Leaving Texas, coming back in April

This has been good living, we anxiously look forward to our return after our Connecticut business is completed.  We fly home on February 29th, looking forward to seeing family and friends.

Equipment note:  Our Truck and Camper preformed flawlessly.  We towed about 5,600 miles.  Our fuel mileage is about 11.0 mpg, maybe we will do better when we drive the Cruizer down in April.

I had damaged bed rails straightened (old damage) and repainted.  Took one man 2 days, he did it while the truck sat in front of my camper, the work including the very good paint cost $250.

This coach was correctly prepped, decals removed and scallops repainted and clearcoated in about 6 days.  This was done at beach side, while the owners lived in it.  Reported cost was $1,200.

 

As a reward to our truck and Camper for faithful service, we had them both detailed and waxed in Mexico.  4 Men for 4 hours: Cost = $85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is not Mexican Santa Clause on the roof.  It is an itinerant beach bum who went up to do semi-annual roof caulking..  Cost = Cold Beer

Round Rock, Texas Spring of 2012, almost

After a 1400 mile tow we have arrived in Round Rock via Arizona.  We are here for some R&R and to scout out Campgrounds {Found one today}.

Tried to get drivers license, there is a Catch22 involved.  We have to have our cars registered and inspected first.  I guess ownership of a vehicle is a prerequisite  for  a license, at least 1 of the 2 must be a pick-up truck?  I’m getting mellow, didn’t show the stupidity of the to the bureaucrat I was dealing with.

After the silliness at the Texas Motor Vehicle Department, it was a pleasure to visit Round Rock Lodge where at 50 Year Award was made to Brother Marsh (al) Horsford.  Brother Marsh hails from Vermont, we had a great time explaining to Texas Brothers the joy’s of DEEP snowfalls.

 

Brother Marsh is about to be pinned by his wife.  She a great job, no blood showed!

 

 

 

 You might notice that this trip has been bad for my diet….

 

The Lodge Brothers have painted the exterior, banquet hall and exterior of the building, it is in very nice condition.

 

 

Another great evening, meeting and socializing with Brothers.  We fly home on the 29th, it will be good to sit in ‘My” lodges

 

 

No visit to Round Rock would be complete without a visit to, Round Rock Donuts.  We arrived to find a short line out the door and about 30 folks inside.

 

No seating inside, if the picnic tables are full, you just do what any cowboy would, you eat in the truck.

 

 

Donut line is a friendly group, they can smell the goods…

Mexican Memories 2012 with Escapees

New Friends!  Charlie & Sue Schaffer in Quartzite, they are typical of the great folks we have been associated with!

 

 

 

Don’t go to ‘Bird Island’, even if the trip is free! 

3 1/2 hours each way to see 3 big rocks surrounded by seals and sea lions.  Boat was used during filming of Gilligan’s Island.  Anne-Marie was sick which caused her to crash for 8 hours.  A lost day in Paradise

The Tequila Factory

Kind of fun here, free tasting of local brewed Tequila, no bourbon 

This the sidewalk view of the electrical panel of one of the Main Street Establishments.

 Nuff Said!

 

 

 

Call for, The Giraffe Milker and this fellow will show up.  His job is to drag your boat out if you forget the 20’ tide.

Puerto Penasco Mexico 2012

Uneventful 70 mile drive south of Arizona beach, we dropped the 5th wheel and worked with the parking committee directing new arrivals.  In this photo, Anne-Marie is in line for the fish fry which is served under the Corona tent.  In the upper right is the Sea of Cortez, where the fish were swimming this morning.

Last of the Yuengling!                           Pedicure for Annie $15

Now, that’s a beer pitcher!

8 Count Shrimp for tomorrow!  $8 per pound!!

Organ Pipe National Forest in Arizona

Situated on the Arizona-Mexican border, this is a picture of dessert beauty as well as desolation.  We stayed 3 days here while we prepared for our Mexican Connection, no running water or electricity at the camp sites.  No need as we are very much self contained.

Town of Aho, AZ is about 30 miles North, they have an I.G.A. store, A V.F.W. and a few bars and gas stations.

  4 Miles out of town is a golf course which hosted a Fiddle Contest.

This is why it’s named ‘Organ Pipe’!

The road you see is a 28 mile loop in the park.  .

Great views and vistas

Back at the campground, we socialized with other Members of ‘The Mexican Connection’.  This group sponsored a caravan into Mexico each year.  We support local charities and promote good relations.

2012 Farewell to Yuma, it’s Been Fun

We’ve had a good time here, meet new friends and toured extensively.

Desolate as the landscape is, the hidden beauty is often seen in the local art.  Most of the bridge overpasses are wonderfully decorated as seen.  I’d be happy to have the Yuma water tower in my backyard. 

There is a HUGE snowbird population here.  Hospitality and friendship are the rule.  We waved and smiled at this couple in the flea market, the results are here.

Car Guys take note, there is still old tin out here!  That ‘57 Chevy could be a street rod again.  The ‘55 shoe box needs a front end and nose…

This Chrysler Business Coupe looks like it needs a battery…

Yuma Lodge #17 had a Fellow Craft which I attended, it was very well done.  Sitting in the East was Brother Mike White {Goofy Tie!}.  He did all the work including Staircase and ‘G’ Lectures!  Well done Bro. Mike!  Bro. Mike is shown here with Brother Calvin D. Shaver, Past Grand Master of Alberta, Canada.

The Lodge Room is set-up with moveable Columns specify for this degree.

Lots of strange folks out here, desert heat does that to you.

 

Coming up, Ajo, AZ and Organ Pipe National Park