Boxing Day in Joshua National Park with Kendra

Bill, Kendra and I spent Boxing Day in Joshua National Park, about an hours drive from where we were staying in Desert Hot Springs, We took Caper and a picnic lunch and made a day of it, watching the rock climbers and doing some hiking. Because Caper cannot be on any of the trails, in fact no further than 100 metres from a parking lot, Bill and I took turns staying with him in the car. It was such a beautiful day that rock climbers abounded...the very sight of that sport scares the life from me as I dislike heights intensely. This young man is using pinions, placing them in the crevasse of this sheer incline so that he has a handhold and a place to put his feet when climbing. He makes it look so easy, BUT, I will not be lining up to try it. A great way to spend Boxing Day! Beats the shopping crowds!

Here we are, enjoying a picnic. Little did I know, I was included! Caper is showing his age(10), but he sure loves to be out and about with his family. A great day! Life is good!

Palm Springs Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar, gives a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. It takes a 10 minute ride at the Valley Station – elevation 2,643 ft. and ends at the Mountain Station – elevation 8,516 ft. The tram was completed in 1963 and in 2000 these new cars were built as an update.


Yes, we travelled this glass capsule that holds 80 people, and that revolves 360 degrees as it ascends and descends the 6000 foot mountain. Once at the top, there is a very large park, San Jacinto State Park. There was snow and ice at the top so the ice limited our hike and it was a blustery day. A beautiful restaurant that from a window seat, it allowed us to see I-10 below as ant-like vehicles travelled along it.
There is a bit of a jolt as the tram rides over these tower supports and it feels like you are floating at times.

It was quite beautiful in the State Park as we walked the trail but unfortunately the snow was hard packed to icy and we were afraid of falling. Lunch at the Chino restaurant was fabulous and we were ready for a hot bowl of soup and a tasty sandwich. A wonderful day!

Wind Farm Tour

Bill, Kendra and I took a tour of the huge wind farm in the Valley of Palm Springs; there are over 3000 turbines that grace this valley; the wind, and there is always a wind, sweeps up the canyon from Beaumont and the turbines turn out the electricity that is supposed to support homes in the Valley and into Los Angeles.

A lot of study , trial and error goes into erecting turbines; bat population flying into the lights on the turbines at night, the roosting birds, the water table and soil contamination from cleaning the hydraulics, maintenance, health issues from shadows and the intermittent light change as the turbine turns, not to mention the output of the newer versus the older structures. An amazing industry! Above, our guide is demonstrating how the wind forces the turbines to constantly turn, and the braking system when they want them to shut down, which is frequently done for maintenance and if the wind is too fierce. A very interesting and enlightening tour...information overload!

Ryan`s Return from Afghanistan/Early Christmas

Bill and I flew home to surprise Ryan upon his return from his last deployment to Afghanistan. We were so very glad to see him safely returned to Canadian soil. And we were not the only happy ones....
Ryan's fiance, Rea, was also there to greet and welcome him home. Although most of the military was on Christmas vacation, refreshments were served for the anxiously awaiting families and a five piece band entertained.
Kendra also flew in, to surprise her brother. Ryan tells us that several miles out, their plane was escorted to Edmonton International by F-18s, then their bus was escorted by three RCMP, who leap-frogged the highway to block off all exit ramps and on base, firefighters and their trucks blocked the intersections. Quite impressive!

WELCOME HOME, RYAN!

Mountain Lakes, Lytle Creek, CA

The road to Mountain Lakes Resort follows the Lytle Creek wash. What a diamond in the rough! Back in a mountain canyon about five miles from the interstate is this huge membership park with very nice RV sites and park models with man-made lakes that are stocked with fair-sized fish. The park is part of our ROD system, so once reserved, the site is "free", no charge! The quaint village of Lytle Creek has a small post office and a couple of restaurants. Somewhere nearby is the strong smell of a feedlot, but we did not find it. Lytle Creek is about 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles with the closest shopping in Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga. Lots of shopping...found an REI here. Life is good!

The "Shiver Dance"

While in Centralia WA, we had a Banks Power system installed on the motorhome, which entails removing the "heads" and the exhaust and installing a whole new exhaust system, complete with a 4 inch exhaust pipe. Apparently, the exhaust manifold on the 464 Fords was found to be a problem so this is to give us more power on the hills and improve fuel mileage...I am happy to report that it does what it advertises! Bill is one happy camper! But it was cold here! And we had to stay over the weekend as they ran into a problem! Murphy! So, the motorhome is on the inside of the bay, the car is outside of the bay, and we have satellite! We had the key to come and go as we pleased and we were warm! Life is good!

Heading South!

Before Ryan's tour of duty in Afghanistan, Nadine arranged a Family photo shoot at the Legislature on probably the coldest day in July. The grounds are beautiful and lend themselves to many a photo event such as weddings and family affairs. Kendra had flown in for the occasion from Vancouver. After pictures, we met for a lovely lunch in downtown Edmonton at the Library. This was all orchestrated to honour Bill and I as we turn the big "65" this year, but it was also a send-off for Ryan. We have lots of wonderful pictures to share.


We are headed South for the winter months as of November 1st and plan to be in sunny warm climes until mid April. Don't know how we will be able to leave Daniel for that long...maybe we will have to arrange a visit home! He has become a "Grandad's boy!" Of course, for Bill, this is very special! We Skype, but we can't hug...lots of kisses are blown each way!