Holy Crap, what was that??

So we toured Kingman with Dawn Brannies, our property manager, houses look great, well kept, thanks Dawn! Spent the night in the Kmart parking lot, nice and quiet, and free! Headed off to Quartszite, went through Lake Havasu City, saw the London Bridge, it is actually kinda pretty! No pics though. 30 miles south of LHC we hear this massive "bang",  Blown tire!! Poor Rocky tried to climb into my lap, he was terrified, and so was I but Mike did an excellent job of getting us off the road, he called 911 and I called our Roadside assistance company, Safeco. Nice policeman came and parked behind us with lights on as we were partially in the road. 40  minutes later came the Toe truck man who changed our tire right there. Hot and sweaty! He said the rest of our rear tires were at risk of doing same thing, even though they looked like they had a lot of life in them.

 So we limped off down the road on our spare, and a few miles later came to this oasis in the desert: Bluewater Resort and Casino! Spent the night in the parking lot. When the tire blew it took out the wiring to all the functional units of the interior of RV, meaning no water pump, fridge or lights. Still had solar to run the fan, charge Kindles, Wifi etc. Next morning called Foremost, started a claim. Because the RV is our house they will pay for meals and lodging until RV is fixed. Spent all day waiting for new tires to be delivered from Big O tire in Lake Havasu City, nice people. So we went and got them put on, late in the day, then back to the casino, got a room as the RV was just too hot without AC. Did some gambling, did better than Vegas!!! Then off to Yuma finally! Arrived at around 1PM super hot, found the repair shop, dropped the RV, they said looks like the furnace was taken out also. Got this really nice suite at the Best Western, will stay here till RV gets fixed up!!

Got a good deal on Orbitz, paid same price for this suite as we would have for a regular room just walking in off the street, of course I had to purchase the room on the Kindle standing in the lobby, with the check in lady waiting for me to complete the transaction, I don't know why she didn't just match the rate, most places will do that!!

Anyways, we made it to Yuma!!!

We didn't win but

we sure had a good time! Spent 2 nights at Arizona Charlies RV park, beautiful place but not cheap, so only 2 nights!

It is within easy walking distance to the Casino!

Clean park, with palm trees!!

Went swimming in the pool and sat in the Hot Tub, met a nice lady there from Arkansas who spends winters in this RV park, monthly rate is around $600/month! egad. 

But they do have $4.49 Ham and Egg breakfast!! Enough for breakfast the next day!

Then we hopped on the public bus and went to Sams Town, supposed to be where the locals gamble!

Gambling is just So-so here!

Went back to the RV and took Rocky for a walk, glad to be plugged in for AC! Then off to the Luxor, spent MyVegas loyalty points (online game) on a 2 for 1 buffet and Carrot Top Tickets!

Carrot Top is hugely entertaining, seating lady was kind enough to upgrade our seats, note to self: bring a sweater! If you are in the front 1-2 rows he gives you a shot of Crown Royal! Anyways 90 minutes of laughter is good for the soul!

 Didn't get to bed until midnight! Next Day: drove to Kingman, AZ. Stealth camped in the parking lot of Kmart, much better/less congested than Walmart.

Free camping and this incredible sunrise!!

Meet with our property manager at 11 AM, do  a drive by on the houses and then off to Quartszite!

Zion National Park - most beautiful place!

Made it through Salt Lake City, tedious drive, then about 20 miles off the highway 15 to Springdale, gateway to Zion, spent Thursday in the National Park, even Mike said he was glad he got to see it, though didn't get to hike many of the trails. The free shuttle from Springdale to Zion is super nice.

View from our Campsite

Perfect weather, lots of sunshine, not too hot, still wearing shorts! People there from all over the world.

After Zion spent 2 days at RPI by Hurricane Utah, went to Quail Lake and Mike fished, no bites, Rockie was able to get off his leash, swim in the lake and was quite the happy dog!! but I forgot my camera.  Now we are on our way to Vegas!! Woo hoo!

Back in Idaho!

Made it back to Idaho on Sunday, I don't know why the speed limit isn't 80 MPH in the Idaho I was living in, man that would've been fun in my Mini CooperS.

Click on Pics to make bigger.

Stopped at Hell's Half Acre, best Rest Area I've ever been to, hiked 3/4 mile with Rocky, saw the Lava flow, and a rabbit, luckily Rocky did not. 

Got gas in Dillon Idaho, spent $190 to fill up, Hooboy!! Spent the night in Dubois Idaho, nice little town with "free" dump and drinking water. ($3 suggested donation)

 Then on to Utah, spent the night in Willard, at Flying J travel plaza, the mountains are right there! and so is the Highway, super noisy! Gas price is coming down!!

Today's mission: get through Salt Lake City!!

Got as far as Missoula!

We left Sandpoint at noon, wow! Mike had to do all the work as I had a sudden bout of flu like symptoms, major body ache all over!! 1st time I've had gotten sick after the flu shot, oh well it was free, right?!   Pulled in to this truck travel plaza just north of Missoula Montana 5:30 pm, free camping and what a view!

"If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten."

Last day at work tomorrow,  hard to leave, I will miss everyone: my kids and family and everyone at BGH, (you know who you are!) 13 years almost to the day since I began working there! But  

    excited to hit the road!!

 

 Finally got my camera back after losing it last summer, so these pics are late!!!

We had High Tea, with fancy finger sandwiches!

My BFF Tracy in Sequim

My Brother and Sister in Sequim 

Jenna on the carousel at Butchart Gardens

My sister Lori slaving away in the kitchen!

Still waiting to take off on our adventure!

This French Bulldog followed me and Rocky home one morning, we fell in love immediately but luckily she had a microchip and we found her owner a few hours later.

We haven't left yet......but I have given notice at my job, but maybe can be back in the summer to cover vacations! Just sticking close to home trying to not spend money but you know how that goes! Went to Northern Quest Casino to see Grandma and Grandpa, Mike lost and I won a little. Got a good price on a cheap motel last minute via Hotwire, Jenna came over, that was fun, Rocky was so happy!

Jenna and Rocky!

We stayed at the EconoLodge near Spokane Airport, $48 on Hotwire plus tax: $62, with free breakfast, WIFI and a huge lawn for Rocky.

View of Spokane from Econolodge grounds
(click on pictures to make bigger)

 We are hoping to leave for warmer climates first weekend of October. Today I go to Coeur d'alene
to help Jenna move, again, second time in 6 months!! Next week: Elton John concert!!

Went to Laughing Dog Brewery Anniversary party with our Neighbors Roger and Ruthie, nice people, headed to Iowa for winter. (Iowa for winter??)