February 27–March 1, 2023 North Ranch and Friends and an OH-OH

This morning we woke to a nice sunny day so we packed up and headed south with me driving.  It was my first time driving on the interstate (I-40) and it went okay.  We made the turn south on US-93 passing some awesome scenery.  The road wasn’t the best of shape and about 40 miles from Wickenburg, we heard a strange sound….OH-OH…..

I pulled over and we looked underneath.. Our one tailpipe bracket broke (the other bracket held) and the tailpipe was dragging.  Plus it got hung up on the drive shaft.  OH. S—T! 

And, of course, we are in the middle of nowhere and no cell service.  Well, off I went in the car and found a place to call.  Told our road service where we were and what happened and that we had no cell service.  Back at the RV, we waited for an hour.  Went back to the cell phone area, no message.  Called again!  Their answer is we are still trying to find someone.  Now back at the RV, we look the situation over and figure if we can cut the other bracket, we might be able to get the tail pipe over the shaft.  So we waited for another hour and did the same routine.. drove car to cell service, no message, called .. they are still trying to find someone…

Back at the RV, Andy and I started to cut the bracket.  In the meantime, I was able to get texts and was texting our friends Geri and John.  They decided to get some tools and head up to us.  (THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!)

After trying, we finally got the bracket off.   Now, we both had to go under the motorhome and lift the pipe up and over the drive shaft.. At this time, I get a phone message that a mechanic is coming to us.  Should be 2-3 hours.  Sheesh!!

Back to the tailpipe, we finally got it! (Thank you, God!).  Just as were putting it in the grass, Geri and John were here – Thank you so much.  John and Andy got the pipe in the motorhome and off we went (hoping that no other damage was done).  Once we got into cell phone range, I cancelled the road service.  We made it safely to Geri and John’s place with no other issues…..

Our tailpipe:

 

We have an appointment in April in Casa Grande to get this fixed.

Miles Traveled (02/27): 120 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: McDonald Avenue; Detroit Avenue; Andy Devine Blvd; I-40; US-93; AZ-71; AZ-89

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We met Geri and John a few years ago in Quartzsite and traveled and hung out together for quite a few years.  Seeing them in Quartzsite a month ago made me realize how much I missed them so I just had to spend more time with them.  They were gracious enough to let us mooch-dock in their driveway.

I did not take pictures – sorry..  But these are from my earlier blogs..

In 2013, Andy, Diane, Geri, John, Sue, Bruce:

Sadly, we lost Bruce a while ago.  And if you are following the blog, I spent time with Sue in October 2022.

In 2013, Diane, Sue, Geri, Pat:

In 2012, Bruce, Sue, Diane, Andy, John, Geri, Bill, Shelley:

Such good memories!

Over the next few days, we had some meals together and got caught up with each other.  We told stories, laughed and laughed some more and cried too.  What a wonderful time.  It did my heart good to spend time with them and I feel so blessed to know them.

On Tuesday, I went to beading with Geri and saw a number of ladies that I met over the years at beading.  On Wednesday, we went to Delores's and met with others that I have not seen in a long time.   It was so so good to see these ladies that taught me over the years.  And many of them I worked with at a few Bead Weeks.  I really missed them!  What a wonderful group.

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Andy and I are very blessed to meet many of the good folks in our travels.   When I came off the road, I knew I had to.  So part of me put blinders on so I did what I had to do and not miss folks and traveling.   Coming back on the road, I wanted to reconnect with folks who made my heart smile.  And boy, I never realized how much I missed them until we reconnected! We are blessed both on the road and at home.

Thank you to all who make my heart and soul smile!

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Tomorrow we head to Casa Grande so stay tuned, enjoy today, and enjoy those who make your heart and soul smile.

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February 25-26, 2023 Kingman, Dust and Route 66

Saturday, February 25th, 2023, we woke to lots of wind and cold but a beautiful sunny day so another road trip was in order.

Part of the original Route 66 still exists north/northeast of Kingman so that is where we headed.

OH-OH!  Lots of wind and dust:

We went thru it – Yikees!  Could hardly see!

Our first stop was the Hackberry General Store:

The store was a cross between a Route 66 museum and a gift shop.  We looked thru the inside and found “Charlie” the cat who we were told is the owner or rather “the boss”.  LOL!  We had a nice chat with the owner (not Charlie) about the store and the area.

There was so much to see outside but it was so windy and cold that we put this on our schedule again.

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/hackberry-arizona/#:~:text=Hackberry's%20origin%20dates%20back%20to,spring%20adjacent%20to%20the%20mine.

https://www.theroute-66.com/hackberry.html

Our next stop was Kozy Corner:

To see GIGANTICUS HEADICUS:

“GIGANTICUS HEADICUS,” IS A GIANT, tiki-style head constructed in 2004 by area artist Gregg Arnold. The statue is 14 feet tall and crafted from cement, chicken wire, and Styrofoam. This unique work of art can be found in Antares Point near Kingman, Arizona, along Route 66. It’s adjacent to the former Kozy Corner Trailer Park.

We went into the little gift shop for a look around.  There is also a small restaurant but is seasonally closed - will open in April.  Outside were some interesting and quirky sculptures but it was so cold and windy, we called it a day.  In the picture below, you can see the dust blowing at the base of the mountain.

We will be back to take in this area again – LOL!  There is so much more to see and experience.

Back home, we just hung out and tried to stay warm.

On Sunday, February 26, we did the normal stuff… laundry and groceries.   Tomorrow we head south so stay tuned and enjoy today.

 

February 24, 2023 Kingman, Railroads, and Bullhead City

Our journey today took us to the Kingman Railroad Museum.

“In Kingman’s historic Railroad Depot, the Kingman Railroad Museum houses railroad memorabilia and artifacts from former railroaders. The Museum is operated by train enthusiasts and past railroad employees who are dedicated to preserving railroad history. The museum features three operating model train displays featuring the “O” Gauge, “HO” Gauge and “N” Gauge trains and buildings. The “O” Gauge displays a selection of rolling stock from the 1940s to 1960s era. Large windows allow plenty of natural light and safe viewing of the real trains thundering outside just feet away. “

“The Railroad Depot was built in 1907, it was Kingman’s third depot at this location. The first Depot was built in 1885 and destroyed by fire in 1900. The second depot existed from 1900 to 1906. The building currently houses the museum and an Amtrak passenger waiting room.”

Besides being a museum, this is a stop for Amtrak!  Plus the tracks are active.  They average 50 trains per day – some stop, some do not.

We met the docent who took us thru some of the exhibits.  All the trains were running – it was neat to see all the layouts – what detail!

This is interesting:

It was so much fun just watching the trains and going from one display to another.

Continuing on to the rest of the museum:

I wonder why – LOL!

What a wonderful museum and so glad we stopped in.

Since it was early afternoon, we decided to take a road trip to Bullhead City and Laughlin.  The scenery was just beautiful!

  

We checked out the different places and had lunch at In-n-Out. Yum!  We belong to CRA and there is a membership park in Bullhead City.  We decided to check it out as well as the local state park along the river.  Both very nice.  On our schedule for next season.

Another wonderful day!

Enjoy today!

 

February 23, 2023 Kingman, Mohave Museum, Chloride, All American Pizza

On Thursday February 23rd, our destination was the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. This museum contained displays and artifacts covering the history of Kingman and the area.

We started out in the hall of presidents that contained portraits of all the presidents and most of their wives – very interesting!  From there we walked thru the Route 66 Exhibit, Doll House Exhibit, and Native American Rooms.

Love the radio and juke box player:

The Doll House Exhibit – the detail was just amazing!

Check out the gumball machine:

And the cat food:

The toilet paper:

Ice cream sundaes and the little dog:

Even a jar of pickles:

What detail!

The Native American exhibit contained a history and diorama of the tribes of the area and how the tribes came to be based on their beliefs.  Interesting! 

Tribes in the area and their distinct weaving styles:

Some examples:

From there we moved to the Ranching Exhibit – Check out how to read the different brands:

Typical tack shop:

The mining and ghost town exhibit:

Miner’s Cabin:

One of the wildlife displays:

The museum was interesting.  Unfortunately, the theater, some exhibits and all of the outside exhibits were closed.  The outside ones were because of the weather (cold and windy – Brrr).  We will be back when it is warmer – LOL!

More information can be found here: https://www.mohavemuseum.org/home.html

Speaking of the weather: The day after we arrived, it turned cold, windy and snowy.  Our plans were to do a combination of road trips, outdoor sightseeing and museums.  So we changed our plans to do the museums, check out some the area and town and decide what to do when we come back because we will be back.

There are so many mining ghost towns in Nevada and Arizona.  Some have been “sort-of” preserved and some not!  They have always fascinated me.

One of the trips we were going to do this past season was to visit a few in Nevada.  Sadly, I waited too long to get there – winter was upon us.  Hopefully next year.  And I have now added a few to see in Arizona.

Since we had an open afternoon, we decided to do a road trip to Chloride. Chloride has been on my bucket list.  It is the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona.  Sadly by the time we got there, it was snowy and rainy and many of the places were shut down.  Apparently we are out of season.  LOL!  Good to know since we now know when to come back.  There was a cute general store and we had quite a nice chat with the owners – what fun! 

From there we headed to Golden Valley and found this little family owned restaurant – Great American Pizza and Subs.  The pizza was awesome.  The owners are very patriotic and help out our veterans.  Highly recommended if you are in that area.

Our final stop was the local American Legion for Happy Hour before we headed home.

What a nice day!  Stay tuned for our next adventure and enjoy today!