Park Sierra

As we promised, here are some pictures of the park. There is our site,spacious and shady.Each site has an 8'X12' shed that,when you are a member,It's yours to use.
The park is heavily wooded in oak trees,and beautifully landscaped. They have areas they themed in the "Old West" like the stage coach/covered wagon area(look closely on the stage,you can see a tv antenna and roof vent on the roof).this is a picnic area.The little waterfall area is close to the clubhouse and has a bench to rest and meditate about your losses in the stock market! But thats another story.
There is a picture of the spacious clubhouse.It has everything in it.Library,workout area,craft room,computer room,pool tables,card room up in the mezzanine area. My favorite is the big kitchen. Not that I cook but the gals always have cookies baked fresh for the hard working volunteers every day.yum yum!
It is a great place,and the hard working people
here at the park are the greatest.If your up this way,stop in.
Well I'm back volunteering today after a nice weekend of just enjoying our surroundings. Jeni is still doing Physical therapy for her knee. We have decided to take the workamping job here at the park. The Mgr.John has to go to the board here to get approval which could take another week.
Hopefully everything will go well and we'll have our fall/winter "workamper job and not have to drive to get there!
Volunteering here is great,but you have to know the "pecking order"The guys here are great,but you know the ones you like to work with and the ones you stay clear of. Most of the guys are "laid back" and think it should not be a job but "fun".There are a few that bring back my work days of "the foreman from hell!" Bossy,load,and obnoxious! I just stay clear of them.But all in all it's a great experience.
Wednesday we are headed to Sacramento for a meeting and getting the air conditioner in the car fixed. finally!Remember in an earlier post I told of it going out and the mechanic in Riverside wanting $2700 to fix it.Well my son in law has a friend that will do it for around $800.Thanks Dustin!We will probably be down there until Sunday,but maybe we will be driving back to the park in an air conditioned car.
One couple that live in the park,just got back from a trip to Florida. They were saying how mild the weather was in the south.I got to thinking that as hot as it has been in the west this summer,maybe the U.S. weather is changing in all areas because of "global warming".Hey, As long as we don't get tornado's,the Midwest doesn't get earthquakes,the north doesn't get hurricanes,and the south doesn't get early snowstorms,I can live with it!

volunteering again

I have been volunteering mornings from 8am til noon.I just show up at the "pole barn" which is the maint. shop at "park Sierra", and they assign you a task and pair you up with another volunteer. the tasks I've done so far range from, cleaning and servicing the coolers on the roof of the clubhouse,flushing the fire hydrants and fire line, trimming brush and trees and feeding it into the "chipper", changing "street light"bulbs from a bucket of the tractor,.and of course a 30 min. break in the clubhouse for coffee and cookies.(my favorite task). I have met a lot of nice people in the short time we have been here. That's how this park works, the volunteers keep the costs low by doing as much as they can "in house". Jeni and I aren't members yet,but we are experiencing everything we can to make sure this is for us. So far we are impressed.
Thursday morning when I showed up to the "pole barn",the park mgr. asked to see me after lunch,he offered Jeni and I a "workamper" job to help around the park. This way we can stay 6 months rent free and still get a feel for the place.We are leaning toward doing it.They are also looking for another couple to do the same thing.The job is advertised in "workamper"Magazine in the Sept./Oct. issue.If anyone might be interested!
Jeni and I headed into Fresno this morning to get groceries and supplies. Fresno is about 35 miles south of the park. There is also a casino just a mile from the park. It's called "Chuchankis Gold". It has a resort hotel, a "killer" buffet, and lots of other eateries.It even has weekend entertainment. Also there is" Yosemite" just 25 miles east of the park.We will wait until fall to run up there when the crowds are gone.
Jeni found a place just up the road to continue her Physical Therapy for her knee.She continues her battle to get the knee well enough to resume her normal duties.
We have been so busy this week we still haven't been able to get pictures of the park up on the blog yet,but tomorrow we promised ourselves we would take some pictures.
I have been summoned for jury duty Aug. 17th in Sacramento.I'm not looking forward to it but It is one of our rights as an American citizen and I should be proud they picked me.I guess!
This last winter we volunteered in the desert for San Diego county and we really enjoyed it.It keeps us active and in touch socially. We missed that this summer while in Riverside.Now that were volunteering again here at the park, we realize this is one of the things we love about the lifestyle we have chosen.

A family weekend

Different location, still hot! Saturday we headed down to or should I say up to Sacramento for the weekend. It was hot! We stayed at our Daughter Jackie's house as her husband was out "wheelin" as they call it . Thats when you put all this money into your truck and in a weekend you destroy it. And you start over again with the money and the destruction! Anyway, we also brought our Granddaughter back to her mother (our daughter Katie) and got a very nice surprise, Jeni and I are going to be Grandparents again for the 5th time! We are so exited for Kate and Alyx as she will have a little brother or sister. The picture is Katie and daughter Alyx. Don't they look like sisters.
As I have said before, Katie is a single mother. And has done an excellent job of raising Alyx. When the going got tough ,she always found a way to see things through. We are very proud of her.
With the temperature above 100 degrees all weekend,we stayed in and visited, and played cards.
Now it's no fun playing cards with just two people, so "ole" Phil was asked by his daughter and wife to join them! Yea, like I'm going to say no. That would be a fate worse than death! We played a game called "hand and foot", a little like "canasta" but much harder in my opinion. I really "suck" at this game. I have only won when I have played with partners, never on my own! This game has got my number! Maybe Jackie and Jeni will give me a brake and let me win? Not!
After a break in the action Sunday, I took my grandson DJ down to the park for a little "Grandpa"time. Ever since he was real little, when Jeni and I were in town, I would always take him to the park to swing. He is the coolest little guy. Jackie and Dustin have done a great job with him.He has Jackie"s mild mannerisms and level head and Dustins mechanical abilities.
Back before I retired, I worked for this "rough and tumble" Co., A construction Co.in Sacramento Jackie went to work for them right before I retired. She had answered an ad on the Internet for a job from them and I was unaware of it. At first I was worried for her, you need "thick skin" when you work for const. outfit usually, but she was a true professional. She did her job and rose above all the company politics. It must have been a tough assignment for her to follow in the "ole mans footsteps" but she made me proud!
Well Jeni and I said our goodbyes and headed back to Park Sierra.It is about a 4 hr. drive and with no AC. yet, it was a hot ride!
Yesterday and today we did some spring cleaning,grocery shopping,laundry,and enjoying the park. We went over to the Casino for breakfast this morning as it is only a mile away.then it was back to the park and more chores.
It was great to see our daughters this weekend,as it has been a while since we last visited with them. A family weekend!

At Park Sierra

We got on the road at 9:30am . I had to take Dan (my son) some gas this morning. He ran out while dropping Alyx off to us.I was going to use the old"hey these things won't run without gas!"line ,but he felt bad enough.
We had a smooth ride and the weather was warm but nice. Jeni drove the first leg. We took the 215 north to the 15 then took the 395 north. we then caught the 58 west to Bakersfield and transitioned on to the 99 north. We go this way because we hate driving over the "grapevine"We stopped for gas and lunch at the "flying J" truck stop then I took the wheel for the run to Fresno catching the 41 north to Park Sierra.
You know, every time I take the wheel, my "crew"goes to sleep! Whats up with that! Is my driving that boring! Come on!
We pulled in to Park Sierra at 3:30pm. The nice folks set us up with a nice shady site and we got all settled in for a month or two stay here. I will get more pictures of the place to put on the blog so you can get a feel of how great this place is. And did I tell you,it is only 25 miles from Yosemite Natl. park!
I think I mentioned that were going to Sacramento tomorrow to drop Alyx off and see our Daughters Jackie,and Katie. Also a little guy that's

exited that were coming.Our Grandson DJ.
He is 3 yrs. old. Last year I taught DJ how to drive. Oh yea, he's definitely the"MAN". According to Jackie, he now drives "monster trucks!" Were so proud of him.......OK,their only toy trucks, but some day he will be handling the "big rigs!"

Wrapping up in Riverside

Jeni and I are getting things ready to go for "get away day " tomorrow. We are finally leaving Riverside for our future home park, "Park Sierra" in Coarsegold Ca. It is about 35 miles north of Fresno just off Hwy. 41. Once we get in ,we are taking our Granddaughter Alyx home to Sacramento Saturday morning. We are going to stay over at our Daughter Jackie's house.

Alyx has been staying over at her uncle Dans house the last couple of days. I think she needed a break from Grandpa & Grandma after the trip! Dan's buddy has 3 daughters about Alyx's age so they have all been going bowling , and to the movies. Dan is dropping her off tomorrow morning, so we get another quiet night again! YEA!

As always, when you leave you always have to say goodbye to friends and relatives. Jeni's last day at therapy was today and she said goodbye to the people who have helped her through her knee surgery, also the wonderful people we have met here at the park while we have been here. And our son Dan and our grandsons Aiden and Nevin. We will remember the great times we have had with them and we will see them again soon. I added a couple of pictures of Aiden and Alyx together last week and Nevin to let them know how special they are to us. We will always be back to Riverside.

When we are at "Park Sierra", we will be going up to Sacramento from time to

time as with Dr. appointments,getting the car repaired, and Jury Duty, yes, Jury Duty.I have to report Monday August 17th, we will be "burning" up Hwy-99!

Our Daughter Jackie called today to check on us and let us know she stocked up on "goodies" for our card games when we get to Sacramento. Jeni talked with our 3 year old grandson DJ, and he is excited that Grandpa & Grandma are coming to visit him. It's been awhile since we have seen them.

We will also get to see Katie our youngest daughter(Alyxs mom). It will be great to see them all!

The park here at "Treelake Village" is tight for getting your rig in and out of the sites, when we came in 3 months ago, there wasn't anyone in the site across the street from us so when I came in I used the empty site to swing in to ours , but there has been a" fifth wheel" parked there now with his awning out and a big "dually"truck on the street. I told Jeni the other day that we might have a problem getting outta here! I even stepped off the distance I need and I won't be able to make the turn out of the site without hitting his awning and truck.Well, luck is with us, they moved to another site today so the site is now empty again. We should be able to get out ok. Good thing, as the guy that was in the site was BIG!!

Viva Ventura

Well we are back from our trip. Jeni, Alyx,and I

had a great time.
We headed out Sunday for Ventura Ca. Had dinner at the harbor and hit the motel as we had to catch the boat early Monday morning for the Channel Islands. We boarded and were treated to calm seas and a pleasant trip.

We saw sea lions, schools of dolphins, and the biggest thrill of all, two rare blue whales about fifty yards from our boat. These whales summer in this area and winter in Costa Rica in South America. The boat trip is about three hours. We first

stopped at Santa Cruz Island.Then we headed to our destination Santa Rosa Island.

The pier at Santa Rosa was damaged so they had to shuttle us to land by these little speed boats. It's called a "wet " landing.

On the island you can go kayaking, hike the many trails, swim, or just lay on the pearl white sandy beaches. Jeni and Alyx chose the beach.Me, I went on a Ranger led hike. We hiked about three miles up to the top of the island where us hikers were treated to a beautiful view of the ocean and the surrounding islands. There used to be a ranch on the island that raised cattle and sheep and I asked the Ranger why anyone would raise livestock on this island? He said" no predators."No mountain lions,coyotes,bears, and no rustlers! Makes sense I guess. Anyway, I hiked a little more at ease!

Well before we knew it, we were headed back to Ventura harbor. The captain stopped on the way back to take us to a place called " smugglers cove". There is a cave they call the "painted cove" We were amazed as he drove our 65 ft. boat about 150 to 200 ft. inside the cave! It was something right out of "pirates of the Caribbean" Assume!

We got back to the harbor at 6 p.m. tired but happy as we had a great day at sea.
Tuesday morning we slept in but when we woke it was time to pack up and head for "Hollywood" as Alyx has always wanted to see "tinsel town". We headed south on the 101 then got on the 405 and exited on Wilshire Blvd. We picked up the Sunset Strip and headed into "Beverly hills". We picked up one of those "map of the stars" and toured the mansions of the stars. Then we went to Rodeo drive where the elite shop! Hey, my mama didn't raise no fool we only drove through Rodeo we didn't stop! As we left I thought I heard my wallet say,"THANK YOU!"

We cruised the Sunset Strip watching the "Beautiful people" on the street. You know you can't say you have really been to Hollywood unless you get a picture of the "Hollywood sign" Right? Well you can get a picture but you can't get very close but if you look at the picture of Alyx, you can see it in the background. Doesn't she look like a movie star! I think so!

Well we left LA. and took the 10 east to riverside and home Tuesday evening. We had a great time. Alyx is going to ride in the RV down to "Park Sierra" with us on Friday then we will take her home to Sacramento Saturday and see our Sacramento family there.

as I lay in bed tonight I will think, "It takes awhile for an adventure to start but, it's gone in a blink of an eye but the memories last a lifetime". Viva Ventura!

Budget Buster!

"If you bring it up, it will happen!" Sure enough in my last post I talked about maintenance on our tow car and the "Biggie",well, it hit us Friday, the air conditioning went out and it was 100 degrees. I took the car(Pic of our tow car in better days!) in to get an estimate and get it fixed hopefully but it was not to be. They wanted $2800! Were going to have to shop around, because that's a "budget buster" for us. Also my brother Larry was coming in from Phoenix for a visit but broke down in Quartzite. Our son Dan had to go get him as I was having the car checked out when he called. This weekend isn't off to a great start so far and we still have to get all the family to dinner and a ball game tonight! We called our son in law Dustin in Sacramento, he is a mechanic. He is going to try and locate the part up there and get it installed for us when we get up to Sac. In the meantime we have "460 air conditioning"- 4 windows down, 60MPH.

We made it to dinner with the family in Lake Elsinore at a great Mexican food restaurant, "Don Joses". My brothers Larry and Gary, Martha, my uncle Frank, my cousin Sherry, son Dan, Alyx, Jeni, and I all "chowed down", then it was over to the ball park and" game time". It's minor league baseball but it's inexpensive and entertaining.

Saturday Jeni, I and Alyx went over to Dans house as Larry is staying with Dan while he is in town, which could be another 2 or 3 days until his car is fixed. Larry also brought along his dog Bambi. Dans dog Gigi and Bambi are getting along great as they have become pals. Dan had his son Aiden this weekend so we all got to enjoy him and Alyx kept him busy playing video games with him. Friday or Saturday night has always been Historically "pizza night" for the Doran clan so we kept the tradition alive and ordered 3 large pizzas. At 8pm Jeni and I were"toast", so we let Alyx spend the night as her and Aiden were playing and having fun and we headed home.

Jeni and I have moved up our traveling schedule and are going to leave Riverside next Friday for Park Sierra resort. We also canceled Alyx's flight home and she will head out with us. When we get settled at Park Sierra, we will drive her to Sacramento. cause we have to go to Sacramento anyway.

Hearing from all our fellow RVers about their travels this summer has energized us to get back on the road and do what we love, Travel! We have been kinda tied down in Riverside for a few months now so new sites, sounds, and company will be a welcome change.

Sunday, Monday , and Tuesday Jeni, Alyx, and I are headed on a mini "road trip" to Ventura to tour the Channel Islands and on the way back stop to see " Hollywood." When Jeni and I were visiting Ventura earlier this year we promised ourselves we would be back to take the tour so "here we go." One thing Alyx wanted while she was in LA, was to see Hollywood and the Stars so with a little luck we might see some.