The Big RV Rally and We Made It

So here's the deal: Don't know how but we made it to Albuquerque yesterday. After our wonderful experience in Chowchilla, we roared through valleys and mountains and fields and rocks and the ugliest desert I've ever seen only to arrive in Flagstaff, AZ and stay in what will be the highest spot we EVER land in. The campground was at over 7,000 feet and it was on, like, the side of the Grand Canyon State Park. Now that may sound nifty and I'm sure it's 'pleasant' in the summer, but it SNOWED. Yeah, snowed and was 23 degrees the morning we left. I STILL don't have enough warm clothes. Cori had to 'hold it' for about 12 hours because we KNEW there were varmints that would eat us all out there after dark. The only good thing was a Cracker Barrel (none in CA or OR) not too far away for breakfast and, let's face it, I WAS NOT fixing breakfast while we listed south on the side of a hill at 23 degrees.

At least there's interesting rock formations in NM. Crossing the desert in AZ, even the Painted Desert (I saw some red rock/clay stuff that looked like it was shipped in from Alabama) was awful. The cactus didn't even look like it wanted to be there. And now I understand why the Native Americans wanted to scalp the white eyes. Historical bi-note: "Here you go Indians, take all the desert you want in AZ and have some in NM too. We love you guys and you'll sure be happy out there. Let us know when you want to build the casinos in retaliation."

Anyway. We arrived at the big 3,000+ person "Rally" yesterday and found where we were to park at the mega big 'balloon take off place.' It was cold and overcast but we were happy to get here and begin 'roughing' it. That means we only have 30 amp instead of 50 amp electric service (lots of microwave/heat issues with that) and no water or sewer. So, we're in this big parking lot with about 100 other biggie RVs and we're thinking, "Hey this is OK. No problem." Then, last night at about 7 p.m. we headed to the major league big tent for the Friday entertainment and we got to the top of the hill going down from our parking lot and we looked out over about 2,000 RVs of all shapes and sizes. Holy crud, what a sight. Pics don't do the sight justice. We were glad to be up on the hill in our little ol' non-crowded lot until we had to walk back UP the hill from the tent. At this altitude I need MANY more Jazzercise sessions. At least we were both still partially breathing when we arrived in the pouring rain and 34 degrees.

The entertainment, now don't laugh, was Neil Sedaka. Heck, Neal was singing 'Sweet Sixteen' when I was a tyke in the 50s so he's a bit on the older side but he was so good. He started writing songs at 13 years old and continued on through the years. His music is great and very gentle. It was fun AND we sang along.

Although I haven't mentioned it, Don's 2nd oldest brother, Stan, was diagnosed about a month ago with cancer. It has progressed with absolutely incredible speed and he is back in the hospital for perhaps the 4th time and it does not look good. Don flew to Chicago this morning and older brother Chuck and his wife, Betty, drove up from Bloomington, IN. We are all waiting and praying for the results of today's MRI on his spine and brain. So, I am 'Rallying' by myself and waiting for Don's return on Monday.

And here I am, just finished wolfing down PF Chang's garlic chicken and waiting for tonight's biggie show in the biggie tent with Rita Coolidge. Just so you don't think the excitement ends tonight, tomorrow evening is 'The Osmonds' (Wayne, Jay and Jimmy) and 'Papa Doo Run Run' on Monday night. Throw in some really great restaurants that I HAVE to go to because I can't use water or fill up the holding tanks, and there you have it from Albuquerque.