Sunday, Dec. 11

A short drive took us to a campground that we enjoyed last year, Rockhound SP in Deming, NM. We arrived early and our site had not been vacated. We were instructed to park at a day-use picnic site until ours was ready. Our temporary site sat close to the base of the mountains, away from everyone. It was very pretty there, so we decided to spend the afternoon.

After lunch, we put out our chairs and Lois got busy enjoying a perfect afternoon. Carol, the girls and I set off on a close-by trail. Lucy is 14 now, so we try not to push her. Carol turned around after awhile, and Christy and I finished the trail.

Needing electric for cooking, we moved to our campground site. Dinner was delayed by a stunning sunset.

Monday, Dec. 12

We left early this morning to get on the other side of a winter storm that was moving into the Southwest. Rain, turning to snow, with high winds were going to take over New Mexico and Arizona. By leaving early, we would be able to get over the mountains before the rain turned to snow.

Soon after we left a beautiful morning, the winds became strong. It’s not recommended to drive a high-profile RV with winds over 25 mph. At 22 mph, the Ham was getting tossed around pretty good. When we approached a flat, open area, tumbleweed started blowing across the road. That’s when the drive got entertaining. The more we drove, the more tumbleweeds blew across the road. Carol started taking pictures. I tried to avoid them, but swerving became dangerous and useless. When the first unavoidable weed crashed into the Ham, it exploded into a billion pieces and we cheered for more to destroy. That’s when we realized that we were in a real-life video game and our goal was to not allow tumbling weeds make it to the other side. Points were given for each tumbleweed destroyed. 50 points for small ones, 100 points for medium ones and 500 points for large ones, the size of a small car. Carol kept score and by the time we made it to the mountains, we had racked up 4750 points. I’m pretty sure we won and can redeem the points for chips in Vegas.

Once we got to the mountains, the winds subsided, but it then started raining. As we climbed up into the mountains, the rain turned into wet snow. It was disgusting to watch slush accumulate at the windshield, but it soon melted away when we descended into sunny Tucson.

A coyote greeted us as we pulled into Gilbert Ray Campground. After a couple of walks with the dogs and a nice sunset, it started raining. Carol made chicken noodle soup to help warm us up for a cold evening. It was going down to 29 degrees tonight.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Carol and Lucy returned to the Ham part way through our morning hike. Christy and I continued down the trail. Christy turned into a dry creek bed with some great rocks for stacking. I hope the wildlife appreciates my creation.

I had plans to hike or bike today, but I think yesterday’s game of Tumbleweed Terminator wore me out. I repaired a few things in the Ham, while Carol Christmas shopped online and Lois read.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

After washing the RV, fueling up and stopping at Sam’s Club, we arrived at White Tank Mountain Park in Phoenix, AZ. Low 50’s, sunny skies and fighter jets up above made for an enjoyable hike through the picturesque desert. Within moments of starting on the trail, Christy froze in place and raised her front paw. She already had been attacked by a cactus.

Thursday, Dec. 15

It was another great hike in the desert this morning. The hike was a little longer this time, because Carol thought she knew where she was going – she didn’t, so we had to double back before continuing in the right direction. All three girls were very tired when we got back to the Ham.

I hadn’t used my bike yet on this trip and this park has great biking trails. Soon after climbing up the mountain, I realized that either I was a little out of shape or getting old. I’m going with out of shape. 

Friday, Dec. 16

South of Lake Havasu, AZ is Buckskin Mountain SP on the Colorado River. We liked it here last year, so we returned. After Carol and Lucy left Christy and I on our afternoon walk, we were told about a small beach on the river where dogs were allowed off-leash. Christy waded at first, then went all in. Returning to the beach, she started her zoomies with herself, water and sand flying in every direction. Back into the water, then back to the beach. When the game was over, we took the long way back to the Ham to figure who was going to take the blame for getting her all wet.

Saturday, Dec. 17

One more day until we get to hug Erin again. We haven’t seen her or Andy since last Christmas. Lake Mead is always a good overnight before getting to their house – it’s only 30 miles away.

Sunday, Dec. 19

Today starts our Christmas break from our adventures. We’ll begin again just before New Year’s. Everyone enjoy the holidays, your family and friends.