Old Stuff & New Stuff

By the Never-Bored RVers

Today’s blog is a bit of follow-up to previous blogs, plus some personal stuff.

We have departed Death Valley National Park after about 10 wonderful days, having extended our stay for three days.  A reader responding to our article about Death Valley was amazed that we’ve had strong phone service.  Our AT&T signed on via “roaming.”  I know Verizon customers had service, but I don’t know if it was roaming.  I think service is available to all carriers.  When 49er Encampment Days were happening last week, there were a few thousand of us on phones and the net at the same time, which is probably why getting internet during peak hours was a problem. 

Also, Wednesday the main National Park Visitors Center closed for major renovation, a benefit of the Federal Government’s Stimulus Package.  The sign says it will reopen in 2012, so if you’re coming this way, look for the temporary Park Service office.

There were lots of comments to our article last week about tires, which goes to show how complex the subject is.  One point I thought was interesting was made by a few who mentioned how RV manufacturers set the tire pressure recommendation with ride comfort in mind.  It occurred to me that we have never ridden in our travel trailer when it was moving; nor have most 5^th wheelers.  Ride comfort is not always an issue in recreational vehicle traveling.

You may have read recently the suggestion about storing your water hose by screwing the two ends together to prevent dripping.  We do that, but we use our 10’ and 25’ water hoses often.  An old timer we met in our travels mentioned that if I don’t use the hose for a while, “Lord knows what kinda mold will build up in there.”  An interesting idea I thought I’d pass along.

Another recommendation received was about the hamburgers at the 19^th Hole snack bar at the Death Valley golf course.  After a local echoed that, we decided to try it.  The Mulligan Burger at $11.25 is actually worth the price.

And while talking about golf, this is the big one!!!  I am not what you would call an avid golfer, although I love the sport.  I am not what you would call a good golfer, since I usually play only once or twice a year.  HOWEVER, in February 2010, I played in Key West, Florida, on the Southernmost golf course in America.  I then played in the Yukon Territory at the Top of the World Golf Course in July, and it was high.  I played at the Northernmost Golf Course in the World in Fairbanks, Alaska, last August.  And last week I played in Death Valley at the Lowest Golf Course in the World, 214 feet below sea level. 

Creatures on the golf courses of North America: An Iguana in Key West, a Coyote in Death Valley, and Erv Attebury, left, and me at the Top of the World

You’re probably saying, “So what?”  Doesn’t matter, I have to brag to someone.

Another related topic.  While surrounded by thousands of RVers and resort visitors at the 49ers Encampment, neither Monique nor I can recall seeing anyone smoking a cigarette for the five-day event.

Next, Zen Among the Rocks.  I have taught Monique the value of getting up at 6 a.m., having coffee and getting out to hike the canyons or motor along scenic drives of Death Valley.  Rising early is the best way to take advantage of the diminishing hours of daylight.  Wednesday we arrived at Artists Palette, a series of rock formations bathed in pastel hues.  We were there too early for the sun to light up the stunning colors, so we waited … and waited … and waited.  I stood in one spot for over an hour with nothing to do but look at the same rocks.  It’s amazing how interesting that can be. 

A former associate of mine wrote about how, when he SCUBA dived, he could look at the sand and rocks underwater and not see anything moving, but the more he stared, the more he saw.  I recalled that and enjoyed the excitement of the rocks.  Oh, and author/radio personality Garrison Keillor made the same comments years ago when talking about focusing on one red brick in an old building facade.

And with that random thought off my chest, that’ll do it for this edition.

From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.