Tuesday 3rd October 2017
After a month away, it was wonderful to get back to my own home. I had forgotten how much I hate jet lag. It took us a week to get back on a regular sleep cycle. I guess the old age thing is settling in.
We have come back to Oregon on fire. There are wildfires all over the state. We woke up one morning to a very smoky sky. It stayed that way for the next three weeks.
Everything was covered with a coat of ash from the Eagle Creek fire in the Columbia Gorge. Both Dean and I managed to pick up a hacking cough from all the smoke. Most of the time we stayed indoors with all windows closed and the air conditioner running.
One highlight was spending a day with Dax and Monique.
We also did some shopping. Now that’s a bottle of beer!
After a quick visit with family and friends in southern Oregon we moved south to California to escape the smoke.
The deepest Borax mine in the world is in Boron. Back in the day it took 20 mules 20 days to haul 20 tons of borax from Death Valley across the desert to the nearest railroad junction.
Now they use trucks so large to excavate the mineral they need this size tire. Our camper is in the background.
It’s amazing all the uses this mineral is put to. Everything from glass to fertilizer. I use it in the washing machine and also in our holding tanks.
Our last stop before heading to Phoenix Arizona was to visit our youngest lad. Jay just moved to Riverside, California. It will take a bit of adjusting from rainy green Seattle to the desert, but a nice warm sunny winter will help.
Jay gave us a paddle board lesson.
Of course Dean was a lot more agile than me. Jays dog Maya really enjoys the ride.
On to Phoenix.
THE BUS STOPS HERE 
You two are incredible!
You are so sweet Maxine.
When I die I want to come back as one of you. My motto has always been “do it now” and you guys are experts. When will you be in Gold Canyon?
You cute teddy bear. We will be in the park next door for the month of December.
OH MY, Can I come along?…..Have a great season in AZ…. Miss it yet…..Love your posts
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It is pretty toasty right now with high 90’s. Hope you are all settled into to your new place. We will be sure to stop and visit next year as we pass through Oregon.
HI guys! I finally got your blog! Glad you got to see the boys! Where are you headed now? Coming thru Texas???? Love to see you again! Sounds like you are having fun, as you should!
Good to hear from you Linda. We have just arrived in Phoenix Arizona and will be here till Jan. Then heading back to southern California for the rest of the winter. Would love to see you guys also. Head west…
Glad you made it home safely! Dean we are shrinking, Dax looked a foot taller than you, Good genes from both sides. You need to buy one of those boards with a mast, less work! Talk to you both soon.
You have got the shrinking part right Melvin. We like your idea about the mast.
As always another interesting travel log. Just keep it coming. If winter is in California then Florida will be sometime in 2018.
We have just arrived in Phoenix. It’s inin the high 90’s. Yikes. Hopefully cooling off soon.
Good to hear your back! Great pictures! Everyone looks great! Would love to give those boys a hug!! Keep the good. Wes coming! Love your travel logs!!
Thanks Merlene. Pretty toasty here in Phoenix right now. Just got out of the pool. Dean is doing some laps with his mask and snorkel.
Oops! I meant keep the GOOD NEWS COMING!!