Critters in the compartment

I’ve heard lots of discussion of what works to keep mice, squirrels, etal. from invading the warmth and shelter of the engine compartment.   Moth balls work for some, coyote urine, Irish Spring soap bars … etc.  I can confirm that the little critters at Usery Regional Park are not repelled by soap bars!  The local guests and the host insist that rope lights will keep the pests away.

Started up Saturday AM to begin the trip home.  Made it about 12’ when I noticed there was diesel fuel spewing.  The dark spot in front of the rear tires show where I was parked and the mess under the front end how far I went.  And the cause was an obvious missing section of high-pressure tubing.


The use of some self-fusing silicon tape and a clamp slowed the gush to a trickle allowing the RV to be moved to a pull-thru site for pick up in a few days for repairs.

This tape is awesome, it will only stick to itself and is immune to chemicals of the fuel.  Moved about 25 yards to a site better situated for the tow truck.

Earnhardt Dodge in Gilbert was the only place on Saturday that could order a replacement part.  Coming in Tuesday from LA.  Tow truck scheduled.  They must sell a lot of Dodges this place is spotless!  Nothing in San Diego comes close.    Mark, the Sprinter service adviser, managed to schedule Rufus into the work flow of the day.  And Tuesday AM it’s ‘ Move’n Day’.  They did right by us and Mark was great with ensuring the transport went smooth.


That rear clamp on the elbow is really problematic, the tech did some disassemble to to reach it.  But still had us on the road in less than a couple hours.  Celebrate the freedom of the open road with another stop somewhere between No and Where, is Dateland and date shake.  The final night on the road was spent Casino Camping as guests of the Golden Acorn.


Sure it’s good to be home, but looking forward to the next trip – a short weekend along the Silver Strand.

Dolly Steamboat sunset ride

Many years ago the family enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Dolly when it was sailing on Lake Pleasant.  The boat now cruises on Canyon Lake along the Apache Trail (AZ-88).

There’s so much beauty winding thru the hills and canyons along this route, which is paved for a few miles east of Tortilla Flat where it becomes graded dirt up to Lake Roosevelt.  Having done the full drive a couple times before this trip was limited to a quick stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch and some sight seeing
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The dirt road begins about mile marker 220 with a nice view point at marker 222.



The Dolly looks much the same, but with a nice fresh coat of paint.


Canyon Lake offers more diverse geology and wildlife within its steep canyon walls.  Shortly after boarding, while still docked the first Big Horn Sheep was spotted directly across from where we sat. As the cruise progressed other groups were also seen

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A bald eagle has nested atop one of the spires along the route.  Takes a close look to see the white head, but the nest is pretty obvious.


The volcanic activity that formed much of this area left gas pockets that are now seen as hollows in the rock.  Another interesting item was the large number of petrified logs in the rock.  In this picture they are laying flat with their ends sticking out of the rock.


This was an evening cruise with the long shadows that go with the late afternoon.


Weaver’s Needle is an obvious landmark throughout the area.  The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to lay in the shadow of the Needle.  If only the day and time were also included in the rumor the mine not still be lost …


A nice look back at the Superstition Mountains in the alpine glow of sunset


A rainbow and low clouds greet the return to Usery.

A very nice day.

Spring Training–side tripping

Although the ball games are the reason to be here in March.  The traffic is heavier in March and everything is more crowded.  But that does not mean there’s no reason to do some other fun stuff.
The wildflowers are in bloom, there off-road trails, hikes abound.  The Dolly Steamboat has found a new home on Canyon Lake, which I’ll cover in a separate post.
Wildflowers this year:

Off-road in Bulldog Canyon:

The Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake will be up next.