Escapade Rally and Weighty Matters

Tucson, AZ (95 degrees, blue skies, windy)

Boomer BOF Group

Opening Ceremony

We thoroughly enjoyed attending the Escapade Rally (March 14-18th) in Tucson Arizona. This is the BIG annual rally held in different locations with Escapees (click link for more info). We've belonged to this RV travel club long before we started fulltiming and our first Escapade was in Goshen Indiana where we attended a Boot Camp and John took advantage of a RV Driving School (click link for more details. It's a "must do" event in our opinion for anyone owning a RV. 

This rally was held at the Pima County Fairgrounds. This time we are so glad to have opted for full hooks up because it was very hot. Our dog, Jimmy, does not tolerate hot weather very well and since he'd be in the motorhome most of the time while we were attending events it was important to keep him comfortable.  After all, he is a King (King Cavalier) and only deserves the very best. 

After our experience with FMCA we were so impressed with how quickly our rig was parked and pleased with our location. We arrived early to take advantage of a  two day class offered by Geeks on Tour. It was a class all about handling your photos. For years I've organized my photos with Picassa but it's no longer being supported by Google. This class went into depth about a free cloud based product called Google Photos. Now all my pictures regardless of how they were taken can by seen on my Smartphone or computer.  I can edit them easily, post them on Facebook, or get them ready for my blog so much easier.  Plus, they are completely backed up on the cloud. So, if my computer crashes or my phone drowns my pictures are safely stored.

I initially was not happy to hear that Google had abandoned Picassa and concerned about yet another learning curve. However, it was super easy to use and I think it will work out much better. The Geeks on Tour classes are great. This two day class cost me an additional $59 but well worth every penny.  Chris and Jim explain everything so well and I received lots of tools to use for reference in the future.  

There were lots of educational classes included at the rally to choose from and again John and I split up and tried to attend as many as possible.  Some of the classes we attended included:

Understanding RV Electrical Systems

Driving Your RV Safely

Free Camping on Public Lands

It's a Weighty Matter

Autumn in New England

Living a Longer Healthier Life

Travel to Alaska

Are You Smarter Than Your Smart TV

RV Travel to Mexico

Make Your RV More Livable

Volunteering 101

plus much more

Most of the classes were very informative. However, a few were more of an infomercial for a product. I think FMCA does a better job of being sure this is less of an issue.

The entertainment each night was great. We especially loved the first evening performance called Native Spirit  with Indian hoop dancing and the Star Gazer Party. This evening was spent looking up into the night sky and the presenter told us all about the constellations. It was great. 

We also enjoyed "The Row" where you find out about the campgrounds owned or cooped through the Escapees. Plus lots of the bird of a feather groups had  information telling you about what they have to offer. We belong to Boomers and enjoy attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Quartzsite with them whenever possible. There are birds of a feather groups for everything such as military, quilting, geocaching, travel to Mexico, and much more. 

Star Gazer Party

Now to the Weighty Matters:  At the end of the rally we signed up to have our motorcoach weighed under a special program offered by Escapees called Smart Weigh.  You drive your rig up to their area as you are leaving and go up onto a scale for each tire.  When you sign up a special work sheet is given to you where lots of information is added prior to the weighing to help with this evaluation.

Coach being weighed ahead of us

We attended a class before we started RVing which emphasized the dangers of being over weight. They mentioned at the time just because you have lots of cabinets, closets, and bay storage does not mean your coach can handle all the weight of the items being stuffed into them. When we bought our coach a sticker inside told us we had 3000 pounds of cargo carrying capacity. This weight includes people, food, clothing, lawn chairs, grill, and everything not originally built into the coach. After we bought it and filled it up with our stuff six years ago at the Escapade Rally we had it weighed and knew it was under this limit. Now it's been a few years and stuff drifts in and not necessarily out. We've always been very cautious about weight but not sure how well we were doing.

Smart Weigh states its important to keep in mind three aspects of being overloaded.

•  1st aspect is that the reliability and durability of your RV will be diminished

•  2nd aspect is your personal safety may be jeopardized from a blown out tire and possibly being stranded on a busy highway

•  3rd aspect is you now need to consider the legal aspect. Being overweight could result in a negative verdict in the event of an accident in which you are involved.  

So, how did we do???  We passed!  What did we learn?  We needed to shift a few things around the balance the load better on each axle.  In addition, we learned our front tire pressure was not correct. We also learned a full water tank added 958 pounds. Traveling with a full tank can definitely put you over the limit.

We are considering adding solar panels and wanted to know if our rig could handle the weight. It turns out we can and the renovation being planned this fall will be OK too. This cost us $45 and well worth the piece of mind. If you cannot attend an Escapade they have three locations where you can have this done. Click here for more information. After our renovations this fall we will stop by Bushnell Florida and check again just to be sure. 

This urged us to still go through the whole coach inside and out and  make some "purge decisions" In a week we managed to eliminate another 200 pounds. The added bonus is our cupboards are more organized and we got rid of clutter that accumulates with life on the road.

Tucson is one of our favorite cities in Arizona. Being able to attend this rally was lots of fun and educational too.  Our next blog will be about some more travels in Arizona.

Up...Up...and ... AWAY - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, NM (high 62 degrees, low 40 at night, blue skies most days)

Check off  your bucket list

Opening Ceremony

We returned again to enjoy the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The last time we were here was five years ago. In our opinion, it's a "must do" for your bucket list. Previously we only stayed four days and most of the events were cancelled due to weather. This time we decided to stay for the whole nine day event and made reservations with the Boomers, an Escapee RV club social group. Our daughter Jen and friends Bob and Patsy also joined us.

The Lovebirds

I've posted just a few of my photographs (I took over 700 photos). It such a fun and happy event to attend and when the weather cooperates it just splendid. What really makes this event so incredible is your ability to walk right out onto the launch field. You can talk to the pilot and crew and oftentimes see the balloon lift up right in front of you. Wow!

Creamland Cow

Smokey the Bear

Making your RV reservations with the Boomers is  by far the best and most economical way to see the Fiesta. The sites they have reserved are great and oftentimes the hot air balloons landed right outside our coach in an adjacent field. The sites are asphalt and rock and do not have hook ups. A water truck goes frequently down the streets and waters the road to keep dust to a minimum,.  There is a shuttle service which takes you back and forth to the launch field. We usually did not have to wait very long except after the fireworks and it took about 30 minutes to get to the field on average. You can walk or bike as an option (approximately one mile).

Darth Vader and Master Yoda

Here is a cost comparison of an escorted tour vs attending with Boomers:

• Fantasy RV tour cost about $2700 for seven days. 
• Our cost with Boomers for ten days was $427 plus $39 membership to Escapees. By volunteering to crew we received free admission to all morning and evening events.
• To be fair the Fantasy Tour has some additional perks but we were really happy with this alternative

Fireworks opening day

Flying Gator

The Boomers are a fun group and over 55 rigs were here for at least part of the time. Most of them help crew for the hot air balloons. Judy, our host and organizer, has lots of contacts and did a fantastic job. She sent out four newsletters before we arrived with tons of information. A happy hour is planned around 4 pm where you can catch up with what everyone is doing. There were several organized dinners out and even a beer and wine excursion. A "white board" is posted at Judy's rigs with detailing what is happening each day.

Scorch

Each day there are special events planned. Each morning is started withe a Dawn Patrol. About 11 hot air balloons go up around 5 am to test the conditions. It's a very pretty event. The hot air balloons look like fire flies in the air as they ascend.

Sometimes there are Mass Ascensions where everyone goes up.  In the evening there are Glow Events where the hot air balloons are inflated but stationary. The balloons all light up (firing propane into the balloon)  at the same  time during countdowns and it's a very fun event.

There are two days of Special Shaped Balloons which is my favorite event. The hot air balloons are so imaginative and fun to see. Special competitions also take place where the hot air balloons try to drop a type of bean bag on a target. There are some great prizes for the winner. Here is a link to this years events.

We weren't sure we wanted to crew and spent the first two days just enjoying the event. However, after talking to others we decided to help out with a fun shaped balloon called Squirt. It's a 120 foot fire hydrant and an awesome special shaped hot air balloon. It's definitely a crowd pleaser. Keep in mind crewing is demanding physical work but we all thought  it really enhanced our experience. Our pilot and crew were from Quebec Canada. The pilot owned 23 balloons and travels all around the world flying and showing off his hot air balloons. He also has a business in Canada where he takes customers aloft (over 3000 a year).

Balloon Evening Glow

Dawn Patrol

Balloon getting ready to go up

We were offered a few perks for crewing:

• An unlimited pass to all morning and evening sessions (worth about $180)
• Free breakfast every morning
• Brunch one morning at Sandia Casino with the pilots and crew
• And, the best perk of all - our daughter Jen got to go up in the balloon and fly over the launch field - awesome!

Neptune

Kermie

Joelly

Things to keep in mind if you crew:

• You get up very early in the morning and work late at night during glow events 
• There is a lot of hurry up and wait and wait and wait time
• It can be very chilly here in the morning and evening. Gloves, hat, long underwear, lots of layers are a must. A back pack and flash light come in handy.
• Our balloon was huge and it took a lot of effort and muscle to put the balloon away at the end of the event
• You may miss out seeing some of the hot air balloons because you are busy getting your balloon aloft
• After each event we were exhausted but also thrilled at the same time
• Naps are necessary between sessions. However, not every day has two sessions
• Your chances of going up in the balloon are greater if you pick a smaller balloon
• Volunteering for a smaller balloon allows you to go on your own and enjoy the Special Shape events
• Weather and wind oftentimes cancel events. Be sure to be here for several days to attend this event to avoid disappointment. 

Our pilot and his crew from Canada

Jen and John helping out during the inflation

Propane being blown into the balloon

Zebra talking to the piolot telling him it's his turn to go

John holding open the balloon as its inflated. Our pilot is inside making a safety check

Squirt & The Little Fireman & Fire Engine

Jen high in the air

Jen landing on the Balloon Museum lawn

High Jack

We had a GREAT time and are even making plans to attend next year. If you have any questions feel free to write a comment or send me an email. We hope to see you there next year!

Betty Jean Butterfly

Happy Orca

Dawn Patrol

Quartsite - So Much Fun...So Little Time

(Quartsite, Arizona) 56 degrees, clear blue skies

Sunset at Quartsite

Our week at Quartsite Arizona started with a spectacular sunset.  It is the best sunset we have seen in a long time and  right away we knew it was going to be a great week.  We had heard so much about Quartsite Arizona and planned to arrive in time for the "Main Event".  Thousands of RVers converge to participate in this event.  Most folks boondock (no hook ups) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.  It's free and so strange.  You just drive down the freeway, turn off the road, drive onto the desert, pick a place, and set up camp.  It's free for 14 days and the only downside is the dust.

We are continuing to travel with our friends J.C. & Bev and they encouraged us to stay out with the Boomers.  This is a chapter of Escapees, a club for RVers.  It's a fun group that put together their own activities during the event and camp in the same area each year.  Here is an example of some of the activities.  You can participate in any or all.  It only cost us $4 to join and is such a great deal!    Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. 

Monday, Jan 23

9 AM Walk
11 AM Smart Phones – fire pit
12 PM Artist Trading Cards – Time to Trade – fire pit
1 PM Military Campgrounds – fire pit
1 PM Women's Outing - tent
4 PM Happy Hour – fire pit
5 PM Potluck – fire pit
7 PM Burning Man Movie – rally 2011

Tuesday, Jan 24

9 AM Walk - tent
10:30 AM Personal Safety and Self Defense on the Road – Fire Pit
12:30 PM Artist Trading Cards – time to trade – fire pit
1 PM Tai Chi
1 PM Show and tell hobbies, art, crafts, marketing Etsy - firepit
3 PM Geraldine Fashion Show – fire pit – sign up sheet and info at tent
4 PM Happy Hour – Wine Tasting and Heavy Snacks
7 PM Aerial Photographs (Tom Doerr)


Wednesday, Jan 25

8 AM Pancakes - tent
8:30 AM Trash Run – tent
12:30 PM CARE Auction – Bring $$$$ and heavy hor d'oerves to share
2 PM Cast Iron "Dutch Oven" cooking and tasting – Pace's
4 PM Happy Hour – fire pit
6:45 PM RVing in Newfoundland – slide show (Joyce Space)

CARE Auction

 Most of these folks are experts at boondocking and many of them have solar panels.  J.C. and Bev continue to teach us ways to handle our generator, batteries, and how to conserve water. 

One day a large group of us went out to the The Desert Bar.  This solar powered bar is out in the middle of nowhere.  How the owner ever came up with this idea just amazed us.  It's only open on weekends and closes at dusk.  He obviously has good vision because it was very busy and the food was great and reasonable. 

The Desert Bar (note all the solar panels)

The "Main Event" is held in the town of Quartsite.  It was very busy with motorhomes driving in all directions.  Traffic is a bit nuts and finding a parking place took some negotiating.  This is J.C. and Bev's third visit to Quartsite and they were invaluable with helping us learn the ropes. 

It was difficult to photograph the tent area. The following pictures come from the Quartsite website.  The huge tent had every item a RVer would need and more.  Ringed around the tent area were lots of food booths, bead and rock shops, and lots and lots of flea markets.  It took us several days to see just a portion of everything.  We had a great time.  Bev and I especially liked shopping for beads.  I'm going to teach her how to make Christmas spiders. 



Big Tent

One day J.C. and Bev took us geocaching.  We were excited to try it.  Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game. You try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS and then log your experience online.  J.C.showed us an app on his phone that located a geocache that was hidden about a mile from our campsite.  Using his GPS we hiked out into the desert in search of treasure.  It was fun and after scrambling up and down a wash area we found it hidden at the base of a tree.  The treasures were inside a ammunition box.  We signed the register and J.C. added a small trinket.  Later on he registered on the website that we'd found it and this notifies the owner. It would be fun to try this again soon. 

We found it!

Our week at Quartsite went by quickly.  We enjoyed it much more than expected.  We will definitely return again in the future and encourage others to join the Boomers.  

We will be heading to Tucson for three weeks and volunteering with the NOMADS.  We said goodbye to our friends J.C. and Bev.  We will miss them very much but plan to get back together in a few weeks. Sniff, sniff, I miss Bev so much already. 

We'll close today with a spectacular sunrise.  This lifestyle sure has some great benefits.