Nov 28, 2021
We made it to Yuma, albeit slowly
We had planned to leave at 11AM today but darn it Ken, it was 11:10 before we pulled out. Close enough for me. First stop was just across the road to the RV Pit Stop to top up the propane. Surprised that we used a full 3 gallons in one week. It is cold at night and it the morning and we like to be warm. It was only 45F this morning. We were finally on the road heading south to Yuma at 11:20AM.
Colin started at 55mph but with the dips and needing to be extra cautious re not taking air we were down to 45 in the dips.
We soon turned on the flashers and kept it at 45mph. As we were doing 45 in a 65 zone Colin pulled over at least three times to let others pass. Surprisingly no one honked at us. I guess the flashers helped. We eventually dropped down to 40mph.
As we get closer to Yuma you cross into the Yuma Proving Grounds. This ? weather balloon was far out in a field.
Yuma Proving Ground is a United States Army proving ground and one of the largest military installations in the world. It is a subordinate command of the Army Test and Evaluation Command. You can read all about it here.
The Imperial Dam Recreational Area. We have dry camped here a few times in our earlier years of RVing before we started traveling further south to Mexico. While there we often heard bombs exploding.
Easy to tell that one has arrived arrived in the Yuma area. So much fresh produce. being grown. Hope I can find some nice romaine.
It has been hot for the girls sitting up front so I was surprised that Ciela jumped into that bed and started rolling on her back.
Exactly two hours later, after driving 79 miles we arrived at Purcell Tire & Repair Center on Gila Ridge Road. It is on the right. This is where we are to spend the night!
I – 8 is literally just a stone’s throw from the RV. That is a dog ear on the left. Very loud road noise. I was rather emotional at this point and tearing up. My solar plexus was in a knot. Those 79 miles were so difficult, not knowing if the ball joints were going to drop and what would happen to the RV. It took a while for me to relax.
Yesterday in looking at Google maps I noticed an empty lot just east a bit. Colin unhooked the car and went to checked it out. It must have been better than where we were as he walked back. He is on the right.
Taken from the Gila Ridge road, further away from I – 8. The road noise is still there but a few degrees less. ***See the trees in front of the RV, well we soon discovered that a railroad track ran behind them. Depending on how long the train was or how fast it traveled the RV shook each time it passed. So far we have had 15 trains pass in eight hours. Overall still quieter than the freeway noise.
Colin set up a penned area for the girls but it was hot. Maybe 84F. He very cleverly moved the car to create some shade as the awning was too high but Carlie chose the sun.
The pen was still in the creative stages when Ciela had to pee. Dogs do not go in their den or crate. We were so surprised to see her immediately start to cover her wet pee area with her nose, pushing the sand and gravel to cover it all up. We did clean her nose but it was so funny to watch.
Eventually they came in for lunch and Carlie decided to take her nap in the stairwell with the sun coming through the screen door. The dog ramp made a good pillow.
We all started to truly relax, this was my area. I had wine, cheese and crackers and a book to start, the first I have read since early October.
Carlie was sleeping on the left between the lounge chair and the sofa. Ciela was in the red bed between our driving seats and Colin was relaxing with one of his guitars.
A good place to spend the night. We likely will be here tomorrow night as well as we are expecting overtime to complete the install and alignment. It will be dark shortly after 5PM so no sense looking for another place in the dark.
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I am so happy you made it safely and found a acceptable place to spend a few nights. We are praying your repairs go well tomorrow and are looking forward to spending time with you and keeping your mind off your repairs … we will do our best!
So happy to hear you made it there safely, I believe it was a very draining day for all of you, it’s nice to see and hear you are all relaxing a bit. At least the sun is shining and the repair is scheduled, the spot while not ideal is better than the roadside. Good luck.
Glad to hear you made it to Yuma and can relax enough to enjoy a book. Hope the next few days go well and you get back on the road!
Glad you got there safe and sound and then could relax all of you! Today praying all will go well and then soon on the road to Mazatlan! Love the pictures of the girls! Miss seeing them! ??
Over all sounds like a very good day considering what all could have happened BUt did not! Repairs hopefully will get done in a timely manner and you will resume your trip to the Isla. You have a great driver on board. As always Traveling Mercies go with you.
Glad you made it safely, hope the repairs go well. For what it’s worth, that is not a weather balloon, it’s an Aerostat blimp. It is an aerial surveillance system that is used by US Customs and Border Protection. Here’s a link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethered_Aerostat_Radar_System
I’m happy things look like they’re turning around for you!
All the previous photos of the cacti and sunsets are pretty!
I’m also happy to hear that Carlie is on the mend 🙂
Sequoia and Opal will chase the sun when it comes in the living room, or Sequoia’s taken to sitting on the air vent when the furnace is running. It’s cute because her ears flop around in the air.
The temps. here have been up and down. The few cold days, Opal is a big suck to go out. And then there is Sequoia, who I’ve had to go rescue from the yard because she stays out so long and gets cold paws.
Hugs!
Between friends, what’s 10 minutes? Glad you made it to Yuma safely. K
That is such familiar country for me! We spent many winters in the Yuma area as it is so convenient for day trips to Mexico. I am glad you are finally able to relax a little.
Those colorful throws on your sofa made me think of Rae. I’m so glad she introduced me to your blog. I hope your repairs go well and you are soon on your way further south.
Glad you guys made it to Yuma safe and sound . I was keeping my fingers crossed for you to get there . It sure has been an adventure so far but you two are real troopers . Good luck
Thanks for your support Vernon. Hope you stick around for the rest of the adventure. Heading to Tucson Wednesday.