Leaving Palm Creek

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Within a few days, we will be concluding a two month stay at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona.

This is our third snowbird adventure, traveling in a 5^th wheel trailer to southern Arizona for the winter. Our homestead in Washington State recently has been hit with both a snow storm (3 feet), followed by an ice storm! How sweet is that?

During the past two months, we have enjoyed the hospitality of friends Dave and Mare in Chandler, Arizona who have had us to their home two times for smoked barbecue and fixings. Like me, Dave is a master chef with the Black Diamond dual chamber smoker; a fire box and a smoke chamber.

We drive up and stay at the Red Roof Inn because after a great meal and libation, I don’t like to drive at night on the Interstate. Shaddy is a welcome guest at the Red Roof which has become our pet friendly travel lodge of choice.

Last winter, we spent a month at Palm Creek. This winter, we are spending two months. Is there a trend here?

Last year, I “discovered” lawn bowling. This year, even my bride (TB for “trail boss”) has taken lessons and has been certified as a lawn bowler at the Palm Creek Lawn Bowling Club. She seems to have taken to it, and we both enjoy participating in the afternoon jitneys. I’m the proud possessor of four coveted championship crystal glasses, awarded for winning two games in an afternoon jitney. I’ve purchased a set of four bowls, and will take them home to practice with during the summer.

TB also is a member of the wood caring group at Palm Creek. She is what is called a chip carver. I’ve seen steady improvement in her craft, and think she is ready to teach the method to others.

In mid December, my daughter Elaine and her husband Jon-Marie visited us in Casa Grande for a few days. It was so nice to introduce them to our winter life style, and give them a tour of our 5^th wheel trailer. But they stayed at a resort hotel in the area. Our motto is, “cocktails for six, dinner for four, sleeps two!” Well, make that three, if you count our darling pup, Shaddy.

So far, this retirement life is not all that bad. Four months in southern Arizona, seven months at the homestead in Washing State, and an extra month for travel in the northwest.

I could easily full time, but get outvoted on the motion two to one. So, I’ll enjoy what time I get on the road. On February 1, we will hitch up and head east to Tucson where we will stay for two months at The Voyager RV Resort. TB’s sister and brother-in-law winter there. We will set up the 5^th wheel right behind their park model home. We did this for a month last winter, and had so much fun that we are going to stay for two months this year.

See you down the trail. Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of Palm Creek.

Paddy

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