Thank Goodness for a 30 day warranty

I had every intention of updating this blog on a regular basis depending on where we stopped, traveled through, etc. Due to the lack of WiFi that has not been possible. So let me catch you up.

We left Blanchard on Saturday, November 12th packed to the gills; stuffing shoes, blankets and other small items into any tiny hole available and with just enough room for Maggie we headed out of town.

We made a couple of stops along the way to visit with friends, but finally got a chance to see the motorhome for the first time on Nov. 15th. At first glance it doesn't look too bad considering it's 17 years old. We dealer that sold us the coach let us stay in it for a couple of nights and that's when we started to notice the laundry list of items that needed fixing the worst of which was a leak in the fuel lines. We were very happy that we thought to ask for a 30 day warrantee.

We left Mesa on Friday the 18th at 2pm with the hope that we could make Flagstaff before dark. Our next round of issues reared their ugly heads almost immediately. In the heat of the afternoon we found out that the air conditioner didn't work, we thought we didn't have a radio, and that night as the temperatures dipped below freezing, we found out that the heater didn't work in the cab and neither did the furnace. Can you say Brrrrr!

Our second day on the road started off with a pit stop at Horseshoe Bend, a great recommendation, we got a spectacular view and a nice walk all in one.

  


We arrive at the Trailer Ranch RV park on Saturday the 19th and get set up, where we now find that the hydraulics have a leak, Yikes! Even with all of our issues, Newmar pros Jim & Patty said they thought the rig looked pretty good. So we just continue to write down the things that need to be repaired. (Because they couldn't fix everything before we had to leave Mesa they agreed to extend the warranty beyond the 30 days. We'll be dropping the coach back with them after our tour of duty in Santa Fe). In the meantime, we have gotten settled in our new home on wheels. The park where we are staying is pretty nice 2 locations for laundry, a dog park, and centrally located. With Thanksgiving looming the resort was pretty full which must have been why the wifi was so weak I couldn't use my computer and we're lucky if we get 2 bars of cell service, hence the lack of communication on social media sites.

We started work on the 21st at the See's Candy holiday store.

We've been here now for a 10 days and we are starting to get he swing of things. We found a local community center where we can play pickleball 3 days a week and Maggie has her new routine for play time and walks. She is now completely spoiled as she sleeps in our bed every night.

We got our first snowfall yesterday and it has since melted off, but the low temps will continue for a few more days. Steve's uncle Tom was a resident here in Santa Fe for many years so we will be making an attempt to hit the restaurants he has recommended. We have already experienced the chilli here, which is extremely hot so we order our meals with it on the side.

Now that we don't have as many neighbors the wifi has improved which is why you are reading this now. Not to be selfish but I hope it stays this way until after Christmas when we be returning to Mesa to drop off the RV for what we hope will be final repairs.

Counting Down the Days!

I'm not counting down to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas or the opening of Trolls. In less than 2 weeks we will begin our trip to pick up our motor home in Mesa Arizona.

Thinks are piling up in preparation. We purchased a rooftop cargo box in which our golf clubs and vacuum cleaner will fit.

Unfortunately, we won't know how much we can fit until we can actually start loading up the car. Right now we are contemplating leaving as early as the 12th or 13th. You'll know when we do!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

It's been a long time since I've posted and since then a lot has happened. 

First, in March the passing of my Dad. Fortunately, I was able to be there to say my good-byes. 

Second, Steve and I did some real estate juggling. We sold a duplex, purchased in 2007, in Coeur d'Alene and bought a 1.2 acre lot adjacent to StoneRidge. One of four lots as part of Blanchard Creek Acres where we plan to eventually build and live.

Blazing a trail on the lot

We decided to have a cocktail on the new lot to celebrate.

Third, we purchased a 1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38' motorhome and for the first time EVER will be taking a 4 month trip away from home. We plan to leave StoneRidge on November 15th for Mesa, AZ where we will pick up the coach. 

Fourth, we will be adding a new job to our resumes. We will be working in Santa Fe, New Mexico for See's Candy from Thanksgiving to Christmas with our friends Patty & Jim Mosier. See's has a program where they hire retired RV'rs to manage their holiday stores. Patty & Jim have been doing it for quite a while now and we hope to be managing our own store next year. That is assuming we like it... time will tell.