Beginning Our 2nd Year RVing

January started out the year without much fanfare. In the last post, I talked about Jeff running his 260 miles at the Across the Years race. It is called that as it begins on 12/28, and ends on 1/2. That was actually a pretty big accomplishment for him, since he hasn't really been running that much. The nice thing about being at Rover's Roost in Casa Grande was the fact he could just take off across the desert with no fences. He could go miles on those dirt tracks out there. I think he only became lost once or twice!

But, we weren't to stay there much longer. The biggest gathering of RVer's in the world is in January, in the desert, in Quartzite, AZ. There is a big tent with items for sale, and a very large RV show. We had driven out there for a couple hours last year, but didn't actually drive the RV out there and stay. Once I found out there was a really large contingent of Alfa's that gathered out there, I was determined to go. Jeff didn't necessarily want to spend a couple weeks boondocking in the desert. Boondocking is basically no hookups. You bring full water tanks, empty waste tanks, and use the generator to charge the batteries once or twice a day. To be fair, we hadn't gone more than about 5 days on our tank system so far, and Jeff didn't really think we could make 2 weeks. And, he wasn't sure about hanging around in the dusty desert that long! So, I said let's go for a few days, see how you like it. Once we got there, we were having so much fun, we ended up staying the entire time, with plans to go again next year! At one point, there were over 30 Alfa coaches out in our little area. As I understand it, the Alfa group has been going to that same area since the 80's. Although Alfa didn't make class A's that long ago, they were making something. 

Ours is the very bottom one! Photo courtesy of David R. Volker.

The "New" Alfa logo written in the desert. Photo courtesy of David R. Volker.

Evenings were chilly, but we had a nice bonfire in the evenings. Also the mornings, but I usually slept through that one!

Our co-wagon masters did an excellent job of keeping us fed, and busy! Thanks to the Prichard's and the Tisdale's!

A view of our home at dusk.

One of the many beautiful sunsets in the desert.

Our Alfa group had many social get together's while at Quartzite. This is a really fun group!

February was pretty uneventful. We drove back to Hondo, Texas in order to check out the SKP co-op park there. You have to belong to the Escapee's RV club to stay there, or to buy into the co-op. Since the Escapee's is where we get our mail service, we were already members, and have stayed at several of the SKP parks. Someday we might even buy into one of them. A good way to have a home base, yet still be able to rent out your spot when you are gone traveling. It rained a LOT when we were there! But it was great to visit the San Antonio area, and visit some friends there.

March brought us back to Puerto Penasco! We spent the entire month there with a group of Alfa owners. There was quite a caravan of us heading south into Mexico! Plus, there were already several Alfa coaches on the beach waiting on us! Once again, we had a marvelous time there!  We got better acquainted with some of the owners we hadn't been around much, too. 

Most of the group visiting downtown.

Several of us bought some amazing shell art from a beach vendor.

Jeff must have said something snarky to Susan!

A statue downtown on the water front.

Our group gathered on the beach most days.

Our space was great no matter the weather! Courtesy of the Prichard's.

One of the many beautiful sunsets.

Me, on the beach!

For cool evenings, we even had fire!

The view from our gathering spot.

Hanging out.

There were lots of toys for the kiddos at the open shopping areas!

Wilson!

I tried on some wings while there at a local shop.

We picked up a lot of shells!

This family has a tortilleria. It was fun watching them make the tortillas.

A retired art teacher, who lives there on the beach, has totally transformed her 5th wheel! LOVE IT!

Lots of colorful metal art for sale.

Breakfast at a fun local place.

When we started this "journey", we had no idea what to expect. But the friendliness and helpfulness of other RVer's is astounding! Every time we have had some problem or issue with our coach, someone else is ready with help and advice. There probably isn't much we could experience that these folks haven't already dealt with! Many of our new friends have been living and traveling in their RV's for over 10 years, and still loving it! Some of them have winter places, and travel in the summer. Some go from point A in summer, to point B in winter. There are so many options! We are still just loving the traveling!