it was 5 miles out of town, to take a look at Storrie Lake State park.

As state parks go, this one have reservation sites, dry-camping sites, and a few walk in sites.

Rates are from $8 to $14, very easy and nice spots.


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

On DaRoad to AIBF–Day 28 and Counting

We have landed in the "Land of Enchantment", New Mexico, Tucumcari to be exact. One of the things we did entering Tucumcari, was have the oil changed out on the Beast. I did not realized, that this beast takes 7 gallons of oil. You heard correctly 7 gallons. On Wednesday, I noticed a Boss Shop on Hwy I-40, using Google maps. So I called ahead and talked to David, he explained the shop is open till 11 pm, does oil till 10 pm.

We left Liberal, Ks in the morning and the second stop of the morning was Boss Shop. Total out the door - $205. So the Beast is running on fresh lubrication. Yippee, I didn't have to do it. You may ask what was the first stop? Diesel at $2.399 / gallon. Susan whipped in and we took on 45 gallons for about $110.

Dalhart, Texas - First Real City in the Great State 

Entering into New Mexico 

But what is on the horizon ? 

But not to worry, it's a dry heat.

We have landed, where you asked ?

A placed called Cactus Rv, right on Route 66 .You can read about Cactus:

HERE 

One of the first items of the day, walk Dakota and Tilly, both were very good for today's drive, so they deserved a long walk outside in the 85 degree weather. 

Next we walked down to 2 of the museums. We were told only 2 blocks - Susan got her 10,000 steps in. 

The first museum: Mike can you Guess?

I believe by the photos you can tell what type of museum this one is.

The second Museum is called Tucumcari Historic Museum, we arrived with only 30 minutes left before closing. They explained there are 5 buildings and would take longer. But, they said come on back tomorrow to see the rest, no additional charge. We started with the main house and only did the first 2 floors. 

For dinner, we went to the local Western Tack store, where they have a BBQ in the back, we met Jimmie as he was closing up, but would not turn us away. We ended up spending a little more than we wanted. 

Susan and I both agreed, WHERE IS ANDY'S BBQ? Yep, we have been really spoiled by Andy and his BBQ skills. The BBQ was good, but not like Andy's. The beans did not have much flavor, the potato salad was definitely the best and the homemade bread good. 

Dakota is missing Mr. Andy, she wants to know why we could not bring him along as a playmate/toy.

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeys http://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/

You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

Journey Continues

Just to remind you, we landed in Friend Ne at the Derr Family farm. We spent the weekend with the family at Bluestem Recreation area.

We arrived to do some repairs but mainly to make some additional mods to the Rv.

First on Susan's list: complete the drawer fronts in the bedroom (an addition Dwight built this spring), with stain and finish.

Next on the list, remodel the bathroom sinks, install a new one and clean and install 1/4 turn cut off valves in the other one.

 Start of the Project

Removed the sink, make and layout a template, and start cutting.

Layout looks good and before you know it ?

I also want to state, when using a sink made in Mexico, it is a little more challenging then using a standard sink. So, if you choose to go our way, you have to be creative and seek some different tools and not be afraid to break the sink so to say and start all over with something different.

As we continue to make a few improvements, I also reworked the water closet, it just seem wrong to have a sewer hose at an angle when connecting to the valve. So, after I saw what Dwight did, I then decided to make even a bigger change to my sewer connections.

 Using a vibrator tool and a piece of plastic I moved the access cover to a new location.

I then bought a 3.5 rubber coupling and cut a section of the APS out to center my down spot.

Along the way, Steve and Winnie Howland stopped by. We heard their tale of issues:  when his tow bar broke and hit their exhaust pipe and caused the heat to escape and damage all the wiring.  While here,  we got his generator up and running and had a good time sharing stories including Wonder Woman and Geezers in the Corn.

And of course Wonder Woman made an appearance (posing as Steve).

Susan, then saw a post from Ray and CeAnne that they were heading to Rapid City, but she got them to divert to Friend. So, while they are here we are going thru and helping Ray out on a few items.

Our next adventure was to Friend for the Friend Hot Dog and Champagne Eclipse Event:

Susan was able to capture this shot thru a telescope.

Safe Travels and Journeys

From DaGirls, Dakota and Tilly

Continuing the Journey

So, after we left Sac City, Iowa, we continued our journey west. West you say exactly were?

Plan, Yankon, South Dakota, for Susan to renew her driver's licence. Plan, stay 1 night, get up early and be #1 in line. Me go to Walmart and await the conquering heroine. Expected time to achieve this and get on the road, hum 1 hour. When did we finally leave 4 pm, Unexpected problem ? yes, 1 broken phone, many calls later and an additional $30, she was doing the happy dance.

Our final destination for the day? Bluestem Recreation area (link). Our plan, connect up with our friends from Friend, Nebraska. Tisdales's & Derr's. We arrived tired, cranky and in need of a rest. The trip was not without a few headaches which, we will leave for a later date. But arrive we did, got setup, relax and let the crazy dog run free for a while to settle down.

The highlight of the weekend, was Andy's mouth watering ribs, along with the potatoes and sweet corn. Good time was held by all around us.

Photos, well, not many in fact very few, this time around:

This is primitive camping, so solar or a generator is needed.

One of the most exciting thing that happen? When Kim, opened a compartment door on the camper, out pop Tigger the cat. Susan and I took Tigger home on Friday, as her replacement phone, had just been delivered.

Sunday was a day of packing and heading out to the Derr's family farm. Upon arrival, we released the beast. The next few hours was filled with a dark chocolate lab, running here and their checking everything our. Including the garden, many times over.

Anyway, we are here for awhile to make some changes to the Rv. The Derr's farm has room for 5 Rv's including water and 50 amp electric. So, if coming thru Friend, give a shout to Sharon and Dwight, if they are here, Alfa owners are always welcome.

Safe Journeys and Travel Adventures
DaGirls Rv Dakota and Tilly