Wednesday, November 03, 2010

A $251 GAS FILL UP TODAY:((

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TONIGHT'S PICS ARE FROM THE NORTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON (November 21/07)

Another cold night so I was out to the rig again about 1 in the morning checking to make sure the heaters were keeping the water pipes nice & toasty.  It was a clear crisp night & I was able to identify a few constellations through the towering pine trees.  In another week we will be camping under those very stars with views from horizon to horizon.  I am very much looking forward to spending time under the beautiful night sky for the next 5 months.  I am waaaaay overdue for a good night time star fix:))

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A year ago right now we were at  RUSTY'S RV RANCH near Portal Arizona & I recall how nice it was to be sitting outside with my laptop, surrounded by mountains, under the big Arizona sky.  In fact, Doug & JoAnn from LIVING OUR DREAM are at Rusty's right now as I type this.    We met Doug & JoAnn in Yuma back in December of 09.

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THE NORTH RIM LODGE

Hope everyone understood that my reference in yesterday's blog about joining the new Canadian International Astronaut Program was said in jest.  At 66, the only program I am well qualified for now is, 'Weight Watchers:(('  And, the Pink Store in Palomas is located 3 miles south of Columbus New Mexico which in turn is situated south of Demming NM.  And no, we will not be going to Mexico.  Walmart in Douglas Arizona will be about as close as we will get to the border......just a few blocks away.

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FELLOW CANADIANS MIKE & MAUREEN BEAUNE WITH THEIR BELOVED DOG MOLLY (Molly just passed away a few days ago)

At $251, today's Motor Home gas fill up marked the most expensive fuel stop to date.  The onboard computer tells me that under ideal conditions that will take us about 450 miles, but of course nothing is ever really ideal so that number will fluctuate as we encounter headwinds, hills, heavy traffic, towns & cities.  And to think I was once able to fill up my Volkswagen Beetle for $3.50 & drive to Sarasota Florida for under $20.

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THIS TRAIL MAKES IT'S WAY ALONG THE RIM OF THE CANYON

Spent time this morning re-installing a surge protector & trying to clean up & compact wires & plugs under the new computer station.  It's always such a garbled mess of wires behind televisions, computers, stereos etc.  Sure wished they would come up with some affordable technology to completely eliminate electrical wires.

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THE FORESTRY DEPT WAS DOING A CONTROLLED BURN IN THE CANYON SO NOT THE BEST DAY FOR PICS WITH ALL THE SMOKE

Well, just 3 more hot morning showers & we will be on the road.  I am always a mixed bag of feelings right up until I pull that gearshift handle down into 'D' & get the big wheels rolling.  From that point on my attention is focused on the job at hand & we are off on another adventure.

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I THINK KELLY WAS ENJOYING THE SUN'S WARMING RAYS........................   (Photo by Maureen Beaune)

GROANER'S CORNER:((   The wife and I were sitting around the breakfast table one lazy Sunday morning.  I said to her, “If I were to die suddenly, I want you to immediately sell all my stuff.”  “Now why would you want me to do something like that?” she asked.
“I figure that you would eventually remarry and I don’t want some stupid ass using my stuff.”  She looked at me and said: “What makes you think I’d marry another stupid ass?”

And remember......GOOD HEALTH IS MERELY THE SLOWEST POSSIBLE RATE AT WHICH ONE CAN DIE.

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14 comments:

  1. I have been spending a lot of time (and money) recently putting gas into our motorhome. Yesterday I paid $2.51 a gallon here in Carthage, TN. $2.51 is way better than the $2.99 I paid back home in Northern NY.

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  2. I've been there! (Though actually that's where I discovered I had to quit drinking. Hangover + Hiking = Donkey Rescue.)

    Enjoy your visit...

    Thanks for the comments on my blog.

    Take care,

    Jennifer

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  3. Sounds like all systems are GO.....
    I remember when we were paying 19 cents per gallon in gas wars and $10 would do me for a month.
    Take care and be safe!
    Mike & Gerri

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  4. I think the US Forest Service tries to refer to "prescribed burn" rather than "controlled burn". They realize they really can never completely control a forest fire.

    That's a good way to refer to time left til departure - 3 more hot morning showers!

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  5. great post today, Al..love all the Grand Canyon shots..even with the smoke?..as for Rustys RV Ranch..we are definitely saving that one in our favourites!!..looks like a pretty darn nice place!

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  6. And here I thought you were seriously being considered for the Canadian International Astronaut Program! Thanks for clarifying that!

    Looks like we'll have to add the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to our list of places to see. The South Rim was spectacular, but I think I'd like to see the other side as well.

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  7. Beautiful pictures today!! I'm getting excited for you guys!

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  8. We have not been to the north rim, but after looking at those pictures, we need to get there.

    That is a lot of money for a fill up, I try to pretend that it does not cost much to run the MH by filling up more often :)

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  9. I flunked the entrance exam to Weight Watcher's. Oh Well. Hope you guys get a great start to your adventure in a few days. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

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  10. Wish I was in your shoes, getting ready for blast-off on Saturday but alas we have to stay home Grrrrrrrrr
    Have a great trip and hopefully cheaper gas.

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  11. Gas prices should come down once you get into the USA (hopefully), I just paid $3.02 this morning here in No CA. I too remember the days of 19 cents per gal.

    You take the best pictures they are always so sharp & clear they make us feel we are right there. Haven't been to the Grand Canyon yet it's on our bucket list.

    Safe Travels!

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  12. We have been in Arizona 2 weeks now. The night sky has been amazing. Drive safe on the way south.

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  13. The pictures from the North Rim are spectacular, but the groaner has me rolling on the floor.

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  14. Next time I lift a Marguerita to my lips, I will toast the Pink Store..and miss it LOTS!! Have a safe trip..and keep up the bloggin'!

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