Feb 20, 2013 - weather

A large storm moved down the Pacific coast from Alaska. We watched the LA forecast intently, wondering what it meant for us in the Inland Empire. Although southern CA weather is not as interesting as ours at home, the forecast is quite complex since there are so many micro regions. The coast gets one forecast: the mountains get another; the flat interior is usually warmer and drier and where we are in gently rolling hills had another forecast. As new arrivals, we're not familiar with the regional terminology. There was great forecaster...

Feb 18, 2013 - on the wine trail

The rolling hills covered with well draining soil and long hot sunshine days make the Temecula area an ideal spot for making wine. Napa and Sonoma valleys are far better known as producers of California wine and are much bigger; the vineyard loop here is less than a twenty mile drive. Even so, we only made it to three of the forty wineries and one of them was a stop for lunch. We had forgotten that today was a holiday and were surprised to have so much company as we sniffed , swirled, and sipped. Many of our fellow tasters arrived on tours....

Feb 16, 2013 - food heaven

Bob and Lynda took us downtown to the bigger city of Temecula. The road there curved and wound through some lovely scenery. Every time I should have kept my eye on the road, it was drawn to some rusty looking outdoor art depicting western icons. The series of horses which appeared to be jumping over the road were especially nice. Our primary goal was a farmer's market, but there were numerous other opportunities for fine food experiences. The market was large and also sold nice handicrafts. The younger, more acquisitive me could have done...

Jan 26, 2013 - It Always Rains In Southern California!

I'm begining to feel like that Pigpen character from the Charley Brown comic strip that always had a cloud hanging around his head! I still haven't seen much of the sun in California although I did see a patch of blue sky briefly today! I arrived in Temecula yesterday afternoon (Friday) and had a great dinner and reunion with Mike and Mona at their place. We'll try and repeat that tonight. Tomorrow I'll try and find the sun in Arizona and start my trip east. Cheers.

Feb 26, 2012 - Travel Plan

Presently at CRA Emerald Cove, Earp, CA March 5 Travel to SKP Resort, Aguanga, CA April 9 Travel to Alfateers for maintenance and etc. April 13 Travel to TTN Turtle Beach April 15 Travel to Lodi, CA @ SKP Rally April 19 Travel to TTN Lake Minden for family and medical

Feb 8, 2012 - Day 5 (Feburary 8th, 2012)

We are home!!! Today's driving went by really fast, so when we passed the gigantic outlet mall on the way back, I couldn't resist. :) There was snow on the mountains! I am so happy to be home, and I can not wait till tomorrow when Travis gets home! Lexi has been walking around the house and picking up random stuff and acting like really excited. She remembers all of her toys, I guess she missed them! :) Good night everyone!

Feb 6, 2012 - A hike and a superbowl

Ground Hog day was a few days ago and Nancy and I were inspired by the “if he sees his shadow” thing. So we decided to invent our own result. We stepped outside, saw our shadows, and decided to stay in Arizona for an additional week. Not sure if this will become a national event but it’ll work for us. So for now we don't plan to leave until the second week of April. A few days ago we noticed that when someone vacates a camp site, a crew of two swoops in, cleans up anything left behind, and one of them runs a 2 foot wide rake across the...

Feb 5, 2012 - Touristas

Our first few days here have been more settling in than rambling about. We have explored this wonderful county park were are staying in, found out where we can do needed shopping (including Costco), and of course the Laundromat since the clothes just won’t clean themselves. We have tried to sit quietly and watch for critters and have been rewarded for our patience with little Antelope Squirrels, desert cottontail rabbit, a few lizards, and even a curious coyote who just sniffed the front of the car a Chabago, stopped by our BBQ then off...

Feb 2, 2012 - Arizona Usery Mtn Park

Just a quick update. Our drive from Temecula to Apache Junction was as smooth as can be. With nothing but straight road and a few hills we made good time and arrived just before sunset last night. I hustled to get everything hooked up outside and Nancy took care of everything inside. The sunset was beautiful but since I was 'making camp' I took no pictures. We opted for something simple and I BBQed what Nancy calls "Michael burgers". Its just a burger, with cheddar on a toasted english muffin. Simple but a nice reward at the end of the...

Jan 30, 2012 - Thanks Temecula

Sometimes 3 is better than 2 and staying in this little campground in Temecula 3 nights seems to be a very good thing. We have had a chance to explore a little, shop a little, and today we went to a local winery. It has been a little chilly at night and around 70 each day with plenty of sunshine. Nice. We have noticed lots of animals here that are naturally different that what we seen at home. The Squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs seem very healthy and based on the number of falcons and hawks we have seen I would say there is a good...

Jan 30, 2012 - Temecula! What's a Temecula?

We have discovered that there are an abundance of RV parks to choose from, most offering a pleasant picture an a web page or in print and the promise of a restful experience. When you see their location, many right next to the highway, you learn quickly to ignore what they say and look for reviews by other RVers. And so it was with the San Lorenzo County Park - good reviews and a very nice place to spend two days. We spent our down day sitting out in the warm air, taking a walk, listened to the call of owls in the morning and at dusk,...

Sep 10, 2011 - Lake Skinner and a wedding in wine country.

Over the weekend we stayed again at Lake Skinner, ran into our former next door neighbors Max and Kathy who were camping with a girl I used to work with,Lori. It was fun seeing them and catching up on all the news. We went to a wedding at Longshadow Ranch winery to see Shana and Brent exchange vows. We have known Shana since before she was born. Her parents were also former neighbors. We have been friends with her parents forever. It was good to see old freinds again.