#13 Chula Vista RV Resort - Cousin Connection

On Friday we arrived at the Chula Vista Marina and RV Resort. Our journey west had literally come to an end since we had reached the Pacific's waters. The resort was awesome. Expensive, with good reason - location, location, location - and breathtaking landscaping.

The doggies even had their own special space

But the water was not the reason for our visit. I had long known of my uncle Alan's daughters who were born, raised and still resided in this area. A while back we had connected on Facebook so it was a must that we met face to face (none of us could recall meeting previously). Within a couple of hours we arrived on a virtual strangers doorstep, but at the first hug we knew there was a true connection. 

Sharon and Rebecca are both awesome and my only regret is that it took this many years for us to become not only family but friends as well. And on top they are married to great guys - Sharon's Deric is a great husband and father to their two boys Aiden and Cameron and David truly hit it off with Rebecca's Eruc who shared a lot if his same guy-stuff interests. 

Night one sent us to Coronado for dinner and then to the historic Hotel del Coronado for a stroll. We finished a fun night at the Ye Old Plank Pub in Imperial Beach.  At this point I was certain that this visit was one I would remember for a lifetime. 

Being a bit more civilized

Saturday morning David and I trekked over to the USS Midway - a decommissioned aircraft carrier made museum. We had a great tour including the flight deck which was filled with historic navy aircraft. 

Like being on a helicopter pad...yikes

That evening we headed to Becca and Eric's house for "fight night."  Great food, meeting more extended family, and a leisurely walk to the Imperial Beach pier (Becca's house is just a couple blocks from the ocean!) made for a fun and memorable night. 

We met Sharon and family on Sunday for lunch at El Guadalajara in San Diego's Old Town, the founding of town filled with museums, shops and restaurants. Lots of history and culture here and definitely a do-over. 

OMG - Yum!

In San Diego's Old Town

Later we hosted a get-together at the resort. While the David and Eric talked (Deric was at band practice) we took the boys for a walk in Bayside Park which sat conveniently between the resort and the bay. At the end of the evening we bid adieu to our new family with watery eyes. I know that we'll meet again and Facebook will keep us close until that day arrives.

Aiden playing in the park behind the resort

Leaving the city behind

#12 Ogilby Road in Picacho Recreation Area

We passed through the California border checkpoint with no issues and went just a few miles to Ogilby Road. An area frequented by winter RVers; not so much by summer ones. We have a kagillion acres all to ourselves.




Wind and 90 degree temperatures probably have something to do with it. But as they say it is a dry heat and as long as we're in the shade with a slight breeze then it is fairly comfortable.

It didn't take us long to unload the ATV and go exploring. 

Lots of mines in the area - some active, most abandoned

Unlimited riding potential

However Bleu was not impressed that we left her at the camper. 

We did venture out again the next morning and found water again. Seems we're getting good at that. Maybe we should start a devining rod business!!

While we only spent one night here, it has calmed any reservations that we have about going solo in the desert. We now know we can handle the heat, the off-road excursion and the isolation. We're ready to do it again. 

But our next stop is metropolitan. Looking forward to meeting up with cousins in Imperial Beach, just south of San Diego. We have reservations in an ultra-featured resort which may break the bank but will put us close to family and the awesome sites that SoCal have to offer. Can't wait for the next adventure.

Great Arizona sunset

 I don't know what it means but I added to it

#11 Riverfront RV in Yuma

With temperatures rising at Yuma's low elevation (86 ft) we wimped out on boondocking and chose the luxury of full hookups once again. We found a delightful little retro park  - with trees! -just off the Colorado River named Riverfront RV.

Hurry Back or...

It is adjacent to a new city park with bike and walking trails, beach, and boat launch. We've even taken in a couple girl's fast pitch softball games next door. Our stay here was extended to take in the extensive history and natural beauty of this area - heat be damned. 

Soon after arriving we journeyed up to "the lakes" - several resorvoirs about 20 miles north of town. While we considered bringing the camper to the lakes, the lack of shade and power convinced us to just spend some day hours here. 

We toured the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison and the Quartermaster museum where the citizens of Yuma have gone to great lengths to preserve and display this area's history. 

The process of placing canals in town to distribute water was a true engineering feat back in the early 1900's. 

Ninety-percent of America's winter leafy green veggies are produced in this area and the irrigation system makes that possible. The Colorado River provides for the entire economy of this area. 

Today we head just a couple miles west to spend the night in the desert before hitting an ultra-luxury resort in San Diego on Friday.

#10 Gila Bend Shell

As we came down in elevation, the temps continued to climb. You've heard about the 120 degree dry heat in Phoenix, right?  Well apparently the pups hadn't and they and their not quite shedded winter coats aren't inclined to wander around outside or in unair-conditioned inside when it's 90 degrees of dry heat outside.  Especially while mom and dad are out scooter riding. And yes, they did tell us this in dog-eye language.

So once again instead of boondocking in the desert, we pull out the Passport America app and find a full-hookup, 50-amp (two A/Cs) campsite just off I-8 near Gila Bend for $11.99/night.  So what if it was located behind the Shell gas station, tails were still wagging for sure.

Loved our cool campground art.

Two sites were on our agenda for this area - the Sonora Desert National Monument and the Painted Rock Petroglyphs (our original boondocking choice).  We managed both from our central Shell station location. 

Riding thru Sonona Nat'l Monument

Painted Rock Petroglyphs


The rock cropping where the petroglyphs are

Great scenery

The Gila Bend Shell station was but a short overnight stop - we didn't even unhook - but it was a good scooter riding opportunity with cool scenery. David had a toddie with Mr Tom from Tulsa and we enjoyed a long discussion with our Escondido camp neighbors regarding RVs and race cars. 

Today we head for Yuma where most campgrounds appear to be for the 55+ crowd. Maybe we can sneak into a nice place on the river...

#9 Tombstone Territories

We left the amenity rich golf resort on the border and planned on a much more primitive stay in historic Tombstone, Arizona. Who would've thought that our Passport America app would lead us to a campground about 10 miles out of Tombstone that has an indoor pool, ping pong, billiards and a dog run plus desert ATV access from the campsite and fantastic landscaping. 




The rides to Tombstone were relaxing as the weather was absolutely perfect. While we did get some rain, it was not a hinderance.  It was a blessing - the desert colors were more vibrant and the air smelled clean and pure after receiving just a small amount of water.

The Town of Tombstone was one of the coolest "tourist trap" places I've been to. We loved the history, the legend and the saloons. And of course we came home with a 4-pack of sasparilla!

Boot Hill Cemetery

 OK Corral Gunfight reenactment

Big Nosed Kate's Saloon

Alas today we leave the comfort of 4-5000 foot elevations - with their 80 degree days and 50 degree nights - and head farther west into the desert where we'll see exactly how dry that heat really is.