How to collect your Amazon packages while on the road

A lot of people buy through Amazon.com, but when you're living and traveling in your RV it's not always that easy to order and be able to list a delivery address.

Sure, a lot of campgrounds will allow you to have packages delivered...but what do you do when you don't stay at very many campgrounds?

A day at the beach? Not quite...

In fact, pretty much the opposite. Late March in the Ottawa area can be a mixed bag, so we knew we might experience pretty much anything during our two week visit. However while we were hoping for at least March or possibly even April type of weather, instead we are getting what is typically January weather.

But, we have to bear with it, so we still went out for a 5 km (3 mile) walk.

Tilley - 6 month clothing update

It was about six months ago that we received our order of Tilley clothing in the mail. We were about to embark on a one month trip to South Korea, and we like to travel light. We only take a wheeled carry on bag, and just about everything that was in our bag came from Tilley.

Hats, socks, underwear, shirts, jackets, and pants!

Family and friends

Two weeks seems to go by pretty quickly, so we're trying to make the most of it by spending as much time as possible with family and friends. After all, we didn't come here to enjoy the cold and snow, although I have to say that it's not bothering me as much as I thought it would.

It's almost a refreshing change, especially knowing that we don't have to put up with six months of it!

The Great White North

Welcome to Canada, the great white north! That title is sure living up to it's name for our visit. Snowing this morning, on the first full day of spring! Daytime temperature not bad, hovering around the freezing mark. But, still unseasonably cold at night. Supposed to go down to -17C (2F) tonight. Brrr!

Took a blog break yesterday, so here's what we've been up to...

Surprise!

We said that we were in Las Vegas for one reason, and one reason only. What was that reason?

To use the Las Vegas airport!

Ruth's great quiche recipe!

The other day when we went for a hike in Sedona, Ruth had made a quiche the the night before. And she used corn tortillas instead of a pastry pie crust...and it was delicious! Many of you were asking about the recipe she uses.

So here it is...!

A look back at Arizona

We made it to Las Vegas. And so of course now we are in the state of Nevada.

We spent almost two months touring Arizona. I think that's the longest amount of time that we've ever been in one state...and we still haven't seen it all! Our original plan was to take in parts of Southern California too, but there was too much to see in Arizona.

Oh, of course we did spend some time at Imperial Dam and Pilot Knob which are both technically in California, but right on the border.

Our new RV washing machine!

Just puttered around most of the day yesterday.

I had bought a gallon of distilled water at Walmart the other day and topped up the batteries. I check them once a month, and they were due for some water and a clean up.

Almost felt like Christmas!

Yesterday, we drove about 129 miles (206 kms) to just north of Kingman, Arizona. We've dropped back down into the desert now, and temps are warmer. It's just me, but I really do like the forest and the trees better than the desert. Even if it comes with slightly cooler temperatures.

Before we left, I had taken apart that switch that was affecting our transmission torque converter. I cleaned the contacts, and that seems to have done the trick. So our gas mileage is back to where it should be and Sherman's transmission is acting the way it was designed.

Arizona is full of fantastic boondocking spots

We left Flagstaff yesterday morning around 10:00am. Stopped to get some gas, but only a little because it's cheaper in Kingman and we're headed there today.

Can't believe the wide variance in gas prices in Flagstaff. From $2.30 to $2.70! I don't understand why anybody would pay $2.70, when it's $2.30 across the street.

It wasn't meant to be...

We tried to go for a hike yesterday, but it just didn't happen. The weather wasn't great. Overcast, and a high of about 55C, which was fine, but then it started spitting rain. Still, we drove about 8 miles (13 kms) from our great boondocking spot to the forest road that leads to the Lava Tube Cave.

But the forest road entrance is at 8,000 ft altitude, and it's closed during winter.

Heading north - Sedona to Flagstaff

Yesterday morning, we had Joe over to the motorhome for breakfast. Some of Ruth's delicious pancakes! And then it was time to say goodbye, as we were heading north on highway 89A towards Flagstaff.

Our original plan was to head up to the Grand Canyon for a few days, but when we detoured down to Mesa to avoid that storm last week, we essentially lost three days.

Hiking on the edge!

We left our boondocking spot 8 miles west of Sedona, and drove directly to the trailhead at Mund's Wagon Trail. I had seen the parking lot from Google maps satellite view, and it looked big enough to park Sherman for a few hours while we went on a hike.

We got there just after 10:00am, and had we been 10 minutes later, we wouldn't have got a spot. You'll find out further on in the story that our entire day would have turned out totally different had we not been able to park there.

So, we were very lucky!

The only problem with Sedona...

is...well...Sedona itself.

The area surrounding Sedona, Arizona is simply spectacular. I don't know the history, but you'd have to think somebody back in the 1920's or 1930's dropped the ball when this area wasn't made into a National Park.

Because it should have been!

It's not the Destination - It's the Journey!

It was only a couple of months ago that we experienced Mexico's fantastic Copper Canyon by train. And we loved it! Riding the rails while looking at gorgeous scenery under clear blue skies just can't be beat. So when we were invited to see the Verde Canyon (often called Arizona's other Grand Canyon!) the same way, we jumped at the opportunity.

Verde Canyon Railroad has been operating scenic tours of the canyon since 1990. An average of 90,000 people per year take this relaxing 4 hour trip. They can add two more this year!

The most interesting thing you'll see that day.

If you visit the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town, located only a mile up the road from Jerome, Arizona, it will be without a doubt the most interesting thing you'll see that day.

We had asked the owner, Don Robertson, if we could park overnight in their big level lot and he said that was no problem. When we woke up the next morning, we waited until the 10:00am opening dynamite blast (at least that's what it sounded like!) and then we wandered over to explore.

Overnight in Jerome, Arizona

We were told that there is nowhere to park a motorhome overnight in Jerome, Arizona. And that's pretty much true. But, we did find a nice level spot less than a mile away.

Jerome is an interesting place, and certainly worth a visit.

Not recommended for motorhomes...

When Sherman hears something like this, it's just a challenge for him!

Besides. Highway 89A from Prescott through Jerome, and up to Sedona is a scenic highway, and we wouldn't want to miss something like that! And Sherman has lots of experience with mountain roads, and we're not towing anything so we figured it would be no problem.

And we were right.

Anybody been to one of the Carefree RV Resorts?

When we were asked to write about an RV resort, I almost turned down the opportunity. Because any of our regular readers know that this type of place is simply not our style. We're much more into the great outdoors and being away from it all when we're RV'ing.

However, I know that there are many different ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle, and that staying at an RV resort is a very popular thing to do. So I was curious as to how many of our regular readers would actually be interested in this type of place.

Practice makes perfect...

Another gorgeous day yesterday. Yes, we have to put up with cooler nights, but with sunshine and daytime highs around 60F (15C) are perfect hiking weather up here at Prescott, Arizona. The desert was nice, but I'll take this anytime. I like trees and mountains and greenery.

We've been doing a decent hike nearly every second day lately, and now when we look at a trail that's 10 miles (16 kms) long, we don't even think twice.

Winter Camping!

It was a beautiful sunny morning yesterday, so before we hit the road we went for another hike. Black Canyon Trail is a great place to stop for a short or long walk because the trailhead is right beside Interstate 17 at Black Canyon City just north of Phoenix.

But the trail runs through a river bed that's normally dry at this time of year.

Enough of the big city - back on the road!

We enjoyed our time with Jeff and Star (thanks again guys!), and our first experience with Boondockers Welcome , however we had had enough of the big city. So fortunately, the cold, wet, rainy, windy, and snowy weather system to the north of us has now passed by, and we were happy to be able to head out yesterday morning.

Still, it took us hours to get out of the built up area. We had a few stops to make along the way...

Biggest Booze store ever!

Our Boondockers Welcome hosts, Jeff and Star, had to stock up their booze cupboard, so we went along with Jeff to the biggest booze store ever. Well, I don't know about that for sure, but I am pretty sure it's the biggest booze store we've ever been in.

And great prices too, so we did some stocking up of our own!

February Expenses

Well that was a little better!

Coming off the almost record high month of January's expenses where we did a lot of driving and bought a lot of RV items as well as a new laptop, just about anything would be better.

And it ended up that we spent $1,200 USD ($1,568 CAD)...a full $2,000 less than we spent in January! Let's have a look at how it all broke down...

The big Mesa flea market

Our hosts Jeff and Star were taking us to the big Mesa flea market, but Star has a bad foot and decided it would be too much walking for her. But Jeff said he still wanted to go, so off we went!

Mesa sure takes up a big area. In fact, the whole Phoenix metro area just doesn't seem to stop. There are somewhere around 4.5 million people!

Great first experience with Boondockers Welcome

Yesterday, we drove down from Payson to Mesa to escape a cold front weather system that was forecast to eliminate the sunshine from Payson for the better part of five days. We could have dealt with the colder temperatures...but our electricity supply comes from our batteries, and when there is no sun, our solar panels can't charge our batteries!

And there was definitely no sun when we woke up yesterday morning!

Heading south!

Yep, with this cold front coming through with wind and rain, we're turning around! Heading down to Mesa for the next four or five days to wait for the weather to improve. It's only about a two hour drive, so it's not putting us out of our way too much.

We did enjoy our day yesterday here in Payson though...and it ended with a bang!

Heading north!

Which it turns out is not such a good idea.

Our plan was to spend some time at  higher altitudes and get out of the desert for a while. You know, fresh air, pine trees...that sort of thing.

So yesterday, we drove from 2,100 ft to our current location at Payson, Arizona at around the 5,000 ft mark.

Last day at Burnt Corral Campground

Almost caught up on the blog posts. We'll do another one later this afternoon, and then we'll be current again!

This post was written Thursday Feb 26th 7:30am.

Almost caught in a storm!

We're getting caught up on our three days away from internet, so if you missed this morning's post you can read it here...

http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2015/02/back-to-civilization.html

The following was written Wednesday, Feb 25th 7:30am.

Back to civilization!

Just back online after three days in a remote campground. So we have to get you all caught up! We'll start here, and post again later today with another update...

Written Tuesday, Feb 24th 7:30am

Yesterday morning, we said goodbye to our great free campsite overlooking Roosevelt Lake. We had seen and done everything we wanted to in the area, so no point in hanging around just for the sake of it.

After all, Sherman has wheels and we have more exploring to do!

Spring is in the air!

I know that those of you in the north eastern part of the continent don't believe it, but here in the Arizona desert, they are saying that we're in for an early spring!

And on our guided hike yesterday at Tonto National Monument, the wildflowers were blooming.

Glad we have the bikes again

One of the reasons we don't tow the little blue car when we're traveling with the motorhome is that we like to use our bicycles. And if we had a car with us, I know that we wouldn't use the bicycles as often as we do.

Yesterday (and today) was a good example of that!

What's around the next corner?

A bit of an overcast day yesterday, but still nice...high of around 75F (24C).

We decided to go for a walk, and left around 11:00am. We weren't planning on being gone long...just heading up the road that leads towards the mountain in behind where we're parked. Still, Ruth brought the small backpack with water and snacks because we have been known to get sidetracked sometimes!

Why do they make it so confusing?!

Yesterday morning, we got up and started driving right away. We were in a cellular dead spot where we had parked in Mammoth, so we had no internet. It was the first time our Verizon mi-fi had let us down.

Plus, by putting on a few miles right away we could use Sherman's engine heat to warm us up instead of using up  propane.

An encounter with the police...

We wanted to get a fairly early start yesterday morning, but we had invited John and Jane for breakfast. Ruth makes the best gluten free pancakes! Too bad we didn't have any maple syrup left. But we did have honey, strawberry jam from Mexico, and a tart cherry jam that we had just bought the other day.

They came over at the prearranged time of 8:30am, and we one last get together.

The World's Largest Airplane Boneyard

We went for a bicycle ride yesterday with Janie and John from Flamingo on a Stick. Tucson has a really good system of cycling trails, so we looked at the map and decided on a route that would take us around Davis-Montham Airforce Base, and the largest boneyard of airplanes in the world.

They have a pickup truck, so we loaded up the bicycles, and off we went!

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

This is not really a "museum". It's kind of a cross between a museum, a zoo, a botanical garden, and an aquarium. Plus, 85% of it takes place outdoors.

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum came highly recommended by a few of our readers, and it's one of the top attractions in the Tucson area. So, we decided to check it out.

Busy day with new friends!

We had made plans to get together with Grace and Steve, a couple who we've been in contact with quite a bit over the years. You may have noticed Grace commenting here occasionally as "Grace (in Tucson)" as she's been a regular reader here for as long as I can remember, and she's also on our personal facebook friends list.

Like we really are friends, who simply hadn't met in person yet!

Made it to Tucson, Arizona

Yesterday we did the 145 mile (232 km) drive from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the city of Tucson (pop 526,000).

Uneventful drive through the desert. I've never been much of a desert person, although it's growing on me a little bit. I still much prefer a more varied landscape, even if it comes at the cost of slightly lower temperatures.

Almost bit off more than we could chew...

Yesterday, we had signed up for the 1:00pm shuttle that would take us to a trailhead on the Senita Basin leading to the Milton Mine and the Baker Mine at Organ Pipe National Monument. We had a trail map, and enough supplies, but I still thought it was not a very logical time of day to be starting a long hike in the desert.

It would have been okay, if everything went according to plan!

A taste of what the illegals feel

Many illegal aliens cross the Mexican border into the U.S. through the Sonoran Desert into Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. In fact, there are signs warning of the possibility of encounters with the migrants if you're out on the hiking trails, and of course a lot of border guard activity as well.

What a trip it must be for these people. No wonder some of them give up! Unfortunately, many don't give up. They simply die.

The difference between a National Park, and a National Monument

We arrived at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at around 10:30am. It was only a 45 minute drive south from the town of Ajo where we had spent the night before. We had purposely planned to arrive as early as possible to give us the most time to enjoy the area while we're paying for a campsite.

Our first stop was the Visitor's Center in order to find out what programs were included with our cost of admission, and to pick up a hiking map.

Enjoying Ajo, Arizona

As we drove into the town of Ajo, Arizona (pop 3,500) on the left hand side, Ruth spotted a Napa Auto Parts store that was also advertising "RV Supplies and Repair".

I had bought a new burner for our fridge, but when I went to replace it the other day I found that they had changed the design a little and I needed a different fitting on the flared gas line that attaches to the burner.

So I stopped in to see if they could adapt the line for me.

The package arrived!

Actually, it was there the entire time! The shipper had made an error, and had listed my name on the package instead of our friend Doug's name. So of course we're all looking for a package addressed to Doug, not me! When Doug went down to check on them, it was purely by chance that he noticed a package with the last name "Read" on it, and they realized it was mine.

So, that all came together, and it wasn't Amazon's fault, nor was it the fault of the USPS.

The missing package...

We had ordered two packages from Amazon. The orders were placed at exactly the same time, and with exactly the same delivery instructions. But, one was fulfilled directly through Amazon, and the other was coming from an independent supplier.

One package arrived on time. The other one hasn't arrived at all.

The Historic San Remo Hotel in San Francisco

We spent five fantastic days in San Francisco back at the beginning of November. Only a short while after that, our laptop gave up, and we thought we had lost all of those photos!

Fortunately, we now have those photos back, and so we're doing a couple of extra posts right now that we wanted to have a record of on the blog. And, we had promised to tell you about where we stayed and why, and so this post is to tell you about the historic San Remo Hotel.

A great birthday!

First of all, thanks for all the comments and birthday wishes yesterday. You've given us some great ideas of places to stop along the way over the next few weeks to make our Arizona trip all the better. We are especially looking forward to Canyon de Chelly, which we had never heard of before.

We'll probably get back on the road Tuesday!

Figuring an Arizona route...

We don't really need to have a plan, but we really should figure our approximate route of exploration over the next five weeks or so. After all, we came to Arizona to explore the state.

We sort of rushed our way from Nogales to Quartzsite in order to attend the "blogger-fest" on January 24th, and since then we've been doing some relaxing and visiting, and attending to some of Sherman's repairs and upgrades.

But we're already thinking about moving along, so we made a loose plan.