Day 140 – Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Julie and Lola (Kelly M.) both had a facial rejuvenation at the Alvea Spa at Encanterra Country Club this morning. They both looked years younger. In fact, we had to call them by name to make sure we were meeting the right people. Julie notes “Brenda and I were a bit jealous that Lola (Kelly M.) was having a facial so we hitched a ride with Dan on the golf cart over to the club house first thing to see if we could get some appointments booked. We didn’t want Lola (Kelly M.) being mistaken for one of our kids with her new youthful skin. They were able to book me in right after Lola’s (Kelly M.) appointment. I think, judging by the looks on their faces, that they felt it was a rejuvenation emergency. Brenda was allowed to wait until the next day. Brenda and I were then escorted to the ‘quiet room’ to wait and we immediately disobeyed the quiet rule as Brenda helped me fill in my ‘skin profile’ sheet. We had a spirited debate when it came to the allergies section as to whether my cat allergy should be mentioned. Having never had this particular treatment we couldn’t rule out some kind of feline interaction. Maybe they have cats walk gently on your face? Or gently fan you with their tails? Or lick the mask because of some rejuvenating chemical in their saliva. We just didn’t know so decided not to take any chances and included cats as an allergy. No good if I came out of there looking years younger but with runny eyes and nose. Turns out no cats were harmed during my treatment. And my facialist was serious when she told me, she does not even own a cat so I will be in no danger. It was a wonderful relaxing time and best therapy was that she told me I had beautiful skin. I tipped her appropriately for that!”

We all met for lunch on the patio. Lunch was great.

The rejuvenated Julie. Julie notes “I know! Takes you right back in time doesn’t it?”

I had the French onion soup and salad for lunch. It was really good rich soup. Nice. Julie notes “No jets required in the hot tub today if you sit next to Brad!”

Dan, Maureen, Brenda, and Lola (Kelly M.) had a tee time booked for the afternoon. Julie and I went to the outdoor pool for the afternoon. We relaxed around the pool in the sunshine and had a hot tub. Julie notes “It was definitely a Canadian type day for the pool. The sun was warm but a bit of nip in the breeze so we moved with the rays. I really wanted to stay in the change room as it is about the size of our house with every beautiful convenience you could imagine. I even got a little lost so followed the voices of the women walking through to find my way out of the beauty maze of mirrors. I even dared to check the high magnifying mirrors out since I sure felt rejuvenated. Maybe that is something else you shouldn’t do while wearing progressives.”

Julie notes “Brad! I think that French Onion Soup is starting to work. Plus I forgot my sunglasses way over there. Squint squint.”

…and I had a swim. Julie notes “hmmm the whole pool to himself for some reason.”

We all met up after their round of golf and toured some of the show homes on display at Encanterra. We toured the 3 newer style homes and a couple of the existing styles. They are all beautifully done. They have a design and floor plan that would cater to pretty much anybody. I had my favourite design and it didn’t agree with Julie’s favourite. That is the only reason we aren’t putting in an offer besides the advice of our accountant. J

The group at one of the show homes with a kitchen-centric design. Julie notes “Nice but we prefer to do our parkouring at Bill and Mary Ann’s. Plus did you know that there is endless water here in the desert. We had heard differently so we tested that theory by leaving Bill and Mary Ann’s taps and showers on the whole time we were away today. They were still running! Should’ve maybe NOT put the plug in the tub but in that dry climate things will evaporate quickly.”

Julie and Lola were getting a bit famished and luckily the show homes supplied bowls of fruit. Julie notes “These had lots of fibre.”

Dan and Maureen grilled up some smokies for supper with some salads. Their spool (hot tub and pool) was running for the group but Julie and I skipped a hot tub because we had already had one in the afternoon. Julie notes “And they have a rule of no French Onion Soup within 24 hours of ‘spooling’. It is listed, #1, right on their safety ‘spool’ rules.

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Kelly M’s vacation update – Kelly, your week is speeding by and you don’t want to go to bed tonight because that means Thursday will be here when you wake up. That makes you sigh a bit sadly but you’re not one to wallow in self-pity and you look forward to tomorrow’s plans. But you are glowing in your new skin and the facialist also told you that you have beautiful skin. (She hadn’t seen my skin yet so who’s to say which of us has the MOST beautiful skin. And your wife will be seeing her tomorrow. I hope you have some pictures of her from when she was a teenager because that is the transformation you will see.) You ended the day with some ‘spooling’ with your friends. The betting pool in the ‘spool’ tonight is guessing what the Smith’s water bill is going to be this month.”

Day 139 – Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Today, Julie and I were adjusting to life in a real house with real amenities and real friends. It’s funny how we adjusted to living in 172 square feet of RV (Julie notes “with few amenities and no friends, unless we count each other, which would be weird right?”) The transition to a real house makes us appreciate it even more. Julie notes “One of the things I do miss about the camper is being able to sit in the bathroom and rest my forehead on the wall while I ‘think’. I can only do this at Bill and Mary Ann’s if I sit sideways on the toilet. Note to self ‘Not a good idea.’ After living so long on battery powered dim lighting we are enjoying the feeling of 24 hours of daylight by turning on (and leaving on) all of the Smith’s lights. They sure have a lot! With the glow of their house lights in the background we sat around the Pearcy outdoor spool (spa pool) placing bets on what the final power bill will be. It was fun. Feeling enlightened this also makes it easier for our version of late night parkour (click the link if you don’t know what parkour is) as we jump between counters and furniture trying not to touch our feet on the ground. Don’t worry Bill and Mary Ann, we keep our shoes on for safety reasons and have moved any valuable items to the front driveway out of harm’s way.”

The girls planned a shopping afternoon at one of the outdoor mall areas. Julie notes “With Brenda at the wheel we took a bit of a scenic route to the outdoor mall. Apparently it had been moved since last time they were here and replaced by a condo complex or so she told us. Undaunted with a few more twists and turns the outdoor mall was located. I soon realized I had been drawn into to a semi-professional shopping competition. A map was routed, meeting places assigned, hydration and bathroom breaks sorted out, credit cards warmed up. I realized quickly I was out of my league. Maureen was first out of the gate with a purchase of several pairs of pretty summer shoes. She then pulled out her secret shopping weapon, Brenda, who apparently sidelines as a professional shopper in her spare time. Long story short, Maureen won the competition in all ways and came home with some awesome outfits. We were treated to a Maureen modelling show and all agreed that she was the rightful champion of the Shop til You Drop day.”

Dan helped me move the truck and camper to a storage facility before we headed to the same outdoor mall. Julie notes “Now wasn’t that just ‘Dan-dy’! (I told Dan I was going to have to use that joke. No-one has ever made that pun using his name before I bet.)” We will be storing the camper here over the wintertime and driving the truck home after a little 4000 km detour to southern Ontario. Julie notes “Yes we will be saying goodbye to our little casita after spending the majority of the past 139 days in our cozy little cocoon. (Literally there may be some cocoons in there.) The iTunes backed our Ontario bound decision by playing ‘This Old House’, ‘My Old Man’s a Dustman’, ‘May the Circle be Unbroken’, ‘Good Mother’, ‘Country Roads, take me home’, ‘I Wanna Go Home’ and many others. Decision made.”

Julie notes “The following is a brief summary of Brad and Dan’s man date. Once back home (and after a few drinks) we were treated to many more details of their time together. It was nice they had each other to bounce fashion ideas off of. All in all a successful first date.”

Dan introduced me to the Total Wine store. A huge outlet for beer, wine, and spirits. It is really amazing how much stock they carry from around the world. We checked out Dick’s Sports store (Julie notes “Notice I am refraining from the obvious big Dick jokes. So basically making this post Dickless. I know, I’m pretty proud of myself too.)” and then Barnes and Noble before heading over to Brio Tuscan Grille where we arranged to all meet for dinner. Harvey and Dale also joined us at the restaurant. It was a great meal with some great people. Julie notes “Delicious food and great service and the company was the best!”

Checking out the menu with a few cocktails.

The lab girls, Julie and Lola (Kelly M.) Julie notes “One of these gals was Miss Pipette 1979. And the other Miss Bunsen Burner 1978. It will take a real lab test to figure out who’s who.”

Dan, Brenda, and Maureen.

Harvey and Dale.

Some of the group.

Julie notes “Some of our favourite wildlife right here outside the door.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “The effect of Dan and Maureen’s spool, plus a few glasses of wine has unleashed some pent up adventure details. Turns out Brad and I may have not been on the same trip these past few months because a lot of our details don’t mesh. Hopefully we get that ironed out before we encounter the next group of friends/relatives. Rule of thumb though, when there is a discrepancy, my recollection is always the correct one. Thanks Arizona friends for being the first test audience.”

“Julie notes “Kelly M. vacation update: Kelly, you continue to have a grand time and are extremely appreciative of the beautiful accommodations and great weather and good friends. Your massage was great but you are carrying a lot of stress as you are extra naughty or was that knotty? Either way, you have booked a follow up massage for later this week. Have a good look at your before picture above because tomorrow you won’t recognize yourself in the mirror after your age rejuvenating facial. And after a day of shopping you are ready for the gym, the office and a nice little red or green number for the upcoming Christmas season. You did not find your perfect size 5 shoes after an extensive search but did replace your Portugal trip flip flops. Your petite tootsies have always been a curse.”

Day 138 – Monday, November 11, 2013

Julie notes “Lest we forget, we were fortunate enough to be able to watch the Capital Hill Remembrance Day Ceremony from Ottawa, even though we were all the way down here in Phoenix. As always, it was a moving reminder of sacrifices made for our country and for us. To quote my Aunt Janet ‘My thoughts were of all my family members who wore a uniform; my Dad, my brothers, Jack, Jim and Ron, my Uncle Harold, Aunt Olive and cousins galore. My thanks to all of them! And my hopes are that no family member ever has to put on a uniform again.’

We are making ourselves right at home at Bill and Mary Ann’s place. Julie notes “Mi casa et su casa! Looks like we belong here doesn’t it?”

We found Bill’s liquor cabinet. Julie notes “Brad’s early days in juvie came in handy. Took him a little longer but he was able to finally pick that lock. Party at our NEW house! BYOB please. (So we can replenish Bill’s cabinet before he finds out!)

We found their king size bed. All glorious. A real TV, couch and recliners, bed, kitchen… so nice to just relax and enjoy the environment. Julie notes “Luckily Lola (Kelly M.) knocked before entering. You know how Brad gets after a bottle of Captain Morgan. (Yes he falls asleep and snores like a drunken pirate. Didn’t want to expose Lola and her new camera to that!) There are 2 more beds to try out as well. Bill and Mary Ann may want to just give us this house after our wild week here as opposed to the other option of burning the contents and starting fresh. We’ll see what they decide.”

We all met around 8:00 AM and Dan and Maureen toured us through the development seeing some of the trails, the homes, the club house, and the golf course. Julie notes “Nice day for some ‘Arizona Dreaming’ on such a sunny day.”

The group on our walk. Julie notes “Hmmm one of these things is not like the other. I am thinking maybe I shouldn’t have worn my platform walking shoes.”

The streets were lined with the American flag in honour of Veteran’s Day.

The pool at the clubhouse.

Look closely for Brenda. She is trying to get her moment of glory on the blog but Julie and Lola (Kelly M.) are hogging the limelight.

Dan, Maureen, Lola, (Kelly M.) and Brenda all had a tee time for 18 holes of golf. Julie and I toured the area and made a few necessary arrangements. We then decided to visit the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Restaurant, Store. We had a great lunch and checked out the store. Julie notes “They had tours of the olive pressing plant, but olive us were pressed for time and wanted to press on to olive our other pressing business. Oil make sure olive us go see it next time. Oilvay!”

We came back to the house and relaxed for a bit before heading over to the 19^th hole to see if we could meet up with our friends when the finished their round of golf. We just missed them somehow but we got to enjoy a drink on the patio overlooking the 18^th hole and Superstition Mountain in the background with clear 30C weather. Ahhh, nice. Julie notes “This is Brad’s wistful way of saying we were stood up. I’m pretty sure I saw ‘our friends’ darting behind bushes, looking askance at us and whispering ‘shush, they’ll hear us!’ But they can’t ditch us that easily. We know where they live. Well at least Brad does. All of these streets look the same to a directionally handicapped person like me. For supper, we had a delicious mix of left overs (including Dan’s tender tenderloins, a double ‘entender’ as I like to say) and ‘grill em up, eat em up Emond pork chops and steak with some of Maureen’s side salads. Another delicious feast.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Update on Kelly M.’s holiday: Kelly, you continue to have a great time. You golfed quite well on the front nine today, and not too bad on the back nine, despite using left handed clubs and wearing a skort. You have very nice legs by the way if Brenda hasn’t told you that lately. You have a massage booked for tomorrow to get some knots worked on. Be prepared though, it will cost a teeny bit more than your favourite Mexican masseuse, Marianna. You drove your wife in true Montgomery vacation fashion, to the hospital to check out her sore leg. You have been busy learning how to work your new camera. All in all you look relaxed and warm and enjoying your time here.”

Day 137 – Sunday, November 10, 2013

Julie and I spent most of the day putzing around, running some errands, and doing a little cleaning and packing. We were at the Schnepf Farms for most of the day. The farm still had the remote control helicopters in one field and the tractor show in other areas. Julie notes “Today was the day! We were very excited! Luckily all of the tractors revved up early in the morning getting us up out of bed. We were wiling away the hours trying to fill time waiting for our friends to arrive. Brad even risked the questionable shower house so he would be huggable when the mystery guests arrived. Too excited to sit still we were buzzing just like the toy helicopters over our heads so headed out on errands. We knew our friends appreciated clean undies as well as clean bodies so the quest for a local lavanderia was launched.

A few of the tractors being loaded. Julie notes “A momma and her baby.”

Julie notes “A daddy, hiding behind the bush, and son.”

This little gal was right next to the spot where we will store the camper for a few days and she was quite vocal. Julie notes “She’d quietly wait until you were just next to her and let out loud ‘BLECCCKKKK’ like she was throwing up, making you jump and drop the clean laundry you were carrying. Then I’m pretty sure she’d chuckle. Although she’s not a billy goat she might’ve been hoping for some clothes to nibble on.”

We had a lot of laundry to do before our friends would be picking us up at the campground. We searched some of the local shopping areas in search of a Laundromat but had no luck finding one. After having no luck in our Laundromat quest I found this one where Julie could do all of our laundry the old fashioned way. I couldn’t convince her that this was a good idea, so we headed back to the campground where they had a single washer and single dryer. Julie thought this might be better than the creek. Julie notes “He figured if it’s good enough for the Queen…But her highness must’ve used the last drop to wash Prince Phillips breeches because we were up the Queen’s Creek without any Wash water.”

Julie notes “The plane boss, the plane! Brad has been watching the flight of our mystery friends and they had been delayed in transit. That was okay because the laundry was still chugging away at the fairly respectable campground laundromat. Then they arrived! Dan and Lola came to pick us up from our deluxe campground. After hugs and kisses they were tempted to stay with us after we showed them the hot tub and gas grill full of pine needles and dirt along with other unique amenities (including a goat that sounds like it is tossing up underwear) but since it looked like most of the helicopter and tractor events were over we decided to check out their digs instead.” After storing our truck and camper at the farm for a few days we were off to visit with our friends Dan and Maureen Pearcy, Lola Wright, and Brenda Montgomery. Dan and Maureen have a house at the Encanterra Development in the San Tan Valley near Phoenix. Our other friends from Grande Prairie, Bill and Mary Ann Smith, graciously offered us their home right next to Dan and Maureen’s, while we visit this week. Encanterra is a beautiful resort development with a full golf course, restaurants and bars, pools and a spa. Julie notes “Wow! No goats but Wow! Anyway!”

The grill master, Dan, preparing some delicious tender pork tenderloins and grilled peppers. Julie notes “Yes tender tenderloins may sound redundant but they deserve the title of tenderness squared!”

The group around the outdoor patio space with a cozy fireplace. Julie notes “We all must still be trying to keep the mystery guests a mystery as we seem to be hiding our faces. Head of the table, Maureen,(hostess extraordinaire) to right around the table, me, Brenda (mystery guest #1), Harvey, Dale (fellow Grande Prairians/ En Canterrorites) and Lola (mystery guest #2 also known as Kelly M.) Kelly M. is back in GP plowing snow, not able to join his wife Brenda for the trip. Lola slapped on a mustache and became Kelly for the week. Kelly has phoned already to check on how his holiday is going so far.”

Dan. Julie notes “This man knows his tenderloin! (hmmm It’s okay to say that right?)”

Maureen toasting with Lola hiding behind her wine glass. J Julie notes “It’s okay, the mystery surprise friends’ names have be announced. No need to shield their identities further. Lola you can also remove that fake walrus mustache. (uhoh I might be in trouble now! Hopefully not, by the hair of chinny chinny chin.”

The feast of pork tenderloin, pasta, salad and grilled peppers prepared for us by Dan and Maureen. Delicious! Oh yeah, and some great bread. Something I missed while traveling through Central America.

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Kelly M., so far you seem to be having a wonderful holiday. Which is good. You deserve it. Word is you are planning a massage and maybe a pedicure! But we are still missing you.”

Day 136 – Saturday, November 9, 2013

Our goal today was to drive from Quartzite, through Phoenix, to Queens Creek. We were scheduled to camp at Schnepf Farms so we could meet up with some friends that are arriving tomorrow. Stay tuned to find out who. Julie notes `We`re excited! Spoiler alert – It isn`t Norm.”

Before we left Quartzite though, we had been advised to try Sweet Darlene’s Restaurant and Bakery. It is ranked #9 of 19 restaurants in Quartzite so we did not have high hopes but actually the breakfast was really good. It is located in a steel Quonset type building and in a completely fenced compound. Julie notes “Yes the breakfast was great, the interior decorated nicely with memorabilia, everything was clean and the waitress very strict but efficient (she would work well as the no nonsense principal of the `Old Schoolhouse Restaurant` in Cottonwood, if she ever gives up her day job here.) She has been working as a waitress for 57 years and knows her stuff. We left happy with a full tummy but still wondering who `Sweet Darlene` might be.”

It was then onto I-10 for the 2 hour drive into Phoenix and then on to Queens Creek, AZ.

Julie had some mail to send and the Quartzite Post Office is pretty handy. Julie notes `Yes some of you will be receiving some cards mailed from HQ. Not Head Quarters this time or Husband Quentin but Hot Quartzite.”

Then to Sweet Darlene’s for some breaky.

Julie notes “Our waitress is directly to my right isn`t she? I am going to sit up straight and behave myself then as I wait for my breakfast. Shush! No whispering or passing notes!”

The I-10 drive eastbound towards Phoenix through the desert. Julie notes “Beautiful drive as the mountains change colour and shapes as the light and haze and our position shift. Lots of crazy cacti but no windmills. Sorry.”

Driving the I-10 through Phoenix. Julie notes “Are those our friends in that plane up ahead? No, one more sleep!”

After having an afternoon snooze with the air conditioner running because it was in the mid 30C’s, we headed out for some dinner at Uncle Bear’s Grill & Bar. The other reason to run the A/C was to drown out the noise from the remote controlled helicopter flying competition in a field on one side and a tractor show in the field on the other side. J Julie notes “We couldn`t have planned this if we tried. And to those enthusiasts out there, model airplane and helicopter flying is not really a spectator sport. Do not record it to take it home to show your significant other or wow your friends. Unless like the other day, your plane goes crazy and takes a nose dive into a cactus. Now that was funny and a recordable moment. But unfortunately only the operator, the cactus and I saw that.”

I enjoyed a Guiness and Julie had the Horn Dog Margarita – one of the house specialties – mostly dog related. The food was good and the atmosphere is good but the service was pretty poor. Julie notes “You get a big dog dish of peanuts on your table for starters and the walls are covered with pet dog pictures and dog pound fencing around the booth tops. Cute place, good food, just needs some tips on service. Hence their tips would improve. Throw a dog a bone so to speak. Not necessarily obedience training but maybe a visit from the Dog Whisperer. Luckily we didn`t lay down with dogs and get up with fleas, we think. But we were nice and didn`t bite the hand that fed us. Dog gone it, I think I am at the end of this leash and I better stop before I end up in the dog house.”

Julie sharing her margarita with Man’s Best Friend. Julie notes “You can lead a dog to water but you can`t get him to drink a Horn Dog margarita.”

We ordered some Hot and Honey wings to share and we each got a salad.

It was then back to Schnepf Farms campground for the night. Julie notes “Okay say that 5 times fast. I am thinking our friends the Scheopps were perhaps originally the Schnepfs but changed their name to make it easier to pronounce. Can you back me up on this Nathan? And then maybe suggest it to your southern relatives.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Oh I hope I can sleep! Big day tomorrow! Guess who arrives! Hope they remember we are not nearly as entertaining in person as we pretend to be in blog land. Now off to dreamland.”

Day 135 – Friday, November 8, 2013

It is really hard to believe that our #1 daughter was born 31 years ago today. I remember it was a Monday and Julie’s due date. I was getting ready for work and said to Julie that she should go into labour on her due date so that I wouldn’t have to go to work. And what do you know? Before I left, she was in labour and we were off to the hospital. After a gruelling 15 hours, our little Jaime Nicole was born at 10:57 PM on Monday, November 8, 1982. We have been very proud of her ever since. She is a caring, compassionate, loving person who enjoys to the fullest everything that she undertakes. A parent cannot ask for more than that. Julie notes “I will add ‘smart, creative, funny and a dancer too’ to the long list of qualities that make her the wonderful gal we love. All of this despite being the first born and as my mother used to say ‘our first experiment.’ Love you Jaime and can still remember the minute you popped into this world with the help of those tiny forceps. (Ouch!) Although that may have been the last time you were right on time. J”

Jaime Nicole Emond – 2 days old.

And just so Kristin and Emily don’t get too upset, Jaime is the #1 born daughter. You three can fight it out as to who is the number 1 daughter overall. J Julie notes “There is a lot at stake. Whoever is the overall winner gets to care for us in our old age. Perhaps some Hunger Games competition to decide the winner of that great honour? May the odds always be in your favour.”

Today was a slow news day otherwise. We relaxed in the desert pretty much all day. We started the day with toasted bagels, poached eggs, ham, and cheese (for me). A delicious way to start the day. We had some nachos and salsa at lunch and then left over spaghetti and sauce for supper. Julie notes “Our new motto has been eat it up, pack it up, give it up and as you’ll see below, burn it up. We are downsizing for the next trek of our journey.”

The temperature reached 29C and was clear and sunny despite JimBob OG’s (Julie notes “Oh Golly!) prediction of dark clouds. He is still adjusting to the altitude. From over 7,000′ to around 800′ above sea level is making it hard for him to predict weather trends. Julie notes “It is 29 C and he is still wearing a sweater. Although our Jim Bob was very hairy so maybe that’s NOT a sweater after all? At least he’s not wearing socks in sandals though eh Karen P?”

Julie’s view of the world for most of the day. Julie notes “Ahhhhhhh….”

I had purchased a nice little RV rake yesterday at one of the Quartzite shops. It is very compact but a little hard to rake with.

Then I realized my $6.95 purchase actually unfolds into a full size rake. Nice. Julie notes “Maybe I should add ‘rake it up’ to the list.”

We ended the day with another fire and I’m sad to say, the last of my firewood. Julie notes “With a little added left over charcoal… burn it up.”

We still had time on our hands and this is the best entertainment we could come up with. OK, OK, I told you it was a slow news day! Julie notes “Still not sure why we never have neighbours parking near us? It’s a mystery.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Cheers Jaime Nicole. You were named after your Grandpa James and he’s left his candle still blazing up there in the sky for you!”

Day 134 – Thursday, November 7, 2013

We woke up this morning in the middle of the Quartzite desert. The weather here is very dry. It gets cool at night but is very warm during the day. High 20C’s to low 30C’s and bright sunshine. The night sky is very clear with a good view of the planet Venus (as Julie discovered yesterday). Julie notes “Or Dad is having trouble blowing out his candles?”

We decided to drive into Quartzite for a late breakfast at Times Three Family Restaurant. The waitress was a classic diner waitress and the owner very friendly and the food was homemade. Service is a bit slow but we were not in a big hurry. Julie notes “Glenna knows the way to a man’s heart alright, lots of good food and calling him ‘honey’ and ‘sweetheart’ and ‘lovey’ doesn’t seem to hurt. I suppose I could try it, right Sweetheart?”

We then ventured on to the Chamber of Commerce office to get some local information and maps. We found a few of the swap meet/flea market/show areas and shopped around for a bit. I made a few purchases at the first stop and Julie made a few purchases at the second. I can’t say what we bought because Christmas is so close and who doesn’t want something from Quartzite flea markets? Julie notes “Hopefully the fleas survive until Christmas, ‘Honey’. (Just seeing if that pet name will ‘stick’.)” We headed over to the world famous bookstore “Reader’s Oasis” so Julie could meet the owner. Julie notes “We convinced each other, right Darling, that we needed to do this for our readers. And it’s amazing how quickly one gets comfortable and we spent quite a bit of time meandering amongst the stacks of well-organized and abundant tomes, encountering the scantily clad proprietor at various turns.”

We drove north of town to check out another BLM camping area at the Hi Jolly area but both agreed we liked our spot at the Road Runner area better. Julie notes “Yes Sugar, we said ‘Bye Jolly and raced back to Roadrunner, Beep, Beep, Varoom!” We came back to “our” spot and enjoyed the sunshine, warm temperature, and desert for the afternoon. I made a big pot of spaghetti and wild mushroom, red pepper, meat sauce for supper. It was really good if I don’t say so myself. Julie notes “It was delicious Lovey!” We also enjoyed sitting around another fire at sunset with a glass of wine. Ah, the good life! Julie notes “Neil Diamond serenaded us with ‘Red, red wine’ as we sat down for supper.”

Times Three Family Restaurant for breakfast.

Julie had the French toast with sausage. Julie notes “Oh can you see that puddle of melted butter? Glorious. FYI this is not touted as a health wise restaurant.”

I had the bone-in ham with poached eggs and real hashbrowns and sourdough toast. Julie notes “It looks artistic with the bite of toast and the broken egg but truth is he just couldn’t wait the few seconds it took to get the camera out before sampling it.”

Downtown Q also has a windmill for your viewing pleasure. Julie notes “It has 2 actually but this was the money shot.”

Julie posing with the owner of the Reader’s Oasis bookstore, Paul Winer, nudist and Quartzite celebrity. Exactly where is her left hand anyways? Julie notes “Checking for a back pocket? (My natural pickpocket instinct kicking in.) Checking for the invisible string that holds things together? Admiring the overall tan with my hand? Checking to see if he’s been keeping up with that ‘Buns of Steel’ workout video that was on sale inside? Doing a medical inspection for any abnormal moles that he can’t see but should get checked out. (A lot of sun exposure is not good for you.) Looking for my cell phone. (I’m sure this is the leathery purse I popped it in for safe keeping.) The truth is one of these people had too many clothes on and one perhaps not enough. Thanks for the adventure and the great finds Paul and we encourage everyone to go buy something here while they are in Quartzite to keep things afloat, so to speak.”

Blending in with our surroundings. Julie notes “Can you pick us out? (Or should that be ‘prickle’ us out?) Look carefully.”

Cheers! Julie notes “Now that peace sign cactus is giving me giant bunny ears. What a character!”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “I think I will stick with my usual names for the Windmill Man. Even if he may deserve them sometimes, all those sweet names are making me fat. (That must be what’s causing it.)

Day 133 – Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Today, November 6, was Julie’s Dad’s, James David Holmes, birthday. He would have been 83. There was a lot of reminiscing throughout the whole family. Also, many tears were shed and much laughter shared by having so many good memories. Miss you Jim. Julie notes “We celebrated in grand style Dad. You would’ve loved this drive today. (Sisters Janet and Suze not so much, even though the guardrails were plentiful.) And the iTunes didn’t let us down with lots appropriate mountain, driving, living and loving and ‘missing you’ kind of tunes. Of note, Krista once again beautifully sang ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, Bob Seeger made us aware of the impressive surroundings with ‘Like a Rock’ and we had just settled into the campground when dad’s favourite song ‘Oh Canada’ brought us all to attention. (Yes I have Oh Canada on my iTunes and you should too!”

Today we left Cottonwood and headed southwest towards Quartzite, AZ., Q, as it’s known, is a small town in the desert of southwestern Arizona at the junction of I-10 and Highway 95. It is well known in the RV world for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping areas that surround Quartzite and also because of the warm dry winter weather. January and February are especially popular because of the Gem and Rock shows. It is estimated over 1,000,000 RVs visit Quartzite every winter. Julie notes “Notice how casually he talks about this. I have heard for years about this dream destination of his so he was fairly giddy the closer we got to Q. (This is probably how Kelly H. feels the closer she gets to her HQ (Husband Quentin).”

The route we chose was a secondary highway, 89A, through Jerome to Prescott, AZ. Highway 89A is known as the Mingus Mountain Scenic Road and we now see why. We then continued southwest on mostly secondary highways. Julie notes “I see has forgotten to mention that he drove most of this first part of the windy trail without his ToeMogeAh in gear. For those of you who don’t speak Kelly and Quinn Montgomery-ese, this means Tow Haul Mode. Boy did he feels silly.”

We stopped in Prescott for lunch at the highly rated Bill’s Pizza. It is a great little place in the touristy area of Prescott, with great food in a fun atmosphere. There are a lot of neat little towns we will need to come back and explore later; places like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Prescott all seem like neat places to re-visit. Julie notes “Okay, this was an awesome place with great food and very friendly and funny service from Derrick, our waiter. Derrick told us his name at least twice and we heard him announce it as many as 10 times as new customers entered the restaurant. Brad called him by his name, Derrick, to take our order. At the end of our visit I leave Brad alone for 2 minutes while I used the facilities and he says to Derrick while he is paying the tab, ‘So are you the Bill of Bill’s Pizza?’ Then Brad explains to me as we are leaving that that is not Bill the owner but he is great at his job. And I’m looking at him in my sexy but quizzical way and said ‘Who are you talking about? You mean Derrick?’ And he gets that look and says ‘Oh yes, I guess he did mention his name now that you mention it.’ Honestly! 2 minutes, I swear, and he has them thinking they should call the little men with the white jackets.”

We fueled up after we arrived in Quartzite and then headed out into the desert to find our perfect camping spot. We choose the short-term visitor area known as Road Runner. We have acres and acres of beautiful desert to ourselves. Luckily, Julie let me buy more firewood in Prescott and we had a nice fire as we watched the sunset.

A revitalized street in the old Cottonwood area. Lots of restaurants and shops and funky little places. Julie notes “and wine tasting boutiques.”

Entering Jerome after the climb up the mountainside. A former copper mining town that has been revitalized as a tourist town with B&B’s, restaurants and shops. Julie notes “This looked like a fun, bustling little town, clinging to the side of a mountain. Adding it to the ‘hope to be back to visit’ list.”

Mountainside properties in Jerome. The road climbs through the town in a series of switchbacks with the property on one side perched high above you and the property on the other side way below you. Julie notes “Don’t be sending the kids or the dog for that matter, to the front yard to play.”

Highway 89A, the Mingus Mountain Scenic Road. Julie notes “Note the guardrails gals.”

A view back into the valley around Cottonwood.

She just doesn’t listen, and I thought it was just me? Julie notes “I was only wearing my reading glasses so was trying to get close enough to read that sign.”

If you look closely, you can see the highway winding its way up the mountainside. Julie notes “Guardrails galore gals. You’d love this trip.”

Descending into the Prescott Valley area.

Lunch stop in Prescott at Bill’s Pizza. Julie notes “Hi I’m Derrick, but you can call me Bill.” Brad notes; You will note that I do not point out every little mistake Julie makes to the world via our blog. J

Our 10″ gourmet pizzas. Delicious and enough left over for another slice or two with supper. Julie notes “Brad’s was the Northern Italian. Yummmm.”

Julie notes “Mine was the ‘Cristine’s Rocker’. Oh so good!”

The descent west of Prescott back down into the desert. You may note there is only one lane. The uphill traffic uses a separate divided highway that climbs up another section of the mountainside. Julie notes “Janet and Suze, also please note the ditch protection. Or as Jim Bob og would say ‘Obvious Guardrails’.”

A little variation on the windmill for you viewers. Today Julie presents a Native American on a horse. Julie notes “I like this money shot. I wonder though if he speaks Windmill?”

Our campsite in the Quartzite desert.

The muleskinner in his happy place. Julie notes “Very peaceful. Even the cactus is giving the peace sign.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Cheers Dad! There is an extra sparkly light in these skies. The experts might debate that it is Venus but I’m pretty sure it is the candles from your cake. Miss you. P.S. ‘Hey Jude’ also played today so thanks for arranging that.”

Day 132 – Tuesday, November 5, 2013

We are spending another day near Cottonwood, AZ in the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. After breakfast, we decided to do an easy 0.5 mile loop trail. Julie notes “Okay, he fails to mention we pretty much lost the original trail after only 0.1 miles but were following the river, could see people, dogs and the park still at this point as there were lots of popular paths. We ran into a horse tour guide and his mounted touree and he assured us a circular route in the other direction would take us back to the campground. We were long past the 0.5 mile hike by now and I was beginning to regret my choice of hiking attire, which did NOT include a hat, water bottle or shorts (or common sense, I know you are mumbling to yourselves). Luckily we had thought to bring the camera and the phone. So we record our last dehydrated minutes I suppose.” Then Julie saw a sign for an old abandoned limestone kiln that we just had to see. Julie notes “On the ‘map’ it showed the kiln was only ‘this’ far up the trail (imagine finger and thumb almost touching). But that map didn’t indicate a distance or scale. You probably know where we are going with this. (Too bad we didn’t know where we were going.)” The 0.5 mile loop turned into a 5.0 mile trek through the mountains and desert. Mainly, because we walked right by the kiln, even took a picture of it, without knowing we had just passed the landmark. Julie, not being one who would turn around and give up, insisted we continue forth. When we reached a “Y” in the trail and the boundary of the park and were heading further into the wilderness unprepared, I convinced her we had missed it and we should turn around. On the way back, we spotted the “prominent” sign with the word “KILN” a few hundred feet from our origin. Julie notes “It was a skinny little metal sign faced the wrong way for those ascending. Plus I had been told at this point, after a progressive lens vertigo moment, to keep my eyes on the trail, ‘no gawking around because it is narrow here.’ I will be sending a formal complaint to the signage people.” We followed some new trails and roads back to the campground with the help of Google Maps on our phone showing us the way. Julie notes “This is Brad’s fancy way of saying we were a bit lost again once we hit low ground and the myriad unmarked and semi marked path system. But we sure felt like we had earned out water and sandwich when we finally got back from our ‘half mile’ trek. Hardly any big rocks this time Aunt Doreen! We were heeding your advice, kind of sort of.”

The afternoon involved food and drinks, showers, recliners, and sunshine. Then we headed into Cottonwood to the Old Schoolhouse for dinner. A #1 pick on Trip Advisor. The Chef Chris and his wife and Front-of-House manager, Laura, started the restaurant 8 months ago and have turned it into a real success with their great service and excellent food, all in a unique and fun environment. We’ve had the pleasure of eating at some great and interesting places on this trip, and this one ranks right up near the top of that list.

The Cottonwood ½ mile trail on a beautiful warm fall morning.

The hike to find the “kiln”. This is the picture we took of it hiking uphill and not knowing what we were looking at. It is the white hollowed out area with the rubble below.

Here it is on the way back once we knew what it was and after hiking 4 more miles!

Julie, part way to the top, saying “Where is this kiln?”. Julie notes “We are going to find that dang kiln if it “kilns” us.  I am also saying ‘Where is my hat, water bottle and a bathroom?'”

At the park boundary, heading further into the backcountry, asking the question “Where is this kiln?”. Julie notes “We were pretty sure we didn’t want to go to the ‘Rattlesnake Wash’ as the other sign was pointing. We were planning a non rattlesnake shower later that day.”

The trail.

The old fire pit graveyard that they don’t show you on the brochures. You have to hike unprepared and somewhat lost to find these kind of sites. Julie notes “Who’s name do I have for Christmas. This would look good in your backyard whomever you are.”

The Old Schoolhouse Restaurant in Cottonwood, AZ.

I tried the local Arizona beer, Oak Creek Amber Ale, and Julie tried one of the house drink specials, a Hibiscus Margarita. Julie notes “I was trying to act like I shouldn’t go to the principal’s office for drinking alcohol on school property.”

Pork belly and dates with beans appetizer.

Duck Carnitas Pot Stickers.

Demi Glazed Pork Osso Bucco for the muleskinner. Julie notes “The chef/owner Chris’s favourite dish. Top marks for him!”

Pan Seared Diver Scallops for the sidekick. Julie notes “The front of house/owner Laura’s favourite dish. Mmmm and she schooled me well. A++++++++++++++++++++ as Mrs. Kennedy, Enterprise Public School would’ve marked.”

Peach Cobbler desert for our dining neighbour who wanted to be in our blog. Julie notes “We were lucky again to meet this wonderful couple, native to the area and full of pride and hints as to where we should visit and eat. We were so immersed in trying to remember all of their suggestions and trying not to get expelled for taking cheat notes and talking in class, we have forgotten their names. But thank you!”

The owner, front-of-house manager, Laura. A great ambassador of Arizona and especially Cottonwood.

The wine list, on the old blackboard. Julie notes “They were impressed that we had travelled to the top left wine bottle and lived at the next wine down from that.”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Lesson #132 (in my best Mr. T impression) ‘Don’t be a fool, stay in School!'”

Day 131 – Monday, November 4, 2013

We spent a leisurely day around the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Temperatures reached about 25C in the afternoon. It was very pleasant. Julie relaxed a bit but also did some house cleaning in the camper while I washed the outside of the camper. We both did some blogging, emailing, Internet stuff and reading. Julie notes “Our adventure yesterday through the backcountry trails, left piles, puddles and poofs of red dust everywhere inside and outside the camper. You wipe it once and it just forms a thin layer of red cement over everything. So we worked at it a bit and got rid of the most noticeable layers. I was forced into being an accomplice on the washing of ‘the unit’, something usually frowned upon in campgrounds. Just putting it out there that I worked the water handle under duress in case the campground policia check the water meters and come after us.”

So, we do not have much to report today. Julie notes “Oh come on! These are the days when we have time to make up a bunch of stuff. Hmmmm I guess my thinking cap is coated in red dust. Can’t think of anything. We usually don’t have to invent adventures. They just seem to happen. There is always tomorrow. Or El Morro. (right Vickie?).”

We have a few Gambel’s Quail around our site. A small game bird in Arizona. Julie notes “I don’t know what kind of ‘game’ these small birds play. Perhaps hide and seek from our camera and the cotton tail bunnies that were exploring our site as well. We already had meat out thawing for supper so they all felt safe around the campfire. Don’t you just love their little head tassels.”

A nearby creek and trail through the park.

Getting the firewood ready.

And yes we did have a fire. Nice! We grilled up some marinated baby back ribs with baked potatoes and carrots. Good stuff. Julie notes “We got inside just as the lone coyote started up his lament. Seems like a sad and eerie call when there is just one. But then just before bed, it seemed very close to the camper!”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Ok here is a real story for some filler. We have been in the land of spiders, snakes, lizards, scorpions and very weird sounding cicadas. Back in San Antonio, I had a very sore and swollen bite on my leg. It lasted a couple weeks and I assumed would end with baby spiders hatching or something. (As far as I know there were no hatchlings.) So when my husband, Brad (in case you have forgotten his real name), jumps straight up out of bed last night and yells ‘OUCH!’ and throws the covers to one side, searching and stomping and slapping frantically, I automatically assume one of the above creatures has found its way into our bed. I watched this outburst with large eyes from the safety of the kitchen table while I planned on alternate sleeping arrangements. After some more flipping and flapping (and some bedroom windmilling) the culprit who attacked Brad’s leg was found. It was about 10 inches long, skinny, black with a scaly texture. In the Southwest it is known as the ‘Pokey Little Bedroll Sidewinder’. In Canada we call it ‘The Tie for the Sleeping Bag’. His injuries were minimal. He pointed out a couple of freckles he said he was sure were teeth marks but no swelling of extremities ensued.”