2018

A 365-day adventure by Debra Read more

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Trip start
January 1, 2018
2018 Traveler
January 1-7
January 7, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
After spending ten wonderful days celebrating the holidays with family and friends we cruised south to SoCal, spending one night in Willows, CA. Near perfect traveling weather with some mild to moderate fog and haze otherwise clear, calm and of course Warmer! 🌞
Check out Catalina's new website and see if you recognize anyone in the soaking pool and pickleball photos. 😊
https://www.catalinasparvresort.com/
We continue to live the life of snowbirds...pickleball, soaking in the spa and enjoying time with friends. Friday we attended a campfire/sing-along. Sunday we had the best smoked brisket ever, prepared by Chad and Leslie.Read more
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2018 Traveler
January 8-14
January 14, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
We continue to enjoy near perfect weather, except for the much needed rain on Monday and Tuesday. This week we went out for pizza with our pickleball group, test drove a motorhome with Chad and Leslie, hiked the Moon Country trail in the Coachella Valley Preserve, attended the FMCA rally in Indio, listened to good music at the Sunday Jam (Chad's on the left) and rounded out our week enjoying good food, drink and friends at Chad and Leslie's happy hour.Read more
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2018 Traveler
January 15-21
January 21, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Tuesday we had Chad & Leslie, Jim & Angie and Leslie's former coworker from Nike, Rebecca and her husband Tom, over for Randy's smoked baby back ribs... YUM! Wednesday was wine tasting; Thursday we met friends from Portland, Jessie and Betty, for lunch at Grill a Burger which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives http://grill-a-burger.com/phone/index.html ; Saturday we saw Laughing Bird's show... very entertaining http://www.laughingbirdmusic.com/;
we ended the week enjoying great music at the weekly jam session.Read more
Great pictures. Food looks good. Love you .
1/21/18Reply
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2018 Traveler
January 22-28
January 28, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
We enjoyed another great week here at Cat Spa. A blind wine tasting on Wednesday... I won second place🍷; my cousin Sally and her husband Dave came to visit on Thursday; stocked up on dates, produce and hats at the farmer's market and Street Fair on Saturday then had lunch at Sherman's http://shermansdeli.com/; Saturday night we were entertained by an Elvis impersonator (our first) who put on a wonderful show and did a great job of channeling Elvis. https://www.dannyvernon.com/; Sunday Dave treated us to an excellent breakfast at Wilma and Freida's https://www.wilmafrieda.com/ then we spent the afternoon listening to the weekly jam at Cat Spa.Read more
I've eaten there twice. Killer food.
2/19/18Reply
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2018 Traveler
January 29-February 4
February 4, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
A busy week here at Cat Spa. I rose early to watch the Super Blue Blood Moon on Wednesday. Randy and I competed and volunteered in our first sanctioned pickleball tournament held February 1-3. There were over 110 competitors as well as dozens of spectators and volunteers. Randy played men's, and I, women's doubles as well as teaming up for mixed doubles... we didn't place but it was a fun experience. Many thanks to our tournament director, Jim as well as Angie. Saturday was girls night out for Leslie and I... we danced our hearts out to Ghosts of Kelso. Sunday we were joined by Jim and Angie at Mario's where we watched the Superbowl. 🏈 Surprised my cousin Steve there, as it's his favorite hangout.Read more
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2018 Traveler
February 5-11
February 11, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
We started off the week joining the Quail Valley hiking group at the Coachella Valley Preserve where we hiked the McCallum trail. Good views of the San Andreas Fault.
http://coachellavalleypreserve.org/
Tuesday Leslie and I modeled in the Cat Spa/RV Casuals fashion show... what a hoot! Later that evening Chad & Leslie, Jim & Angie and our new friends Pete & Ellen joined us for happy hour. Check out Pete and Ellen's excellent website http://www.bigrigbible.com
Wednesday we had cheeseburgers at Dillon's Roadhouse, a true dive bar. http://dillonsburgersbeers.com/about/
Saturday we watched some pickleball matches at the Palm Desert Senior Games. http://www.desertseniorgames.org/Read more
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2018 Traveler
February 12-18
February 18, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
On Monday we took a road trip with Jim and Angie to the Grocery Outlet in Hemet. We stocked up on wine, as well as other essentials such as Juanita's tortilla chips (made in Hood River, OR) which are rare in these parts. We also stopped at the Cabazon Outlet Mall.
Tuesday Leslie and Chad hosted happy hour before we headed to the pickleball courts for a couple of hours of play under the lights, wine, more snacks and a campfire.
Wednesday we met our neighbors from Boring, Ken and Patsy, for lunch at Eureka! in Indian Wells... good food and good friends.
Friday we competed in the weekly round robin. This week was our Pickleball Olympics followed by a potluck, burgers and sausages
Saturday we hiked the Whitewater Preserve with Jim and Angie. http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_wh…
Another great week of fun under the sun! 🌞Read more
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2018 Traveler
February 19-21
February 21, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
Windy and cold on Monday, cold continues Tuesday...of course everything's relative with lows in the low 40's, highs in the low 60's. Wine and pickleball under the lights Tuesday evening.
Wednesday we traveled an hour southeast with Jim, Nancy, Marc and Patti to hike the ladders trail in the Mecca Hills Wilderness. Up and down ladders, through slot canyons and along plateaus to view fantastic rock formations and vistas of the mountains, canyons and Salton Sea. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/tra…
On the way home we stopped at the Oasis Date Gardens then lunch at TKB Bakery and Deli where we enjoyed one of the most delicious sandwiches ever. 😋 https://www.tkbbakery.com/Read more
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2018 Traveler
February 22-28
February 28, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
We had a cool and breezy but fantastic final week at Cat Spa. Thursday we helped Dennis celebrate his birthday. Friday was crazy sock day for our weekly pickleball round robin. We didn't win craziest socks but Randy had the highest overall score with 9 out of 9 wins!🏆
Saturday dinner, music and dancing. Monday we hosted happy hour. Tuesday we had lunch at Frankinbun, a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.🌭 I had the chicken and waffle, Randy a chili dog. Both were good but a bit overpriced. Loved the wallpaper! http://www.frankinbun.com/
Wednesday we enjoyed good food, drink and company at our farewell potluck. Thank you Angie, Jim, Barbara, Pete, Donna, Rick, Marc, Patti, Jim, Nancy, Chad and Leslie.Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 1-3
March 3, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Thursday we headed to Yuma, Arizona via California hwy 111 along the Salton Sea with stops at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639
Slab City,https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/slab-city-c… and Salvation Mountain http://www.salvationmountain.us/.
Interesting, weird, desolate points of interest.
Then headed east on Interstate 8 to arrive at Westwind RV and Golf Resort where it's in the mid 70's.🌞 https://www.westwindrvgolfresort.com/
Excellent tacos and chipilonas were had at Tacos El Cositas taco stand.
Monday we had our home and car washed and waxed then shopped and wandered at the Arizona Market Place where you can find just about anything.
We met some nice folks playing pickleball Saturday morning then relaxed the rest of the day.😎Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 4-7
March 7, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Sunday we hiked Telegraph Pass with Joe and Joanne who we met in Cheyenne, Wyoming last year. They're a wonderful couple and avid hikers, especially Joe who hiked the steepest portion of the trail twice to our once... he must be part mountain goat! Very steep getting to the top but well worth the views.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/tele… We enjoyed a delicious lunch with them after our hike.
Tuesday we crossed the border into Los Algodones, Mexico to shop, wander and eat. We had some excellent street tacos and mexican/japanese fusion fare from vendors at the town square. I had my hair cut at a shop that some ladies from our RV resort recommended and was not disappointed. We saved significant $$$ on meds. Purchased some fine tequila and Kahlua. Couldn't pass up on freshly made candied almonds and pecans. Bought a cool hanging pierced metal lamp. Scored on some fresh giant prawns. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Algodones
Wednesday we had cocktails and lunch at the RV park... exceptionally good, then drove down to Old Town Yuma for a walking tour.
We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Foothills area of Yuma. Met many nice people, mostly Canadians, while playing pickleball as well as biking and walking around the park.Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 8-11
March 11, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Thursday we traveled over the Maricopa Mountains on Interstate 8 then continued east on Interstate 10 into Tucson, Arizona to Mission View RV Resort. http://www.missionviewrv.com/ We had yummy tacos, burritos and a sonoran hot dog at BK Tacos and enjoyed a beautiful sunset back at our site.
Friday we biked parts of the Santa Cruz River and Julien Wash portions of The Loop, about 20 miles. Tucson has an excellent system of multiuse paths. https://southernarizonaguide.com/bicycle-path-t…
Saturday we toured Mission San Xavier del Bac. A beautiful structure dating back to the late 1700s. We enjoyed indian tacos prepared by tribal members after our tour. http://www.sanxaviermission.org/Index.html Next we headed downtown to the Arizona History Museum then to 2nd Saturday on Congress Avenue.
Sunday we took Kuma to Rosie's Barket for a much needed bath then strolled around historic 4th Avenue . Lots of shops, restaurants and public art...fun and funky. https://www.fourthavenuetucson.com/Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 12-14
March 14, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Monday I checked off a bucket list item when we toured Biosphere 2. A fascinating place that continues to contribute to the study of environmental science.http://biosphere2.org/visit/what-is-biosphere-2
We started Tuesday with a 20 mile bike ride on the southeast portion of the Julien Wash and Harrison Greenways sections of the Loop. Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while peddling through prickly pear, ocotillo and suguaro catus as well as creasote bushes. Then on to the Titan Missile Museum which was interesting. We'd hope to take a tour but didn't want to wait 90+ minutes.☹️ http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/
Next we visited the Asarco Mineral Discovery Center. Interesting with a bit of propaganda thrown in. Missed the tour into the open pit copper mine.🙁 http://www.asarco.com/about-us/our-locations/as…
Enjoyed an early dinner at Casino Del Sol and managed to parlay my $10 credit, for joining their players club, into $16.50😄
We ran into Rick and Sharon, who we know from our annual trips to Lake Simtustus in central Oregon, while heading back to the car...small world. Saw a big dust devil or mini tornado en route to the rv park. Interesting fact interstate 19 is the only U.S. highway using metrics. www.atlasobscura.com/places/i19-americas-only-m…
Wednesday we drove the Sky Island Scenic Byway to Mt Lemmon. With a 6000 ft elevation gain, that's equivalent to traveling from Mexico to Canada in 27 miles, we saw a variety of landscapes all beautiful in their own way. https://www.go-arizona.com/Sky-Island-Scenic-By…
Have driven by the Air Force boneyard several times during our stay. Next time we're in Tucson we'll take a tour. http://www.airplaneboneyards.com/davis-monthan-…Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 15-23
March 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Thursday we had an easy cruise to Sundance 1 RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona. http://sundance1rv.com/
We spent over a week relaxing, reading, sleeping in, playing ping pong (Randy, who hasn't lost his touch) and lots of pickleball. Delicious lunches were enjoyed at The Big House Cafe and BeDillon's. We visited the Museum of Casa Grande. http://www.tmocg.org/
I made corned beef and cabbage for St Patrick's day and we watched the golf cart parade. As usual we met new friends on and off the pickleball courts. Had some fierce competition under the lights with Kory and Denise.Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 24-28
March 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Saturday we were greeted by camp hosts and former neighbors, Chad and Leslie, at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona. Beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains from our campsite.https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman
Monday Randy and I hiked the Siphon Draw trail. Panoramic views on the way to the top. Later in the day we strolled the Heritage District in Gilbert with Chad and Leslie. Enjoyed lunch at Grubstak and excellent margeritas at the Barrio Queen.
Gary and Carrie flew in from Gig Harbor, Washington on Tuesday. We spent the day catching up and though we haven't connected in over a year, like with all good friends, it felt like yesterday.
Wednesday morning we hiked the Treasure Loop Trail then headed back to Gilbert's Heritage District for an afternoon of good food, cocktails, ping pong and cornhole.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/d…Read more
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2018 Traveler
March 29-31
March 31, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Thursday we packed up and moved 11 miles to Gold Canyon RV and Golf Resort.
http://www.robertsresorts.com/mob/GoldCanyon.php
Friday we drove part of the Apache Trail to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flats. A scenic and winding drive through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/apache…
Saturday morning was spent playing pickleball then enjoying a leisurely brunch, napping and packing. Gary treated us to an early dinner before we dropped him, Carrie and Coco off at the Phoenix airport. We had a fantastic five days with our good friends and their new puppy.Read more
What fun. You guys look great. Dad and mom
4/1/18Reply
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2018 Traveler
April 1-5
April 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Easter Sunday🐣we traveled 6 hours west to Rancho California RV Resort in Aguanga, California where we'll be spending the month of April before heading back to our home base in Boring, Oregon. The drive on Interstate 10 was pretty then we hit the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (hwy 74) a very scenic, steep and hairpin curvy road. Quite the nail biter. I'm sure glad Randy is such an excellent coach driver. https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2017/01/12…
Our site at Rancho California is by far the most luxurious we've stayed in. It's spacious with mountain views and has a gas grill and fireplace, dining table, refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, TV and plenty of cushy seating. 😊https://www.ranchorvresort.com
We're enjoying the cooler temperatures at the higher elevation and have spent our mornings playing pickleball... as always a friendly group of great competitors. Tuesday we drove 35 minutes to Temecula for provisions at Costco and Winco. Thursday we met Jim and Angie for a delicious lunch at Angie's Diner in Hemet then shopped for libations and goodies at our favorite discount grocers, the Grocery Outlet.Read more
Hey... they have our exact patio set.. Dean & Lesa
4/7/18Reply
TravelerGood taste!
4/7/18Reply
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2018 Traveler
2 2
April 6-12
April 12, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
A very relaxing week spent playing pickleball and reading. Visited Ricardo Breceda's outdoor metal sculpture gallery 1.5 miles from our resort. Many large pieces of art but we were able to find something compatible with our RV lifestyle. http://ricardobreceda.com/
Wednesday we had a wonderful afternoon with our friends, Kathy and Jim. We went into old town Temecula for lunch and cocktails then they they visited us on Thursday along with their adorable and energetic goldendoodle Zoey. 😊Read more
Super cute! (Lesa Tabert)
4/14/18Reply
Good to see Jim & Kathy out traveling! (Lesa Tabert)
4/14/18Reply
Traveler Yes. It was great to see them.
4/14/18Reply
Traveler Thanks! I love our cerveza guzzling ant.
4/14/18Reply
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2018 Traveler
April 13-19
April 19, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 48 °F
Friday we went wine tasting at Maurice Car'rie and South Coast wineries with Jim and Kathy. Along with some good wines we shared a delicious brie stuffed sourdough loaf at Maurice Car'riehttps://www.mauricecarriewinery.com/ and enjoyed the pretty views and gardens at South Coast. https://www.southcoastwinery.com/
Saturday evening we went to the karaoke party here at Rancho California. Karaoke lyric reader broke early... probably a good thing. Lots of visiting, dancing and laughing. A very fun night.
Tuesday we picked up Jim and Kathy in Temecula for a drive to Wonderland Ocean Pub in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Had some yummy chowder fries and a delicious seared ahi wrap.
Wednesday was happy hour at Bob and Sandy's. Thanks so much for your hospitality, food and friendship.Read more
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2018 Traveler
April 20-22
April 22, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Saturday Gary, Carrie, Gordon and Pattie drove over from San Diego for lunch. We feasted on Randy's fabulous smoked baby back ribs and had a great time visiting with friends that go back more than 47 years. Saturday evening's sunset was spectacular.
Sunday we drove to Idyllwild to hike the Devil's Slide to Saddle Junction trail with Sandy, Bob, Alison and Jim. Perfect weather, great trail, beautiful views, good workout and fantastic company. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/dev…
After our hike we enjoyed a well deserved lunch in Idyllwild at La Cosita.Read more
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2018 Traveler
April 23-27
April 27, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Tuesday we spent a fantastic afternoon with Jamie and Cris wine tasting at Wiens Family Cellars, Chapin Family Vineyards and Danza del Sol.
Thursday Randy and I had breakfast in Oceanside then drove north to San Clemente before stopping at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The mission grounds and Serra Chapel are beautiful and the history of the mission is very interesting. https://www.missionsjc.com/
We stopped for dinner with our friends Joe and Joanne, who you might remember from Cheyenne and Yuma, in Old Town Temecula.
Friday we hosted a baby back rib dinner for our new friends here at Rancho California. Thanks Bob, Sandie, Debbie, Jamie and Cris for making our stay here so special.Read more
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2018 Traveler
April 28-May 2
May 2, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
We departed Rancho California on Tuesday, May 1st after a wonderful month of relaxation, pickleball, wine tasting, sightseeing and most importantly meeting new friends and connecting with old. After driving through Los Angeles area traffic in rain then up and over the "Grapevine" we were more than ready for a big juicy burger at Harris Ranch followed by a good night's sleep while dry camping in their RV friendly parking lot.
Wednesday we continued north on I-5 before heading east on a very steep and winding hwy 120 to Yosemite Lakes RV Resort located on the Tuolumne River five miles from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park.https://rvonthego.com/california/yosemite-lakes…Read more
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2018 Traveler
May 3, Yosemite Day 1
May 3, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
On the way into Yosemite Valley we passed beautiful vistas and waterfalls. Upon arriving at Yosemite Village we went to the Ansel Adams Gallery, Valley Visitors Center, Valley Wilderness Center and Yosemite Museum then walked to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel where we took an hour guided tour. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yv.htm
All in all a fun and informative day.Read more
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2018 Traveler
May 4, Day 2 Yosemite
May 4, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Friday we headed back to the Valley for some hiking. We started with a short hike to Bridal Veil Falls then drove to Half Dome Village for another short hike to the Mist trailhead and on up to Vernal Falls. A beautiful but busy trail along the Merced River ending in a wet stone stairway with lots of mist at the top. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalne…
We rewarded ourselves with pizza, beer and a bloody mary back at Half Dome Village.Read more
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2018 Traveler
May 5, Day 3 Yosemite
May 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Saturday we returned to Yosemite and drove Wawona Road to Glacier Point for jaw dropping views of Yosemite Valley. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierp…
We ended our day in Groveland where we shared a delicious sandwich at Kevin and Randi's Old Fashioned Meat Market.
Randy and I are so glad that we stopped at Yosemite on our way back to Oregon. Only regret was missing Mariposa Grove's giant sequoias as it was closed for restoration.Read more
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