
Arizona Desert
Snowbirding isn’t always about the “toys” you have with you. Well, some of it is but it’s also about the people you want to meet and hang out with. Isn’t it human nature that you gravitate towards those you have more in common with than others? This year was a good one for that. We hung out with our own special group and also reconnected with others we hadn’t seen in a while.
Beaching it!
Weather always has a lot to do with what works out and what doesn’t. The winter in Arizona was just about the best we had experienced. However, we also encountered days and days of fog, ice and wind in other locations. We’ll definitely tweak where and when we go in the fall. We already have ideas on that too.
Monterey
Our kayaks traveled thousands of miles with very little use. Texas had some gorgeous rivers but the weather certainly didn’t cooperate as it was very cold and icy at times. In addition, many of the rivers had dams on them that kept us away. Thus, there is little chance we’ll carry our kayaks south again. The best place for them is in Oregon and Washington during the summer and that’s where they’ll stay.

Pismo Beach
This was the first year we hadn’t pulled a trailer with either ATVs or our RZR on it. We figured if we wanted to off-road, the best solution would be sell the RZR and the trailer. Then, we could buy a Jeep. Actually, that’s still a good idea to sell the RZR and the trailer. We ended up with a gem of a Jeep but we made another discovery. We really don’t need an off-road vehicle. The Jeep we purchased was raised about 2 1/2 inches making it perfect for off-road but difficult for some passengers (i.e. Terry’s mom) to get into. The soft top meant we got lots of road noise and we really missed not having cruise control. It’s a great Jeep but next fall it won’t be going south with us.
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Jeeping it!
We’ve also given some thought to places we enjoyed staying at and places we didn’t. More planning will go into future RV parks. I really hate making reservations but not having reservations in some locations really makes it miserable when you discover there’s no place available for you to stay. Sometimes it’s better to make those reservations and just move them around. After all, it’s easier to cancel at times than it is to make them. We’ll be doing just that.
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Thousand Trails – Palm Springs
‘Tis life on the road.
Children are often spoiled, because no one will spank Grandma!
I have an old RV and carry my kayak on the room of my ancient RV. However, I'm really excited about using it this summer when I tour with my RV group in the Pacific Northwest! :-)
ReplyDelete*roof
DeleteI don't know where you're heading in the Pacific NW but there are many, many gorgeous rivers, lakes and bays in this area for kayaking!
DeleteIt's always good to have a post travel analysis to see what worked and what didn't. Now you have all summer to mull over new ideas for further adventures.
ReplyDeleteOf course, you may have to get a bigger place to store all the toys you'll be leaving behind next winter. On the bright side, you should get better mpg in your motorhome because you will be carrying less weight.
Until you find new toys to take with you next winter. You know you will... ;c)
I'm thinking a RC Traxxas beach car and a new kite!
DeleteSometimes it does take time to figure out what really works for you. As you know for us, it's Jim being able to fish and now his doctors. I know how much you love the ocean so hopefully you can spend more time there next winter. I hadn't thought about how high the Jeep was. We always used a stool as well as the running board to get my Mom or Aunt Happy into the truck. But Aunt Happy can't even do that anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe took our bicycles along the first couple years & hardly ever used them. And that was the end of that.
ReplyDeleteI do ride my bike but Terry doesn't ride his.
DeleteAnalyzing what to take and what not to take is a good thing to do. Every year l bring a lot of "maybe this will be the year I'll use that" stuff. Better to haul it and not use it than to decide to use it then remember you didn't bring it? Hard to say.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post and a great analysis of your time snowbirding this past year. I especially agreed with your statement that it’s also about the people you want to meet and hang out with. We've made a lot of great friends at the Sands RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs and it's one of the main reasons we keep going back each year.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favourite routes home is always Hwy. 101 from LA right up thru Oregon.
Hwy 101 is our favorite too and we even know a few favorite parks along the way. It'll be less moving around and more sitting still we hope. It's definitely time to make changes in how we've done things previously.
DeleteDid I read it right in that you're not taking the Jeep next year ?? What will you take to drive around in ??
ReplyDelete'Tis true ... maybe the Jeep Liberty we have.
DeleteIt's so great that you are already in planning mode for next winter! Time flies you know!
ReplyDeleteBut until then, I can't wait to see some of those kayaking trips and that beautiful water.
We are not even sure about our summer yet, but like you said easier to make reservations and change them than to try at the last minute. Good luck with your planning.
ReplyDeleteIt was our plan to play with others that finalized our decision to get the Cherokee instead of the Wrangler. Backseat access becomes more of an issue the more "seasoned" we become. The review of your travels was helpful and a good reminder that "We plan, God laughs." I look forward to seeing how reservations impact your experience next year.
ReplyDeleteInteresting recap. I agree and am changing things up this year, too. Even though I'm a full-timer, I still re-think how it went last season in each place, what to add, subtract and change. :)
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