Last Leg Home

Where Are Today

344036 North Line

Priceville, Ontario

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After 5 days sitting at CanAm RV while our trailer was being repaired, we left there Thursday April 16th at 1:30 p.m. on our last leg of the journey home.

We had good roads to travel on and some rain, but when we reached the Ridge, the rain stopped and we were set up in no time.

After settling in, we made a trip next door to our neighbor to get a bladder of water for our fresh water tank, and caught up with there winter .

While filling the water tank, we took in the high water levels around the property, we have never seen the levels this high in all the time we have lived here. There are also many broken tree branches, again more than we have ever seen. It will definitely keep us busy cleaning things up.

Taken from the truck trip meters. Total distance traveled from the time we left home until the time we returned home. That's 14494.7 km, 3130.5 litres of fuel @ 21.6 l/100km.

Or, 9006.6 mi., 827.0 gal. of fuel @ 10.9 mpg.

Of the those total miles the trailer was pulled for 8903.1km. or 5432.1 mi.

In the coming days we will do a break down of the fuel cost going versus coming home.

That's a quick peak at our last day of travel, don't forget to check out Pat's blog HERE for a more detailed write up of our day. Until the next time, take care. 

 

9th Travel day/Canada

Where Are Today

We were on the road at 8:00 a.m. this morning, making our way to U.S. 420 which becomes I-280 through Toledo to I-75. The roads were good through  Ohio but when yo get to Michigan it changes. I will agree that the first few miles were on new pavement and there is construction underway to improve the drive, we did travel on some rough areas. I will rate the whole distance to the border at an 8 out of 10.

We were across the bridge and pulled up to the Customs Booth with one car ahead of us. Within 30 seconds it was our turn, being asked 5 questions before hearing "welcome home, have a nice day" and just like that we were on our way to the 401.

We took a detour to Wheatley, On. to visit friends Marlene and Benno who we haven't seen in some time. We enjoyed a very nice visit for about an hour before we said goodbye and made our way back to the 401. As it was approaching lunch time, we stopped at one of the Enroutes near Dutton for an A&W burger. From ther we made our to our destination at CanAm RV.

It wasn't long and we were set up in a spot until Monday morning when we will have a couple of repairs done. Don't forget to check out Pat's blog HERE. Until the next time, take care.

 

Toledo RC Expo/Swap Meet

Where Are Today

KOA Campground 

Perrysburg Ohio

The whole reason for stopping here at this location was for me to attend the Toledo RC Expo and Swap Meet, which is held in the Glass City Center in downtown Toledo.

The Glass Center, downtown Toledo

I was on my way just after 7:30 this morning for the 14 mile trip into Toledo. Early yes, but it beats the traffic and I can get a good parking spot in one of the close by parking garages, which can be a challenge with our big truck.

Some models on display

Walking into the Center at 8:00, I wasn't the only one to have the same idea to get there early, as there were quite a few people there already. Conversations were struck and I even met with a flying friend from back home.

It wasn't long and the entry ticket booth opened, I paid my $13.00 admission and entered the main hall where everything was displayed.

A beautiful T-28, the crowd and some vendors

I wasn't looking for anything from the Swap Meet area, although there were some great plane and deals. I was interested in new products and did find one item in particular that I was looking for, plus a few more.

After about two hours, I was satisfied, not to say that i couldn't have found more, but my budget was spent, so back to trailer I went.

More 

I started coming to this show back in the early 80's which back then we would come for the weekend and it was run by the Weak Signals RC club here in Toledo, for 66 years. Covid killed the show and after a 2 year delay, it started back up again under a different group. Small at first, but it is growing. It will be a week earlier next year, so I won't be attending, as it is a little to early for us to be home/.

Tomorrow will be our crossing back into Canada after enjoying another great winter in the southwest. Looking forward to our summer at the Ridge and seeing family and friends. Thanks for stopping by and until the next time, take care. Don't forget to check out the rest of our day at Pat's blog HERE

 

Day 8/Toledo

Where Are Today

KOA Campground

Perrysburg, Ohio

Today's drive started by getting fuel in town before getting on I-69 E, which is another rough road earning it a 6 out of 10 rating. We took exit 296A onto I469 taking us around Fort Wayne, In. It was in better condition and gets a 8 out of 10.

Next we took U.S. 24 E to exit 68A onto I-465 S to exit 1A onto I-75 S then Exit 193 onto U.S. 23 to Luckey Rd and our destination.

We have stayed here before when I am going to attend the RC expo and Swap Meet in Toledo, that's tomorrow. 

Thanks for stopping by, until the next time, take care. Don't forget to check out Pat's blog HERE   .

 

Bucking Bronco / Day 7

Where Are Today

Harrah's Hoosiers

Anderson, Indiana

Leaving Lamberts Cafe this morning at 8:20, we travelled a short distance on U.S. 62 and MO.-B to reach I-57, which we travelled on in Missouri and Illinois. In both states it was a smooth ride, so it gets an 8 out of 10 rating.
From I-57 we got onto I-70, while still in Illinois, I-70was a smooth ride, which gives it a 8 out of 10 rating, but once we crossed state line into Indiana, that all changes.
It should be call I- the Bucking Bronco interstate, so I  am giving it a rating of 6 out of 10.

We were  wanting to take I-465 N bypass around Indianapolis, but missed an early exit, so we travelled further on until we could get the next exit to it. Taking the next exit put us in a 5 mile traffic jam that took one hour and 50 minutes to get through.

I-465 was fairly smooth, so get an 8 out of 10 rating. We were not long to I-69N for 35 mile drive to exit 226  In Anderson, making our way here at the casino. 

A longer day than we thought, but a good day. We are now in the eastern time zone, the same as home. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out Pat's blog    HERE, for a more detailed write up of our day. Until the next time,  take care

 

Day 6/Lamberts

Where Are Today

Sikeston Missouri

Lamberts Cafe

This morning we left Paw Paws Plantation at 9:00 a.m., taking the easier exit on Alldon Marie Rd. Cty Rd.113 to U.S. 64 and onto I-40.

Like yesterday travelling across Arkansas was a smooth ride, except for about the last 60 miles. Here the ride became a little less smooth, so this section of I-40 gets a 8 out of 10 rating.

Here we took exit 277 onto I-55 N, leaving Arkansas just after 1:00 p.m. and entering Missouri.  

Taking exit 67 onto U.S. 62 for a short distance to our stop for the night, here at Lamberts Cafe and RV Park in Sikeston.

Pat with doggie bag

After setting up, relaxing, which usually means, I had a snooze, we headed over to have a delicious supper.

Waiting

Thanks for stopping by and for a more detailed story of our day, check out Pat's blog   HERE, Until the time, take care.  

Some of the Decor

 

Day Five/Charlotte Teresa Plantation

Where Are Today

Charlotte Teresa Plantation

Atkins Arkansas

Charlotte Teresa Plantation

Today we were on the road at 9:25, leaving the Lucky Star  Casino on U.S. 81 for a short distance to put us back on I-40. 

Our spot, about 1/4 of the way up the lane.

Travelling across Oklahoma and Arkansas was one of smoothest drives we have had. So, except for the last 30 miles in Oklahoma, where the road was a little rough, I am going to give I-40 an 8.5 rating out of 10.

This sign was at the gate

We took exit 101 to AR113 S, which is a paved two lane highway to Kuhn Bayou Rd. to Willow Bend Rd. to Alldon Marie Rd, ( gravel roads) which brought us to this beautiful Pecan Plantation.  

Pat taking a pic of the gate

Through texts, our Harvest Host instructed us to where to park, rest up, and come up to the porch for 5:30. Here we met Billy and Charlotte the owners of this plantation. We were treated to smoked ribs and a bake bean and peach casserole, delicious.

Pat picking and tasting pecans off the ground

For a little over an hour, we had great conversation and purchased some fudge and pecan brittle. Upon leaving we were invited to walk the grounds, take any pictures we wanted and pick up any pecans on the ground we wanted.

200 acres and 6000 trees that the two of them look after, plus the making of the fudge, brittle and candy

We highly recommend that if you are in the area to stop and enjoy this beautiful plantation and the great hospitality of Charlotte and Billy. 

As always, check out Pat's side of the day HER , and until the next time, take care. 

 

4th Day & Lucky Star Casino

Where Are Today

Lucky Star Casino

El Reno Oklahoma

We were on the road @ 8:25 this morning with a quick stop on the edge of town for fuel. Here we got onto State Rd. 60 heading east and north. In the town of Texico. we entered into the Central time zone. At some point we crossed into Texas heading north to I-27.

State Rd. 60 was very good in some areas and rough in others. So i am giving it a rating of 8 out of 10.

I-27 was rough in some areas and great in others with some construction, giving it a rating or 8 out of 10 also.

Picking up I-40 in Amarillo, we continued onto our Exit 119 in Oklahoma to U.S.81 for a short distance to our location here for the night.

We have stayed here many times before, with full hook ups and a great restaurant for having supper.

This has been another great travel day with no issues. To check out our day in more detail, read Patsy's blog   HERE    . Until the next time, take care.

HAPPY EASTER

 

Where Are Today

Windrush Alpacas Farm

Clovis New Mexico

Our third day of travel has been one that was uneventful. Leaving the Walmart in Deming, NM at 7:45 a.m., we stopped on the edge of town for fuel before continuing.

Our route today took us on I-10 to Las Cruces; this section of I-10 gets a rating of 8 out of 10.

Feeding Time

From there we travelled I-25 North for about 6 miles where we exited onto I-70 driving through the White Sands Missile Range to Alamogordo. Carrying on to Tularosa and through the Mescalero Reservation and stopping in Tinnie NM. For fuel and lunch. At some point we lost an hour of time.

Where's mine

This section of I-70, which we have taken before, is one of the most beautiful and scenic routes we have taken, the road gets a 9 out of 10 rating.

Still on I-70, we proceeded to Roswell, up through Elida and Portales before turning off onto State Rd.467 and our destination on Curry Rd. M.

Sabre, 32 people years old which works out to a whole lot of horse years.

This is a Harvest Host site where we will spend one night. To see what we did here, check out Pat’s blog  HERE     .

Thanks for stopping by, until the next time, take care.

 

Where Are Today

Walmart

Deming New Mexico

Day two of our trip home was not quite uneventful, but we managed to put some miles on. Leaving Yuma Lakes RV resort at 8:20 a.m. we were soon on I-8 heading east. About halfway between Araby Rd. and the Foothills, a warning came up on the dash. It said that speed would be reduced to 50 mph, and that there was an exhaust fluid system fault. I knew that the DEF fluid was full, so I was at a lost to this problem. When we reached the Foothills, I exited and pulled into a mall. Where I shut off the truck and tried to add DEF fluid, just in case. I was able to pour less than a pint into the tank, so knew that wasn’t the problem.

I decided to get back on I-8 and head back towards Yuma, to see if the warning came on again. If it did, there was a Ford dealer that I could go to. After travelling approximately, the same distance as before, the warning had not reappeared, so we exited and turned back east to continue on our way.

Putting a new air filter yesterday for the trip home.

We made good time to Eloy Az. where we met friends for lunch, Ken and Nancy live year-round in a park near there. It is always great to see them and catch up.

Back on the road at 1:45 we made our way here to Deming New Mexico. Arizona highways are rough in places, I-8 not too bad and I-10 not as good. Between the two, I am giving them a 7 out of 10 rating. In New Mexico, I-10 is much better, and I will rate it at a 9 out of 10.

That’s our day from my point of view, check out Pat’s blog, HERE  for the rest of the story. Until the next time, thanks for stopping by.

 

Where Are Today

Yuma Lakes RV Resort

Yuma Arizona

 

Today was the first day of our travel home. Pulling out of the Park Place RV Park at 9:00 am, it was a short and uneventful drive to our destination here in Yuma.

We were not long getting set up and relaxed until lunch time. After lunch, Pat and I made a run to Walmart for a few supplies. The rest of the afternoon was spent planning our route home.

We are here for three nights until we continue with our journey. Keep up to date with us on Pat’s blog Here

 Thanks for following along, until the next time, take care.

 

Winding Down

Where Are Today

Park Place RV Park

Quartzsite Arizona

Here we are, at the end of another winter in Quartzsite, Arizona. Down to our last 4 days, of fun in the sun. It is that time to start to putting things away, chairs, BBQ, and outdoor mat to name a few. Also pump some grease into the wheel bearings and check the tire pressure on the trailer and truck tires. It’s not going to happen today, with a high of 101F and 20 mph winds this morning, I am going to wait until tomorrow, there is still time. For me, knowing that we are leaving on a certain day, makes me want to get things done, but knowing it only takes a couple of days to pack up, I must put the brakes on my brain.

A couple of posts back, I mentioned a new airplane that I had got. Sadly after 50 plus flights, I crashed it. I had been  flying inverted, when rolling out to right side up, I flew into the sun losing sight of it momentarily. When I saw it again, it was too close to the ground to recover. The fuselage took the brunt of the damage and the wing joiner tube bent. Being this is an AFR, you can order replacement parts, but when the total cost is $10 short of the price of a new kit, it is an easy decision. The new one arrived in a few days, and assembled in two days. I am happy to say that it has had 5 flights before I packed it away for the trip home.

Somethin Xtra Replacement

With the heat and winds picking up, we have closed the Quartzsite Desert RC Flyers field for another season. That means, putting away the flight stands and chairs and locking up the storage area. We leave a few tables and chairs out for the guys that live here year-round to use if the temperature allows.

All closed up for the summer

It has been a great year for the club, new carpet, expansion of the storage area, another successful FUN Fly, 16 new members and new club hats. We are already planning for projects in the fall. As at home, when I leave the guys in the fall to come here, it is sad to leave the guys down here.

Trucker style and Baseball Cap style

New Hats

Last fall I picked up at an auction, a new kitchen faucet for us, the old one was showing its age and starting to come apart. The new one is a household faucet, not an RV one, they don't mate without changing fittings or getting adaptors to make the connections. The original faucet has a hole in the countertop for the tap and a hole for the spout, the new one only needs one hole and it must be bigger than the one presently there.

Old Faucet, notice the tap and separate spout. 

Okay, I found the adaptors, now the next hurdle was, how to enlarge the hole in a Corian countertop. Thankfully, “You Tube” showed me what jig saw blade to use and voila, the hole is now the size to accommodate the new faucet. The most important part of all of this is, Pat loves it, so job well done.

New faucet, we can cover the not needed hole.

This has been a great winter here in Quartzsite Arizona, hotter than normal, as we have used our air conditioning more than any other year. The first two weeks of November and this past month have been above average temperatures. Many records for March have been broken daily, as temperatures passed the 100F degree mark.

This was the 19th of March

We are pulling out of the park on March 31^st, a day early, heading to Yuma for 3 nights before starting our trip home, April 3^rd. We want to make one more visit to Los Algodones Mexico before we head home.

Over the next three days I will get packed up, with the temps dropping a little, it should be better than trying to do it today. I will be posting as we travel home with the route and stops along the way. Thanks for having a read and following along. Don’t forget to follow are daily fun on Pat’s blog here Until the next time, take care.

 

Palm Trees and Fun Fly

Where Are Today

Park Place RV Park

Quartzsite Arizona

So here we are, just past the middle of February, and in six weeks we will be starting our way home, it is hard to believe that our winter here in Arizona is soon coming to an end.

I continue to enjoy my hobby, flying RC airplanes most mornings and the Thursday, night flying.

Along with the days we help here in the park. Recently, I thought I would try skinning one of the palm trees after the dead palms had been cut off. Watching a couple of You Tube videos, gave me the basics of what to do, so an attempt was made. I have done two, and the managers are very pleased with the outcome. There are a few more that are old enough that I want to do.

Second Tree Before

After

First Tree Before

After

Flags and Banner all set up.

The second weekend in February, the Quartzsite Desert RC Flyers has a Friday night, Night Fly, and a Fun Fly on the Saturday. The Friday night saw the largest crowd of spectators that I have ever seen in the past five years that I have been attending the event. Area clubs are invited to attend the Saturday Fun Fly, brings some amazing aircraft and pilots along with our own members. This event is advertised on the locale radio and by flyers we put up. The parking lot and roadside were packed with cars bringing close to 200 spectators. With a locale food truck there to provide delicious food and a fifty/fifty draw netting the winner $469.00 and the best weather and wind conditions you could ask for, it was a perfect day.

From B.C.

15 year old turbine jet

Albatross

looking down the flight line

Food Truck and Pat's and mine lunch

Yours truly, doing the MC duties

PT 17- Sterman

Roadside and Parking Lot

Pictures were taken by Pat and friend Ken

The club has received many compliments and flyers have asked if we would consider making it a two-day event, something we will have to consider.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have enjoyed the read. Until the next time, take care.