2/16/2020. Sunday Morning

The resort we are in this year is a “55 and up” very active community.  The only day without more things to do than time is today which is a Sunday.  Today we decided to rest so I am sitting under the outside awning in shorts and T-Shirt in 65 degree sunny weather with zero humidity.  

Now even though we are resting today, I will be going to the gym later on, there is a night run of the model railroad beginning at 6:00 PM and competitive ping-pong from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.  The model railroad that the club set-up in the corner of a parking lot is huge.  I can’t believe the money and time these Men and Ladies have spent on this set-up.  I am looking forward to it.

The Campground schedule keeps Sandy and I hopping Monday - Saturday at a minimum of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Some days until 9:00 PM.  If we want some variety we can go outside the park to hike, ATV, visit friends, look at model homes, or a number of other things.

In addition we have Aunts (Moreland’s), Cousins (Thompson’s & Moreland’s)and friends (Weissman’s) in the local area.  We have had a GREAT time sharing lunches, dinners, hiking, shopping, and good conversation with them

Soon we will be moving on to our next adventure in Tuscon, Arizona.

2/16/2020. Car Show at Campground

The resort we are staying at in Mesa Arizona has 1800 sites which equates to 3600 people.  Being this big there are a number of clubs which include a sports car club.  Last week they sponsored a car show in the campground.  I was impressed at the variety of cars that showed up for the show in of all places a campground.  Attached are some of the pictures:

2/9/2020 Phoenix Arizona

I have been delaying any additional entrees into the blog trying to allow ourselves time to get use to this very new environment.  I have never been to Phoenix before and it is much different than what we are used to in Ohio.  I will say that it has grown on us and is in consideration for future visits.

A summary:

• (During winter season). Weather is generally in the 60s and 70s during the day with the sun being hot.  If you step out of the sun into the shade the temp seems like it drops an instant 10 degrees.  Evenings are cold in the 40s.  It is sunny 92.2% of daylight hours throughout the year
• Very little humidity which is strange.  When you exercise you work up very little sweat.  If you do sweat it drys out very quickly.  This also leads to dry skin (especially hands and lips)
• Housing is mostly Adobe style (stucco with yellow or brown paint).  Cost of housing is very similar to that of Florida ($300k to $500k).  Small footprint of property with the backyard surrounded by cement block fence.  They use Astro turf for grass in many of the developments
• Geography:  It is desert with Mountains all around with huge cactus (or is it cacti?)
• Road system:  City roads (at least in Mesa) are on a square grid.  Highways roads are numerous and very well laid out.  It is very easy to get around with the exception of rush hour
• Airport:  Easy to access with numerous flights in & out.
• Things to do are numerous:
• UTV rental and ride into the mountains and desert
• Numerous good restaurants
• Numerous hiking trails
• Numerous Model Homes to explore
• Shopping galore
• Paddle Boat tours
• Mountains to climb
• Car shows
• Casinos
• We are staying in Valle Del Oro Camp Resort.  It is a 55 and over very active community with:
• Pickle Ball
• RC Car Racing
• RC Plane Flying
• Workout Center
• Lap Pool
• Regular swimming pool
• Billiards Hall
• Wood Shop
• Lead Glass shop
• Pottery
• Etc, Etc, Etc...
• No lack of things to do here
• A group in the Resort voluntarily go out into the city and pick fresh oranges, grapefruit, and lemons.  They then bring the fruit back to the resort and leave them in boxes throughout the resort for all to take for free.  Yum
• Concerts
• Taco Salad Day
• Steak and Bar-b-que Rib dinners

Attached are some pictures of our visit to date: