RV-ing is not an exact science. (Written by RTR)

One checks a website and counts on posted comments and then books a place and time.

 After an enjoyable few days in Julian, Ca., we coasted down the Banner Grade to our next destination on the Colorado River; Walter's Camp.

This is where the bad happens. 

We had been there many years ago staying with friends and enjoyed ourselves as one does at the river with endless cocktails and boating fun. I blame myself for going this time to the river without a boat. 

But what we found at the RV camp ground was nothing like we had remembered. On a rather stagnant inlet... with no river access... without a (real) boat. 

We should have known when no refunds ($40 a night) were mentioned upon checking in. Not to mention the endless 7 miles of washboard road off the highway to get to a concrete slab not even in sight of the inlet- much less the river itself.

So we moved on the next day caring less as to refunds. 

Luckily we know the area well enough to have spent quality time floating in the river at Palo Verde, and then booked a hotel just to get the bad taste of Walter's out. 

The river pictures show us to be not ugly...

Logistics

The decision has been made; a road trip is eminent. 

The ball is in my court as a month on the road will test one's organizational skills. This length of time on the road presents the usual hurdles involving what to take and what to store.

Where I am a minimalist, the wife is a " maximalist." 

Let's  just use shoes as an example. I believe a pair of sandals, one pair of sneaks and one of hiking will suffice. The wife informed me that she would need one tote dedicated to shoes. I innocently asked how many high- heeled shoes she thought would be necessary for what essentially will be a camping, biking and hiking trip.

 

I think the look I received indicated at least two.

And so the fun starts with a decision on the kayak. Bikes, horseshoes, boccie, Frisbee, and football are all necessary of course. 

The wife is wondering how many football games might break out...

I Represent That!

Early this morning, our young neighbor in the RV / trailer park could hear our blender. 

" Making Pina Coladas?" he asked. Which is telling in so many ways. One is being so close to your neighbors it gives them insight into your life. It may be that you have made one too  many 'Coladas this summer. 

Our answer to his question was no. 

The Wife and I have decided to take some time off from summer cocktailing. 

So we flipped the switch, so to speak. 

I had been on a self- imposed quest to enjoy all of August because, well, life can be hard.

 It's been said that one either has a good liver or not, and has nothing to do with alcohol intake. I sincerely hope this is true. 

Anyway, I am not partaking for a time to be determined by my will-power.

Since we do live at the beach, people will drop by to enjoy our patio. But, the plan is to stay stead fast and resist all the liquid fun. Making me think that one should ask himself if it is necessary to partake to have a good time. 

I will keep you posted...

Back to Business

Last month's blog posts were brought to you by The Husband- who thinks he deserves  to celebrate his birthday for an entire month- like a teenage girl.

Pam and The Husband(on the right)  playing croquet.

The problem is- I indulge his funny, joie de vivre lifestyle- but someone has to be the grown-up, and that my friends, is me.

While he is at the beach sitting next to pretty girls and cute gay guys, I am back at the homestead writing articles. While he is riding his bike down the coast highway I am back at the RV looking for more writing gigs so we can afford to eat.

Those damn mai tais don't grow on trees, ya know!

To be fair, the only check that is regularly deposited in our bank account like clockwork is his social security check and pension from the Grocers Union- so I suppose he can run/jump/and play all he wants- but next year- can we keep it to a 15- day celebration, because I can't keep up!

Day 20 - It's the Weekend...

When the weekend comes around after semi-celebrating each day so far this month, it seems laissez-faire.

Friesland flag in the RV Park

 But the wife is asking what's up for the weekend? So something should be planned. Let's BBQ is probably not going to cut it. But it turned out  she needed to work/write- so I was off the hook and looking forward to some relaxation.

Well, not relaxation in the typical sense of the word. I went for a workout. A nice sweat and, of course, a long bike ride. 

Nothing special except for the shout- down by a handicapped lady to a woman whose dog was invading her space. The police actually came. Nothing like a little drama, especially when I'm a total bystander.

Aja & Julie- BFF's

My daughter came by with her gal pal and spent a nice afternoon on the beach. 

All is well in the weekend home space.