Sun. Jan. 30 - Thurs. Feb. 10

On our last Sunday in Las Vegas, we went once again to the Cannery for a Champagne brunch. It was as bountiful and delicious as before.
Through Sunday night we were awakened a few times by wind which rocked the trailer. We were due to leave for Yuma Mon. morning, but Gary did not want to drive in that wind - understandable! And the forecast was that the winds would continue through Wed. afternoon. So - with all kinds of flexibility - we just stayed put. Tested the Hitchin' Post restaurant for breakfast Mon. and Wed. - wonderful. The temp. plummeted Tues. night - most people (including us) had frozen water hoses Wed. morning. We were able to use the water pump and water in the holding tank until the hose thawed, so no inconvenience there. But, we thought we had lots of propane - and had ordered some to be delivered Wed. afternoon - but woke up to 49 degrees in the trailer Wed. morning. The furnace runs on propane and we ran out. I can pretty well guarantee that won't happen again - we are learning as we go.
Thursday morning dawned sunny and calm, so we hooked up and left Las Vegas. Kind of sorry - it was a great park and we were very happy there. I wouldn't be adverse to going back to Las Vegas in the future - many more shows to see!
The drive on Thursday was through the desert. Miles of straight road ahead of us and miles of barren, tumbleweed-covered land on each side. We didn't see any wildlife, though there were fences on each side similar to the ones we have to keep moose off the road.
We stopped in Needles for fuel. The mechanic remarked that the shocks on the trailer looked worn and suggested we go for lunch while he jacked the trailer up to have a look. Well, not only the shocks but equalizers (???) as well. We could have continued on, but since the trailer was up and partially taken apart, we decided to be safe and have it taken care of right then. Our schedule wasn't that tight anyway. So -$1500 and 3 hours later, we were on our way. We will soon have a new trailer!
We passed through Quartzite about an hour before Yuma. I swear I had no idea that there were so many RV's in one place! I actually don't think there is a house in that community. There were clusters of RV's in some places and then later on we would see one parked way off the road in the middle of nowhere all by itself. Obviously no services - probably no charge, either. Not my idea of camping.
We arrived in Yuma around 4 PM. Marge had been looking for us - we were later than expected. The park here is very nice - different from the last one. There are over 200 sites and many are long-term. The hosts welcomed us with a bright yellow canvas "welcome bag" with a pack of cards, small magnetic white board and marker and local information. Gary got us parked and hooked up, then we went over to have hamburgers with Marge and Jim. It was an early night - the day had tired us out!
Since we have been here the weather has been varied. We have had as low as 70 and as high as 80 so far. Nights are still mid-40s. But glorious sun every day! We shopped at a flea market, patronized the local Wal Mart (can't believe the snowbirds!!!!), had pedicures (both of us!), and shopped the local RV stores for supplies. Marge and I spent an afternoon at the stores, I went to Bingo Tuesday night, and have been in the hot tub and the pool a few times. It really is the life.
We have actually begun the process to leave the fifth wheel here when we come next year. It seems that we are both quite content to leave the snow and cold behind. I honestly cannot believe how quickly our time is passing. We certainly do miss everyone, but are really enjoying this!