AHHHH! That Fresh Mountain Air!

After a month of boondocking in the Quartzsite desert, we were both ready to leave. (More about that later.)
After a brief stop in Wickenburg to visit our PressurePro distributor and pick up more inventory, we began heading north to Prescott where we planned to overnight. As we gained elevation, the landscape began to change and we were soon driving through pine forests-- a welcome change of scenery. At Kirkland Junction, a sign warned that rigs over 50 ft. are not allowed to continue on Hwy. 89 due tight hairpin curves. So we took the detour through Skull Valley to the west.

In our campground directory we found Point of Rocks RV Campground, called and made a reservation. Appropriately named, the campground is surrounded by huge granite boulders. An older, rustic campground, it has been owned and run by the same family for 33 years and the “mom and pop” owners were still active in its operations. The staff was friendly and helpful and we had a nice space on the top level ($22 a night with the Good Sam discount) among huge boulders and Ponderosa pine with a spectacular view the city. The weather was mildly cool (sweatshirts) with a brisk breeze off the mountains.

Our plan was to spend one night here before going to Camp Verde where we had reservations for the next two weeks. But, after perusing the Chamber’s Visitor Guide, we decided we needed more time here to see more of what was described as a “beautiful and idyllic community.” Money Magazine recognized mile-high Prescott as one of the top five places to retire; and one of the top 10 most popular retirement towns by topretirements.com. (Tempting???)

We explored Whiskey Row, Prescott’s most famous street. In its heyday, the street was lined with saloons and brothels that welcomed many well-know cowboys and outlaws. In 1900, the entire block, along with three-quarters of the town, was destroyed by fire. Whiskey Row is now lined with shops, art galleries and restaurants. We did a little shopping but mostly looking. We browsed through The Palace bar and restaurant, a famous historic landmark displaying a lot of historical facts and photographs. In the early days, when The Palace caught fire, the bar customers all picked up the long wooden bar, carried it across the street, set it down on the courthouse lawn, and continue to drink the night away. That original bar is still in use at The Palace today.

Steve, our RV neighbor, from Michigan and his wife had been here for about a month. He likes to hike and told us of several hiking trails leading from the campground. The morning before we left, he invited us for a short hike. We walked along a rugged trail alongside granite boulders, and over huge rock outcrops, climbing to the top of a hill with a great view of Watson Lake. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.)

We ended up staying here three nights, still not really long enough to see it all. We were impressed with the small-town charm and hospitality. Just as the Visitor Guide said, the people were friendly everywhere we went (even at the Super Wal-Mart). We hope to visit Prescott again and next time, stay longer.

Our New Venture

First some background: In March 2005, after six weeks at our WHR resort in Kino Bay, Mexico, we left to return to the states. Our friends Jim and Karen were driving behind us with their 5th wheel. Karen had told us she wanted to stop at one of the vendors selling copper items on the side of the highway. We had just passed through Hermosillo and as we entered Mexico Hwy. 15, I saw a vendor just ahead and radioed Karen to ask if she wanted to stop here. She did. As we returned to our rigs, Larry noticed that our rear passenger outside dual tire was sitting at an angle. When he and Jim walked back to investigate, they found only one lug nut still tight, two were “handy” and the rest were gone. The tire was flat, but still on the rim. The flat was caused by the metal-wrapped valve stem extender rubbing against the hub cap causing it to wear through and release all the air. To our astonishment, we had no indication, riding inside our motor home, that there was any problem with the wheel.

Larry’s major concern while driving our motor home has always been the possibility losing tire pressure, leading to overheating a tire and ultimately causing a blowout and damage to our motor home. Well, there we were in Mexico, foreigners not fluid in the language, etc. I walked to a nearby café and with a few Spanish words and a lot of sign language, found there was a Pemex fuel station about 10 kilometers up the highway.

Using our rear jacks to raise the motor home, Jim and Larry removed the wheel and we headed up to the Pemex with the tire in our toad. Fortunately, the tire wasn’t damaged and it held the air. Jim and Larry reinstalled the wheel, taking one lug nut from each of the other three duals. We resumed our journey to the U.S. border, and arrived safely, stopping periodically to check the wheel. When we arrived in Tucson, we went directly to an RV dealer to purchase new lug nuts.

To this day, we thank the Lord that Karen wanted to stop and look at copper pots, avoiding what could have resulted in a major catastrophe, and that Jim (who did most of the work) was there to help Larry.

What does this have to do with our new venture? Well, Larry remembered hearing about a system that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle’s tires while driving. He began doing some research, which led to the PressurePro Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). We decided the safety and peace of mind this system provides more than outweighed the cost. Soon, Larry began extolling its benefits to just about every RVer he encountered. At least five people that we know of ordered a system from the dealer we purchased ours through. So, it was a no-brainer (with a great deal of encouragement from me) to become a dealer and take the product on the road.

The Commercial: The PressurePro system continually monitors the pressure in your vehicle’s tires, allowing you to know your tires’ pressures at all times, while driving down the highway or parked. PressurePro can provide early notice of potential tire problems with an audible and visual alert. The system consists of two basic components: (1) a tire pressure monitor, (2) wireless sensors on each tire. It easily installs in minutes. PressurePro is the original TPMS having been on the market more than 19 years, and it is the only TPMS made in the USA.

A Desert Oasis

While we were in Quartzsite, we received an email from Tom and Cheryl, friends from BC, Canada. We were delighted to find they were staying at Desert Palms RV Resort in Casa Grande for the month of February, so when we arrived here, we invited them for dinner. We haven’t seen them since last winter in Mazatlan. After hugs, we enjoyed a happy hour with “Border Butternilk” (Larry's special blend of margaritas) and Cheryl’s shrimp. For dinner I made Chicken Fettucine Alfredo, salad, and chocolate pudding.

I had picked up a brochure on St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery about 40 miles from Casa Grande near Florence.. Tom and Cheryl seemed interested, too, so we made plans to tour the monastery a few days later.

The monastery brochure mentioned that visitors must be appropriately and modestly dressed. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts for men and long skirts and long-sleeved blouses for women, and a head scarf. No high heels, no sandals without socks.

We arrived about 10:30 (see entrance gate at left) and as directed, went first to the gatehouse where a group was assembling for the first tour of the day. Tom and Larry had proper attire. Neither Cheryl nor I had a skirt or scarf, but the monastery had a limited supply for visitors’ use. After donning our new apparel, we were ready for the tour. Tom and Larry said we looked like a couple Muslims. I think we look kinda cute..

A monk led our group to the main church and described the various appointments and meanings of the some of the symbols; showed us where monks, pilgrims, etc sat during service and described the monks’ daily routine: The monks’ day begins at midnight with personal prayer time and spiritual reading, followed by the cycle of morning prayers and the Divine Liturgy. After a light breakfast and a rest period, the monks begin their work day, attending to prayer and their tasks which include construction, grounds keeping, vine dressing, gardening, woodworking, publishing, food preparation, and offering hospitality.

Then we toured the rest of the grounds and chapels with a self-guided map.. It is hard to describe the beauty of this “oasis in the desert.” It began in 1995 when six Athonite monks were transferred to the Sororan Desert to establish the monastery dedicated to St. Anthony, the father of monasticism.. Upon their arrival they began the construction of the main church, living quarters for the monks (called cells), a dining hall and guest facilities. A vegetable garden, a small vineyard, citrus orchards and an olive grove dot the landscape, which includes gardens, pathways, tall palm trees, flowers and gazebos with Spanish style fountains.

We were all impressed with the architecture and construction of the monastery buildings and with what the monks have accomplished in the short time since they arrived.

Afterwards, we went to Tom and Cheryls for lunch and spent the afternoon in the sun on their deck.

IT'S A BOY!!!!!

Our long-awaited grandson has finally made his appearance. Knuton Riley Sorenson, weighing in at 9 lbs. 9 ½ oz. was born February 16 at Doctors’ Hospital in Dallas, Texas. His mom (Kathy) and Dad (Glen) and big sister Madelyn (19 mos.) are all doing fine. And here he is……..

KOFA National Wildlife Refuge

KOFA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Kofa NWR encompasses 664,000 acres of pristine desert environment and is home to the unique desert Bighorn Sheep and the California fan palm, the only native palm in Arizona. Other notable wildlife species found in the area include white-wing dove, desert tortoise, fox, mountain lion, rattlesnakes, iguana and lizards.

Today we explored Palm Canyon, a narrow canyon in the Kofa NWR about 18 miles south of Quartzsite, to find the “grove” of palm trees that have become a major visitor attraction to the area. We turned in at the Palm Canyon sign and followed a washboard dirt road about seven miles to the Palm Canyon trailhead where we parked our car and proceeded up the half mile (each way) foot trail into the canyon. The trail was well-marked but quite rocky with a few steep sections but overall it wasn’t too challenging. At the trail’s end, there was a sign pointing upward and to our left, where we saw the palm trees clustered high in a narrow crevice. (Click on the second photo to enlarge it; you will see the palm trees in the center of the photo.)

In 1986, 42 trees were counted in the main grove. It is believed that they are descendants of palms growing in this region during the last periods of North American glaciation. The palm trees are able to survive in the narrow side canyons where direct sunshine is limited, but some moisture is available.

The vegetation in the area was very green and lush, one would not expect in a desert environment. On our trek we passed several species of desert plants including the Palo Verde tree, mountain barberry and the cholla, ocotillo and saguaro cactus. We saw none of the above mentioned wildlife which was disappointing, but on our way down the trail, a rabbit that scampered across our path and we saw a very tiny lizard sitting on a rock.

THE GATHERING PLACE

In the summertime, it’s just another sleepy town in the southwestern Arizona desert (Pop. about 2,500) In the winter months, it’s a different story when Quartzsite turns into one of the biggest gathering places in the country, especially January and February when the annual dealer shows are held there. The biggest is the RV, Sports and Vacation Show held this year Jan 17-25 in “the big tent,” a huge three-ring circus size tent packed with vendors, followed by the Rock, Gem and Mineral Show, then the Classic Car Show. There are also numerous ongoing swap meets featuring rocks, gems, and minerals, beads, antiques, craft items and jewelry to name only a few.

Quartzsite is also a place where snowbirds from Canada and the US states come in their RVs to spend the winter on thousands of acres of BLM land in the warm desert climate. Winter daytime temps are normally in the 70s. One can boondock (dry camp) here for two weeks for a fee of $40 or stay the entire season (September-April) for $180. A nearby water and dump station is available. There are also free 14-day camping areas but they are farther away from town. We like it close to town because we can walk about ¼ mile to where the “action” is.

We arrived here January 8 with a full tank of fresh water and empty holding tanks, paid our two-week fee and claimed our dusty plot of ground in the desert, facing a dry wash lined with Palo Verde trees. We were surprised to see so few RVs here compared to past years. But, a few days before the “big tent show” opened, RVs began swarming into the area.

Every time we stay here, we learn more about this area and thanks to Gary and Diane, our next-door neighbors from British Columbia, we have learned a lot more on this visit. Gary volunteers at the QIA building. What’s that? We asked. The QIA is a sort of community center but not run by the city. It’s an independent non-profit that hosts numerous activities. Gary gave us a schedule: exercise classes, line dancing, programs and entertainment; they serve lunches and dinners on scheduled days and host dances Friday or Saturday nights. That’s how we learned that the New Christy Minstrels (thenewchristyminstrels.com) were scheduled for a performance and we were able to get tickets. What an enjoyable evening that was!! The QIA also hosts Pow-Wow, a large gem, mineral and jewelry show with over 700 vendors.

THE TV PROJECT

For about three months before we left home, Larry had been talking about replacing the old 19” TV in our motor home with a flat screen LCD TV. It sounded like a daunting project to me. But, encouraged by the receipt of our $600 economic stimulus check from the government, we began our TV shopping and research. First we looked at 26” TVs, but a friend, who owns an identical motor home, had installed a 32” and he suggested that we upgrade the size. So we dug a few more dollars out of the sock and after much comparison shopping, we purchased a Sony Bravia flat screen TV, and the project began.

The original TV was centered between two cabinets above the motor home dashboard. We decided to install the new TV in a slightly recessed area occupied by a cabinet on the passenger side. I cringed as Larry began ripping the guts out of the cabinet. But during the process we acquired a real appreciation for how sturdy this coach was built. After removing the door from that cabinet, he installed it over the “hole” that was left after removing the original TV.---It fit perfectly. The plan is to make a storage cabinet in that space, later. After installing lumber supports for the bracket that would hold the new TV, and tearing them out, and redoing it three times, Larry finally got the new TV installed “perfectly.” He did a great job, and we love it. Here are the before and after photos. You can click on the photos to enlarge them.

The project was finished just in time to attend a Christmas RV rally December 10-14 in Murchison, Texas hosted by our Lone Star FMCA Chapter.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well, here we are in the desert, and would you believe, it’s been raining on and off since 3:00 a.m., it's chilly, and the wind is blowing like crazy. Desert Shadows RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona, where we are saying until Jan 4, is one of our Western Horizons membership resorts. Members pay no nightly fee, but since about three years ago, we pay a $3 energy fee. Although the resort has a lot of nice amenities, there is nothing really attractive about it—in our opinion. It’s laid out like a huge parking lot, gravel spaces with concrete patio slab, few trees, but there is a reasonable amount of space between sites. There is a very nice heated pool and spa, large clubhouse, craft, card and exercise rooms, nice large laundry, and lots of activities going on. Plus, a crew of wonderful cooks who provide breakfast, lunch or dinner several times a week (for a reasonable fee) and huge muffins every morning for $1 each. Here is a photo of our space.

When we arrived, tickets for the Christmas dinner provided by the resort were sold out, so we opted for a Chinese buffet in town, one of the few restaurants open Christmas Day.

We come here because we really like the Casa Grande area. We knew a lot of growth had taken place since we were here three years ago, but were still surprised how much it has grown. Several new housing additions and apartment complexes have been built, every fast-food restaurant there is, a new Super Wal-Mart and a new mall on I-10 built last year with Dillards, Kohls, Target and other major department stores, restaurants and a movie theater. Anyway, there is everything anyone would need or want.

Holy Week -- Holy Cow!!!!!

Wow! This town has exploded! They began arriving Wednesday. By Good Friday it looked like a whole country of Nomads moved in overnight. Tents of all manner have been pitched on the beaches; vendors have moved in with their food and souvenir and craft stands. Every small and large condo and apartment has been rented.

Here are just a few scenes.

There are bands on the corner of every fourth block or so playing happy Mexican music, and everyone is having a great time. It is Holy Week in Mexico when families from cities near and far flock to the beaches to celebrate. It looks like Spring Break…but that’s next week.
Police and medical units came from Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora about 60 miles east, and it all seems to be well organized. The main street coming into town has been made one-way. Traffic leaving town has been routed over a dirt road through the desert that runs parallel to the main road. Fine for cars and pickups, but a bit of a challenge for RVs.

New Kino, a small town on the Sea of Cortez, has one main street running through it, Avenue Del Mar Cortez. In fact, it’s the only street. The town is primarily a snowbird destination—lots of rental condos, small motels and RV parks. There is little permanent population and almost no traffic. As Larry always says, “After 6:00 p.m.you could roll a bowling ball down main street and not hit a thing.”
We moved into town Tuesday and are “hiding out” at Kino Bay RV Park until the revelers leave. In the meantime, we had our car washed and waxed and our motor home washed before leaving for the U.S.—all for $35 with a $5. tip -- a great buy.


Saturday morning we ventured into town on our bikes. There was a lot of traffic, but the police told us to ride in the parking lane so felt quite safe. We stopped at the beer deposito. While Larry was making the purchase, this reveler beckoned me across the street to take his picture. He was very proud of his big bottle of Tecate.

The Birthday Bash

We met Karen and Jim at Western Horizon's resort in St. David, Arizona in 2004. They are from Walla Walla, Washington. When we met them, they weren't sure traveling to Mexico was such a good idea. But we assured them it would be just fine. So, we traveled to Kino together. They have been there every winter since, and even volunteer at the campground. Karen works in the office and teaches crafts; Jim runs the honey wagon and takes members on fishing trips.

Karen and Larry share the same birth date, March 15, and we are almost always at Kino when that date rolls around and naturally we always have a party. (As if we needed a reason.) This year the bash was at Pancho’s new restaurant. Well, actually this is his second year in the restaurant business.

We met Pancho four years ago and have since become good friends with him and his family. Pancho is first and foremost an artist who does beautiful ironwood carvings. He has five daughters, ranging in ages from about 18 to 3 yrs. including two 14-year-old twins. Last year his oldest daughter suggested he open a restaurant. He did, and they serve some of the best Mexican food in Old Kino at the most reasonable prices. They open at 5 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. The gringos come to eat early; the Mexicans later.

Anyhow, back to the birthday bash….. At 4:30 (he opened early for us) we started gathering at Pancho’s. There must have been at least 30 people there, just about everyone who is still at the Western Horizons park. Panchos is a small restaurant and they don’t normally handle large groups, but Pancho, his wife and daughters had everything organized and the food was served promptly.

After our meal, Pancho brought out two large birthday cakes. His family sang the Mexican happy birthday; then also sang it in English. Then, Pancho said according to Mexican custom the birthday person(s) takes a bite out of his or her cake before cutting it. Well, when in Mexico…….









The food was wonderful and we all had a great time. As we drove back home after the party, we captured this gorgeous sunset on the beach in New Kino.

The Desert Blooms

When you think of the desert does it conjure up images of a vast expanse of shifting sand dunes, devoid of vegetation or animal life? Well, such areas do exist in the Sonoran desert, but the Central Gulf Coast of Sonora, Mexico where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez, and where we spent the past six weeks does not fit that image. Here the landscape is dominated by huge saguaro cactus and other succulents, small trees, shrubs, including the Palo Verde Tree, Ironwood Tree, Limberbush, Creosote bush, Elephant Tree, and others that I can’t identify by name.






























The climate is arid, summers are very hot and winters mild. Average rainfall is less than five inches and occurs mostly in summer. Spring arrives about the second week of March, heralded by the greening of shrubs and trees, budding cactus and many flowering shrubs and it really
begins to look lush. Small critters begin to emerge from their winter
burrows. Yes, there are snakes too, sidewinders and some harmless types, but we campers leave before they emerge, and let them have the place to themselves.

An Update on Gato

When we left Mazatlan, our neighbors, Don and Eunice, agreed to adopt Gato for their remaining stay in Mazatlan. When they left, Frank and Sandy temporarily adopted Gato and he seems to have no problem moving from home to home.
















Frank and Sandy gave him a new condo, a Dos Equis box, which he seems to be quite comfortable resting and sleeping in.

A couple days ago, we received an email from Frank, telling us that he had Gato neutered and got his innoculations so he can legally immigrate to the U.S. and become a citizen. It seems that Connie, Manny, and Ramona their pup, are taking him to Oregon where one of their friends has agreed to adopt Gato permanently. Lucky cat!!!! I hope he doesn't have any trouble with the language.

Connie and Manny, along with Pat and Ray, will be stopping in Kino Bay for a few days on their way out of Mexico, so we are looking forward to being reunited with them and Gato for a few days. Everyone has tried to talk us into taking Gato with us, but as much as we like him and as cute as he is, we have decided to remain petless for the time being.

WEEKEND FEB 22-24

Our grandson Phil drove down for the weekend. He is a captain in the Air Force stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. He flies cargo planes-- That’s his regular job. A few years ago, Phil embarked on a musical career part-time. He is self-taught, having no formal musical training with the exception of a friend who showed him a few things on the guitar. Then he took off on his own. He writes his own songs--about feelings, relationships, experiences, people and places. I guess I would say they are ballad type songs. He has played in clubs in Dallas, the west coast and several western states. This spring he will be performing in Rocky Point, Mexico and states in the Midwest. A pretty talented guy. We asked Phil if he would bring his guitar and provide us with a little entertainment.

Saturday, after a morning stroll on the beach and up a desert trail, we went in to Old Kino to take Phil on a tour of the old fishing village. We stopped to see our friend Pancho, an artist who does awesome ironwood carving and beautiful painting. He showed Phil how he makes his carvings, which is amazing in itself in that his tools are rather crude. (We’ll tell you more about Pancho later.)

Then we went out to the pier, a popular Old Kino weekend gathering spot, where Pancho’s wife was tending a table of Pancho’s ironwood carvings and painted shells. Grandpa purchased a carved Mexican woodpecker for Phil. I purchased a shell painted with a beautiful sunset for myself. After perusing the vendors’ tables, we checked out some places to buy fresh shrimp. Finally, stopping for lunch at Eco-Bay, a new Old Kino restaurant operated in conjunction with a new hotel. Larry and Phil both ordered shrimp dishes, prepared two different ways, and said both were delicious as was the tortilla soup I ordered.

Returning to the campground we were invited over to our Alberta friends Carol and Clarence. Carol had made a large pot of clam chowder with freshly harvested clams. Evan though we had just eaten, we had to sample. It, too, was delicious.

Just before dusk friends began gathering around, Larry lit our "campfire" and our concert under the stars began. Phil played and sang a number of songs for us, which everyone seemed to enjoy. In fact, the next day several friends dropped by to tell us how much they enjoyed meeting Phil and his performance. Thanks Phil. We love you.

Club Deportivo in Kino Bay is a non-profit organization that provides many community services. Last night we attended their an annual benefit event for Kino Bay’s secondary school. We were served a tasty dinner cooked by the mothers and teachers consisting of seasoned shredded beef, frijoles, salad and fresh flour tortillas, plus a dessert pastry.









Entertainment was provided by school children of various ages from both Kino Bay and Hermosillo. Their lively native dances and colorful costumes were a big hit with the audience and their smiles showed they were enjoying performing for us. We were told the children are responsible for providing and/or making their own costumes which were quite creative.

The native "deer dance" was the finale, for which the students provided their own live music. The students did a great job on this, although we aren’t quite sure of the interpretation. It seemed to us that the deer was successful in fighting off the wolves or coyote only to be killed by the hunter’s arrow. What a sad ending.

An auction and raffle were held during the evening with all proceeds going to the school. Club Deportivo also provides search and rescue services for boaters and travelers, emergency medical assistance, social and sporting activities for its members such as fishing tournaments, and an array of services for travelers and non-residents.

Mazatlan to Kino

We left Las Jaibas RV park in Mazatlan at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 and headed north on Mexico Cuota (tollroad) Hwy 15. We were making pretty good time until our navigator (yours truly) wasn’t paying attention and we accidentally got on Hwy 15 Libre (free road) in Culiacan. About 80 miles later we were able to hook back up with the toll road. The free road isn’t a bad road as it has just been repaved, but it’s two-lane and we had to slow down to a crawl through every tiny little village of which there were many.

About 5:30 p.m. we pulled into a large Pemex truck stop north of Navajoa, filled up with diesel (at $2.25 per gal. USD) and found a spot to park for the night amongst the 18-wheelers. It was quiet and we had a good night’s sleep. There was a night guard who rode around the lot on his bicycle, so we also felt quite safe.

We left the Pemex at 7:30 Tuesday morning and drove the remaining 225 miles to Kino Bay, after a brief stop in Miguel Aleman to pick up a few groceries and replenish our pesos at the ATM. Miguel Aleman, (called Calle Doce, meaning 12th Street, by the locals) is a small town about 30 miles east of Kino. It has two small supermarkets reminiscent of those from the 50s, a couple Pemex stations, a bank, and a few other little shops.

When we reached the small Mexican fishing village of Old Kino, we pulled off the road onto a gravel area and unhitched our towed vehicle. I was to make a quick run to the tortilla factory and Larry in our motor home would proceed to New Kino and the turnoff to the campground. I purchased tortillas and then made a quick stop at the bakery that has pastries to die for, then proceeded to meet Larry. As I drove into New Kino and came over a small rise, the sparkling waters of the Sea of Cortez and one and two-story white condos and homes of the town came into view. New Kino is inhabited primarily by Americans some of who have been coming here since the early 50s.

About three-quarters of the way through town, I joined Larry where he was waiting at Punta Chueca Road, gave him his pastry and we proceeded to make the 12-mile drive over a mountain pass on a very rocky road that has been dubbed the road from hell. Now, 12 miles isn’t a long distance, but in an RV, at 10-15 mph it takes more than an hour. Reactions to the road from first-timers have been anywhere from shock to hostility. We arrived about 3:15 and found a space to park our motor home for the next six weeks.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Well, the time has flown by and we have come to the end of our stay in Mazatlan. We were scheduled to leave Monday, Jan 28. We began packing up on Saturday, and Larry went to start up the motor on our motor home and guess what? – It didn’t start. Now, Larry is a very mechanical guy, but never having owned a diesel he didn’t quite know where to begin looking for the problem. Since I’m not mechanical, I will defer to him to explain..…

I crawled under the motor home and looking up said to myself, “What in the world is all this stuff?” My first thought was that it was a solenoid problem, because, when I turned the ignition on, there wasn’t even a click. But where in the world is the solenoid located on this motor? After some looking and testing I found something I thought might be a solenoid, but there weren’t the heavy battery cables running to it like you would find in an automobile. There were two smaller cables running to it and a conglomerate of wiring I couldn’t begin to trace, but I did find a wire connected to it that was hot when the ignition was turned to the starting position. I then felt confident that this was the solenoid and that was where the problem lay. My good friend Manny crawled under there with me and pretty much confirmed my diagnosis.

I removed the part and wondered where I might find a Freightliner solenoid in Mazatlan. But Manny knew where there was a truck parts house, so off we went on a hunt for the part, I, knowing it would probably cost an arm and leg for a Freightliner part. We knew there was an Auto Zone next to Wal-Mart, so we thought we would take a chance and go there first. The young female clerk, knowing no English, kept asking what kind of “auto” it was for. We kept telling her “no auto—RV Freightliner.” After pulling 4 or 5 traditional solenoids from the shelf, she said, “no got.” But then she decided to ask the manager. He climbed up a ladder to the top shelf behind the counter and, lo and behold! pulled out a box with my solenoid. Man, was it ever expensive…. A whole 220 pesos ($22 USD). Wow.

Went back to the RV park, installed the part and the diesel turned over, started and has been fine ever since. In the meantime, we had extended our stay another week, not knowing how or when we could get our mechanical problem resolved.



We all gathered for a goodbye spaghetti supper Sunday evening, hosted by Connie and Manny. It was hard to leave our old friends as well as the new ones we met this year, but it was time to head north for our reservations in Kino Bay.