Jodee
10/03/2011, Columbus, NM

Today Russ is checking out the Thing to find out what was wrong. He thinks he has an idea. He calls the dealer and they give him the phone number for TJ Sports in El Paso. Russ talks to Chad and they discuss what is wrong. Now back to the dealer to have warranty parts sent.

In about 3-4 days the parts came. Russ installed them and we are back in business.

Ride number two was just out of town on dirt roads heading east towards El Paso. Found a little spot to check out the climbing abilities but the ground was too soft. Back on the dirt road and headed back home. Yes you guessed it. It just flat out died about four blocks from home. I called dad to bring rope so we can tow it. Yes Russ was in the thing and dad and I were in the car. We get it back home and push it under the awning.

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Jodee
10/02/2011, Columbus, NM

We took the "Thing" out of the bed of the truck for a ride. Tres Hermanas is the destination. We loaded up the fur buts and a 6 pack cooler with snacks and drinks for us and the dogs and off we go. Everything was going good up until it died. Yes, it died. Russ check it out and it would not start. Now it is about a four mile walk out with dogs in tow. Taco does great in the sun and loved the walk. Lucy on the other hand does not do well in the sun. You can tell how she is doing by watching her tail. Yes that's righ her tail. She starts out with the tail straight up and then it slowly lowers until it is completly down. When it gets to about half mast I pick her up. We are constantly giving her water. Give her water and her tail goes straight up and is good for another 10 minutes or less. This is how it went for four miles. It is a good thing I had my cell phone. When I had signal I called Mom and dad to come to pick us up. The four mile hike out was to where mom and dad was to pick us up. Then is was about another 10 minute ride back to the trailer to pick up the truck. It is also a good thing that we had a GPS to mark the location of the "thing".

We jump into the truck and drive to the "Thing" and hook up a bridle to tow the thing home. I drove the truck and Russ was in the thing. In order to stay off the main road and not get a ticket for towing without a hitch we went through hill and dale and even had to use the 4 wheel drive. It took a long time to get her home but we made it.

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Jodee
10/01/2011, Duchesne, Ut

It is now time to head south for the winter, just like the birds. Indian Canyon is beautiful this time of year with all it's fall colors. Our destinationis Columbus, NM.

We left right between weather fronts and had a clear trip down. From Utah we went through southern Colorado and made a few hour stop at Mesa Verde. Drove through the morefield campground and then the rest of the park. On our way out we stopped at the Village store just to see what was going on.

We spoke to Carolyn and asked how does one become a camp host here? Carolyn gave us all the information and the phone number to speak to the manager Susan. We called Susan and she was excited that we wanted to work there. Susan said to enjoy the holiday's and she would call us after the New Year.

So we left Mesa Verde and made our way to Columbus, NM. Arrival date was October 4th and we started volunteering the next day. Our days to work are Monday - Wednesday leaving the other four days to explore.

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Jodee
09/25/2011, Utah

Today we left Liz & Bert's house to hit the trail. We started on a paved road that turned into a dirt road and then a dirt trail and up a steep rocky river wash. When we turned the corner and saw this Russ and I looked at each other and said "Oh S___ what a maden voyage this will be". Here we go. Russ is at the helm. We were in low gear and crawled our way up. There were a few times I thought we would have to get out and lift one end over a rock. Luckly we did not have to do that. This little gocart was amazing. When we got to the top there was Liz & Bert waiting and wondering if we would make it, (they have a Polaris RZR). The "Thing" did great.

We took a break to let things cool off before hitting the trail. Only Liz and Bert know what lies ahead.

On the trail we head through the trees that lead to magnificant views. We stop by the side of the road to have a snack and marvel in our trip so far. Liz and Bert are alot faster than we are so they get there first, good thing since they are the cruise directors on this trip.

The next thing we know is we are at the top of a 10,000 foot high mountain where you could the back side of a mountain hill with snow still on it. There were two places we could see this. That's pretty amazing since it is late summer.

So far we are pretty impressed with the "Thing (hammerhead". We then head back down the way we came. At one point we had to stop to let the breaks cool. Going down, lets you know how steep going up was and we did not even notice it.

The most interesting ride negotiation was the steep rocky wash. All in all the Thing did great and did not skip a beat. Now we think it is broken in.

Back to the house to have Margarita's and dinner and discuss the good times.

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Jodee, COLD
09/24/2011, Columbus New mexico

Since our last blog a lot has happened. In October 2010 Russ had hip replacement and one week after his surgery I had emergency Gallbladder removeal. After recouping from that we left Duchesne Ut and headed south. Our time was spent in Sierra Vista Arizona and surrounding area. The only thing it is missing is the color green.

We headed back home in June and spent the summer following up with health. All is good in the health area.

As you know "Smoke - N - Blues" has been up for sale. While we were waiting for a buyer we were busy with starting the next chapter in our life.

First the toyota camery wagon needed work and the cost was more than the cars was worth. So we decided that we would trade the car for a truck. We purchased a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. Then we went out to look for a bumper pull trailer. We found the trailer and sold the Motorhome to purchase the 29' 2009 Keystone Mountaineer trailer. It had been used three times. What a find. Nice little appartment. We also purchased a gocart "Hammerhead" toy.

Now it is time to head south. We ended up in Columbus, NM volunteering for the Columbus Historical Society. We have been here since Oct. 4th.

We headed south to leave the cold and snow in Utah. What a joke. We have learned that its not how far south you go, it's the elevation that maters. Columbus, NM is at 4000 feet. We are 3 miles from the mexico border. We have had freezing temperatures and even snow twice. Next year we will head to lower elevation.

We have friends that have Rzr side-by-side OHV (off highway vechiles). We got bit when we meet them at Coral Pink Sand Dunes last year. Since we could not afford the Rzr we purchased the Hammerhead. The first short trip was with our good friends Liz & Bert up in Providence Utah. We drove out their driveway and down the street to the trail. Up the trail a short ways and took a break. Then it did not start. Bert and Russ figured it out and to work they went. They bypassed the celinoid and then it started and back to the house we went. Russ went and purchased a new fuse housing and we are back in business.

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Jode
03/11/2011, Sierra Vista, AZ

Greeting to all. Sorry it has been so long since the last blog. We are still hanging out in Sierra Vista. The house sitting ended early. Since then we have gone down to the boat twice to off load it and list it with San Carlos Yacht Sales. Since then we have gotten in contact with Russ's aunt and cousin, both live in southern Airzona. Since we have been in the RV we have replaced all the tires and heater, installed 98% UV snap on shades, made a covers for our port a boat dinghy, seats and transom.

Today we headed up to Coronado Monument Cave. It was a 500 foot climb in 3/4 of a mile. The cave is 600 feet long. You have to climb down into the cave. Russ went in first while I watched the dogs and then I went in. It was a steep climb down in. Photos to come.

Russ has fully recovered from his hip replacement and I from my gall bladder removal. He still has some VA appointment that keep us here until the end of the month. Then we shall see what New Mexico has to offer.

Back In The USA

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