Feb. 19th

We spent a very long day in the truck yesterday as we drove for 7hours.  We crossed the border at about 9am at Nogales.  The paperwork took us about an hour or so to complete but we breezed through customs without being searched and in the 7 hours of driving we passed 3 police checks but were waved through all of them.  The difference in wealth between the 2 countries (US and Mexico) was evident immediately upon entering Mexico.  We drove though a couple of cities but most of the highway ran though a deserted desert.   After a very long day of driving from just north of the border we arrived at San Carlos, our 1st Mexican RV park in the late afternoon.  We arrived to a Mexican band, free Corona and Margaritas!!!  They were celebrating a belated Valentines Day.

  At last the moment we had been dreaming of had arrived.  What a nice welcome.  The only thing missing was friends and family.  Hint hint….We immediately met the only other family staying at the park, a couple from Vancouver with a 1 and 3 year old.  They have been here for about a month and are heading home in a week.  The park was otherwise filled with Canadian and American seniors. 

This morning we headed across the road to the beach where we collected beautiful shells and the kids splashed in the shallow water.    We were ttreated to a wonderful sight.  Several dolphins jumping through the waves close to shore and pelicans the size of Trae floating in the water.   The kids loved the beach as they combed the entire beach for shells and other treasures.  They were both brave enough to play in the water, however both Carrie & I found it too cold.  Kids are amazing as they so adaptable and truly can make the most of any situation!   Kiah said that “this is no doubt, the best day of my life!”  She even said it was more fun than Disneyland!?!?!?!After enjoying the beach, we went back to the trailer, enjoyed lunch, Kiah worked on school work while Trae & I had a little Siesta.  It was very warm this afternoon with the temp. reaching 26degrees.  Later in the day, the kids had alot of fun making necklaces and windchimes from their treasures found on the beach. 

We have decided to hang out here for awhile and take a breather from driving.  We have just turned over 5000km since we left Canmore!!! 

Day 14 – 16: Preparing for Border Crossing

Day 14: We left San Diego Monday morning after the kids had one last swim in the nice pools at the RV resort.  In the initial 2 hours of our drive eastward from San Diego we climbed 4000 ft and then descended 4000 ft back to sea level.  On this stretch of the highway we passed through mountains of rust coloured crushed rock.  Once through the mountains it was mostly desert terrain with some farming, and of course military land.  This highway runs parallel to the border.  We arrived in Yuma just before sun down and tried to find an RV park.  Unfortunately this town is very popular with seniors and the 1st park we stopped at basically told us that children weren’t welcome at any RV parks in town.  They suggested we continue onto a small town, 30min. east.  When we got to that town we were overcome with the smell of cow shit & urine!  We passed the largest, most disgusting cattle prison we ever saw.  It was so disgusting. There were thousands of cattle packed into large pens with barely any room to move.  As far as the eye could see, it was rows of cows huddle together.  Animal rights activists would be surely be appalled.  Needless to say we continued driving and cursed the woman who sent us there.  (Those Yuma folk really don’t like kids).  There didn’t appear to be much of anything for several km’s and we thought we might have to break our #1 rule, never drive after dark.  But we finally found an RV park in nowhere-land, actually called Dateland.   Apparently they are famous for date milk shakes but we didn’t get to try one.  The RV park was small and had about 20 longterm  “snowbirds”staying there.  The owner said his guests come for the desert and the 4-wheeling.  One guy staying there showed us the wind chimes he makes out of the military shell casings he finds while riding his quad through the area where US military aircraft fly.  Strange but true!

DAY 16: we continued driving to Tucson, picked up supplies and got the truck serviced (Oil Change).  That night we spent the evening in the Wal-Mart parking lot (free camping!).   It was in a good neighbourhood and there was another RV’er.  It was a noisy night with the sound of cars and rigs and shopping carts, but who can complain when it’s free.  The following morning we bought our Mexican Vehicle Insurance ($358 for truck & trailer), did a little shopping and Trevor went for a ride on a desert trail outside Tucson.    We spent that night at a basic RV park about 25km north of the border.  It was totally packed there but the friendly owners squeezed us in for $15.    We were able to do laundry and get the truck & trailer organized as we plan to cross the border tomorrow morning.    We were also able to fill up our propane tanks and buy some bottle water…this was all available at the RV park.  The place was owned by a retired couple who were very friendly and accommodating.  Tomorrow, we plan to get up early and travel to Los Carlos, Mexico.  Should be about 7-8hrs driving…depending on the amount of time it will take at the border.   Wish us good luck…and it would be great to hear back from you.

Day 12 – 13: Loving San Diego area

We left the RV Park in Anaheim on Feb.12th and took a drive to Huntington Beach.  Trevor got his bike out and road along the ocean path while the kids and I played in the sand and walked the pier.  We spent the night in a state park between LA and San Diego.  It was nothing fancy or exciting and really expensive because it is close to the beach.  Most beach sites are $60 for full hook-up.  We were able to get this site for $35 (no hook-ups).  Expensive considering you still had to pay to have a shower.  The following morning I went for a run to the ocean.  There was a steady stream of walkers and bikers with surf-boards in tow.  When I got to the beach at 8:30am it was already teaming with men in black (wetsuits).  From LA to San Diego there were numerous beaches all filled with surfers.  From a distance, all you see along the shores are bobbing black dots (surfers). 

We arrived in San Diego on Feb. 13th and found a nice RV park to stay in for a couple nights. Once again it was expensive, priced at $50 (partial hook-up).  We stayed for 2 nights as it we were all enjoying San Diego and the RV park had a pool and playground for the kids.   Last night they had live music which the 4 of us danced a few songs to last night.  Today the weather was 22 degrees and we had a great day in the sun.  The kids biked along a path around   Mission Bay to the open ocean, while Trev and I ran.  It was a great workout as we were able to run for about an hour & half.  Unlike other states, people in this area were noticeably super fit.  The path was busy with roller bladders, runners and bikers, while the bay was filled with sail boats, rowing shells and kayaks.  Just a few days ago while at Disney I was thinking I could afford to eat a few extra donuts but after seeing all the buff bodies here I feel like a jelly roll!  The kids are super tired from the sun, biking and pool!  Tomorrow we will head in the direction of Tucson, Arizona!   It is about a 7 hour drive west, plus you loose an hour due to the time change.  Our goal is to get just past Yuma, which borders California, Arizona and Mexico.  This should be about 3.5hours drive. 

Day 8 – 11: DISNEYLAND!!!

Day 8 – 11:  As the kids would say “HOORAY FOR DISNEYLAND!!!!”  We arrived in Anaheim late afternoon on Monday, the 8th of Feb.  We set up camp at an RV park that has a shuttle directly to Disney.  Cost was the most expensive that we have seen yet…..$50/night.  The RV site was not to bad as it had a pool, jacuzzi, laundry and full hook-ups.  Cost for the shuttle was $10/adult (good for 3 days) and $1/child per day.   We arrived at Disney at 8am, Tuesday morning which is before the gates open.  It was great to see how excited the kids were.  Kiah was looking forward to seeing princesses and Trae wanted to see the big guy “Mickey Mouse”.  The 3 days went by very quickly and we maxed them out.  Kiah was afraid to go on many of the rides as they were dark and often had a scare factor. Her favourites were the milder ones like the spinning teacups, the carousel, It’s a Small World, and Soarin’ Over California (a video/ride that makes you feel like you’re hang-gliding over California).  Her highlight was probably meeting the princesses.  We did this on the last day and she made a point to pick out her favourite dress and have Mickey ears that matched.  She was ecstatic and very cute as this obviously meant much to her.  Besides meeting the princesses she truly enjoyed meeting Tinker Bell and watching the parades in the evening.  As expected, Trae was keen to try anything and liked all of it.  I don’t think there was any ride that he would not try….as long as he was tall enough.  There were a few rides that scared him but he wouldn’t admit it.  Some middle aged women said we had to try the Hollywood Tower of Terror and Trae was tall enough so I took him on it.  It drops you 183ft down an “elevator chute”.  I don’t know what I was thinking.  I was screaming my head off and clinging to Trae, it was super scary.  When the ride was finished a guy asked how Trae did.  I said “I don’t know I was screaming too loud”.  After I apologized to Trae for taking him on it and he said “I loved it!”. But when I asked him if he’d like to go on it again he said “in 500 years”.  Three days was good amount of time to see all of Disneyland and California Adventure and we were able to repeat a few of their favourite rides too.  Line ups were non-existent for the less popular rides and we waited a maximum of 15min. for the popular ones.  We were glad we weren’t there in peak season or on a weekend.  Disney does a great job as everything is clean and pristine.   There is so much going on in all areas of the park. 

Bye for now….

    

Day 6 & 7 - Get you kicks on Route 66

DAY 6 & 7: We made our way from Provo , Utah to Joshua Tree National Park. It was a good day’s drive as we took the more “scenic” & “well travelled” route 66. As you can see from our photo, the highway was clear unlike the weather. I think we say maybe 3 cars in the span of 4 hours of driving on the Route 66 highway. It was worth it as it was a nice way to see the country.

We spent 2 nights at Joshua Tree as they was so much to explore. The kids loved climbing on the

rocks. We camped in Joshua Tree park (Jumbo Rocks campground) for $10/night!!!! Of course this did not include any of the great RV amenities that we are accustomed to. The weather was a little cold as it rained the first night. Kids & Carrie were up early and set out for a morning hike, as I worked on my school work. Later in the day, we went on an adventure drive…something that may not be wise in the dessert. Anyhow, we followed the map to a dirt road called Geology Tour Rd. It was suggested as a great scenic road in the park info. (especially for mtn. biking). The road was to take us to the south western tip of the park. Well, the adventure was a little more than we were looking for. It is best just to sum it up letting you know that the new truck performed very well in 4X4!!! In case you were wondering, we did not have the trailer attached. Full tour was about 4 hours of driving. As for Joshua Tree, all I can say it was a truly amazing peaceful place to be.

Day 4 & 5: Viva Las Vegas!

Day 4 & 5: We have found some warm weather in Nevada. I would not describe it as HOT, but it is nice to be able to put away the winter clothing. We have arrived at the Valley of Fire State Park. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. We were able to view Ancient trees a 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyph. This place was wild to witness after spending the last few days driving through white snow. All of a sudden, as we passed over a small mountain pass, dropped into the valley floor and everything changes. The temp. rose to 12 degrees, vegetation became lush, snow vanished and cactus appeared. The park is about 40miles outside of Vegas so we took one afternoon to drive to the Vegas strip. It was bit of a shock to all of us as we have just left a very peaceful and quaint area at our camp site (only about 4 campers) and arriving in the glitz of Vegas!@! We first arrived to take the kids to the Circus Circus Hotel as we read that there is a free Circus happening. It must be noted that this hotel is at the beginning of the strip and appears to be one of the older hotels. In order to find your way to the Circus, you have to of course walk through the casino. We found the place to be very tacky with souvenir shops and were turned off by the smoke floating around. When we finally arrived at the “circus”, we notice that there are maybe 12 people seated watching one trapeze/swing performer. However, nobody was watching the show….they were all occupied with something else. As was the performer as she did not seem to enthused about the performance. Combine this with the smell of smoke, the loud noise of the casino and the tacky souvenir shops……..we left to walk the strip. Unfortunately, it began to rain very hard, so we drove the strip. We left as the lights started to set on Vegas and we were all very pleased to get back to our peaceful camp setting. We had a great camp site that we chose to stay for 2 nights. I was able to get a good hour run in as the kids & Carrie went exploring on a hike. The kids enjoyed exploring along the rocks and discovering new treasures. We decided to pull out sooner than we would of liked due to a thunderstorm coming in. The camp host told us that a few weeks ago, the campsite area flooded and it demolished a few roads. He mentioned that flash floods are known to happen in this part of the dessert. At first we thought he was pulling our leg as we knew our family was loud….but then we figured who is going to complain as there was really no one around for miles. Needless to say, we moved on out and headed to California on Route 66.