Goodguys Scottsdale Nov. 2015

1934 Buick Series 60 Club Sedan

One of just 24 registered today. While keeping its original look, this car has been modified for today's driving needs. Where did I find it? Goodguys of course, on a lovely weekend in November. Will I be adding this to my garage of old Buicks? Not a chance.

This Buick has only had three owners, and the current ones purchased it in 1991. Given the age of the vehicle, and the rarity, I'm told you consider this as an investment. You don't drive it, you store it. When you do show it, you transport on a trailer. This will not be your daily driver. This is something you own, and worry about. Maybe, someday you leave it to a museum!

The asking price is $150,000.

Venture Out RV Resort

RV sites look like this

Venture Out is located in Mesa at Higley and Main. A city within a city. Hundreds of home sites, mostly park models, where you purchase the land your unit sits on. A different model, which results in a healthy chunk of capital up front, but lower annual fees compared to parks where you rent the land your unit sits on. Example: Valle del Oro.

Venture Out park model

We were visiting Venture Out to watch a Pickleball tournament in which one of our friends was playing. This park is not short on Pickleball facilities, and if this is your thing, you may want to give this park some consideration. Actually, all the facilities are over the top. A superb playground for active seniors.  

Chuck MacDonald - visiting player from Palm Creek

Thor You Go

Interior 2016 Thor Tuscany Motor Coach

That's marble you're looking at alright, and you're looking at the interior of a 2016 Thor 45' Tuscany Diesel Motor Coach, which retails in around $350,000 U.S. I shot these photos at Camping World in Mesa yesterday. If this Thor doesn't suit your tastes, there are more to choose from. We're talking 'Rolling Thunder' here - plenty of space, and absolute luxury appointments.

View of the Galley

Master Suite

I did check RV Trader just to see what a used version of this beauty might run, and there where plenty to choose from. Follow the link and you will see for yourself just how far your dollar can go if slightly used is okay. And, slightly used is what you generally see. 

45' Thor Tuscany Motor Coach

I know it is the dream of many to pack up and see the country, and doing it in style is okay too. What I have also seen in my years of crossing the country is a definite shortage of places these big rigs can fit in. My advice - be sure you know where it is you're stopping, before you do the shopping.

Sourdough Sunday

One of two for this day

Small, like the RV gas oven it was baked in. Small, and expensive, as compared to what you can buy sourdough bread for at the market. So why bother?

I was the recipient of some sourdough starter from a Colorado woman here in the park last year. The starter is over 30 years old, so you know you're going to have to give it a go. Frig the cost, this is about the manly bit of baking bread in an RV oven.

Since the dough is to be retarded overnight in the refrigerator, you will also want to check on available space before you start. RV coolers are normally small. At least mine is.

Essentially, what we have here is two cups of white bread flour, two cups of whole wheat flour, a cup of starter, a cup and a quarter of warm water, then 2 tsp of salt. You mix it up by hand, let it rest (20 - 30 minutes), knead for ten minutes or so, then put in a bowl and wait for about two and one half hours, folding and punching down about half way through. Next, form into loaves, then send to the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 500 degrees for 20 minutes in a cast iron Dutch Oven, then another 15 minutes at 450 degrees with the top off for browning. That creates two loaves of what you see above.

How does it taste? Maybe I'll reduce the amount of whole wheat flour next time. Other than that, it tastes great, and all that baking sure helps to heat up the trailer, so choose a cool day, and that way the heat serves two purposes. Be warned - don't even think of this on a hot day.

Veteran's Day Parade Mesa

Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory

November 11 was a perfect day in Mesa for a Veteran's Day parade, so my buddy Lee and I headed out early, and got a perfect location at the start of the parade route. There was plenty of time to mix it up with the parade participants as they formed up for the parade. I took plenty of pictures, including the ones you see here (just a sample), which are among my favorites.

Mesa High School Band - there were six of them

On parade days, you are pretty much able to shove your camera in just about anyone's face without complaint. Actually, they're sort of flattered, and expect it. I never go to a parade without a camera. And, I do like to get there early, near the start of the parade, maybe even in the form-up area. Perfect.

Rear Admiral - U.S, Navy - Dennis Wisely

There were lots of dignitaries in the parade, and I got a good shot of Admiral Wisely, so here he is. With 350 combat missions over Vietnam, you wonder how he made it. The man is well decorated, but you won't see any there in his flying suit. Just so you know, he earned the Silver Star, six Legion of Merit Medals, two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, 29 Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. What more is there to say!

What a beautiful face. My favorite photo.

Finally, I present my absolute favorite photo of the day. In costume, and stepping back in history to the early days of Buffalo Soldiers and their families here in the south-west. I asked politely for this photo, and was rewarded with the sweet smile you see here.

I have never been to war

VDO Managers, Glenda and Darwin Farr

I've never worn a military uniform before. Never been to war. Never been wounded or scared in battle. I've never left my family for months or years to travel across the world to fight to defend my country. I have never eaten a MRE, carried a C-Bag, put on a combat boot, shot at an enemy, flown in a fighter jet, or helped a dying friend. I have no idea what war is like. I have no idea what any of you have experienced. Your fear, your bravery, your suffering, your survival.

But I do know one thing, and that is, you will not find anyone more proud of you than I. And, the service that you have rendered in defending your great country,including those of you who are from Canada, I respect and honour you as well. We fought side by side. And, to you, I express my appreciation. 

Please let me finish by holding my hand on my heart, and thanking you, for the service you have rendered to your great country. Thank you so very much.

Darwin Farr - November 2015

* Darwin Farr was asked to speak at the Valle del Oro Veteran's Day ceremony, and after some reflections on his father's military service, he finished with what is above. Touched by his sincerity, and the emotions I felt hearing his comments, I have reprinted it here.

VDO Honours Veterans

November 9 was Veteran's Day at Valle Del Oro, RV Resort, and it included a parade, ceremony, and lunch, which several hundred attended.

A biplane made several passes over the area with smoke trailing - there was a parade through the resort, then some prayers, national anthems, last post, speeches, a ceremonial volley of firearms, nothing was missing, Vets knew their sacrifices were appreciated, and most importantly, not forgotten.

Back to Coolidge Nov. 2015

Restored 1937 WACO Staggerwing

Coolidge, Arizona is a a small town South of Mesa where there is a small airport with a couple of runways.. The sign at the entrance reads - Welcome to Coolidge Army Airport 1942-1945. So there is some history here. Today, Coolidge Airport serves a number of purposes, including hosting a fly-in for aviation enthusiasts the first Saturday of the month (summer months excluded). This is what puts me at Coolidge yesterday morning.

The Florence Lion's Club puts on a magnificent outdoor breakfast on these fly-in Saturday mornings, and I ate my share of pancakes, sausages, and scrambled eggs, washed down with plenty of hot coffee. Pretty much all you can eat for $8, and all for a good cause.

You never know what you'll find sitting out there on the tarmac. This time, what got my attention was a recently restored 1937 WACO Staggerwing, which two men laboured over for more than seven years on evenings and weekends. Seeing it up-close-and-personal is such a treat, seeing it running, taking off, and flying off is something else again. We're talking aviation history here, and this is a rare diamond indeed.

Biplanes are in fact rare birds, and I must have a thing for them, because I did a YouTube video of a Coolidge fly-in back in 2012, and it featured a Beechcraft Stillman Model 17 Staggerwing.

If you're on holidays, in the Phoenix area, and interested in aviation, Coolidge is a great place on a Saturday morning. Go early, by 11 am the looking is over, and the pilots and their planes are heading home. I usually arrive around 8:30 am, and that works perfect. There is no charge, and you can wander about, feast your eyes, and even talk it up with some of the owners who don't mind taking time to tell you all about their planes. Enjoy, and bring your camera.

The smell inside this cockpit didn't come cheap - think Rolls-Royce

5th Wheel versus Park Model?

Two things got me to this post this morning: it's raining; and, there is no park water (a shut down for repairs - not uncommon). Our 5th Wheel has a water storage tank, so water interruptions are a non-issue. Park models have no water storage tanks, so your morning wash-up waits.

That said, why a 5th Wheel in the first place? Assume for this discussion that this is your seasonal home, you are somewhere warm (if it's winter), you are one or two people, and you can still safely climb stairs. Here are a few of my ideas:

• 5th Wheels can be moved, and since they are intended for seasonal use only, they survive longer, and cost less to maintain if you find covered storage when not in use. Very important in sunny, hot places - like Arizona. I say this, because park models sit in the sun and bake, and this can cost you lots of money down the line. 
• If you are unclear what a park model is, here's what you need to know. Park models once onsite can be moved, but with difficulty, and once a Arizona Room has been added, for practical purposes, they're permanent;
• For the dollar, modern 5th Wheels provide very comfortable, organized, accommodation. Some might even call it luxury space. Plenty of cabinets and storage, fully self-contained, all the conveniences, attractively decorated, with a plethora of creature comforts. Plus, at least for a day or two, you can live off the grid if necessary. On power failure, the refrigerator switches to gas, water pumps and lights work off a storage battery, the furnace and stove run off gas, and you have storage tanks for grey/black water, and fresh water;
• With mostly fiberglass exteriors, 5th Wheels are easily maintained, and kept up. And, there are plenty of people out there who know how to fix them when things do go wrong;
• Safe space. Manufacturers do pay attention to safety concerns, and with just a modicum of common sense, there is no reason to worry about safety issues. Having said that, if you can't safely manage two or three steps, forget 5th Wheels;
• Reasonably priced, even if you're purchasing new. Ours was three years old when we purchased it, and the first owners ate a ton of depreciation. What we got was a modern unit, in excellent repair, at a very reasonable cost, which because of the cost didn't require financing to purchase. No regrets. Don't pass on a good quality, well maintained, lightly used unit;
• Easily insured, with some restrictions. Our policy won't allow attached decks, or extra rooms. RV parks don't like this anyway. Most won't allow it. If this is your vacation home, put the tools away;
• Forget renting. Again, we're back to insurance, our policy does not permit renting. If you're not using it, sell it;
• Easily relocated (as compared to a park model). We don't own a truck, so when the trailer gets moved to storage, we're paying someone to move it. Someone with driving and parking skills we don't have. This is not a major expense.
• Finally, park models sit where they are planted and pay park fees 12 months a year. 5th Wheels can pickup and move, so storage is a cost saving option during the months when you're not using it.

Snow in Arizona?

Channel 3 November 3 weather forecast for Flagstaff, AZ

It's true, people in Flagstaff, Arizona will wake to snow tomorrow morning. So isn't this a little early for snow?

Since most of us are here for the climate during the winter months, just the mention of snow gets your attention. Flagstaff is about two-and-one-half hours North of Phoenix, where people go to ski in the winter months, and escape the heat in the summer. The elevation is about 7,000 feet, and compared to Phoenix at 1,100 feet, you see why you can see snow one place and not the other.

Does it ever snow in Phoenix? It can, but it melts quickly. Don't come to Phoenix for snow.

So what about the averages?

• Lows in Phoenix average: 47 degrees Fahrenheit in November, and 40 degrees in December. January 39 degrees, February 43, and March 47.
• Highs in the same area average: November 74, and December 66. January 65 degrees, February 70, and March 75.

Flagstaff is much cooler in January - March with lows below 20 degrees, and average highs around 45 degrees. You get the idea - don't bring your tent to Flagstaff in the early spring months. And, don't laugh, I knew someone who did.

November 4, update. Sure enough, it snowed.

RVs on the move

Main entrance VDO - Snowbirds on the move

The last weekend of October, and it really is one after the other. Today alone (Oct. 31), 39 RVs that look like what you see here will arrive at VDO - most of them will spend the winter.

Valle del Oro in East Mesa is a small city on its own with close to 1,800 sites, most of which are permanent park models, which don't come and go with the seasons. Exact figures are a little hard to know, but in most RV parks in this area, the ratio is close to 80 percent park models, 20 percent RVs. The days of RVs in these parks are numbered as park operators continue to aggressively market their park models, which keep the rent coming in 12 months of the year.

Baby Boomers are the new retirees, and there are plenty of them looking for winter relief from weary winters, and park models are proving popular with them. A new park model with an added Arizona Room and carport runs about $80,000 U.S., and you get three years free rent (worth about $18,000). You see the attraction.

VDO have NO spring vacancies, and the waiting list for RV sites is a long one (over 80 as of Friday). Truth is, most people won't ask to join a list of this length, what's the point! The park is full.

Short lesson: if you haven't already figured this out, think hard before you invest big bucks in an RV, unless you know for certain where you're heading will have space for you. Especially true if your travel takes you South for the winter.

From about $62,000 with Arizona Room

Welcome Home AZ 2015

My friend, Joe Szegeti and his wife Julie Bach, have just returned from a motorcycle ride that took him and about 70 other Kingston riders from Calgary, AB, to Tombstone, AZ in September 2015. I gave Joe some postcards to mail back over their trip, which he did, and I so enjoyed the adventure that I've decided to share my Arizona adventures with him, and all those who follow this blog.

It's raining tonight in Mesa, and I'm watching one of my favorite TV channels, PBS (there are no commercials). I'm tired from a day in the sun, and PBS is just fine. I am not at the Halloween dance, which is what happens when Judy is not here. Dances are out. My choice.

Watching a restaurant review show on PBS, I have tuned in on a restaurant, Aloha Kitchen here in Mesa, which I want to visit with my friends, Lee and Colleen Loveridge.

Lee and Coleen live here in Valle del Oro (during the winter months), and we've been friends forever. They are from White Rock, B.C.

They owned a place in Hawaii, which we visited, and Aloha Kitchen sounds like a step back to those good old days in Hawaii. If it wasn't for PBS, how would I know about this place?

This is day three on return to Mesa. It was all about scrubbing down the 5th Wheel, and setting up for the winter. Washing a 5th Wheel is like bathing an elephant. You can hire out the work, or do it yourself. I enjoy the experience, so I start at the top, and work myself down. It was partly overcast earlier, and there was no wind, perfect day for this job. $200 saved. And, I've got a good idea how the skin on this rig is faring, and what if anything needs to be done.

The 5th Wheel lives here in AZ, and spends about six months each year under covered storage. Aside from dust, it is protected from the most damaging elements of heat and sun over the extremely hot summer months. Since we don't own a truck, we depend on Harvey to get it back and forth from storage. Easy enough, and Harvey knows how to back a trailer.

This is day three, and yesterday was about setting up, and watching the World Series. It was also about stocking up on cheap California wine, and a visit to AJ's for lunch. Since I'm mostly into health foods, I settled on a brat with sauerkraut, chips (the bag type) and another side, which I can't remember. I also secured Mexican meatballs soup and sourdough bread for later. Since Judy will follow later in the month, this is my opportunity to lose some weight and gain some control over what I eat.

The days of driving to Arizona are behind us, so Air Canada got me here on Tuesday. It was a great trip: Kingston - Toronto - Phoenix. Got up at 4 am (Kingston time), and arrived here in Phoenix around 10 am (in October there is a three hour time difference). Lee picked me up from the airport, and I took him to Paradise for lunch. The weather was wonderful and warm, approaching 90 F, time for shorts and a T-shirt.

2014 Roadtrek 210 Popular

For something to do the other day, I was shopping RVs  at World Wide RV in Mesa , and found this new Roadtrek for sale. The window sticker says $118,000 USD, so I was relieved when I looked at their website and saw it had been reduced to a mere $91,990. I'm being facetious here. For Canadian prospects, you'll need $115,000 to drive this home (at current exchange rates and before taxes).

Since we owned two Roadtreks, and traveled over 100,000 miles in them, I feel like I should have some idea how life goes in a Roadtrek.

My last one was a 2002, Popular, and I saw a lot of NA in this vehicle. It was all good. I wanted to see the country, and this vehicle served the purpose. The longer you're in it, the bigger it gets.

Like the one pictured, mine was built on the Chevy chassis, and in my opinion, this is one stout unit. I purchased it for $40,000 in Florida when it was five years old. It was like new. The Canadian dollar was on par with the U.S. dollar. I sold it five years later for $24,000. I had traveled over 50,000 miles. Annual maintenance was about $1,000, so it proved reliable to say the least. The first owner ate a big hunk of depreciation, my shrinkage was minimal.

I sold it because we wanted to settle in an RV park where class B motorhomes were not welcome in-season. What replaced the Roadtrek was a 5th Wheel, purchased for a fraction of what the Roadtrek sells for. The 5th Wheel is ideal for long stays, the Roadtrek cramped, and you feel it when you're sitting for longer periods in one place.

Looking back, I'm happy for the years we enjoyed seeing the country, and Roadtrek served us well. At this juncture, we need more space, and the urge to be constantly on the move has finally passed.

You'll see me switching back and forth between us and I in this post. My wife was still working during those Roadtrek travel years, so I have a lot of solo miles under my belt. When she could, she would fly and meet me, and we enjoyed the time together, but we did have to adjust to the limited space. The 5th Wheel has addressed all those space issues. What we don't do in the 5th Wheel is travel anywhere, it stays put.

RV Parks Reviews - Valle del Oro

Here's the link to RV Parks Reviews of Valle Del Oro in Mesa, Arizona.

Since I've been in this park for several years in a 5th Wheel, I'm also a happy customer, so I'm a little sensitive of unfair criticism. Generally, I found the reviews on this website pretty fair, although some are dated. This park is in a state of constant upgrading, so things that were not so good three years ago, may well be improved now.

What hasn't changed is the park's WiFi, especially in-season - still not great. This has everything to do with too many users, with too many devices. The park has spent mega bucks trying to address this, but they're spinning their wheels. Save yourself frustration and find an alternative to park WiFi. We subscribe to Verizon, and this works. Accept that when you travel, WiFi will not be like what you have at home.

Don't plan a vacation here without a confirmed reservation. The waiting list for an ever diminishing number of RV sites is a long one. Especially in-season (J,F,M). Even with confirmed reservations, check before you come to be sure a park model hasn't taken your spot, in which case you'll almost certainly be looking for another park. This caveat pretty much applies to all the better parks in warm locations in the winter. If you haven't heard, the 'Baby Boomers are coming.' Space in the better parks is tight. One way to avoid disappointment is to buy a park model, and this is a discussion for another post sometime.

Air Canada gets the job done

I'm never really sure where I am when I look out the window of an airplane, but what we're most likely seeing is the East shore of Lake St. Clair on April 1, 2015. And yes, there is still ice on the Great Lakes. People in Arizona have been asking.

I'm on a four hour flight from Phoenix on Air Canada, which will arrive in Toronto 1 pm. We departed at 6 am, and this made for a 3:45 am wake-up call. Six and four gives you 10, but there is a three hour time difference at this time of year, given Arizona does not move their clocks for daylight savings time.

Since we've taken to flying back and forth to Phoenix, this is my first return trip on Air Canada. I left on March 4, and there were flight delays due to absolutely horrible winter weather. Giving AC credit, I arrived in Phoenix on the same day I left Kingston, Ontario. As you can see by the picture, the trip home was sunny and bright.

Living on the U.S. border gives us the option of flying from Syracuse, and this is the way we typically go. Problem is, the two hour plus run down Hwy. 81 through the snow belt in winter weather. As it turned out, on this trip, getting to Syracuse was not going to happen due to winter weather, so the AC alternative right from Kingston was a lucky choice, even with delays getting out. And, it was all about good luck, because the flights were booked 90 days out.

What AC did right, with a weather delayed departure from Kingston was call us on the phone, and help with rescheduling. The call came late at night, and thankfully I heard the call and answered. Score one for Air Canada, they were on it.

On Customs clearances and times spent in lineups. If you are clearing through Toronto, pack some patience. There are new streamlining systems in place, but it does take a little getting used to. Don't arrive at the last minute, there are also security clearance lineups to get through. In scheduling your connecting flights, I say, to minimize stress, allow for two hours if you can between connecting flights in Toronto.

Speaking of reducing stress. Have you heard about WestJet's new Smart Seats? Have a look, there is a short video that explains it all.

On The Road Again - Trip Planning

Ed and Ruth are friends, and they've made countless trips across America (from Nova Scotia), and they've stayed out of trouble by taking it easy, paying attention to weather forecasts, and thinking out each leg of the trip before they leave (see travel plan below).

When they hauled a 5th Wheel, this planning was more complex, because you need to know where you can stop, and where you can get fuel. You especially need to know how to navigate around big cities, where a wrong turn can get you in serious trouble in a hurry.

The 5th Wheel stays in Arizona these days, and motels have replaced truck stops and RV parks. Life is good in an economical SUV, which is comfortable, roomy, and reliable.

A good day for them is six to seven hours of travel, in daylight, with a finish around 4 pm. If there are storms ahead, they wait until they clear, or they take an alternative route. The trip home in the spring (end of March) is especially challenging, bad weather is everywhere. Ed is a retired Air Force pilot, and avoiding nasty weather is something that comes natural. So does trip planning.

Ed's Route Plan - click to enlarge

As I write this, they're arriving in Nashville. And, they'll take a couple of days break. It has taken four days to get there from Mesa, Arizona. This is no speed record. They have spent about $125 in fuel so far (paying as little as $2.11 a gallon in Oklahoma). Ed estimates the trip back to Nova Scotia will come in under $300. This is definitely the year of low fuel prices.

Contrast this with what they used to spend hauling the 5th Wheel (about $1,000 in fuel each way), and motel living sounds pretty appealing.

Since Snowbirds are all flocking home during this period, their motel stays are booked well in advance, which means lower prices, and they're sure of a room. Their preference these days is La Quinta, which affords them frequent user discounts and loyalty bonuses. Ed is registered with La Quinta as ex-military, and the staff know this when he registers, and never fail to thank him for his service. A nice touch.

Simply Noise - When you need some rest

iPod charger and speakers work great

There's an app for that. Truth is, RV parks are often in noisy locations. When you're on the road, so are truck stops, Walmart parking lots, and some motel rooms.

If noise is killing your sleep, add some noise - Simply Noise. This $1 app is all it takes.

You'll need a little amp/speaker/ear-buds, and your mobile device. Simply Noise generates a hishing noise that blocks out noisy cars, trucks, motorcycles, slamming doors, whatever. You easily adjust to Simply Noise, and the other annoyances just disappear.

RV Cooling - AC Alternative

5th Wheel bedroom window location - Window is open.

A few years ago my ceiling AC failed in my Roadtrek (Class B Motorhome). Repairs were not an option where I was, and the weather was stifling hot. I found this Bonaire Personal Cooler (which I call my Swamp Cooler), at Home Depot. There was just the one, it had been returned, and none of the store staff had the faintest idea how it worked. It was a good deal. I was desperate, so I took it.

Here's what you need to know:

• You put it near an open window; 
• Turn on your Fantastic Fan (ceiling fan if you have one);
• Open other windows to create a draft; 
• You put water in the back, turn it on, and you're good to go. 

You get low-cost cooling at a fraction of what AC costs. Good for the desert, and dry climates. Not so good in high humidity areas. This is a daytime cooler. One unit this size will NOT cool your entire trailer. However, it is portable, so you can move it around to where you are.

It will cool your Roadtrek. My cooler sat between the front seats when in use (hanging locker when not in use). It was great. There is a small pump, and a fan, so power consumption is minimal.

I like it best when daytime temperatures are below 90 F. The Fantastic Fan is turned on, AC in the rest of the trailer is turned off, and the windows are open. I use it to cool the bedroom in the afternoon. It raises the humidity level, and cools by evaporation. Perfect for people who find AC hard to take. More information is here. Highly recommended.

March Weather Madness

 

Still March, and the temperatures are rising. This is the AZ forecast for March 26, 2015.

Meanwhile, as Snowbirds start their journey home, this is how the rest of the continent looks. Deadly twisters created no end of havoc on highways across America yesterday, including the popular routes home. I made 18 trips from the SW to the NE over several years (nine out, nine back), and now I fly. The trip down in the fall was always the best, the trip home in early April was challenging to say the least.

Photo from CBS of a deadly twister in 2013, The end of March and early part of April is Tornado time, and it pays to plan your motor trip carefully. Having access to the Internet in your vehicle while you travel can help keep you out of harm's way. I personally avoid several severe weather events by knowing when to go South, head North, or sometimes just when to stop and wait.

Phoenix and the Valley forecast for the last weekend of March 2015. The record for this weekend is 95 degrees. Record, or no record, this is hot. The weather systems, which eventually track East start here in the SW.

Sourdough Pancakes - RV Special

I'm posting this sourdough pancake recipe here so I won't forget it. Pictured is a sourdough pancake that will puff up a bit (rise), and this was achieved only after some experimentation. Puffed or not, they are always good, so don't worry.

You'll need sourdough starter, and there are plenty of ways to get it, including starting your own. Mine came from a friend in the park. Thank you Karen. This starter originated in Europe over 30 years ago, and Karen has kept it going ever since. The older the starter, the better (or, so I'm told).

I keep about a cup in the refrigerator, then the night before, in a separate bowl add about a cup of flour and a cup of warm water. Use equal parts. Stir. Cover with a tea-towel and allow to sit overnight on the counter. In the morning, stir, then draw off about a half-cup of your starter and return to the refrigerator for future use.

Use about two cups of starter (what's left in the bowl) for a decent feeding for two to four people. Stir in one egg. Add 2 Tbsp of olive oil, 1 Tbsp of sugar, and a dash of salt.

To help with getting the pancakes to rise, I added two Tbsp of milk.

Finally, you'll need 1 tsp of baking soda. Dissolve the baking soda in a Tbsp of warm water before throwing it in the mix, and do this as a last step.

If you want more protein, add another egg.

Fry them up on medium high temperature, and enjoy.

Palm Creek in Casa Grande

Casa Grande is South of Phoenix on Hwy 10. It is roughly about an hour from the Phoenix airport (directions). It's a smaller town (population appx. 50,000), and a lot of people like it for this reason. Palm Creek RV resort is located on the East side of town, and you can't miss it from Highway 10 because of all the palm trees you see off in the distance. A five star resort, it is a beautiful place to vacation. I have a number of friends who call this home in the winter. For serious fans of Pickleball, this is the park for you.

I was there last weekend and took these pictures from the car window. The property pictured above is somewhat typical of the park models you'll find in PC. It was the landscaping that drew my eye to this property. We are in the desert, and the grass you see is probably artificial.

How about this RV setup. The good news, at the time of this writing it is for sale. Plan to spend about $240,000. The outbuilding you see is part of their property, so you get an idea how much space you'll have to enjoy. Space that won't come cheap, but for RVers who want something special, you have it here in spades.

Here's another example of carefully planned space with an motor coach for living in. These RVers pay annual fees just like park models, and the property upgrades are an extra investment, which could possibly be sold later if you decide to move, and can find someone to assume your annual fees. Here's the good news - if you do make the commitment, and keep up the annual fees, you won't find yourself being bumped for a park model. Not all parks think like this.

South-West Sunset, Mesa

So here we are in Valley del Oro, Mesa, Arizona. About as cosmopolitan as it gets - and, that is a freeway overpass you see. Hwy 202 to be exact. Yes, RV parks are often built close to busy highways (or,sometimes railways). VDO is at the intersection of Hwy 60 and Hwy 202.

  

 Looking NE, this is what we see at sunset. That is Superstition Mountain. I am standing on top of my trailer to see it, which means if you are not willing to climb on top of your trailer, you will not see the sunset. At least in this location.

What are we eating tonight? On special, and directly from the East Coast, and on sale here in Mesa. We're in the desert, but we're not exactly roughing it.

The Resort on Ellsworth - Mesa, AZ

The Resort has 792 sites, and 157 are still occupied by people in trailers and motor coaches. On the day we visited in March 2015 there were still 14 sites not booked for the 2015/16 season. For various reasons, mostly to due with personal preference on which way you face, and how big the patio slab is, the list was quickly narrowed to three or four possibilities. Prices are very reasonable. A five month stay is about $2,500 with just electricity extra. Water, sewer, trash removal, and cable TV are included.

When you're in an RV, laundry facilities are critical. The Resort meets this criteria in spades. There were plenty of machines, and they all appeared to be in working order. Score one for The Resort.

The various activity areas were still humming along, including the wood shop. People were friendly, and it looks like there is plenty to do.

Tennis courts were basically vacated on our visit, Pickleball was anything but. The Resort has four courts so far. Pickleball is big.

Don't forget to check for a fitness centre. Not all resorts take this seriously enough, and if daily fitness is part of your routine, you won't be happy without one. This the the fitness facility at The Resort. Plenty of everything, and all in good repair.