CHRPA TRIP – NEW
MEXICO 2020
March 2 through
April
MONDAY, March 2
Baker City to
Jerome, ID
257 miles
We are off! First
time the trailer has been out of Baker Valley since spring of 2018!
We have taken trips to New Mexico to see Mom since then, and trips to
Bandon and Idaho with the tent trailer, but the Feather has been
idle, save the big drive from the old house to the new property in
the fall of 2018. It wintered 18-19 out on the property and then
patiently waited while the new house was being built. Not sure who
is more excited – the trailer or us!
We originally
planned to leave on Tuesday morning, but then realized that it would
be a LONG day with the end hitting rush hour traffic in Salt Lake
City. A bad combination – rush hour and Salt Lake City (at any
time!) So I suggested leaving on Monday afternoon – which ended up
pulling out at 8:40am this morning. Once you are ready to go, you
might as well leave! Quick stop at the bank to deposit a check,
coffees, and a tire check and we pull out of Baker around 9:15.
A good tail wind
blows us past Ontario and Boise and into the Twin Falls area around
2:30pm. A nice easy day – Rick did all the driving! As many RV
campgrounds aren’t open this early in the year and the weather is
cool, we opt for the convenience of motels on the route down to
Dixon, NM, where we will rendezvous with Luke on Thursday.
We walk over to the
Subway and pick up some sandwiches for dinner, enjoy some time in the
jacuzzi and pool and then relax for the evening. A fierce wind is
blowing still and our window has a slight crack which whistles and
moans! Music to sleep by!
After a good
breakfast in the hotel, we are out of Jerome around 9am with me
taking the first shift, which ended up 160 miles into Willard and the
Flying J there! Smooth sailing and the mountains of Sweetzer Summit
were beautiful covered with snow, with the ripples of south facing
gulleys creating beautiful patterns. The sun and a very light rain
played tag for part of the morning.
We arrived in
Spanish Forks around 1:40, a little early for check in, but the guy
got us a room on the second floor. The Quality Inn is right at the
edge of the big Canyon Creek shopping center, so we immediately took
off on foot to stretch our legs and find something to eat. First
off, however, I spy a Ross and suggest a quick visit since we rarely
get to visit the discount store. Fifty dollars later, Rick having
bought a pair of work shoes and I a new pair of jeans, we check out
the Chilis restaurant, only to find that Happy Hour doesn’t start
for another half hour. That’s ok ….there’s a Walmart to wander
around! And Rick finds a buy on a new denim shirt for just $5. You
gotta love clearance racks!
TUESDAY,
March 3
Jerome, ID to
Spanish Forks, UT
267 miles
After a good
breakfast in the hotel, we are out of Jerome around 9am with me
taking the first shift, which ended up 160 miles into Willard and the
Flying J there! Smooth sailing and the mountains of Sweetzer Summit
were beautiful covered with snow, with the ripples of south facing
gulleys creating beautiful patterns. The sun and a very light rain
played tag for part of the morning.
From Willard, Rick
drove the coveted Salt Lake City stretch, which in early afternoon is
not a bad time to tackle the hundred mile stretch. However, the
multiple sections of construction, with curves on and off new and old
sections of highway were a challenge. But….we made it! I tried
taking a bunch of pictures as the Wasatch Mountains were glorious in
the afternoon sun.
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| Wasatch range |
We enjoy a couple of
appetizers at Chilis along with a wine and beer, and then walk back
to the hotel to relax for the evening. This VERY leisurely pace of
driving has its advantages!
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| Wasatch Mountains above Provo, UT |
WEDNESDAY,
March 4
Spanish Forks, UT to
Cortez, CO
298 miles
Another beautiful
sunny morning! We head out of Spanish Forks around 8:30, fighting a
bit of a head wind as we head up the canyon. Thankfully that abates
as we continue on up to the top of Soldier Summit. There isn’t a
cloud to be seen in the sky, just a lot of blue! Still plenty of
snow up on top, which is a delight against the red rock formations.
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| Heading up to Soldier Summit |
We pull over in
Wellington and switch drivers, so I can take my ‘favorite’
stretch on down into Moab. Gas up and then Rick drives on down to
Cortez. We finally spy a tiny little cloud near Monticello.
Into Cortez around
2pm, check into Econo Lodge. Not as nice as we remembered it –
might be our last stay here. It definitely is economy with a capital
E. A little walk around to stretch and then we dine on our gouda
cheese, molasses bread, crab, and wine! A fine dinner in the room!
Phone call with Luke to confirm a few things, and then a call to Tom (had to leave a message).
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| Heading down from Soldier Summit toward Price |
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| The LaSalle mountains from the south (these are mountains east of Moab) |
THURSDAY,
March 5
Cortez, CO to Dixon,
NM
244 miles
Well, the Econolodge
sealed its doom this morning when we found the breakfast far less
than desirable. The milk seemed a bit ‘off’ for cereal, the
waffle iron wasn’t on and ready to go, and the pickings were slim.
We checked out and stopped at the Maverick for coffees and split a
breakfast burrito!
Beautiful drive over
to Durango – the mountains were snowy and the valleys dotted with
white. Roads good! On to Pagosa Springs, passing Chimney Rock
National Monument – a stop we made back in 2012 before it was so
designated!
Pagosa Springs,
while it seems to continue its unplanned spread, is still located in
a most beautiful valley with 270 degrees of Continental Divide
mountains surrounding it. We stopped at the west end of town to gas
up, and then through downtown (with the sulfur smell of the hot
springs!) and to the junction with US 84 south.
Into New Mexico and
over the Continental Divide just before arriving in Chama. Someday
we will stop here long enough to take the little railroad voyage that
explores the canyon north into Colorado. But for today, we continue
south!
A stop at Echo
Amphitheater for a bathroom break, a snack, and a chance to stretch
the legs. This is one of my favorite sites along the highway. Such
amazing rock colors and layers, plus the rock varnish streaks in the
amphitheater itself.
Pass Ghost Ranch and
Abiquui and a turn off on NM 74 through San Juan Pueblo. (I can’t
spell the native name for it – but this is where Lester lives!) It
is a shortcut to take us over to Route 68 toward Taos. Just a short
15 miles up the road and we turn off on #75 to Dixon. We find our
driveway with the big white and red 274 sign….a little narrow
pulling the trailer through the gate, but we make it and get settled
into our ‘Farmhouse’ B&B. Most adequate for the weekend!
(Plus a welcoming committee of 3 friendly dogs!)
We chill for a
couple hours waiting for Luke’s arrival. Since we don’t have
phone connection, I don’t get his texts saying he will arrive
closer to 4 rather than 3! Oh well, he shows up right at 4 and we
have an hour before heading down to Joann’s Rancho O Casados
Restaurant in Espanola to meet Tom Hinkle.
Nice dinner and
visit with Tom. He is staying down at the Santa Fe Fairgrounds and
working with a crew of local volunteers. Also working for the next
few weeks are a couple of college crews. Tom and I have fajitas,
Luke carne avosado and Rick chili rellenos. Good meal, good time.
A stop at Food Giant
on the way back up to Dixon to pick up a few groceries for the next
few days.
Friday, March 6
Rio Grande Gorge National Monument
A lazy morning! I guess I should give a brief description of the
B&B….It is a former shed used for car repairs, herb drying, and
….. Renovated in 2017 for a B&B – a clawfoot tub with shower
surround in the bathroom, sitting area, rustic furniture, and a loft
up above with a double bed and a single futon. Gas ‘wood’ stove,
and gas range in kitchen. We sit around and chat much of the
morning, finally getting ready to head out for the day around 11am.
Our goal? A hike along the west rim of the Rio Grande gorge, with a
stop at the visitor center first.
Luke drives today, so we don’t have to unhitch the trailer (plus
better gas milege!) The gorge area is just a short 20 miles or so
north of Dixon. I really enjoy seeing all the colorful willows along
the river bank before we cross the river and then head UP a winding
road to the mesa rim to find our trail.
Weather is pleasant and breezy. Scattered overcast clouds. From the
rim you can see the San de Cristo Mountains and the mountains around
Taos. The ground has not yet begun to green up, but the sagebrush is
covered with feathery plumes (ready to dispense pollen soon, I’m
sure!) Rabbitbrush and tiny purple prickly pear. We walk along the
rim for about 2 miles before turning back.
I call Lester while we have cell reception up on the mesa. Quick
conversation, but he will be at church on Sunday so we can rendezvous
then!
After we get back to the Farmhouse, Luke and I walk down to the Rio
Embudo to take some pictures and explore. We must wind through the
cottonwoods alittle to find the creek, but finally locate a section
on a bit of an island. Luke takes a series of photographs, which all
include a dead coyote that he didn’t even notice until he was all
done! Oh well!
We cook up some pesto pasta for dinner, and then Luke and I play both
Quiddler and Cribbage for the ervening! (I actually won Cribbage –
definitely NOT Quiddler!)
I emailed Elizabeth Taylor (ron’s sister) earlier when I realized I
didn’t have a phone number for her. Unfortunately I received an
email back after dinner saying it was the wrong address (I got ahold
of an Emily Taylor!) Two last chances to make contact with
Elizabeth….I email Margaret and then check Facebook to send a
message via that medium. Just before going to bed, SCORE! Tinny
answers on FB with a phone number that I can call in the morning when
we get reception!
Saturday,
March 7
A Loop Drive to Taos
Another quiet morning of relaxation, although we do hit the road
shortly before 10. A brief stop again at the Visitor Center to pick
up a map of Taos, and Luke admires a poster of the Rio Grande Gorge.
They aren’t for sale, but the gal, when hearing Rick and I say we
could get it for his birthday, gives it to Luke with a ‘Happy
Birthday’ from the government! We also purchase a book of trails
he liked for the Pecos Wilderness area.
I make contact with Elizabeth and we set up a 1pm lunch date at
Orlando’s on the north side of town. Rest of the morning is spent
wandering the many shops and galleries that border the Taos Plaza.
Rick picks up a tshirt at one, and I do the same at another. We
check out the Gallery for Charles Collins, a local artist who does
some incredible three-part sculptures and paintings. Another stop in
the local art collective leads us upstairs to the Taos Murals in the
old courthouse and the old jail. Fascinating!
Luke wanted to take us to the Chokola – a bean to bar cafe that
specializes in authentic on site chocolate and coffee – straight
from the beans using all organic sugars, etc. We ordered the Taster
Trio – with 2 mini mugs of cocoa, one cardamom and the other chili,
and a piece of chocolate candy. All to die for!
Quick drive up north to Orlando’s – an award winning little
restaurant. Elizabeth knows the owner (Orlando) from years ago when
he did a whole tour and cooking class for her fifth graders. It was
delicious! (Not cheap, but wonderful!) I forgot to take a picture
of Elizabeth with us, however!
Our drive back to Dixon followed the back roads toward Sipapu Ski
Area (but we didn’t go that far) then to Hwy 75 through Penasco and
on down to Dixon again. Up and down through valleys and cuts, from
juniper sage to ponderosa pine forests. Into a little snow and then
out again.
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| Jicarita Peak towards over the Penasco Valley. |
Quiet evening – down to the river again with Luke to collect some
rocks, some games and eating leftovers.
The highlight of the day was the reconnect with Lester Casias (and
meet his girlfriend of 30 years, Annette) a young man Rick and I knew
before we were married in the church in Gresham, OR. At the time
Lester was working as a VIM with the FISH Emergency Food Shelter. He
stayed in Portland area for 8 years before returning to his hometown
of San Juan Pueblo, about 30 miles north of Santa Fe. Luke met up
with Lester earlier this year when the YAVs had a retreat at the old
mission school (now a conference center). After church, we drove to
Lester’s house in Chamita and saw his artwork of painting Retaldos
of the saints. Fascinating! (Luke had to leave directly after
church for ABQ as he had a Presbytery wide youth event planned for
the afternoon.)
Smooth drive through a few rainstorms down into Albuquerque, arriving
at Luke’s place around 5:15. Tricky getting the trailer backed
into his driveway, and we ended up having to un hitch the trailer.
Luke home about half hour later. We got all his ‘stuff’ unpacked
and into the house – relaxing evening doing laundry and catching
up!
SUNDAY,
March 8
Worship at Embudo Presbyterian Church
Dixon to Luke’s house, Albuquerque
117 miles (via Lester’s house in Chamita)
Whew! What a day! It started out forgetting to set our clocks
ahead, so I was confused getting up this morning! Fortunately my
phone auto updated – it just didn’t agree with the clocks around
me! But we managed to get everyone up and going and the B&B
cleaned out in time to leave at 9:30 to head for the little Embudo
Presby church just down the road. We got a chance to visit briefly
with our host Kaycee before we left.
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| Approaching church before worship with Luke and Rick |
The Embudo church is one of two in the community – the other being
the Catholic church. Luke said this is common in many small NM towns
– the Presbys and the Catholics were able to abide hand in hand,
but on the pueblo lands other churches were often told ‘NO’.
The Embudo church has been here since 1889 – at one point they had
a mission school and a small hospital as well. Currently they have a
permanent part time pastor who lives in Santa Fe – an older lady.
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| Lester and Annette at La Cocina |
On down into Espanola and the La Cocina restaurant where we enjoyed a
two hour lunch visit! I tried sopapilla tacos today – good, but
prolly won’t try again. Rick ordered the stuffed sopapilla and it
was HUGE! Luke finished it for dinner! We had a delightful visit
over the meal.
Smooth drive through a few rainstorms down into Albuquerque, arriving
at Luke’s place around 5:15. Tricky getting the trailer backed
into his driveway, and we ended up having to un hitch the trailer.
Luke home about half hour later. We got all his ‘stuff’ unpacked
and into the house – relaxing evening doing laundry and catching
up!
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| Metal artwork in front of Embudo church |
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| Beautiful quilt cross in front of Embudo church |
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| One of retaldo displays in Lester's home |
MONDAY,
March 9
YAV Tie Dye Party
Evening in Edgewood
A busy day planned ahead, but relaxing morning for Rick and I. Luke
left around 9 to meet with the YAVs – they had to approve their
‘contingency plans’ in the event the Corona Virus strikes. Our
nation is under seige, victim to a unseen virus. Similar to flu, it
just doesn’t have an identifiable vaccine yet, so can be deadly to
comprised systems. To date, there are no cases in New Mexico, but
with our mobile society that will soon change. Certain countries in
Europe are in full country-wide quarantine! Scary, but the panic
fear is more scary.
Anyway, we catch up on some chores, and then pick up the pizza lunch
at Dion’s to deliver to the YAV house. A meal together (much of
the time I spent mixing dyes) and then two hours of colorful fun. As
we went, the YAVs pulled more old towels, etc. out of the house to
make beautiful. The program purchased one item of their choice: we
dyed tote bags, an apron, and a shirt, plus other various treasures.
Luke had some baby bibs he had picked up to give as gifts, plus
towels and shirts, plus Rick and I had some shirts to dye – I
usually have one or two just to use as samples or demo projects! It
was a beautiful day outside in the backyard of the YAV house.
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| Wringing out the soda ash (Tristan and Caitlin) |
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| Nate used creative tying methods! |
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| Nate, Caitlin and Nathan |
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| Caitlin |
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| Tristen |
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| Nate, Caitlin, Tristan |
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| The finished pile, ready to wash out on Tuesday |
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| Luke and the 19-20 ABQ YAVs |
Home to Luke’s briefly before heading out to Edgewood for dinner
with Rick’s brother and family. Rachael had been cooking much of
the afternoon – fried taters, roasted carrots, broccoli and
cauliflower, and meat loaf! YUMMY! We had stopped at Smiths getting
off the freeway and Rick picked me up a birthday cake for the
evening’s dessert. (What a guy!) Jaxon and Weston give Luke very
little breathing room – and can’t wait to hit the trampoline with
him. Randy gets home from work shortly after our 5pm arrival.
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| Cousin 'Uke plays with boys on tramp |
Rand’s just got a new dining room table and for the first time ALL
of us fit around it! Even Ryan came out to eat with the group!
Regan had the day off. Ten of us for dinner! Three small meat
loaves all disappeared!
A full moon driving home, but I didn’t get any pictures. :(
TUESDAY,
March 10
Happy Birthday to ME! (And Mae Ingram and Max Jacoby and Diane Houtz
and Kate Loftus!)
A relaxing birthday….sorta! Luke had to work this morning, so
while Rick took a walk, I sewed some patches on a duffle bag for
Luke. Tried to call my sister Liz for birthday best wishes (hers was
Sunday) but couldn’t get through on cell or home phone. Alas.
Had to catch up on blog and pictures instead!
Around 12:30 Rick and I headed up to the Savers Thrift store to see
what we might see. After filling my arms with some choices, we were
thrilled to find it was Seniors’ Tuesday and 30% off all purchases!
Hurray! Rick bought pants and a book, and I bought tan jeans, two
shirts, and a tablecloth and pillowcase to tie dye. Good deals.
The up to Olive Garden where we met Luke for my birthday ‘dinner’
(and the lunch menu!) I had a hankering for OG salad, bread sticks,
and gnocchi soup, but also got the shrimp scampi pasta dish. Yes, I
was full when all was done!
Back to the house to wash out the tie dye from yesterday! Had to do
the first rinse outside in Luke’s laundry bucket, but we eventually
got the water clear enough to say ‘Good Enough!’ In for four
rounds through the washing machine – 2 wash cycles and 2 rinse
cycles. Whew!
Luke left for a board meeting at 4:30pm, and since he has another
guest arriving tomorrow afternoon, Rick and I will be cleaning up our
mess and pulling out early in the morning. In fact, while the tie
dye was washing and Luke was at meeting, we hitched up the trailer
and pulled it out to park in the street – ready to roll in the
morning.
WEDNESDAY,
March 11
Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
442 miles
We are out of Luke’s shortly before 8 and on I-25 heading south by
the hour, delighting in the fact that most of the traffic is heading
in the opposite direction! We ate very little before leaving Luke’s,
so anticipate a stop in Soccoro at Sofia’s – both for gas AND a
breakfast burrito! Sofia’s is just as good as ever!
I take over driving – doing the shift from Socorro to Hatch, NM
where we leave the interstate and take the 45 mile cutoff over to
Deming on I-10. On the highway, which passes a huge solar array AND
a large wind farm, we find the beginning of patches of yellow
flowers. Apparently there has been enough rain this spring to bring
out some of the wildflowers that usually appear during monsoon
season!
More gas in Deming, and I drive from there to the Arizona border. We
are seeing flowers galore – both a carpeting small yellow and
yellow orange poppies in huge patches. When we stop at the rest area
in San Simon just inside the border, I take a number of photographs.
As Rick drives on toward Tucson, the yellow fields are incredible.
We also enjoying the gathering storm clouds and what is obvious rain
showers north and south of us. We even run into a little shower near
Benson. Nothing major.
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| San Simon rest stop hills |
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| Poppies in bloom! |
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| Nearing Wilcox, AZ |
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| Texas Canyon Rest Area near Benson |
We stop at a Neighborhood Walmart to pick up a few groceries as we
enter Tucson and pull into Chrpa land around 4pm – thankful that we
picked up an hour entering Arizona who doesn’t honor daylight time.
Meet newcomers Agatha and Jake from Manitoba who are SOOPs working
two days at Chrpa and two days at other SOOP opportunities. Jake
moves their truck to make it easier for us to pull our trailer into
the last spot. Marj and Bob ….. from Canada are in the first spot
– in Lorraine and Walter’s old trailer.
Setting up would have been easier except the electric cord had gotten
twisted and somewhat knotted inside the back storage and I couldn’t
get the cord out more than 12 feet or so. (Had the same problem at
Luke’s, but we had enough extension cord so didn’t worry about
it!) Eventually had to remove the cover, prying it off from the
caulking around it, and work the cord out. A pain in the neck! But
we had a good audience as Jake and Agatha gave advice, and Abi and
Josh came over. Josh brought out additional caulk compound from the
Chrpa shop to seal it back up, but we need new screws now.
When Rick went to turn on the propane, we discovered a small leak in
one of the hoses. Immediately shut it off! So...cold shower tonight
for him! Good news was that the water lines showed no leaks! This
is the first time the trailer has been ‘utilitied up’ in two
years (ie running water and gas, etc. - all Luke used at Christmas
was the electricity!) Overall, we were pleased at how well it
weathered its summer and winter out on the property!
Quiet evening enjoying the second meal of crab, bread, and gourmet
cheese. Ready for an early bed since we are running an hour later
body wise!
PS Luke sent me some pictures of the YAV Tie Dye products! Wildly bright colors!!! Awesome!
PS Luke sent me some pictures of the YAV Tie Dye products! Wildly bright colors!!! Awesome!
Thursday,
March 12
Repairs, Rest, and Chrpa School
We are up at 6:15 and enjoy the return of the bicycles thump-thump as
they cross the utility channels for RV hookups on the sidewalk behind
us, the sound of the Who-whip of the native birds, and finally,...the
7am reville blasting out from the airforce base!
Introductions, etc. as Scott dispenses the jobs for the day and then
into the shop for a lesson in electricity, amperage, and the swamp
coolers. Mostly it reminded me of how much I don’t know!! Please
send me out with Abi to build ramps! Or tile a shower!
Good conversations as people were leaving, and we got the wifi
password and the key to the backdoor of the church to use the
bathroom/shower there. Carrie hooked us up with the church internet
and we can get that connection parked at the end of the RV line ….
closest to the church!
Then off to Ace and Walmart for repairs and groceries! With Ace help
we locate the correct hose for the propane tank and some screws to
finish the job on the electric cord casing. It begins to rain
enroute to Walmart (forecast is for showers off and on today at 70%).
Groceries to last a few days and get us started with lunches for job
work.
Rest of day? I wish we could say we were active and adventuresome.
But we hunkered down in our trailer, listened to the Chrpa trucks
roll in and out, and read, napped, and caught up on things….all
while hearing the news of cancellations of sporting events right and
left due to the C-Virus 19 outbreak nationally. Conferences
cancelled, schools going online, (Jed goes to online classes on
Tuesday) It is just a matter of time before the pandemic spreads
rapidly in the US. Wash hands. Don’t touch face. Avoid crowds.
DON’T PANIC!
Eat the last meal brought from home tonight – some chicken soup.
The freezer looks rather empty now!
FRIDAY,
March 13
Rincon District Trails
Saguaro National Park
It rained off and on all night, but Rick and I slept like babies!
For the first time ever, my FitBit says I had “Excellent Sleep
Score”! We had considered going with Agatha and Jake, the Soops
parked next to us, on a volunteer project of picking citrus fruit
growing in excess on properties of those who can’t pick it. The
fruit is then donated to refugee families. Jake and Agatha went
ahead and returned to tell us about it – plus giving us a
grapefruit! Maybe we’ll check it out next Friday.
Around 11am we left for Saguaro National Park East which is only
about 5 miles east of us. A quick stop at the Visitor Center to pick
up a map of hiking trails, and then we are off on the loop road bound
for the Loma Verde Trail and a 4 mile loop from that point. The rain
has ceased, the sun is warm, but the wind is brisk and cool. Great
hiking in a desert climate!
These trails never cease to amaze us. While we find the wildflowers
not quite as prolific this year, the trail is lined with a variety of
small white, yellow and purple flowers, plus plenty of orange mallow.
What isn’t blooming yet is the occotillo with its red plumes. But
the recent rains have produced an abundance of green grass amongst
the towering saguaros, the mesquite, the chollas, and the prickly
pear. Keen eyes can spy little pincushion cacti along the trail
surrounded by protective rocks. Hiking among saguaros is always a
joy because each cacti has its own character – the number of arms,
the way they reach to the sky or dive downward. Cacti skeletons are
evident in many places, a reminder that even these hundred year old
giants eventually fall to the ground. We enjoy seeing the young
saguaros with their nurse tree mesquite and palo verde branches
hovering around them, protecting the young cacti for its first 40-50
years!
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| Wandering down the trails... |
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| Catalina Mountains in the distance |
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| The giant saguaro reaches to the sky |
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| A butterfly that danced around the top of Pink Hill |
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| This is much smaller than it looks - pincushion cacti about 8" tall |
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| Flower to be identified! |
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| A quick selfie by Rick! |
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| Quadruplet cacti in the arms of their nurse tree mesquite mother |
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| Bright pink bloom plume alongside the road |
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| Javelina Rocks with saguaros growing right out of the rocks |
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| Another unidentified flower.... |
Back to the truck around 2 and we head back into town, stopping at El
Beto’s Mexican Cafe to pick up a couple of burritos for dinner.
Good eats! Quiet evening – pretty sunset which Rick captures on
camera as I was in the SOOP lounge putting together the puzzle!
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| Rick takes a quick picture of the sunset tonight |
Saturday,
March 14
Chores Plus
Today was a ‘down’ day – the kind where we hang out and get
some things done! First on the agenda?? Laundry! We opted to not
use the MVS house machines since the house is now housing a Congolese
family of 11 (9 children!) and we weren’t sure if it would even be
available on a Saturday morning! Just around the corner at Wilmont
and Golf Links there is a Happy Laundry that has cheap prices and
plenty of machines. It wasn’t very busy and we were done with two
loads in just over an hour!
Then off to Walmart to do some serious grocery shopping!
I spent over an hour in the Soop Lounge during the afternoon working
on the puzzle. I stopped finally, worried that I would finish the
puzzle before the other Soops who had started it would get a chance!
Talked with Liz on the phone for about an hour in the late afternoon!
Like I said….it was a lazy day! But it was beautiful sunshine and
clear (albeit cool in the morning!)
Sunday,
March 15
Mount Lemmon Drive and Hike
We are attending God’s Cathedral this morning….opting to drive up
to the top of Mount Lemmon...AFTER visiting the Walmart Superstore to
try and purchase some sanitizer and RV TP and RV toilet ‘stuff’
(the orange liquid you put in the potty!) We found the orange, but
that was all! Picked up a few groceries just to stock up IN CASE and
a quick trip to Dollar Tree.
Then it is up, up, up the amazing Mount Lemmon highway which twists
and turns its way from the valley floor to the 8500’ level, from
saguaro desert to mixed conifer Douglas firs and Ponderosa Pines at
the top. You lose the saguaros around the 4000’ level as you
transition to oak and juniper. There are numerous pullouts and
vistas which was nice as the traffic was fairly steady, plus an
amazing number of cyclists making the climb to the top. One section
of the road traverses a narrow ridge through hoodoos.
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| City of Tuscan from one of the early viewpoints on Catalina Hwy |
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| Another Tuscan Mt view |
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| We stopped at a small creek wayside and found the hills behind us covered with yellow! |
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| There was more water in the creek beds than I expected |
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| First of some amazing hoodoos! |
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| Hoodoos |
At the top of Mount Lemmon is the village of Summerhaven, a small ski
area, plus an observatory and lots of radio-cell-transmission towers!
There is another observatory operated by UA to the north of the
summit. We did NOT go all the way up this trip
We drove through SummerHaven, the site of a devastating fire in 2003
which destroyed over 200 homes. Thus much of the village is newly
built or still in the process. We follow the road clear to the end,
something we didn’t do the previous time we drove up here.
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area is at the end of the road and the point
where the Arizona Trail passes through. We find multiple families
out enjoying the spring weather. A number of trails take off from
this point, but we aren’t up for a long trek and decided on an up
and back of the Marshall Gulch Trail (2.5 miles RT) which climbs
along the creek to Marshall Summit and a rendezvous with the Aspen
Trail. You can make a loop by taking the Aspen Trails’ 2.4 miles
return to the picnic area, but we opt to backtrack today. Another
time!
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| Tall stand of mixed conifers at Marshall Gulch |
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| Rick drove the truck through the creek to find a parking spot! |
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| A mica laden sparkly rock! |
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| A whole 'grove' of red willows point skyward |
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| One of the many little creek waterfalls |
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| Twelve foot high rock formation at Marshall saddle |
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| In sections of the trail, the ground was covered with green tips of Ponderosa Pine....wind storm? |
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| One more hoodoo formation as we head home |
Back down the highway and the hoodoos always look different from the different angle coming down! We stop at El Guero Canelo on 22nd Ave to pick up something for dinner. Not impressed with what we got for the price. Will stick with El Sur and Taco Giro from now on. We ate sitting outside the trailer in the 70+ degree temps.
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| Marj and ??? as we finish the puzzle |
Tonight was the final gathering of the Soops, as many are leaving
this week to return to Canada – the virus scare has implications
for them re-entering Canada and insurance coverage. I didn’t
understand it all, but some who just arrived are perhaps turning
around to leave on Wednesday. What is happening?? But there were
about 14 of us there by the end of the evening. We finished the
puzzle, ate popcorn and other treats, and mostly sat and talked.
Wrapped it all up singing a couple benediction hymns together in four
part harmony! Sweet.
We go to work in the morning. Time to call it a night.
MONDAY,
March 16
CHRPA Work
Well, our first day back on the job at Chrpa! The office is
relatively empty today. Local volunteers have been asked to stay
home, the Canadians are all preparing to leave in the next few days
to get back to country before their insurance won’t cover them IF
they should come down with the virus. One of the YAVs is gone.
Scott discusses the CVOID19 plans, precautions we can take, and
cutting back to essential repairs. Drips and leaks may wait for
awhile, and we obviously will not go to homes with actively sick
people! Lots of handwashing to be practiced!
Rick is partnered with Destinee, a former MVSer who is now on staff
until the end of the summer. They have jobs involving door repair
and toilets. What fun! But Rick has a good day of conversation.
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| Funny sign Josh and I found on the garage of our second client. |
I am partnered with Josh Yoder, a new volunteer/part-time staffer
(who Destinee hopes will get her job when she leaves!) We have a
great day together fixing a leaky shower faucet, and then drips and
rocky toilets. Ate lunch at Irvington Park. We got back just before
2pm which is an early day! Rick got back later, but also stuck
around the office for a birthday party which I missed!!
Beautiful day in the 70’s – cool morning and pleasant afternoon.
I came back to the trailer and worked on my ‘sermon scribble’
(actually God texts and haiku from yesterday) and finished the little
western book I was reading.
Humus dinner and quiet evening. I didn’t even go over to start the
new puzzle!
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| Barely got outside in time to catch the last of the sunset. |
TUESDAY,
March 17
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
CHRPA Ramp Building
Another early morning rising with the skies still dark (dumb NO time
change). It is harder to arise a little before Rick with no alarm in
order to have time to draw my prayers before we have to be in the
office at 7am. But at least the commute to the office is brief!
We have the pleasure today of working with Abi to finish a ramp that
was started yesterday, Hugh Ward taught Abi how to build ramps when
she was a Jesuit volunteer 5 plus years ago. Now she is the ‘go-to’
leader. The framework for the platform and upper
It is pleasant temperature in the shade of the mobile home and work
goes quickly. Rick asks lots of questions hoping to learn how to
offer this service in Baker City at some point. I take pictures to
help him out! But the calculations for every ramp are a little
different depending on the space available. But the incline must be
1/12 in slope – gentle!
Final step was Rick sanding while Abi and I began to clean up our
mess. Unfortunately we blew the house breaker three times because
there is a break in the sander cord and it kept separating. Rick
finished the job with plenty of electric tape in place!
Finished up around 3:15 and back to Chrpa at 4. A good day. But we
come back to find that all restaurants are closed now. That puts a
damper on things! We talk over the course of the evening and I
think we will pack up Saturday or Sunday and head for home. Chrpa
jobs are slowing down to essentials and the staff and a few local
volunteers can handle it. I don’t want Scott trying to find jobs
for us just because we are here.
WEDNESDAY,
March 18
CHRPA Work
It is a cool morning again with rain in the forecast this afternoon!
We say goodbye to Agatha and Jake as we head over to the office at
7am – they are heading back up to Manitoba. Bob and Marj left
yesterday for Alberta. This virus is causing all sorts of havoc.
Rick is paired up with Vern today to install some toilets, grab bars,
etc. I am partnered with Callie, one of the new staff, and we are to
stay at Chrpa office and work on a number of jobs! Two of the jobs
need to be done in order to finally get the final inspection for the
new addition. (Said addition has been 5 years in the completion
process!)
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| Electric conduit installed! |
Our first job is to install an electric conduit out in the porch area
on the north side of the office in preparation for the installation
of a ceiling fan. I haven’t done this kind of work at all, but
Callie is patient – my job entailed bending a pipe 90 degrees,
finding and prepping a block to mount a junction box, cutting wire
and helping pull it through the conduit, and then screwing some
brackets into the joists to hold the conduit up. Success.
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| In need of patch! |
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| Finished job - needs paint! |
Our second job is to patch the stucco under one of the porch beams.
Callie mixed up some mortar quik set while I cut some wire screen to
fit the hole and stapled it in place. Then I put the rough first
layer of mortar up mostly with my fingers. Callie did the finish
work! Still needs painting but it looks pretty good!
Third job is to paint the picnic table. We break first for lunch
after moving the table in under the porch ceiling (threat of rain).
During lunch Rick and Vern return from their morning jobs – a day
that went quicker than most because they discovered two of the
toilets had already been replaced. During the course of lunch Callie
and I were asked if we had sanded the table first. That wasn’t on
our list, but it made sense, so Callie began sanding while I found
brushes and stirred up the paint. Two coats of paint on the table by
2:15! It looks good.
Ended the day scrolling through 2018 Chrpa photos with Callie to help
pick out ones that could be printed and put on the bulletin board –
a board which hasn’t been changed since 2014! Guess it’s time!
Short break and at 4:30 we head out for the Prince of Tucsan RV Park
to meet Alan and Moira Schleiger for dinner. Rain is pouring down by
now and streets are getting big puddles. We took the round about
route because I-10 showed RED (high traffic stoppage) for about 10
miles just before the Prince Rd off ramp. Finally found their blue
truck and North Trail trailer after cruising around the park a bit.
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| Mora, Alan, Ginger, and Rick before leaving the Schleiger trailer. I've known Alan since 1955 - 65 years of friendship! |
Great dinner and conversation with Alan and Moira over the next 2 ½
hours. They have a plan to visit ALL the National Parks and are well
on their way. But Big Bend will have to wait as they are cutting
their trip short and heading home.
Raining again as we left the RV Park, but roads are drying near Camp
Shalom, altho raindrops began falling again shortly after we returned!
THURSDAY,
March 19
CHRPA
Team Meeting Plus
We are up and rolling into the Chrpa Office this morning for a Team
Meeting. Not sure we HAD to be there, but the two hours spent in
discussion and conversation with all the folks was worth hearing.
What a tough time for the agency as they struggle between the
constraints of good health practices in this pandemic and the need to
help those who are struggling as well with issues that can affect
their ability to ‘shelter in place’. Basically they worked out a
procedure to identify critical and essential services for staff to
attend (and be able to maintain at least a 80% pay rate) and trying
to keep the Agency Volunteers (like the YAVs and MV gal) engaged in a
meaningful way. Hours will be cut back, and more work done at Chrpa
HQ itself preparing for the cooler season, which thankfully has not
arrived yet. (Forecast low temp for tonight is 41 degrees! - As the
clouds clear, we find snow on the Catalina Mts!)
So….at 9am we are done for the day! I had told Carrie and Scott
yesterday not to try and find SOMETHING for us to do just because we
were here. Keep the others busy!
The YAVs are deep in conversation with Allison Wood, their
coordinator, to keep the Tie Dye Party scheduled for tomorrow
afternoon alive. They desperately want to ‘play’. After
multiple phone calls, the go-ahead is finally given to gather at
Chrpa and tie dye, but only if the stations are colors are 6 feet
apart (the recommended ‘social distance’) It will be a most
challenging set up, but WE CAN DO IT!
Rick and I basically spent the rest of the day hanging out in the
trailer, catching up on comuter stuff, correspondence, arrangements
for Saturday, researching trailer parks for route home, napping
(Rick), etc. I did not log my required 8,000 steps!
Highlight of the evening was the dinner we enjoyed with Vern and
Shirley King. They were pulling out Friday morning and had extra
food that had been given to them by the other Mennonites who left
earlier in the week! I wish I had taken a picture when Rick and I
walked into the Soop Lounge….4 wine glasses ready to be poured, a
plate of appetizers. Somewhat funny because Rick and I had had a
long conversation just prior as to whether it was appropriate to take
over some wine. We decided not. I even drank red wine and it wasn’t
too bad! The table was all set for four. We sat in the couches with
the appetizers (and smoked gouda cheese made by Vern’s family on
the Kansas farm!) for nearly an hour hearing all about each other’s
backgrounds, etc. Shirley was scheduled to give an organ concert
next week as she is a very accomplished musician (doctorate level).
Disappointed to miss that, but alas, it was cancelled. They served a
salad, bread, and spaghetti shrimp dish – all prepared ahead of
time! Wonderful evening. Scott came over after his board meeting to
say goodbye and finished the last of the main dish before his 13 mile
bike ride home! Unfortunately I took NO pictures during the evening.
:(
FRIDAY,
March 20
Volunteer
Tie Dye
Party
After a quiet morning in which Rick helped me set up saw horses and
metal shelves that we found along the back fence, the tie dye fiasco
happened around 1pm. I had 8 color stations set up….all about 10
feet apart and a plastic table for ‘tying’ that was one person
only at a time!
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| Stations all set up in parking lot ready for tie dye party |
Three YAVs came, as well as Destinee and Abi from
Chrpa staff, and Michelle, the MVS gal. Group of six! All VERY
capable so after a few instructions while the items soaked in the
soda ash, they went for it! I demo’d a couple items that Abi took
home to wash out and give away, and then mostly helped bag items,
navigate a few ‘drips’, and mix more dye! Both groups went home
with very full 5 gallon buckets of stuff to wash out tomorrow!
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| Small table set up for 'tying'....YAV Katie looks on |
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| Gals spread their arms to show they are honoring 'social distancing' while I explain a few things. |
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| Rick came over and took a few pictures of me in action. |
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| One of the YAVs at the Green & Blue station |
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| MVS Volunteer Michelle at work |
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| Orange station...the gals put my demo shirts up in the tree! |
Rick took a walk after helping me set up and I had a good phone
conversation with Luke prior to the party. Late afternoon Rick had
to take the truck in for a tire repair, as he discovered a flat on
the truck while packing up some things to be ready for a 6:30am
departure. Got that fixed, showers, and take-out from El Sur for
dinner (Good deal!)
SATURDAY,
March 21
Tucson,
AZ to Alamo, NV
513 Miles
We are up at 6 to finish packing up and unhooking! On the road by
7am with coffees from Circle K in hand. We have a long way to go!
But no stop in Sun City to see the Schaffers as they contacted us
yesterday to pull the plug – just not smart at this time. We
couldn’t disagree with the way things are changing rapidly on a
daily basis as far as the pandemic goes.
Slow down getting out of Tucson around Prince Road due to
construction, but otherwise Rick cruises up 1-10 toward Phoenix.
Yellow flowers line the highway – sides and median strip – all
day long! We try out a new Phoenix bypass to the west side – hwy
202 – and it is WONDERFUL! Other than some construction that
prevented us from taking 303 (so we hadto take 101 instead and endure
several miles of stoplights on Hwy 60) Phoenix is now easy to bypass
if traveling north to Kingman! Hurray! While we are driving past
Sun City, we call Carl and Arletta on the phone and talk for about 15
minutes! A ‘socially distant’ visit!!
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| Colorful flowers alongside the road near Wickenburg |
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| Quick photo snap of Joshua trees....Rick had trouble getting a picture from the truck window! |
We stop just outside of Wickenburg for gas and switch drivers, giving
Don and Roxy Ulrey a wave as we plow through town. The road is now
lined with bluebonnets and lupine (both short and tall!), orange
mallow, and occasional poppies. Saguaros and Joshua Trees are our
constant companions on the hilly drive northwest to Kingman. We had
forgotten about the Joshua Forest on this section of highway.
Into Kingman and the Pilot shortly before 1pm. Gas and bathroom stop
and we pull some food out of the trailer for lunch to snack on as we
head up toward Las Vegas. Rick again behind the wheel. We have
found the gas stations and convenience stores with them open, but
sometimes the restrooms closed. Using the trailer!
A new bypass around Boulder City, NV (a now completed section of I-11
that will eventually connect Phoenix with Vegas) and we are through
Las Vegas before we know it, stopping at the Pilot off Craig Road for
gas again. Prices have been higher than they were in Tucson which is
interesting since overall gas prices have dropped in the last week or
so.
Last stretch of drive for today heads north on 93 through the
Pahrangat Valley and Wildlife Refuge. Rocky mountains with layers on
either side of us, soaptree yucca dots the valley floor along with
rabbit brush.
I made a reservation (the last spot available) at Pickett’s RV in
Alamo yesterday when the manager called me back during the Tie Dye
party. So we gas us to be ready for tomorrow’s early departure
again, and pull into site 12 under a big tree. We take a walk around
the side streets to stretch our legs, pull some dinner out of the
fridge, and relax for the evening.
I was impressed with the campground – we have stayed here before,
but they are being overrun currently with folks heading for home –
way busier than normal. The gal in the office was diligently wiping
pens and countertops clean after each person – only one client
allowed in the office at a time. The bathrooms are closed. They are
trying to do their best to be safe, but also accommodate the many
folks heading north.
SUNDAY,
March 22
Alamo,
NV to Mountain Home, ID
478
miles
OK….that’s a second LONG day in a row, but
we are poised to hit Ontario in the morning, stop at Winco to see if
we can pick up a few supplies (if they have any!) and then make the
final 70 mile push to Baker City and home.
Up at 6 and we are pulling out of the RV park
at 6:35, hoping the gas station convenience store is open for a cup
of coffee! Just opened! Hurray! Rick then drives up the long
valley of Hwy 318 toward Ely. The sky is cloudless in the morning
and the sun bright as it plays hide and seek with the mountains to
the east of us. We wind through the White River Narrows and the
amazing rock formations on either side. A stop at the rest area near
‘Sunshine’ and views of the snow covered mountains to the west of
the valley – these peaks are all in the 10,000-11,000 foot range!
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| Heading through the White River Narrows |
Into Ely after crossing over Murray Pass at
7300’ (I had to mention that because it wasn’t marked on the
map!) and DOWN Hwy 6 to the high mountain town and the Shell gas
station we usually visit. All open, except drive through only at the
Subway, and again, no refills using your own cup. Many places are
honoring refill prices, but ask you use a new cup.
I take over the driving from Ely to Wells, NV,
a distance of about 145 miles. Once more it is typical Nevada
north-south driving….vast lake bed valleys bordered by high
mountains. Only now the clouds are accumulating, first as puffy
layers, then thick as we near Wells. About 30 miles out of Wells the
road is bordered with a light coating of snow alongside.
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| Clouds and mountain ranges of Nevada |
Traffic is relatively heavy, especially after
Ely – lots of RV’s heading north homeward – just like us!
Plenty of Canadians still heading north, especially from Alberta!
(Or maybe we are just seeing the same ones over and over!)
We gas up again in Wells at the Flying J and
Rick drives again toward Jackpot and the Idaho border! I make a few
phone calls to confirm campgrounds for the night, and by the time we
make the turn at Filer to head west, we have a reservation in
Mountain Home for the night.
Wagon Wheel RV Park in Mountain Home is small,
the bathhouse is closed due to Virus, and they are only doing
self-check-in with cash. Rick and I determine we have $35 in exact
cash and fill out the form. I don’t know internet passwords, but
we can live without for the evening! A short walk to stretch our
legs, showers in the trailer, and we rummage through the fridge for
dinner items. Rick starts up the gas furnace for the night as the
temps in the trailer are down to 57 by 8:30pm and the forecast is for
low 30’s.
MONDAY, March 23
Mountain Home, ID to Baker City, OR
186 miles
Last day on the road and thank goodness it is a
short one! We are up between 6:15 and 7 – having never changed our
clocks to Mountain Time. Not worth it for one night! We do a little
trailer cleaning in terms of sinks, tub, and toilet and are on the
road by 7:30 heading for gas and coffee at the Pilot right at the
freeway entrance.
Breeze through Boise-Nampa-Caldwell (is this
getting as bad as Salt Lake City? NO! Not yet!) and into Ontario by
10:30 Pacific time. Gas and then a trip to the Waremart, hoping to
pick up enough groceries to keep us happy for the next few weeks as
we self-isolate. Score! Rick naps a 12 pack of toilet paper!!
But….no 10# sacks of flour. We pick up a $100 worth and call it
good!
Our other highlight is the TAILWIND we have all
morning on the southern Idaho plateau when it seems like we often
experience a headwind. Rick finds it refreshing when tired of
driving!
As usual I wait with anticipation for the first
views of the Elkhorns as you crest Pleasant Valley hill – today did
not disappoint!
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| Elkhorn Mountain range as you descend into Baker Valley |
Home by noon and unpacked by 1pm. A pile of
laundry a mile high because everything cloth has to be washed, all
items in trailer wiped down with Clorox wipes, etc. But once we are
disinfected, we can safely just chill!
Prayers for our world as this pandemic
continues to spread. I saw that today there are now 45,000 positive
tests in the US, and Italy has surpassed China in the number of
deaths (a higher percentage there). May God shower blessings upon us
all as we work TOGETHER with love and care for one another.
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| When we got home I was able to download Abi's picture of the tie dye she, Destiney, and Michelle did. Still waiting for pictures from the YAVs! |
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