2015 Catchup and Hemet Extraction

Kevin's new hobby!

As if he needs something new to spend his time and (her) money on, Kevin brought not 1 but 3 remote controlled airplanes to 'play' with in Hemet. Last year he scouted out a model airplane field just a few miles from GVP. On calm (wind that is) mornings he will leave the RV between 8 and 9 AM and not return until around noon. He as successfully completed take off and landing many times with each plane and for the most-part all the planes have come back relatively unscathed. He has had to bend the landing gear back into their proper position several times, and only ran into a fence post one time after one of the many rough landings. Kevin had always wanted to get his private pilots license, based on his landing skills it is a good thing for all that he never accomplished this goal.

The planes live in the Jeep leaving no room for any other storage nor dog transport. If Zin needs to be transported she squeezes into the passenger leg area requiring Theresa to be careful not to catch Zin's tail in the door as she wedges herself into the only remaining area. The fragile planes are safe and secured in the entire back (rear seats down) space, while the passengers in the jeep are squished into their seats much like passengers on an airline.

Hemet Cycling

Kevin and Theresa were able to bike with the Diamond Valley Vellos a few times in Dec & Jan, however the group proved to be too fast for Theresa's speed. Kevin stayed with her and the two would bring up the rear and generally find a short cut or alternate path to keep with the group.

Theresa did venture out and ride a 26 mile mountain bike trail around Diamond Valley Lake one morning while Kevin was flying his planes. It was very scenic, relatively flat and not very utilized. She did manage find the only water on the entire loop so came back splattered with mud.

RVers are really nice folks!

Seems everywhere Kevin and Theresa stop or stay they meet some very nice folks with lots of great stories. Their neighbor at GVP, Woody, would stop by around 4-5pm with his beverage in hand and chat for a bit. He was a X-shop teacher, who lived in Southern Cal for a bit as well as Montana. He an his wife had been one of the first folks to take up residency in the park. Sadly his wife died after a second stroke had left her paralyzed. Woody is 80 years young and was recovering from Open heart surgery.

Several other folks were introduced via Zin... as she frequented the doggy park several times throughout the day as well as folks who would walk by her as she sunned outside the RV. Tucker (owners Jude and Tim) was one of the first to be introduced. Then there was Diego, who remembered Zin from last year and they picked up right where the left off as they chased each other around the confines of the dog-park. Lexie as well as many others were also in attendance at the weekly 'Bark & Wine' social. Zin loved meeting all her new friends!

Theresa's Mom's move back home!

At the end of January, Theresa's Mom was very ready to return back to her home from the Assisted Living Facility. Once home her mom quickly returned to most of her prior activities such as exercise class, crafts, and even playing golf. She is not able to drive her car but Dorothy(Theresa's sister) got her golf cart working again and she was able to drive that to her functions.

She is moving around very well and will use her cane and walker if needed. Her speech however is still an issue. She has finished with the Speech Therapy for now. Her condition is called Apraxia http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ApraxiaAdults/ and is a result of the stroke. The ST has helped and she is dealing with it by writing down what she is trying to say or showing others what she wants/needs. She is making it work. Kevin, Theresa and all the family is just in awe of her Mom's determination and continue to be amaze at her recovery!

Pickle ball 

Theresa and Kevin did not get to play as much pickleball as they would have liked but they did sign up for a fundraiser Tournament held at the Park. There were two divisions one for the men and one for the women. Each person played with a different partner for 5 games. The individual with the most wins and scored points was the winner. It was an interesting way to run the event and seemed to work out just fine. Theresa and Kevin each had 1 win and not very many points, so nowhere on the leader board :( However, they did enjoy the chance to play and meet others from the park.

Visitors

In early Feb Kevin and Theresa got an email from Scuba & RV buddies from NC, Ron & Tracy Clanton, that they would be in the area and would like to be able to come to GVP for a visit and tour the park. It was great to see familiar faces and spend some time chatting about RV plans for 2015. After all it was Ron and Tracy that got Kevin and Theresa into this RV in the first place... It's all their fault! Hopefully some of the future adventures will be together!

RV (Repair Vortex)

Theresa was enjoying using the recently repaired dishwasher in the RV for about 1 month until it started to run continuously trying to drain water. As she discovered the water was in the basin below the machine and therefore would not drain. She had to mop it up with a towel to get the machine to turn off properly. After several calls to some of the mobile service providers, one agreed to come out and have a look. Brad from EMT RV gave it a valiant try but was unable to diagnose what was wrong. Kevin has added this item to the list of repairs to be looked at back in FL at Alliance.

Theresa also arranged to have the holding tanks cleaned out so that #1 the indicators would read accurate levels and #2 there would no longer be a horrible, awful, foul, disgusting smell permeating the entire inside of the RV when the tanks are full.

Hash run in San Diego

The annual AGM for the SDH3 (drinking club with a running problem) was held on Feb 15th. Kevin and Theresa extended their stay to be sure they were able to attend this event. Any former GMs (including Kevin, AKA Rambyte) were recognized as well as the new mis-management announced. There was a eagle, turkey and walking trails. Theresa (AKA Mainframe) accompanied her friend of old, Bumps, on the 3 mile walk so they could catch up a bit while Rambyte took the high road and ran/walked the 4 mile Turkey trail. At the On In there were several hashers from the past including InUenDo, Cat, Deep Throat, Poppins, Irish Cream, Game Boy, Bed Post, Shane, Interloper, Jock, Low Impact, Chicken poop, Pigeon, Soggy Buns, LaBoof, … and of course Dogfish had trays and trays of meat and other delectable delights for consumption!

In addition to the aging Hashers, (though they showed little evidence of that) there were a noticeable amount of young fresh blood running and continuing the craziness that is the Hash. Even a dad with his 2 kids, one in a baby jogger brought back memories of Rambyte pushing Pinhead(Kassel) with Squealer(Kiehl) running close behind! The Hash lives On On!

Visit to San Diego

Kiehl met up with his parents for one last day in Fallbrook at Dorothy's. Kevin and Kiehl did dueling quad copters and Theresa and Kiehl discussed plans for his upcoming nuptials in October.

Several last hugs were exchanged and then Kiehl was back to LA and Kevin and Theresa headed into SD for the hash run (see above).

After the Hash the two headed to La Jolla to stay at Raps (hash name) for the evening. Rap graciously offered to host a get together the next evening for all those who wanted to see the 'Bytes' while they were in the area.

Rap had just completed a 100 mile bicycle ride in Palm springs the previous day and suggested Grilling some steaks for the evenings meal... Kevin and Theresa had no arguments with that!

The next AM, all three marched thru the mansions of La Jolla Farms to a trail down the cliff to Blacks Beach. Blacks Beach is named for the color of the sand and is noted for its surfing and nude sun bathing. The trio was 3.5 miles into the walk when Kevin got a call from his Mom which triggered the turnaround point and march back up a paved live guard road to the top of the cliff. The top of the cliff was the notorious 'Torrey Pines' as in golf course and Glider port as well as home to UCSD??? All familiar stomping grounds to Kevin and Theresa 20 years ago! Thank goodness not much has changed in this area.

Kevin and Theresa also made a excursion to RoadRunner Sports for some new running/walking shoes and socks! They were both fitted by the Shoe dog and had custom inserts made to form fit their tired feet!

On to the party! Rap concocted her house favorite margaritas as folks arrived. The latest adventures, dramas and tribulations were shared as all the old friends reminisced mutual past experiences and good times. It was great to see everyone again. Many thanks to Rap for being the ultimate host!, and for bringing the Smit's extended family back together one more time.

The next morning was started with another hike down to the beach, this time La Jolla Shores.

3.7 mile, half up hill, was enough for the party weary couple. Then it was time to load up and make the trek back to Hemet for a few last days at GVP.

Hemet Extraction

After 2.5 months at it's stationary address, the Smitanic was prepared for it's inevitable departure. Theresa spent 2 hours cleaning the BBQ Grill so that it sparkled, Kevin rearranged all his planes, as well as found room for all the buckets of RV, biking and required paraphernalia for the trip. How will it all fit??? Closets, under bed, every cupboard, as well as all the basement storage was packed to the hilt! All counter tops were cleared of anything that would not stand the moving earthquake that was to ensue as the Smitanic rolled down I-10. All drawers and sliding Doors were locked and secured. Any obstacles in the way of the slide-outs were put up on the bed or sofas.

Kevin stopped at the office to confirm our departure and reserve the same spot for later this year when the Smitanic plans to return in October in time for the wedding!

On Thursday, Feb 19th, the Smitanic lifeline of water, power, sewer and cable were disconnected and stowed without any missteps. All was ready for the exit stage left....

Woody stood by to witness as the Smitanic made a sharp right out of site 921 and circled the parks roads so the Toad could be hooked up for the trip East. Let's roll!

Quartzsite

The rock-haven of Quartzsite was the first destination. After all, Kevin and Theresa were members of the local Yacht Club (really a restaurant/bar) which demanded a revisit. To vary and reduce expenses an alternate RV park called Dessert Gardens RV park was selected as they offered Dry Camping (no hook up) for $10. After reconsidering a need for electric hook up an upgraded site with full hook up was chosen for the night for $30, so much for economics. Now in Mountain time one hour lost in the first day left little time for much other than a meal at the Yacht Club, some down time and preparation the for the next days trek. Notable missed attractions in Quartzsite would be the Oasis Bookstore that a GVP resident said not to miss. Presumably the proprietor is naked... well maybe next time.

Picacho Peak

In planning the destinations for the East trip back to FL, Theresa looked at state parks that were not to far off the I-10 route. Picacho Peak seemed an interesting park that offered camping as well as lots of hiking trails. The online reservation site showed the campground was completely full for the weekend... bummer. The Sams Club site however showed another campground with in .5 miles that had plenty of openings. Done deal.

Theresa drove for the first hour and then swapped with Kevin so he could navigate thru Phoenix and into Picacho Peak which was equidistance between Phoenix and Tucson.

Theresa paid for 2 nights so that the parks hiking trails could be explored the next day at their leisure. :)

The trail selection was limited to one moderate 6 mile trek and one very difficult (gloves recommended) 4 mile trail. Zin opted for the moderate trail with the plan to turn around if things got unsurmountable. Equipped with rarely used hiking boots, hiking sticks and enough water for the three, Kevin, Theresa and Zin embarked on the upward leading trail lined with dessert flowers and giant cacti as far as one could see. The views were breath taking as the trail wound higher and higher in elevation. Large wooded ties were placed on the trail as steps ascended up the slope. At the base of the perpendicular rock cables were placed to help ease the steep climb, then dual cables lined what looked like a ladder up the rock. Zin called it at this point thinking she could get up but the decent would not be very safe as she had no way to grip the cables :)) Theresa led the way back with Zin wedged between her and Kevin at the back. The return trail seemed long as the seldom warn boots where wearing blisters and old knees ached with the steep decline. With the 5.5 mile trail complete the team was rewarded with Dairy Queen! Yes this is Zin's favorite :)

Showers, dinner and updating this blog were on the agenda for the evening as well as planning the next days journey. Deming, NM perhaps where there is a winery to visit :)