Next time we're in Palm Springs, remember to bring: (1) golf clubs, and (2) the Jeep.
Our maiden voyage to Palm Springs is winding down. Tomorrow, we're hitting the road early and heading north. Bummer.
Our last full day in the Coachella Valley was sunny and warm. We put the top down on the Mustang and headed out to the desert for some geocaching. We'll post details of our trip at Bullwinkle's Place when we have a chance. It was a great outing in a cache-rich land. Had we had our jeep, though, we could've easily collected many more and had gobs more fun. Already we're planning a day of caching down here with Rocky as soon as we can. It'll be great fun.
The other must do the next time we venture this way is to pack our golf clubs. We're not big golfers, mind you. But, we do own clubs. Once upon a time - long ago and far away - we golfed just about every week. One of us liked it more than the other. (One of us had lofty aspirations to join the LPGA once upon a time.) Our interest in the game has faded since moving to the Bay Area. But, being here in the sun and warm winter temps with about a billion golf courses within a short drive, it could be easy to be bitten once again by the golfing bug.
Next time!
Gratitude
As we relax after a very tasty holiday meal, we've been reflecting on all that we are thankful for. There is so much, indeed. We are truly blessed.
On this, our first mobile Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the many blessings we've experienced along the road this year. We were blessed with a picture perfect rookie rental trip in April that got us hooked on this whole idea of RVing. We're grateful that we found a perfect coach for now while we shopped for one for the future. We're so thankful for meeting a very friendly group of Winnebago owners on the very first night of our successful maiden voyage in Bullwinkle -- and their kind invitation to become members of their group. We've been blessed with many safe, happy and trouble-free miles and wonderful opportunities to spend time exploring our country, and look forward to lots more in the future. We're grateful for this collection of experiences that inspire us to pursue our new dream of doing this fulltime for awhile in the not too distant future.
Most of all, we are thankful for the friends we've met so far along the way. Whether we've met on the road or online, we are so grateful to know you. Thank you for sharing your company, expertise, inspiration, food and wine. We wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Thank you.
On this, our first mobile Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the many blessings we've experienced along the road this year. We were blessed with a picture perfect rookie rental trip in April that got us hooked on this whole idea of RVing. We're grateful that we found a perfect coach for now while we shopped for one for the future. We're so thankful for meeting a very friendly group of Winnebago owners on the very first night of our successful maiden voyage in Bullwinkle -- and their kind invitation to become members of their group. We've been blessed with many safe, happy and trouble-free miles and wonderful opportunities to spend time exploring our country, and look forward to lots more in the future. We're grateful for this collection of experiences that inspire us to pursue our new dream of doing this fulltime for awhile in the not too distant future.
Most of all, we are thankful for the friends we've met so far along the way. Whether we've met on the road or online, we are so grateful to know you. Thank you for sharing your company, expertise, inspiration, food and wine. We wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Thank you.
Having Wheels
We've said before we're ready to get setup for towing. Today, we really are.
We took the Mustang out for a day trip. Details on Bullwinkle's Travels.
Besides giving us a chance to see some amazing sights, the best thing about having wheels was that we got to "come home". After being away for five hours or so, we parked next to Bullwinkle and opened the door to our coach. We gave the same kind of greeting to our kitties that we do when we arrive home after a long day of work.
And, with that, we were home.
True, having wheels lets us get out and explore. And, that's great. Much more importantly, it makes this 32-foot moose feel like a place to call home.
And, that's a really good thing.
We took the Mustang out for a day trip. Details on Bullwinkle's Travels.
Besides giving us a chance to see some amazing sights, the best thing about having wheels was that we got to "come home". After being away for five hours or so, we parked next to Bullwinkle and opened the door to our coach. We gave the same kind of greeting to our kitties that we do when we arrive home after a long day of work.
And, with that, we were home.
True, having wheels lets us get out and explore. And, that's great. Much more importantly, it makes this 32-foot moose feel like a place to call home.
And, that's a really good thing.
A Day of Rest
Greetings from the Shadow Hills RV Resort in Indio, CA. Recommended by readers Gordon and Juanita, we've arrived at a mighty fine site to spend a holiday week. With palm trees, blue skies, purple hills on the horizon and (did we mention?) temps in the low 80s, this is our little slice of paradise. (Thanks, guys!) Boris gets a big kick out of the fact that we're "camped" in a "gated" RV park.
After spending two days on the road, we've spent the last day doing almost nothing. Sightseeing starts tomorrow, but today we're kickin' back. Everybody, including the furry creatures, needed a break. The cats were glad to see their carriers head for the basement. They slept very little on the way here, so sleeping was the primary order of business for them today. They've done it well and we just followed their lead!
Just after I drifted off very early last night, Boris couldn't find our boy kitty, who has a history of playing hide-n-seek in the RV. I was up and out of bed on a wave of panic. We checked the scene of his first escape and, much to our relief, found all was secure. He had to be somewhere and he was: under the sofa. He had slipped down between the back and the wall and was resting comfortably underneath. Thankfully, all it took was a quick lift of the seat to free the beast. He's made his way back there several times since, which is fine with us. It's a nice, comfortable, quiet place to be.
We can appreciate that.
After spending two days on the road, we've spent the last day doing almost nothing. Sightseeing starts tomorrow, but today we're kickin' back. Everybody, including the furry creatures, needed a break. The cats were glad to see their carriers head for the basement. They slept very little on the way here, so sleeping was the primary order of business for them today. They've done it well and we just followed their lead!
Just after I drifted off very early last night, Boris couldn't find our boy kitty, who has a history of playing hide-n-seek in the RV. I was up and out of bed on a wave of panic. We checked the scene of his first escape and, much to our relief, found all was secure. He had to be somewhere and he was: under the sofa. He had slipped down between the back and the wall and was resting comfortably underneath. Thankfully, all it took was a quick lift of the seat to free the beast. He's made his way back there several times since, which is fine with us. It's a nice, comfortable, quiet place to be.
We can appreciate that.
What The Heck Do They Know?
It's Thanksgiving trip eve at our house. So, lots of activity, of course. Boris made a trip to the moose tonight to drop off a few things and lessen our load for tomorrow. We are definitely just about ready to go.
The most interesting observation around our house tonight is our cats. They are wound up! Running to and fro they have definitely let us know they are excited. And, they make us wonder, what do they know?
They've been through a drill that looks something like this twice now: mom and dad are in a really good mood, organizing things here and there, asking them from time to time "Are you kitties ready to go?" We're thinking they might have a sense of what's to come tomorrow.
Or maybe not.
After all, they are cats.
We'll keep you posted.
The most interesting observation around our house tonight is our cats. They are wound up! Running to and fro they have definitely let us know they are excited. And, they make us wonder, what do they know?
They've been through a drill that looks something like this twice now: mom and dad are in a really good mood, organizing things here and there, asking them from time to time "Are you kitties ready to go?" We're thinking they might have a sense of what's to come tomorrow.
Or maybe not.
After all, they are cats.
We'll keep you posted.
Kindling
Just an ordinary Wednesday...except that the day marks the anniversary of my arrival on the planet. I tried to make the day as low key as possible, but my co-workers had a different idea. There were bouquets of flowers and lots of decadent cake. Very nice.
Really, the only reason I decided to write about my birthday was to tell you about what Boris gave me. He ordered it weeks ago and was disappointed that it was backordered and wasn't going to show up for another week or so. But, turns out it showed up today. Perfect timing!
His gift was a Kindle by amazon.com. And, it's the answer to this book-loving future fulltimer's prayer. It's an amazing gadget. It holds up to 200 books, and much more with a memory card installed. I absolutely love it. I've already downloaded a few samples of some titles I've been wanting to read.
And, what makes it perfect for fulltiming? This little wonder weighs just 10.3 ounces.
200+ books weighing in at less than a pound? Perfect!
Thanks, Boris!!!
Really, the only reason I decided to write about my birthday was to tell you about what Boris gave me. He ordered it weeks ago and was disappointed that it was backordered and wasn't going to show up for another week or so. But, turns out it showed up today. Perfect timing!
His gift was a Kindle by amazon.com. And, it's the answer to this book-loving future fulltimer's prayer. It's an amazing gadget. It holds up to 200 books, and much more with a memory card installed. I absolutely love it. I've already downloaded a few samples of some titles I've been wanting to read.
And, what makes it perfect for fulltiming? This little wonder weighs just 10.3 ounces.
200+ books weighing in at less than a pound? Perfect!
Thanks, Boris!!!
Joined
We wrestled for awhile about what clubs we should join. Finally, after careful consideration, we've made our move.
Effective today, we are proud (and very newbie) members of the Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club (WIT) and the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).
We had to join the former in order to officially join our new friends The Chardonnay Travelers. (They are a Bay Area chapter of WIT). And, we wanted to join the later so we can hook up with our friends who drive the busses -- the GEMs, who are a chapter of FMCA.
Today, we're feeling VERY official. Now, we're MEMBERS.
Effective today, we are proud (and very newbie) members of the Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club (WIT) and the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).
We had to join the former in order to officially join our new friends The Chardonnay Travelers. (They are a Bay Area chapter of WIT). And, we wanted to join the later so we can hook up with our friends who drive the busses -- the GEMs, who are a chapter of FMCA.
Today, we're feeling VERY official. Now, we're MEMBERS.
Weekend Update
Tales of our weekend in the central valley can be found at Bullwinkle's Place. Lots of fun was had by all. And, it's official: We joined a club.
Also of note, we notice lots of RVs on the road today. Of course, that meant we got to play many enthusiastic rounds of Whats'at? But, more importantly, we were encouraged by the encouraging number of cohorts we saw along our way. We don't know, but that has to be some kind of good news, doesn't it?
Home again on a Sunday evening, we are a bit melancholy. But, this week things are different. We're off again on Friday morning. This time, for nine days.
We can't wait!
Also of note, we notice lots of RVs on the road today. Of course, that meant we got to play many enthusiastic rounds of Whats'at? But, more importantly, we were encouraged by the encouraging number of cohorts we saw along our way. We don't know, but that has to be some kind of good news, doesn't it?
Home again on a Sunday evening, we are a bit melancholy. But, this week things are different. We're off again on Friday morning. This time, for nine days.
We can't wait!
Fighting Flies
Wanna know what happens when you're RVing in Central California on a warm November afternoon, decide to host an open house and have the door to your rig wide open for an hour or so?
You get flies. Lots of them.
Today we've taken turns with the swatter and taken aim on the seemingly zillions of flies that have taken up residence in our rig. It's a nice place, we know. But, these critters are not welcome.
Boris has made a game of it. "My goal is to get three before I take a shower," he declared with swatter in hand. Moments later he headed off to the shower a proud overachiever. "I got four!" he exclaimed.
We've made a significant dent in the number of flying pests around our rolling home. But, I can see a couple of those darn things sitting in the sun right now.
Gotta go.
You get flies. Lots of them.
Today we've taken turns with the swatter and taken aim on the seemingly zillions of flies that have taken up residence in our rig. It's a nice place, we know. But, these critters are not welcome.
Boris has made a game of it. "My goal is to get three before I take a shower," he declared with swatter in hand. Moments later he headed off to the shower a proud overachiever. "I got four!" he exclaimed.
We've made a significant dent in the number of flying pests around our rolling home. But, I can see a couple of those darn things sitting in the sun right now.
Gotta go.
Open House
We're enjoying our second of three nights in our home away from home. This weekend we're at the San Luis RV Resort in Santa Nella, CA. It's an old park, built years ago to house federal workers in mobile homes while they constructed the nearby reservoir. For most, it's a spot for a quick overnight on I-5. For us, it's a fun weekend with a group of Winnebago enthusiasts we met on our first night as newbie RV owners.
We've joined the Chardonnay Travelers here as part of their Thanksgiving celebration rally. There are 18 or so rigs here filled with absolutely lovely people who know how to have a good time. Already, we've enjoyed good food, wine and lots of laughs. It's a really great group.
Today started with an extra hearty hot breakfast served up by the cheerful wagonmasters. By midday, there were plans coming together to enjoy lunch at a legendary pea soup restaurant a few miles up the road. Boris and I decided to board our bikes and pedal for our rich, creamy lunch. We pedaled four miles or so on a state highway buzzing with speeding cars, 18-wheelers and RVs. That was an adventure! The only thing worse was we made the return trip with our tummies filled with hearty rich soup!
As early afternoon began to turn late, we decided to host an impromptu open house to introduce the members of this fine group to Bullwinkle. With several bottles of chilled sparkling wine and a tray of hot appetizers, we welcomed the group for an early happy hour to celebrate our new motorhome. It was a truly wonderful party. There's nothing like sharing your motorhome with other motorhome owners. Natasha snapped a few pictures while Boris kept the bubbles flowing. We'll get them posted at Bullwinkle's place ASAP.
Our party was followed by a hearty dinner filled with good food, wine and lots of laughter. Now, we're chillin' in our hospitable motorhome, ready for a good night's rest.
Buenas Noches from Santa Nella!
We've joined the Chardonnay Travelers here as part of their Thanksgiving celebration rally. There are 18 or so rigs here filled with absolutely lovely people who know how to have a good time. Already, we've enjoyed good food, wine and lots of laughs. It's a really great group.
Today started with an extra hearty hot breakfast served up by the cheerful wagonmasters. By midday, there were plans coming together to enjoy lunch at a legendary pea soup restaurant a few miles up the road. Boris and I decided to board our bikes and pedal for our rich, creamy lunch. We pedaled four miles or so on a state highway buzzing with speeding cars, 18-wheelers and RVs. That was an adventure! The only thing worse was we made the return trip with our tummies filled with hearty rich soup!
As early afternoon began to turn late, we decided to host an impromptu open house to introduce the members of this fine group to Bullwinkle. With several bottles of chilled sparkling wine and a tray of hot appetizers, we welcomed the group for an early happy hour to celebrate our new motorhome. It was a truly wonderful party. There's nothing like sharing your motorhome with other motorhome owners. Natasha snapped a few pictures while Boris kept the bubbles flowing. We'll get them posted at Bullwinkle's place ASAP.
Our party was followed by a hearty dinner filled with good food, wine and lots of laughter. Now, we're chillin' in our hospitable motorhome, ready for a good night's rest.
Buenas Noches from Santa Nella!
Relief
Big work week for both of us. And, it's only Tuesday.
Ugh.
Right now, we're both worn out and dog tired. On days like today, our fulltiming dream feels light years off in the distance. You see, today, it's tough to see the forest for the trees.
There is a forest out there, though. It's rich and green. It stretches out for scenic miles, with the friendliest people you'd ever want to meet. It's full of adventure, things to see and places to get a very good night's rest.
Yep. We need to remember that.
Besides, we're going "camping" on Thursday.
For us, that spells R-E-L-I-E-F.
Ugh.
Right now, we're both worn out and dog tired. On days like today, our fulltiming dream feels light years off in the distance. You see, today, it's tough to see the forest for the trees.
There is a forest out there, though. It's rich and green. It stretches out for scenic miles, with the friendliest people you'd ever want to meet. It's full of adventure, things to see and places to get a very good night's rest.
Yep. We need to remember that.
Besides, we're going "camping" on Thursday.
For us, that spells R-E-L-I-E-F.
Purging, Piecing and Chat
We enjoyed a very quiet Saturday at home. Chilly temps, fog and rain made it easy to decide to stay inside. We made the most of this perfect day for purging. Boris tackled his closet, and I went to work on three closets. I knocked out two with no problem at all. But, dreaded closet number 3 - in the office - proved to be too much for one day. But, I'm pleased to report I made good progress.
Taking a break from purging, I went to work on my quilt project. While I sat pinning pieces of fabric together, I decided to check in on the RV-Dreams Chat Room. I had never been, but thought it might be time to introduce myself. Entering the virtual space I immediately felt a warm welcome by my virtual RVing friends. I hung out for an hour or so while I continued to work on the quilt. Then, Boris called me away for cocktail hour. I said so long to my virtual friends and put away my quilting toys. (I have my priorities!)
A day like today reminds us that purging takes time. We're pleased at the progress we made today. And, we know we have lots more to do!
Taking a break from purging, I went to work on my quilt project. While I sat pinning pieces of fabric together, I decided to check in on the RV-Dreams Chat Room. I had never been, but thought it might be time to introduce myself. Entering the virtual space I immediately felt a warm welcome by my virtual RVing friends. I hung out for an hour or so while I continued to work on the quilt. Then, Boris called me away for cocktail hour. I said so long to my virtual friends and put away my quilting toys. (I have my priorities!)
A day like today reminds us that purging takes time. We're pleased at the progress we made today. And, we know we have lots more to do!
No Worries
Between the volatile stock market, record high unemployment numbers and a new, unknown administration on the way, our personal job security is rather tenuous these days.
Fine by us!
Things for both of us at work are, shall we say, less than desirable. Without our great escape on the horizon, frankly, we'd both be looking for new jobs.
We joked about it on election night. But, truth is, with a moose ready to go whenever we are, and a house in a desirable neighborhood that looks like it's in demand for potential buyers, we feel like we're in pretty good shape.
Rather than updating our resumes, we're updating our plans. If things continue to head south, the sun and planets could align to provide us the perfect opportunity for our great escape.
Not that we want things to head further south, of course. But, just in case they do, we have one awesome backup plan.
Fine by us!
Things for both of us at work are, shall we say, less than desirable. Without our great escape on the horizon, frankly, we'd both be looking for new jobs.
We joked about it on election night. But, truth is, with a moose ready to go whenever we are, and a house in a desirable neighborhood that looks like it's in demand for potential buyers, we feel like we're in pretty good shape.
Rather than updating our resumes, we're updating our plans. If things continue to head south, the sun and planets could align to provide us the perfect opportunity for our great escape.
Not that we want things to head further south, of course. But, just in case they do, we have one awesome backup plan.
Election Night Fun
We cast our last votes in California yesterday. After making choices about trains, farm animals, marriage, alternative fuel, police, crime victims, criminals, veterans, hospitals, schools, redistricting and - oh yeah - a candidate or two, we were ready for a party.
We headed out to the 'burbs to join friends from both sides of the aisle to watch the results come in. There were moments of tears, jeers and cheers. In the end, we came together to applaud our new president-elect. Mostly, we celebrated that this lengthy election is behind us at last. Everyone is ready to move forward.
The party conversation shifted to: "What happens now?" Answers to that question were varied, but ours stuck out.
"We're going to sell our house and stuff, quit our jobs, load ourselves and our cats in our new RV and hit the road for awhile."
They think we're kidding!
We headed out to the 'burbs to join friends from both sides of the aisle to watch the results come in. There were moments of tears, jeers and cheers. In the end, we came together to applaud our new president-elect. Mostly, we celebrated that this lengthy election is behind us at last. Everyone is ready to move forward.
The party conversation shifted to: "What happens now?" Answers to that question were varied, but ours stuck out.
"We're going to sell our house and stuff, quit our jobs, load ourselves and our cats in our new RV and hit the road for awhile."
They think we're kidding!
Preparation
After our wonderfully rainy weekend away with the cats, we found ourselves more than a little melancholy today. Maybe it was the reality of being back at work and missing our moose. Perhaps it was the time change. Or, simply being the eve of an election that, frankly, we're tired of. Most likely, it was a combination of all. Lately, on any given Monday we're both rather miserable at work as we long for the day of our great escape.
"I wish we were doing more to get ready," Natasha said today. "It feels like we're living in limbo - camping every weekend we can and not yet clearing our house of our possessions."
"But, we are getting ready," Boris replied. "Every trip out in the moose is preparation."
True. Even though it's lots of fun, we are getting ready. With each trip we've taken we've learned something: what to do, what not to do, what we like and don't like. It's been a rich learning experience.
With a couple of bigger trips planned for this month, we'll let the learning and preparations continue.
After the holidays, we'll get down to the big stuff.
This is a lot more fun.
"I wish we were doing more to get ready," Natasha said today. "It feels like we're living in limbo - camping every weekend we can and not yet clearing our house of our possessions."
"But, we are getting ready," Boris replied. "Every trip out in the moose is preparation."
True. Even though it's lots of fun, we are getting ready. With each trip we've taken we've learned something: what to do, what not to do, what we like and don't like. It's been a rich learning experience.
With a couple of bigger trips planned for this month, we'll let the learning and preparations continue.
After the holidays, we'll get down to the big stuff.
This is a lot more fun.
Repeat
We left work a few hours early to make our way back to the Stockton Delta KOA. Here we are, sitting catty-corner from a site we were in just a couple of weeks ago. It's the first time we've made a repeat visit anywhere. And, it's nice.
No satellite, unfortunately, which means our chances of catching the KU-K State game have dropped to zero. But, other than that, everything is great. The cats are super comfortable, and we have every known hidey hole stuffed with something that makes it inaccessible. Tonight we enjoyed cocktails by the fire before the rains came. For awhile we sat out under our trusty awning, for which we have a new found appreciation. It's keeps us dry!
Pizza, salad and a bottle of fine chianti followed. After that, we're all ready to call it a night.
This has been the month of the cats. And, we are so pleased to report that with a couple of trips under their furry belts, they are doing great.
Happy weekend!
No satellite, unfortunately, which means our chances of catching the KU-K State game have dropped to zero. But, other than that, everything is great. The cats are super comfortable, and we have every known hidey hole stuffed with something that makes it inaccessible. Tonight we enjoyed cocktails by the fire before the rains came. For awhile we sat out under our trusty awning, for which we have a new found appreciation. It's keeps us dry!
Pizza, salad and a bottle of fine chianti followed. After that, we're all ready to call it a night.
This has been the month of the cats. And, we are so pleased to report that with a couple of trips under their furry belts, they are doing great.
Happy weekend!
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