Good Sam Rally Day 4

Phoenix International Raceway
Goodyear, Arizona

As we were riding the tram to the grandstand, Ray Warner came out of his coach and asked us where we'd be in the stands.  I yelled back, 4th floor.  Well, when we arrived at the handicap entrance to the grandstand, the elevator stopped on the second floor.  The elevator operator suggested we try that floor for a handicap seat.  As we came out of the elevator ramp, Marilyn and LC Boyer were standing there.  Marilyn took us to seats directly in front of the stage.  She said to sit in the second row, as they were the best seats and put my leg over the row in front of us.  They were excellent seats but seeing the Boyer's was the best highlight.  We knew they were here, but they were volunteers so didn't know when we'd see them.  

Those of you who follow my blog will remember that LC and Marilyn drove up to visit us right after my accident.  She brought enough food to feed us for a week.  

Thanks once again, LC and Marilyn.

Now Ray and Cindy, if you were looking for us on the 4th floor, you know what happened to us.

Ticket to Ride was the name of the band.  They played here the last time the rally was held at PIR.  They were excellent and the crowd really responded to them.

The crowds waved flashlights in time with the music.

They did announce that those that wanted to drive on the race track had to do so under 25 mph.  I saw a few motor homes doing  it today.  I had no desire as about 12 years ago or so, I won three laps around the track.  Now that was a thrill.  I don't know that this old body could have crawled into the Nascar window in today's condition.  My response to the driver when he asked how fast I wanted to go was "let her rip!"  Believe me, when I say, three laps was more than enough.  I understand what G forces are now. 

Sharon and Roger Hime went over to the infield with us.  Bill had a guy to hang out with while Sharon and I did seminars.  Sharon and I saw Mike and Maureen Woodward, but once again we talked so much, I forgot to take photos. Needless to say, I avoided the one about cooking.

Today we visited the Exhibit Hall and I did a couple of the Geek's seminars.  The clouds have come in, and rain is forecaster for the next couple of days. 

Polly and Vern Fogler were here and Polly sounded a lot better than she did earlier this week.  Sorry I didn't get a photo of them.

"Mean Joe" Greene a former Steeler football player was signing autographs.  I remember watching him play when I lived near Pittsburgh.  He really was a terror on the field, but a nice man to talk with.  I thought I had a photo of us with him, but it didn't come out.

Dometic supplied little footballs for Joe to sign.  

Turtle Safely......

  

PIR Day 2 and 3

PIR Raceway
Cactus Row 3 # 103
Avondale, AZ

As usual we are so busy at one of these rallies, I don't spend much time on the computer.  

We took the tram to the infield and the exhibits where just opening up.  People went left and people went right.  Bill suggested we start going up the middle as there appeared to be less people.  The first couple we saw, gave us our Escapees hug.  

Isn't this a great photo of Walt and Kellie Gunn?  This is what they look like at the beginning of the show.  I'll try and see if the end of show photo looks as good.  

We went to a Geeks on Tour seminar but all the end seats were taken, and I needed a place for my scooter to rest my leg on.  We know to be early for their seminars as they are the most popular.  No problem, we'll try and catch it later as they are repeating some.

The next day we made sure we were very early for Chris and Jim Guld's seminar.  I found a seat in the front row next to the projector.  I was totally amazed at the number of people that raised their hands to say they had never attended one of the Geeks on Tour seminars.  

There were a lot more food vendors to pick from than on Wednesday.  Bill and I had food from the Iowa Pork vendor and it wasn't bad.  There was so much, we didn't even have dinner as we were both so full.

After lunch we attended a seminar on Alaska guided tours.  We looked in and didn't see any empty seats at the end of the row, but this company made sure they found one that I could use.  

We returned to the coach in time to get my leg elevated for a little while and then went over to the grandstand for the night's entertainment.  Couple were getting rehitched.  We saw a few wedding dresses in the crowd.  Since we forgot our wedding certificate we didn't plan on joining in.  It was almost over when we got to our seats.  Having to use an elevator and sit in the handicap section didn't leave anywhere to meet friends for the evening.  The second floor was filled and the elevator operator wouldn't even stop there.  It was the fourth floor or nothing.  Yes, I said the elevator operator.  When was the last time you rode an elevator with an operator?

The opening ceremonies were over in a short time and the Dina Preston band played.  We listened to a little bit but decided we'd enjoy ourselves more back at the coach.  I think a lot of people thought the same thing as the tram was filled.  Bill said it was the newlyweds going back for something better than music.

This morning our good friends, Roger and Sharon Himes road over to the exhibits in our truck.  I managed some special parking privileges.  We knew we wanted to buy some new chairs and it was easier with the truck nearby.  It was nice that Roger and Sharon have the same kind and they've held up well, and they like them.  

Note to myself.  Take a photo of the Himes today or tomorrow and don't forget "Hickory".

Sharon attended the Geeks seminar that we had attended the previous day so I followed Roger and Bill into the exhibitor tent.  Sharon was out of the seminar about the time the guys were finished.  And they say, "it takes a long time for women to shop."  

We ate our lunches at the day stage as the other section where the tables were located were all occupied.  It didn't matter as it gave us front row seating for the magic show.

Eric Gilliam was very entertaining.  This little girl out of the audience, could have stolen the show.  I don't think one person left the audience once he started the magic show.  

Tonight they have a Beatles show that was the entertainment in 2012 when they had a rally here.  

The winds have kicked up, so no Happy Hour today.  Tomorrow it's suppose to get windy, cold and rainy.  

Turtle Safely......

Good Sam Rally--PIR day 1

Avondale, AZ
PIR Raceway
Cactus 3 #103

Bill and I left Casa Grande a little after 8.  We took the road across the reservation and around the south side of South Mountain with very little traffic.  

When we arrived there were no long lines, just drive in where you're directed and you're parked.  We were told that someone would come right by to register us.  Bill and I visited with the neighbors while we waited.  Our plan was to go visit Cabela's before everyone arrived and we were waiting for our truck pass so we could return without any hassles.  After about an hour, I flagged down one of the golf carts and told the man that we didn't get checked in.  It didn't take long before he sent someone by to do the job.

As we were coming back from Cabela's, Faye Janes called to say she and Don were on a day pass, and would stop by.  They stopped by  a little while later.  While we were enjoying some wine, Ray and Cindy Warner called and said they were coming by.  We finally decided to sit with Judy and Jim Lawless, our neighbors from Canada.  They didn't have a tow vehicle and had a lot more room to socialize.  

Left to right--Judy and Jim Lawless, Ray and Cindy Warner, Faye and Don Janes and myself.  The "warden" took the photo.

As it started to cool off, Roger and Sharon Himes called to say they were stopping by.  Everyone one else started leaving so we went inside with Roger and Sharon.  It was so good to see them, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the star of their family, Hickory.  It's been over a year since we've seen them.  They had some difficulties with their trip from Florida, but you'd never know it.  They are always so upbeat and fun to be around.  

We never even went to any seminars or things going on today.  Tomorrow will be soon enough.  I know the wi fi will become very slow once every one gets here.  

I didn't get a good photo of this but notice the wind turbines on the roof of this fifth wheel.

Turtle Safely.....

I Put My Foot Down

Casa Grande, Arizona

Today was circled on the calendar.  I jumped out of bed and put my boot on as today was the day I could put my foot down.  I moved the right leg off the scooter and put it down.  Well, it wasn't what I expected.  It wasn't pain free, but not bad.  I was amazed at how dizzy it made me feel.  With all the steel on the boot it's a lot higher than my other leg.  I guess I was thinking I could be a little bit more mobile.  Okay, maybe this is something I need to do a little at a time.  

Yesterday Bud and Susie Walsh invited us over for dinner.  We sat outside for awhile but the winds forced us inside.  I took my little step stool, so I didn't have to have the scooter inside.  I didn't want to interrupt Khaki and Zoey, the golden labs,  from their nap spots.  

Usually, Zoey is so full of herself but every time she came near me, she was so timid and shy.  She would put her head on my lap and just look up with those big brown eyes.  She stayed by my side most of the evening.   I know how smart dogs can be, but wonder if she knew I had a shattered heel.  

Susie is a great cook and we always enjoy her dinners.  Before we knew it, we'd been there 4 hours.  We haven't seen much of them as we went to Winter Blast shortly after they arrived.  Good Sam rally is this week and a few days after it is the Escapade.

Speaking of the Escapade, I saw that Picacho Peak was having their annual re-enactment of the Battle of Picacho Pass.  This was the most western battle of the Civil War.  The dates listed in the magazine I saw had it scheduled for the 14th.  That would be perfect since the Escapade ended on the 13th.  John and Gerri Beckman told me to check out the state park website and guess what?  It's the following weekend which is the Woodcarvers Week.  Cancel that idea.

Turtle Safely.......

70th Commemoration of Iwo Jima

Casa Grande, Arizona

People always comment when some celebrity is from their home town, but usually it's some form of actor or actress.  If you know me, that wouldn't impress me but to know that Ira Hayes lived within 10 miles of us does.  

Bill and I rode over to Sacation, Arizona, which is the seat of government for the Gila River Tribe.  They were having a 70th commemoration of Iwo Jima.  The celebration started with a parade.  I must say most people watching the parade had something that said "Marines" in their attire.  We had to park quite far from the parade and there are no sidewalks or easy traveling with someone who has a shattered heel.  Notice I managed a photo without my boot showing. 

 These six planes made a lot of fly-overs before the parade started.

I'm sure our nephew, Daniel, would have enjoyed flying in with them.

While Ira Hayes is from Sacaton, the parade celebrated many other Marines that were at Iwo Jima.  As each veteran marched in the parade, the announcer told of the awards, and how many lives that person saved.  There was one veteran who was 100 years old.  One of the veterans traveled from Pennsylvania.  I'm sure that was hard for him to leave that cold weather back East for 80 degree temperatures and sunny skies.  There was also a 96 year old veteran who marched behind the color guards and saluted the audience. 

There were many color guards and it was nice to see the respect the audience gave them.

I'm sure by the amount of people in the stands, there wasn't anyone in town that wasn't at the parade.  

I didn't attempt to crawl up the bleachers as they were crowded and didn't want anyone to accidentally hit my foot.  We watched from the Ira Hayes Park so we didn't have as good a view as we would have from the bleachers.

These girls could really sing and it reminded you of the songs from the war years.

LC Boyer told me that Ira Hayes was the one on the right.

It was another beautiful day.  For some reason Bill didn't take any photos of all the vendors.  You could have bought any kind of traditional food to eat.  They also had lots of Native American jewelry for sale.  

I have no idea how Bill managed to get this photo with only a couple of people in it.  Every time I looked at the memorial it was packed with people.  

One thing Bill and I were discussing was the pride that the Native Americans have in their country.  It's too bad more Americans don't feel that way.  

We returned to the car before the end because there was a lot of loose gravel I had to roll the scooter through it and I wanted to scoot along the edge of the road before everyone left.  

 We've heard some people talk about how backwards the people on the reservations are.  Look at these solar light poles.  They're years ahead of the rest of the country.   They show how the revenues from the casino can help their community.  

Turtle Safely.......

Look Who's Parked Behind US

Casa Grande, Arizona

The following day we returned to Mexico for Bill's permanent crown.  I must say the United States are more handicap accessible than Mexico.  Algondones had ramps, but they were very steep.  

There were a lot of comments as I rolled the knee cart around.  Most of them were that I had too much tequila.   The weather was fine and it took about an hour to get through customs lines which was about as long as the day before.  However, the line the day before was past the canal and it took the same amount of time to cross the border.  

Since Bill wasn't suppose to eat for an hour after his dental work, by the time we crossed the border we were hungry.  I should say, I was hungry.  Bill is never hungry until he sits down to eat.  We decided to eat at the Casino as it was easier and we didn't feel like driving anywhere else.  

When we left the casino dining room, I noticed a Montana parked behind us.  As we drove up, I said that looks like the Newman's.  Bill drove along side of it, and Minnie came to the door followed by her "parents," Janet and Rollie.  They said Linda and David Hatcher and Vicki and Jim Fischer were going back to Mexico in the morning and they were stopping for breakfast at the casino.  I know it was a late start for Janet and Rollie at 7:15 am, but we said we'd join them.  

It was another enjoyable time with members of the MOC.  We all said our "see ya's" down the road somewhere.  

The main reason we went to Yuma beside the Mexican dental work was to get our coach cleaned.  We knew the roof needed a good scrubbing and since neither of us are going to get on a ladder, Yuma is a good place to get it done.  We had a 10 am appointment and they arrived at the casino by 9:30 am.  We decided not to stay another day and pulled out when they were finished polishing it.  

One stop in Dateline to empty our tanks and we were home by 3 pm.  The only thing we removed was the refrigerator stuff since we didn't want to have it on propane until we leave again.  

Turtle Safely......

Winterblast in Arizona

Paradise Casino
Winterhaven, CA

I know I haven't blogged for awhile but we were so busy that we literally crawled into bed every night the minute we walked inside.  

In all honesty the Pyrotechnic Show was better last year for its 25th Anniversary than this year.  That doesn't mean it wasn't great.  There were 18 Montana rigs from the Montana Owners Club.  Our location couldn't have been better.  

We did go up to the bleachers one night.  Yes, I crawled up the bleachers.  Not a pretty sight, but I did it.  You could see the ground displays but after awhile your neck starts to ache from looking up.  When we watched from our chairs in front of the coach, you didn't have that problem.

Here's a photo of our location.  Perfect viewing area.

I'll just tell you a little about the week.  It's one of those things you need to experience it.  No way will photos or words give you the same experience.

Besides the show, it was all about seeing your friends again and also meeting some new ones like Julie and Don Klein.  The Kleins were nice to us, even though there was a near miss and we look forward to seeing them at the Escapade.  

Happy Hour lasted longer than most.  We went from Happy Hour to the Pyro Show without skipping a beat.  

Gina and Jay Hirt stayed at the Elks and joined us every day.

Here's two talented people, Linda and David Hatcher.  She takes the best photos but decided she was going to enjoy the show watching it instead of taking photos.  There were a lot of first timers that had their cameras out.  David is also a talented musician who hopefully will be composing a MOC theme song.

Gerri and John Beckman enjoyed themselves and plan on returning next year.

I don't know how I got my toe in this photo.

Dave Mc Nair decided to use my splint for serving food.

Diane Pena with her two pooches.

I do want to say that I was upset when I saw all the pets.  I really thought the pet owners were not good owners bringing their dogs.  I was wrong.  As long as the dogs were with their owners they were fine with all the noise.

I thought this was a great photo of Carole.

These girls were selling candy bars for a fundraiser.  Everyone received candy for Valentines Day.

Saturday night barbecue was great.  The band was good and we enjoyed listening to it.  The only problem when we were in line for our tri tips dinner, the lady behind me ran into my splint.  I recovered from it and a man walked through the line and almost knocked my whole leg off the cart.  Never said a word, just kept on walking.  

Sunday we went out to the store and Geri and John went with us.  We stopped at the Elks for lunch and a beer.  By the time we came back, we were too full to join in the Mardi Gras party.  Bill took a nap and before long it was time for the pulled pork dinner.  We drove up in the truck so I didn't have to come down the hill in the dark.  Geri and I went up to buy tickets and they said they were sold out.  This band was much better than the day before.  Bill and John saw people with food and went up to see if they found any.  They were told that they were out of cole slaw. John said we didn't care.   No problem for $7.00 we had pulled pork, potato salad, cowboy beans, tossed salad, grilled asparagus and draft beer.  Geri and I are still wondering what the guys did to get the dinner tickets.  

The weather was perfect for shorts and in the evening I put on a sweatshirt.  No wind, good location, good friends, good food--life doesn't get much better.  

As I look over this blog, it doesn't convey how much fun we had, but trust me, it was a great time.

We left yesterday morning and traveled to Quartzite with the Beckman's.  Bill and I pulled into the casino here in Winterhaven and since it was still early went to Mexico.  Bill got four fillings, two crowns, and a cleaning for $490.  Since it was so late in the day we have to go back for the permanent crowns today.  

Wish our schedule wasn't so tight with the Good Sam Rally next week and we could stay here longer.  

Turtle Safely.......

Ready for the Blast!

Lake Havasau City, Arizona
Sara Park Rodeo Grounds

Yesterday we arrived at the Tire Center a little before our 9 am appointment.  John and Gerri Beckman were already there.  It took a while before they told us to pull our fifth wheel around.  Now we've been looking forward to the Beckman's joining us for the Winter Blast and it just made the excitement better.  We got to sit and talk about the trip while we waited to have the tires installed.

I called them around 8 am to say we were ready to leave this morning.  I forgot how slow "ready to leave" is now.  By the time I manage to get in the truck and get the knee cart stowed away, it seems to take so long.  John and Gerri were already waiting at the picnic area on I 8 when we arrived.  

The day was beautiful and we didn't get a lot of wind until we reached Vicksburg Road.  Of course, we stopped for lunch at the Blue Water Casino.  Bill and I shared the 1/2 pound burger basket and it was plenty.  John and Gerri did the same.  

The Escapees Boomers had a dinner planned for 5 pm at Lin's Buffet in Lake Havasau City.  The food was good and it was nice to see people we haven't seen for a while.  Just tell an Escapee there's going to be food, and they will come.

Jay and Gina Hirt, Gerri Beckman

Did I mention that we have the perfect site?  We are on the end with nothing between us and a perfect site for viewing the Pyrotechnic Show known as the Winter Blast which will start tomorrow.  I'm anxious to see what John and Gerri think about it.  I was so excited seeing all the MOC (Montana Owners Club) members that I didn't have time to take any photos before we went to dinner.  

Turtle Safely.......