Author: mchazen

The last few days Jeanne still didn’t feel well and we stayed close to the coach.  Our most important outing was a trip to Walmart for food and Borders to update the computers.  Bottom line; we really didn’t do very much.

The weather turned cool and the wind steadily blew for the last two days.  The wind made it feel colder than it really was and spending a lot of time outside was not an option.  It finally sunk in that we moved north sooner than we should have, but we’re paid up here for two more weeks so we’ll tough it out.

I tried to find a local Geocache.  The location was right, but it was hidden in an area that was landscaped with the kind of round rocks you would find in a riverbed.  After turning over rocks for 30 minutes, I gave up.  I’ll try another location later in the week.

The inside of the coach has several overhead storage compartments.  The doors to some of these are hinged with a clever spring loaded device that keeps the door up and out of the way when opened.  The hinges on one of these compartments (the one with all the snack foods I’m sorry to say) broke when a  pop-rivet at a pivot point wore out.  We drew a blank trying to find the hinges locally so we called Monaco for replacements.  It was hard describing the hinges over the phone and I ended up e-mailing pictures.  We should receive replacements in a few days; hopefully the new hinges will include a feature to keep the snack compartment locked!

Picture of broken hinge.

Alternate view of broken hinge.

When we first arrived the nightly lows were in the 20s and we were afraid the hose would freeze if we hooked up to city water.  The solution was to fill the fresh water tank and use the pump, which is really a hassle since you have to switch the pump on and off every time you use water.  Considering that much of the world doesn’t even have running water, this is not a big thing.  But it is an annoyance.  Eventually the weather warmed and we hooked up to city water.

The point of the water story is living in the coach has given us an appreciation of the convenience of city utilities.  Turn the knob and the stove lights, push the handle and the toilet flushes, flip the switch and the lights come on.  Don’t think about how much gas, water and electricity you use, just pay the bill at the end of the month.  Living in the coach has made us keenly aware of these basic utilities.  In fact, I can probably tell you how much water, propane and electricity we use on a monthly basis.  After 52 years of living in a post-industrial economy and taking these things for granted, it is a wake-up call.  Think about it next time you shower with unlimited hot water and don’t have to worry about dumping the gray water tank.

Hopefully, Jeanne will be feeling better soon and I’ll have something more interesting to write about.

We woke to blue skies and it would stay sunny all day long.

Jeanne saw there was an RV show at the Hilton Hotel in Reno, so wanting to take advantage of the day, off we went to see the RVs.  By Los Angeles standards the show wasn’t much, but we did stroll around for a while and saw the inside of some rigs we were wondering about.  The more we look, the more we like the rig we have.

Around noon, driven by hunger, we had hamburgers and onion rings at the Johnny Rockets inside the Hilton.  This was way more calories and saturated fat than either of us needed, but it was sure good.  I’ll be thinking about the hamburger next time I’m sweating it out on the treadmill.

What a strange life we have.  There we were sitting next to the sports book at the Reno Hilton having Johnny Rockets burgers on a Thursday afternoon.  This lifestyle might not last forever, but we plan to enjoy it while it does.

It has been about 15 months since I left the workplace and I still think about work often.  What triggered it this time was an e-mail from a former coworker letting me know his job was outsourced; all the workplace angst came flooding back.  On reflection, I formed some lasting friendships with coworkers and I was lucky enough (except for one brief period working in Florida) to have bosses that were bright, talented, honest and self-assured.  But the dark side of the ledger includes a frustrating array of pointless meetings, vaguely defined assignments, shifting deadlines, unaccountable senior management and a few coworkers I absolutely couldn’t stand being around.  I can only hope that the disliked few felt the same way about me.

So, what did I get out of it besides a semi-monthly direct deposit and pattern baldness?  Maybe the reward is cynicism and mistrust.  Maybe the reward is satisfaction of accomplishment.  Maybe the reward is knowing you had a positive impact on a few lives.  Maybe I should stop looking for the meaning of life and do something useful, like flush the black tank.

Returning to the coach in the late afternoon, we spent the rest of the day reading and watching TV.

Jeanne thinks she caught the flu I had a few days ago, we’ll see how she feels in the morning.

For once we caught a break and had a cool, overcast morning for our workout.  Taking advantage of it, I ran a little longer than usual.

After cleaning up, we spent a quiet morning at the coach having a leisurely breakfast followed by preparations for tomorrow’s departure.  This was a nice place to stay, but we were ready to move on.

Around 2:30, we headed for Marble Falls to update the computers, do a little shopping at Walmart and have a ‘Birthday Dinner’ at Russo’s, one of the better restaurants in town.  We also took a little side trip to Kingsland, which is one of the towns along a string of lakes in the area.  A little background: a string of lakes were formed when the Army Corps of Engineers built a series of dams along the Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the one separating California and Arizona).  The lakes aren’t big, but they are picturesque when set against the oak-covered rolling hills in the region.  Marble Falls and Kingsland are two of the towns bordering these lakes.  Anyway, Kingsland looked like just one more small town in central Texas.  Running short on time, we didn’t stop to explore.

We had an outstanding Italian meal at Russo’s while we enjoyed a view of Marble Falls and the surrounding area.  It was all very memorable and romantic.

Returning to the coach, it was still light enough to do some last-minute chores, which included hooking the Jeep to the tow bar.  We got to bed early in anticipation of a long travel day.

The last few days we experienced snow, rain, wind and sun.

As expected, Easter Sunday was a very quiet day that we spent reading and watching movies.  Monday and Tuesday were a rain and snow mix and we hid out at the coach.  It wasn’t the rain and snow as much as the howling wind that kept us inside.  Even in our relatively sheltered spot, the wind was rocking our 29,000 pound coach for two days.  We did venture out to run a few errands, but quickly returned to the coach.

We did make it to the gym a couple of times and we seem to be acclimating to the altitude.  Nine months ago we were running at near sea-level in the sweltering Florida heat and humidity.  Now we can watch snow flurries while running on a treadmill at 5,000 feet.  We never know what the conditions will be and I’m surprised we’ve kept with the program.

I seem to have recovered from the flu, or whatever it was.  Mercifully it passed quickly.

On one side-trip in town we visited the Nugget Casino in Carson City.  After a buffet lunch, which was surprisingly good, we viewed their collection of rare gold.  The collection includes unusual examples of leaf gold, ribbon gold, wire gold, thread gold and crystallized gold.  It also includes samples of smooth gold, more commonly known as nuggets or placer gold.  It is a very interesting display and is easily accessible at the front of the casino.  It is worth seeing if you are ever in Carson City, Nevada.

Today the skies were clear and we decided to drive up to Lake Tahoe.  We had been there almost seven years ago and were curious to see if the place had changed much.  From Carson City, it is about a 25 mile drive, straight up.  Once we passed 6,000 feet there was still snow on the ground and in the trees, but the roads were clear and dry.

A thru-the-windshield shot of highway 50 on the way up to Lake Tahoe. View of the east slope of the Sierras in the distance.

Approaching Lake Tahoe with lots of snow still on the ground.

View of snow-covered mountains across Lake Tahoe.

Marty with Lake Tahoe in the distance.

Another view of the lake.

Marty with ski-snowman at South Lake Tahoe.

We visited the area at the south end of the lake and it was much as we remembered it.  It seems a combination of real estate prices and land use restrictions has kept development under control.  Lake Tahoe is really a pretty place and the snow on the surrounding mountains made the views just that more spectacular.  We did take some pictures, but they don’t do justice to the real thing.

Many years ago we were staying at Caesars Tahoe on a company-sponsored vacation when we got snowed in.  All the roads in and out of the area were closed and we were stuck there for three extra days.  Eventually we drove the 25 miles down to Carson City with chains on the truck (we had the pickup then).  Looking back, I suppose Caesars Tahoe was not a bad place to be stuck.

Today, we walked around the area crossing back and forth between Nevada and California.  We did a little window-shopping and dropped $14 playing video-poker.  Near the Heavenly ski lift, we sat on a bench, took in the warmth of the sun and watched the skiers awkwardly clump by with all their gear.  It was better than people watching at a sidewalk cafe in Paris.  Eventually hunger forced us into the nearest Baja Fresh for Mexican food, which we hadn’t had in a long time.  Around 3:00 we headed back to Carson City.

After a dinner of leftovers, we watched the movie Cast Away before going to bed.  All in all, it was a good day.

We finally caught a break in the weather and the morning sun rapidly warmed things up.

Eventually we made our way to the gym, but somehow I just didn’t feel right.  The weights and Pilates left me gasping for air and feeling like a lump of Jell-O.  There was no way I was getting on the treadmill.  Wouldn’t you know it, the first time we land in a place where we have to spend time indoors, I get the flu.  We cut it short, showered and headed for the coach stopping for something to eat along the way.

With regard to eating places, you never know what you will get when on the road.  It was already close to 11:00 AM and we wanted to stop for brunch since neither of us wanted to bother with cooking at the coach.  Nothing fancy, just your basic ham-n-eggs.  Our usual tactic of looking for the local place with a parking lot full of pickup trucks hasn’t failed us yet.  This time it did.  The place was crowded but the meal was underwhelming.  Really, it was downright disappointing.  I guess you really can screw up breakfast.

We wanted to salvage something of the day so before returning to the coach we cruised one of the local neighborhoods that overlooked the town and the Sierras.  The properties certainly had a commanding view of the area and I can see why people like it here.

We returned to the coach to hole up for the rest of the day.  I slept, read and watched TV while Jeanne worked on a wedding gift for her sister.  That evening we watched a DVD before falling asleep.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Well, it didn’t snow but it sure got cold.  The last few days have been overcast with rain and snow showers.  One evening we came out of Walmart and got pelted with large flakes of wet snow.  Yesterday it finally cleared up and as soon as the sun went down it got extremely cold.  The heater kept coming on and a check of the outside temperature showed it was somewhere close to 22 degrees.  Yikes!  Thankfully the basement heater came on and kept the water lines from freezing.  The morning sun directly hit the front window and the coach mercifully warmed up.  According to the weather reports, this should be the last of the really cold weather for a while.

Yesterday we drove north to check out the Reno/Sparks area.  We were in Reno about 20 years ago and expected to see something close to what we remembered.  It wasn’t even close.  It was development run wild and we were astounded at the thousands of homes, offices and shopping centers built around the area.  Now we know where all the people from California ended up!  The area isn’t for us and was somewhat of a disappointment.

We also took a drive south to the towns of Minden and Gardnerville, both of which somewhat retained their rural feel.  Driving around the area we stumbled onto the fairgrounds, shooting range, dump and animal shelter.  This is useful information; if we ever settle here we can buy livestock, shoot, take out the trash and adopt a pet.  Life can be good.

We’re getting a feel for the region.  Generally, the area includes a series of valleys along the base of the eastern slope of the Sierras.  With the weather coming from the west, the valleys are sheltered.  In fact, they are surprisingly dry.  Almost every day we can see it is snowing in the mountains, but it rarely spills over here.  I can see why people like it here. 

Our workouts have gotten easier as we adjust to the altitude.  Running on a treadmill is boring and I hope the weather will clear so we can run outside in the afternoon.  At least the gym offers unlimited hot water for showers.

One evening, not wanting to cook, we decided to try a local casino for dinner.  Years ago I played a computer game named Leisure Suit Larry, where an thoroughly obnoxious character wearing a leisure suit navigates through a smoke-glass-and-chrome furnished resort trying to curry favor with the scantily clad ladies.  The tacky interior decor of the Fandango Casino in Carson City reminded us of the game.  Clean, but tacky.  There had to be some sort of connection, it was just too close to be a coincidence.  Anyway, there was nothing memorable about the meal.

As usual, we’re learning our way around and getting comfortable with the community.  On one of our trips of discovery, Jeanne spotted a sign that directed us to a trap range.  It really was a nice range, but an industrial park has completely surrounded it.  The neighbors are nervous and the city wants the land.  At least the city is willing to relocate the range.  If this was in California the range wouldn’t have a chance.

We plan to do more sightseeing over the coming weeks, including an overnight trip to Winnemucca.  We have no idea what is there, but it will be interesting to find out.  Of course we’ll take a day trip to Lake Tahoe, weather permitting.

We woke to cloudy skies.  After a quick cup of coffee, we headed for the gym.  Most of the snow was gone and the roads were dry.

Our second workout here was a LOT easier; we must be getting used to the altitude.  I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes and could have gone longer, but why push it?  Jeanne also had an easier time of it.

Picture of Nevada Fitness, the gym we joined for the duration of our stay in Carson City.

Cheyne, the Assistant Manager at Nevada Fitness in Carson City, Nevada.

We spent most of the day at the coach.  In the ‘Just When You Think You’re Free They Pull You Back In’ department, I found myself preparing financial statement for the hunting and fishing club we belong to in California.  In a moment of extreme disorientation I agreed to do the CHFC books remotely.  Last year, another member (Sal) was taking care of the accounting and I spent most of today familiarizing myself with the ‘handoff’ of the books.  Sal did a good job and there were only a few issues to address.  I should have this whipped into shape by March close.  It has been over a year since I did any serious accounting and it’s strange how the skill quickly returns.

In the early evening we updated the computers, had some dinner and returned to the coach for a quiet evening watching rented movies.

I wonder if it will snow again tonight?

We woke to a winter wonderland.  There was already three inches of snow on the ground and it was still coming down.  Good thing we topped off the propane tank before leaving Las Vegas!

Later in the morning we dressed warmly and ventured out into six inches of powdery snow on the ground.  We walked around, took some pictures, marveled at the sights and returned to the warmth of the coach.  We were surprised at how quickly the snow melted and by afternoon we ventured out again to return a video, update the computers and make a Walmart run.

Jeanne in front of Jeep and Coach after a night of snow in Carson City, Nevada.

Marty in Winter Wonderland in Carson City, Navada.

See if you can find Marty in this picture. Hint: he is wearing is camo jacket.

Our stay here is a test of sorts.  Both of us have grown up in the mild Southern California climate and this is a test to see if we enjoy living in a place where it occasionally snows.  So far, so good.  We may not settle here, but at least we know living in this climate isn’t bad.

This was the first snow for the coach and everything was fine.  The furnace kept us warm and the coach seems well insulated.  Since it freezes at night, I filled the fresh water and disconnected the hose.  The coach is equipped with a basement heater that keeps the water system from freezing.  I have no idea if it came on or not, but at least we had running water in the morning.

We kept indoors the rest of the day reading and watching TV.  We look forward to our second workout tomorrow morning.

As usual, the first order of business was finding out where everything is: Walmart Supercenter, gas station, post office, Borders, Starbucks, Blockbuster Video, laundromat, etc.  In short order we learned our way around.

The weather is forecast to be ugly the next week, so we decided to find a gym for our workouts.  After a little searching on the internet, we found about six gyms close by and decided to do a little comparative shopping.  We settled on a place called Nevada Fitness, which is a local business with three locations.  The assistant manager, Cheyne, is a very personable guy who talked with us for a while.  We decided to join for a month.  The facility is relatively new and well kept.

We were not used to the elevation and our first workout was a killer.  In Las Vegas, I continuously ran for 40 minutes, but here I could only muster ten minutes on the treadmill.  Jeanne was smart enough to keep it to a fast walk.  We had similar experiences at elevation in New Mexico.  I suppose this is the get-used-to-it-day.  For the curious, the coach is at 4,800 feet.

We cruised around Carson City to get a feel for the neighborhoods.  It is certainly a nice town located in a beautiful spot and handy to a lot of things.  There is lot of history here.  Carson City is also the Nevada state capitol.  There is a lot of development here and the area is growing.  We were a little surprised at the real estate prices, but on reflection it is awfully close to California.  We plan to look around in earnest.

The town is located at the foothills of the Sierras just below Lake Tahoe.  Looking at a map, we are about where the west border of Nevada bends.  You can clearly see snow on the mountains to the west, and patches of snow on the rest of the hills surrounding the town.  Today, it was obviously snowing just a few miles away.

With snow in the forecast, we will probably hole up for a day or two.  After stocking up on food and videos, we headed for the coach.

We woke early to overcast skies and calm conditions.  After a quick breakfast hit the road.  Our destination was Fallon, Nevada, but if conditions were favorable we would go all the way to Carson City.

Once again, the drive was along a well maintained highway with panoramic views of snowcapped mountains.  The heavy weather had smothered the Sierras with snow and the view was spectacular.

On our way through the small town of Hawthorne, Nevada we fueled the coach — it would be the only place to buy clean diesel for a while and we were down to half a tank.

Just outside of Hawthorne, a pickup towing a trailer was poking along the highway at 45 miles per hour with a long string of vehicles piled up behind.  The road is lightly traveled and passing is usually not a problem, but at this time the terrain was somewhat hilly and passing could be tricky.  Eventually we got past him.  Jeanne reported the guy driving was older than dirt and leaning into the steering wheel to get a better view of the road.  It reminded us of a Florida experience.

When we moved to Florida, I got there first and Jeanne followed a few months later.  When we went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get Jeanne her Florida driver license, we got into a conversation with a guy that was 96.  Amazingly, he just received a five year license, which was probably a ‘lifetime’ license in his case.  He said his home state, Ohio, had declined to issue him a license.  Knowing we were sharing the highway with this guy was not reassuring.

Crossing over a 6,000 foot pass and dropping into Fallon, the winds started to howl.  Dust, tumbleweeds and Walmart bags started blowing across the highway.  A light rain turned the dust on the windshield to mud.  It was only noon and we didn’t want to camp in a wind-tunnel, so we kept going.  As we approached Carson City, the winds abated somewhat.  We fueled the coach again before arriving at the RV park.

We’re camped at the south end of town near the intersection of Highways 95 and 50.  You can clearly see snow on the east slope of the Sierras.  Setting up was a challenge since our spot is not quite level, but after a few tries we finally got it right.

We were tired and didn’t want to cook.  For the first time in a long time we had a burger at In-N-Out, which was a real treat.  The rest of the evening was quietly spent watching Death Wish II on TV.