Day 4 Chapter 21 Parker Rally

Bill and I got up early today and rushed down to the pavilion.  Drew had the key because he was going to go early and get the big coffee pot going.  We got over to the pavilion to find it locked.  We waited and waited and finally Drew arrived.  Drew had set his smartphone alarm.  The problem is that we are right on the Colorado River with California on the other side.  We find that the cell phones go back and forth to California and Arizona towers. Which means they bounce back and forth between two separate time zones.  Unfortunately, his cell phone alarm went to California time.  

I must say having a delay in my morning coffee made for a sluggish time in the kitchen.  Thank goodness for all those people that pitched in and helped.  Don Del Rosario, Betty Dawson and Karen Knoll ran back and forth to their RV's gathering cooking utensils.

  Betty Dawson cooking the sausage.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage and fruit.

Our official coffee maker.

Just before social hour started I received a call from our friends, Sharon and Roger Hime.  They had e-mailed us over the weekend that their dining room slide on their new Open Range wasn't working.  Knowing how Roger is able to fix everything and he couldn't get it working we were really worried about meeting up with them.  I know how slow some dealers are and have heard many horror stories on how long some of them take to order parts.  Sharon called to say they had it repaired by Robert Crist and would see us tomorrow.  I believe Sharon and Roger purchased their fifth wheel last fall in Florida, so  this dealer repaired it promptly even though it wasn't purchased there.  

The famous Polar Bear Party started at the 3 pm social hour.  Bunny and Bruce Ratcliff and their apprentice John came from Quartzite to make the Polar Bears.  I'm not sure of the whole contents but I know vodka, Kahlua and ice cream go into them. 

The 5 pm potluck had a great selection of food.  I forgot to bring the camera, but trust me these people know how to cook.  

Turtle Safely........

Chapter 21 Beach Party Rally at Parker--Day 3

Parker, Arizona
La Paz County RV Park
Escapees Chapter 21 Rally

Bill and I decided not to go to the Da Vinci Exhibit as we had seen it in Bozeman, Montana a few years ago.  I was cooking the food for the Beach Party and didn't want to leave it in the crock pot unattended.  I think there were quite a few that attended and everyone seemed to enjoy it. 

Before you knew it, it was time for crafts and happy hour.  A nice Escapee couple from Canada, Lorraine and Al joined our group. 

 Newbies, Barb and Dan Lopes, volunteered to not only teach the crafts but they donated the materials as well. 

Dan and Barb had the perfect craft for our beach party. 

We're making sun visors, something we really needed with the beautiful sunny warm weather.

Here's our finished products.

 We all made visors except for this small group who were busy solving all the world problems.

Sharon Del Rosario brought over some of the beautiful items she knits to show us some of the articles that will be donated for the CARE auction in Quartzite.

And then we were ready to start the Beach Party.....

Don Dement, John Knoll and me.

Did you notice the souvenir margarita glasses?

I make no bones about not enjoying cooking so Bill and I donated this.

We figured with enough of these we wouldn't get complaints about the food.  We were right, and people even complemented us on the barbecue pork sandwiches with calico beans and cole slaw.  The big bucket was empty and only a small bite of food was left.  However, I don't think the salt water taffy went over very well.  Must have something to do with senior dental work.

Everyone had their beach ball bingo cards filled out and were ready to play.

I'm sorry I forgot who the big winners were but I'm sure if you are short on funds, they could lend you some money.  

Marti and Drew were the official ballot counters for the Beach Party King and Queen candidates.  After a long arduous deliberation of the many candidates, they awarded John Knoll beach King and me as beach Queen.  Get out your magnifying glass to see the high quality trophy he was awarded.  

Tomorrow is the famous Polar Bear party.......

Turtle Safely.......

Letter to Hickory

Parker, Arizona
La Paz County RV Park
Chapter 21 Rally

Today's blog is going to be a little different.  Bill and I receive e-mails from Hickory.  Hickory's parents are Sharon and Roger Hime who are going to be joining us in Quartzite soon.  They have been traveling since December 27 when they left Florida along with Tony and Peggy.  Hickory doesn't say much but she can really e-mail the details of the trip.  

Dear Hickory,

I have to post this on my blog because your parents haven't let you get your own email account.

We were at this really neat restaurant where all the parents brought their dogs.  Nearly everyone had a dog with them.  There were very big dogs and then some of those little toy size ones with little bows on their heads.

There also were some very nice looking boy dogs about your size without a spouse.  Some of the parents even brought their kids water bowls with them. 

It is at the Desert Bar which is 5 miles out a dirt road.  You might have to hang your head out the window as the road is curvy and over the hills which may cause you to get car sick.  They don't have electric but a lot of solar which means the filthy habit those boy dogs have when they see a pole won't be happening out there.  You can watch the senior citizens get up and dance to the band, but most of the dogs that see their Mom and Dad on the dance floor just turn their head like they don't know who belongs to them.   Our friend Dan had three women dancing with him at the same time.

They don't sell dog food but the portions are so big that Bill and I shared a sandwich and still had leftovers we would have shared with you, if you were there. 

The sun was shining and you could have lounged anywhere in the sun.  

You better talk with your Mom and Dad and let them know that if they go to the Desert Bar they can take you.  It is only open on Saturday and Sunday for three months out of the year.    

We're looking forward to your visit in a few days.  Have you had your tubby and ready to come visit Aunt Jan and Uncle Bill?  Your parents can come with you. 

Love, 

Aunt Jan and Uncle Bill

The weather was perfect for the flea market in the park and everyone was strolling through it.  I think everyone walked back with bags of stuff.

Even though we arrived at the Desert Bar at noon when they opened there were many people ahead of us.  

 

By the time we returned it was almost time for happy hour.  The weather was beautiful and once again we looked for shade.  

We were happy to see that Drew and Marti had arrived without incident.  

A busy day tomorrow--we're having a beach party.

Oh, by the way, Hickory is a very lovely rescue dog with a wonderful personality.

Turtle Safely.......

Parker Rally--Day 1

Parker Arizona
La Paz County RV Park

A few people arrived while we were picking up the last of the groceries for the rally but, thankfully, Sharon and Don greeted everyone.  

We still had some arriving while we were having happy hour. There was a huge traffic jam on I 10 and Harold Bliss called to let us know they were stuck in it.  Myra, Betty and Don arrived after the Bliss's.  No problem, that means happy hour has to last longer.  Drew and Marti were held up in Tucson and will arrive tomorrow.

Here's a few photos of happy hour.

   

Did you notice the short sleeve shirts and shorts?  It was a beautiful day.

It was a long day and a longer one tomorrow when we plan to visit the Desert Bar.

Turtle Safely......