Dec 15th – Lows and Highs

An early start was planned for the day, so the alarm went off at 5:30am with the sun no where on the horizon and the temperature at 25 degrees. Theresa was first to try water and ut-oh only a drip then nothing... She turned the water pump on and was relieved to see a strong flow. This meant it was the external water source that was frozen and not any of the internal plumbing. Trying not too make too much racket the two unhooked the water lines to find solid ice in the diverter from the main water line as well as in the external filter. Those items were brought into the RV to thaw in the kitchen sink during the drive.

The effort for a quiet exit was deafened by the I-10 traffic noise, aircraft from the nearby airport and the rumble of a train on the north side of the freeway. Not sure way all RV parks get such prime real estate? A quick scrape of the frost from the Toad so it could be reattached to the RV and the exit was right as planned at 7AM.

The speed limit was reduced to 75mph in New Mexico with signs that warned of Rough roads and damaged guard rails. Really they have time to put up signs but not fix the issue, makes one wonder. The morning sun cast shadows on the edge of the road to give warning of a significant drop off to the shoulder, one that would cause severe havoc with a vehicle as large as the Smitanic as well as 18 wheelers who often passed by, sucking the RV into their draft and then would ricochet

The temps rose dramatically as the rig crested the Continental Divide and entered into Arizona. The cactus filled dessert was the baseline for rock formations that balance large boulders precariously on top of smaller ones. This made one wonder how long they have been and will remain that way.

With a quick lunch stop the destination just beyond Phoenix was reached before 2pm, nice! The Leaf Verde RV Resort was a whopping $34 (cheaper than any motel procured on the Steve Cope 2008 journey) and had full hook up, heated pool, dog walk and recycle! 

Theresa finally shed one layer as she finally had thawed out as the temps in Phoenix were north of 70 degrees! An escort guided the vessel to it's assigned dockage and within 15 min all systems were hooked up and functioning! Calls were made to meet up with the Lewellen's at an Islands restaurant 30 min away. While the two prepared for their reunion with their friends from Iowa days, a party in a near by site was just picking up. Elvis was bar tending with Jimmy Buffet 'margaritaville' playing in the back ground.

The reunion was truly a highlight of the day, reminiscing about past days and catching up on kids and all the latest adventures. We promised to hook up again on our return trip.

On one of the several trips to take Zin to the dog walk, 'full-timer' coaches decorated with some very elaborate Xmas decor were admired. They were really in the spirit in this Park!

Both Kevin and Theresa have early meetings tomorrow and need to follow up on maintenance on not only the RV but their other properties. So tomorrow is a no travel day.

RV issues list continues and includes:

• Satellite TV does not pick up a signal – currently troubleshooting the winegard satellite dish.
• Window Blind has broken loose and cannot be used

To top that there are 2 service calls on the properties in NC. One at a rental in Holly Springs for a Garage door issue and one on the Cary house for a leak in the dishwasher. The first is not that serious and the latter was caught in time so the hope is that there is not major damage.