Thursday, March 29, 2018

To TT or Not To TT

It's not what you think.  TT is not a quick roadside stop.  TT is Thousand Trails Membership RV Park.  I tend to stay there a lot, but not in Southern California.  When I discovered it was directly across the freeway from my all time favorite quilt store Monicas, I made the reservation.

Quartzsite was surprisingly cool last night and even colder in the morning.  I'm not sure what happened but I was very appreciative.  I waited around as long as I could before taking off and going all of one quarter mile to fuel up.  It may take longer at this Arco station, but the desk clerk is very easy on the eyes.  Yup ... a hunk!!  Fuel was $2.89 a gallon.

After giving directions to a lost little old lady trying to get to Yuma (who probably felt ok to ask another old lady), I was off and running.  California here I come ... if reluctantly.

The border crossing - inspection station did it's usual wave on through.  Do they ever stop anyone or ask about agriculture products?
This was my only quick view of the Colorado River.  I think there's an RV park around here somewhere that I would like to spend some time at. 
So back to Thousand Trails ... I happened to read on Facebook (Thousand Trails, the Really Good and the Really Bad) that it was a dustbowl and NOT a good place to stay.  Dan said it was definitely a parking challenge with all the palm trees.  The fact that it's free on my membership does carry some weight.  

Halfway to Indio, I chickened out and called the Elks Lodge.  Come on in said Carol ... we've missed you.  It happens they also host at the Florence Oregon Elks Lodge where I stay every summer.  I decided asphalt trumped dirt and sand, not to mention a drive-through space versus backing up between the palm trees.  So here I am at the Elks Lodge.
I was immediately off to the fabric store, but stopped in at Thousand Trails to cancel my reservation.  Good grief ... it was exactly as they had stated.  All back-in sites, they were all covered with banks of sand and dirt.  The landscaping had all died and what little grass there was needed to be mowed.  What a mess.  Apparently they blame it all on the drought.

I smiled as I drove out, thinking I had made a good decision.  Time for the fabric store!!  This place is amazing and Monica herself was there today.  I thanked her profusely for keeping the store stocked full of everything imaginable as I handed over my credit card.
I always tell them NOT to tell me the amount.  I would rather be surprised later when the bill comes.  Boy have I been surprised in the past!!!  While standing at the counter, I spotted this magnetic pincushion, one I've been looking for for quite some time.  I threw it on the pile.  SCORE!!!
Since becoming familiar with Nutrisystem, their serving sizes and what you eat, I stopped in at Ralphs grocery store to see if I could find something acceptable.  Lobster bisque can't be fattening, right?  I grabbed a chunk of meatloaf and some broccoli salad.  I was being SO good until I got to the checkout stand.

Why do they keep this stuff there?  Ever heard of this one?  Hershey's GOLD?  Well let me tell you, it's probably one of the best candy bars I've ever eaten.  It tasted like caramel with crushed pretzels.  I'm ashamed to say I ate the entire thing in about two minutes!!!
Back at the rig I watered the puppies and tried to keep Jessie out of trouble with the big dog next door, chained to the undercarriage of their trailer.  I hate it when people do that because I rarely see them before Jessie does.  She is getting better ... well not really .... I'M getting better at catching and changing her direction of intent.

This morning I'll head off once again for the big town of Bakersfield.  I've hit a window of opportunity between wind, rain and sunshine and I'm taking advantage.  Happy Trails ......

BTW ... for you mechanically minded men out there ... my water pump works great when I turn on the bathroom faucet.  The kitchen faucet has hardly any water pressure at all, nor does the toilet.  When I flush it, hardly any water comes out.  Any guess on what the problem is and how to fix it???  I appreciate any help I can get!!



14 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good travel day, have never stay at that TT park did not like it either, We had a couple CTC parks in Desert Hot springs that we liked.
    Good choice to stay at the Elks.
    Can't help you with the water problem without investigating further, sounds strange. Maybe need a new water pump?

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    1. I think you may be right ... a new water pump ... but it will have to wait since there's no one in my area who works on this stuff.

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  2. sounds like you followed advice and avoided a not so good spot at TT. Elks Lodge works well and you're on asphalt. :)
    Glad you got to your fabric store and that chocolate bar sounds yummy. That is why they put them there for those of us with NO will power! I almost bought a Dark chocolate Kit Kat at Grove, Ok. They were sitting right beside the debit machine. I avoided but I'll try them if I ever see them again.

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    1. Bill would need to investigate more too. Odd that the faucet in the bathroom is good but the toilet isn't. Weird.

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    2. The location at TT Desert Palms really is a good one, although right next to the freeway. They seem to be working on it, so maybe it will improve. For a big rig, it's a challenge.

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  3. Nest time you go to Harbor Freight you can by a magnetic dish for your pins. A lot less than one that says "pincushion".

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    1. Well for crying out loud! I didn't know Harbor Freight had those. I'll get one for sure! Thanks Jan!!

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  4. Don't know if this helps or not with water issue: https://www.smithsrvcentre.com/page/how-to-troubleshoot-the-water-pump Is your water tank low on water or full? If low, that could be the issue, fill it up and see if that helps. This guy here (https://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/rv_water_pumps/) seems to answer problems with water pumps, you might pose the question to him after you are sure your water tank is full and it still happens. Good luck...

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    1. Soon as I get home, I'll read up on it Dave. Thank you. I'm thinking I probably need a new pump.

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  6. Do you have a valve that isolates all the water fixtures somewhere in your baggage bay if you do make sure they're open

    On the bathroom toilet is is there a shut off valve on the floor ( or cabinet )next to the unit is that open all the way

    At the end of the Faucet neck there is a screw in fine mesh screen
    Unscrew it and take it off and turn the faucet on if you get good flow the screen probably has grit in it ,,, you can take it apart piece by piece like a puzzle wash it and reassemble,, screw it back on. The faucet

    If a pack rat chewed on your plastic hose your water pump would run all the time so you can aluminate that part

    We stayed at that same TT campground 4 years ago sounds like it hasn't changed at all The only good thing was the pool after dun down

    I know it's not on your way but if you ever get up to Vertie Valley ( East of Cottonwood ) there is a TT campground up there,, really nice

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    1. I've checked everything you mentioned .. no solution yet.

      I think they are working on that park, so it may be better next year. It's a pretty tight park for big rigs.

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  7. I’m one of those that really liked TT Palm Springs.

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    1. I knew you did Betty ... you've mentioned it several times how great a time you had there. It's gone downhill pretty bad, but I think they are working on it. I saw a truck dumping rock. It's a great location, but those trees make it hard for a girl to park!!

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