Countryside RV Resort

We arrived here in Apache Junction, Arizona, on January 24 for 3 nights to visit our relatives that we had lost contact with for many years.  While this is more like a mobile home park; (at least 50% of units are permanent park model units) it has to be one of the friendliest parks we have ever visited.  From the check in to parking our rig in our spot, everyone waved and made us feel very welcome.  We simply used this as a home base and did not use any of the facilities.  That said, there was a pool, exercise area, clubhouse which had meals and music at least one night we were here.  There are all kinds of activities here as well and the park was very clean.    The only gripe I had with this park is all the trash dumpsters were located at the far side of the park (a good 10 minute walk each way), and our site #190 was encroached by a permanent shed on this lot.  Also, entering this park from the 60 freeway is a very tight fit; I clipped the curb with my toed vehicle.  It was relative level, however I did use my jacks and full hookups including 50 AMP service.  Internet was available for an additional fee and I had good cell phone and satellite reception.  This is an Encore park and I paid $20 per night which included an extra fee for our dog, Buddy.  I rate this park M****.  This park is located at the beginning of the Apache Trail which we dedicated one day to cruise on up to Tortilla Flats, a separate post.

Apache trail & Tortilla Flat

We were camping at the base of the Apache Trail, route 88 in Arizona.  We took Buddy for a day trip to Tortilla Flats.  Buddy took a much needed swim in Canyon Lake.  This road is filled with turns and switchbacks which was very suitable to all the motorcycles traveling along this route.  We only averaged about 20 - 25 MPH on this road with much traffic. 
After stopping a Canyon Lake, our next stop was Tortilla Flat.  There was a restaurant and bar here along with a few shops selling ice cream, candy, and assorted gifts.  There was a live two piece band playing outdoors and they seemed to be entertaining the crowd.  We toured a small school house that served 12 students back in it's day.  The bar had horse saddles as seats at the bar and the whole inside of the building was covered in $1 bills, like wall paper. 
I decided to return toward base camp as fuel was low and we got a late start.  We toured Goldfield Ghost Town on the way back.  When we arrived, there was a recreational gunfight going on and the gun blasts were too much for Buddy.  I kept my distance while Aggie toured the shops.  There was a bar with live music playing and several shops.  Ice cream seemed to be a hit as many people were walking around with a cone. 
There are many other attractions along this route including Superstition Mountain Museum, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Dutchman's Hideout at the Mining Camp Restaurant which was quite busy with cars parking along the street. 
This is an interesting ride along the desert landscape and you need more than one day to enjoy it all.

2014 Quartsite Monaco IRV2 Rally

We enjoyed another 6 days with our IRV2 family on January 18 for six nights.  I heard we had up to 35 coaches when we left and they come from as far as Denmark.  The weather was spectacular this year;  70's daytime, 40's at night, and calm winds.  Mike (Drifter) adjusted several coach doors again this year and barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers for the crowd one day and he made sure the camp fire was well supplied with wood each night.  He also is the person who organizes the rally.  Thanks Mike. 
This year I purchased the Rand McNally RVND7720 GPS.  It seems to work just fine for the first three addresses I programed into the unit.  It keeps telling me I am speeding - I guess I had better turn that feature OFF.  Check out my previous rating of this campsite on my June 2010 post. 

Catalina Spa & RV Resort

We arrived here on November 14, 2013, for 2 nights.  This park is located in Desert Hot Springs, Ca.  We normally do not use the swimming pools or spa's at campgrounds, but we made an exception here as the pools and spa's are heated by mineral hot springs.  This park mandates a $5 surcharge for 30 amp electric or $7 surcharge for 50 amp service.  The use of generators are prohibited in this park and this surcharge increases campsite fees by 50% to70% per night with my RPI membership.  The 30 amp sites are quite small and barely fit my forty foot motorhome in the space.  It was not wide enough to pull my toed into either, so I parked halfway into the street somewhat blocking traffic.  It was not too busy and management did not bother me about parking in the street.  Since this was winter, I did not need 50 amp service.  Since this is the desert, camping here May through October will require air conditioning and 50 amp service.  I like the fact that all sites were first come first served and you can pick out whatever spot you like rather than being assigned.  The fenced dog run was closed for at least one month because the dogs killed the grass.  While the fella at the front gate was very helpful, I could not say that for the people inside the office.  Two women and one man completely ignored me for 5 minutes  while I stood waiting to pay their fees once I found our site.  I paid $15 per night and rate this park M**. 

Woods Valley Kampground

We arrived here on December 31, 2013 for three nights to celebrate new years with our friends Grant and Kathy Stephens.  We actually camped here about 25 years ago with this same couple along with their 4 children and our 2 boys.  We have celebrated together as long as I can remember, the only difference these days is we call it a night at 9:00 PM instead of midnight and the kids are grown.  This campground is located about 8 miles north of Escondito, Ca.  Our site was relatively level, but I did use my jacks; and equipped with 30 amp electric and water.  A dump station was available near the swimming pool, however, you had to back into it and it was a little tight for my 40 footer.  Verizon cell phone was intermittant and I was unable to find a satellite signal and their cable TV was disconnected as rodents ate the wires and the RV parked elected to discontinue service.  If you like camping in a federal park that has electric, water, interior dirt roads and dirt sites, this is your place.  That said, this is a very nice park nestled in the oak and pine trees and the manager is quite friendly and checked on us on occation to see if we needed anything.  All sites had a sturdy picnic table on their site and the manager delivered a fire pit upon request.  We paid $16.50 per night through our RCI membership and they also accept Passport America at the same rate.  I rate this park P***. 

We were treated to warm weather in the mid 70's daytime and down to the 40's at night.  Listened to coyote's howling while we sat around the campfire at night.  We chowed down on shrimp, lobster, steak, prime rib, crab, mussels, clam chowder, and sushi; at the Valley View Casino located only 2 miles from this campground.   After signing up for their players card, they provide this buffet for free.   Life does not get better than that!

Golden Shores RV Resort

On September 29 we arrived here in Long Beach, Ca. for two nights specifically to visit the Queen Mary.  The sites are a little tight, but are level and have full hookups including 50 amp electric, sewer, and water.  The utilities were very convenient and close for hooking up water, sewer, and electric without adding any extensions.  A little traffic noise from the highway as this is located at the end of the 710 freeway and it seemed that most residents in the park were month to month occupants.  We paid $50 per night with Good Sam discount which is in line with surrounding area parks.  There was a fenced dog run 30 X 60 feet, pool, spa, clubhouse, and grocery store.  They also maintain the landscaping and grass in excellent condition.  I rate this park P****. 

This park is located directly in downtown Long Beach on the water and within walking distance to many restaurants, the Pike, and shops.  There is also a FREE bus service which arrives every 15 minutes just outside the park and takes you all around Long Beach including the Queen Mary.  I am not very fond of public transportation, but the price was right, convenient and it saved us $15 parking fee at the Queen Mary. 

The city of Long Beach purchased the Queen Mary in 1967 and has several different tours available on board.  There is also a separate tour of a Russian submarine.  Aggie was interested in the ghost tour, as this ship has had sightings in the past.  The ship operates like a hotel; they rent rooms and do catering for seminars and weddings.  I feel that the tours are way too pricey at about $29.95 per person. 

We did treat ourselves to a great clambake at Gladstone's 4 Fish.  It included a 1.5 pound Maine lobster, 2 king crab legs, shrimp, steamed little neck clams, corn on the cob, boiled potatoes, and a fresh loaf of bread.  It was cooked to perfection, and there was plenty for us to share.  We had great service and had a view of the water. 

Avila Beach

What a way to close out this trip.  We pulled into this parking area at 2:30 PM and was lucky to get one of the last 2 waterfront sites.  All sites are first come first served with the exception of special events.  The views of the beach and harbor are awesome.  You notice that I did not call this a campground, as it is more like paying for a parking space.  There are full hookup sites across the street, however.  We paid $40 per night

 for dry camping, no water, no electric, no sewer, no table, no fire pit.  Basically, the Port San Luis Harbor District which operates this park charges this fee for parking off the city street.  The full hookup sites go for $60.  There are pay showers near the pier and you can buy water and you may use the dump station with reservation for an additional $20.  That said, I rate this park P****. (location, location,location)

There are seafood restaurants and markets on the pier within a short walk and Buddy enjoyed a long 25 minute swim in the ocean.  He darn near got caught up in the seaweed chasing a duck.  I thought he would never come back to shore.  This is a protected area and the waves are small, but we can hear them crashing upon the shore.  It was very breezy when we arrived, but has calmed down this evening.  We will drive a few miles south into Pismo Beach tomorrow and sample some more seafood.