A View of Superstition Mountains from the Back of the Boulevard


After ukulele lessons, lunch at the Cactus Grill, and a visit to Verizon to purchase some more internet data, we decided it was time for a ride on the motorcycle. We did part of the trip up the Apache Trail, in the Superstition Mountains, that we’d done in December on the Jeep Tour. It was a different perspective from the back of the Boulevard and before long I was busily snapping pictures. Sometimes they turn out; sometimes they don’t. But that’s the beauty of the digital age.

The road is a popular one for motorcyclists, with all of its twists and turns.

Bikers' Twists and Turns

Bikers’ Twists and Turns

One lane bridge around the bend

One lane bridge around the bend

IMG_3326 IMG_3336 IMG_3381

Being late in the afternoon, it was a perfect time for capturing the scenic mountains and lakes.

Apache Trail

Apache Trail Vistas

IMG_3345 IMG_3368 IMG_3395 IMG_3402 IMG_3403We made a stop in Tortilla Flat for another taste of Prickly Pear Ice Cream.

Tortilla Flat

Tortilla Flat in the Valley. Great Prickly Pear Ice Cream found there.

IMG_3424 IMG_3428By the time we were heading back down, the sun was setting, dusting the rocks with gold, before becoming a blazing red aura around the peaks.

Sunset on the Apache Trail

Sunset on the Apache Trail

IMG_3441 IMG_3460 IMG_3471Another glorious day in Paradise.

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Storm, What Storm?


Today the news everywhere is about the winter storms that have a grip on many areas of the US. We escaped Dodge, I mean Oklahoma, just in time it seems. When we woke up this morning in Santa Rosa, there were school closures being announced on the radio. We looked out the window and there was nothing on the ground. It was very cold, and Jim was up a few times in the night checking on the water and the furnace. All was well. But we changed our plan to go through Albuquerque towards Flagstaff, and that turned out to be a wise move. Instead we turned south down Hwy. 54 and eventually made our way to Deming, NM, where we are tonight.

We ran into some light snow on the way, which soon got a little heavier and started to pack on the road. If we’d been in the car with snow tires, we’d have no worries, but not knowing how the RV would handle slippery roads caused some concern at an elevation of nearly 7000 ft. By two o’clock we were on the descent. When we stopped to eat, the wind was still strong and there seemed to be a mix of snow and sleet, but when we left the restaurant it had all stopped and the sun was peaking through the clouds. It was smooth sailing after that. It seems that everyday we find ourselves squinting as we drive into the sunset. We are blessed.

I’ll add pictures to this tomorrow night, when we expect to be in Mesa Arizona, with a better internet connection.

The Count-down is On!


Only three more sleeps! Getting ready for this adventure has been a lot of work There are so many details to take care of when you plan to be gone for so long: house sitter arranged, check; ownerships, insurance, health cards, credit cards all up-to-date, check; e-tests and safety on both new and old motor home, check; old motor home sold, check; tires checked, backup camera installed, gas tank filled, propane tank filled. The list goes on. Today we’re nearly there. Because of the cold weather, we have to refrain from putting items such as liquid soaps, cooking oils and anything that we don’t want to freeze, into the motor home until the last minute. The same goes for the computers and other electronics.Tonight I’ll do one last laundry and put the clean clothes in. We’re nearly ready!

Today and tomorrow it’s dentist appointments, eye exams and car licence renewal, since it will expire while we’re away. A Christmas party to attend tomorrow night, and then our calendar is clear for take off.

But we’re a little late getting away to avoid the snow. This is what we see out our window this morning!

Snow day

Hope she likes the snow!

Jim had the snow blower out. We still have to find someone to take care of the snow while we’re away, as our house sitter can’t do it.

We’re looking forward to the escape, but I have to admit it is rather pretty in the neighbourhood today.

Winter through a Window

Looking through the window