Sunday, December 7, 2014 (Travel to Midland LTVA, Blythe, CA)

We had just finished hitching up and Steve was doing his final walk around when Alan and Cec came by to see us off. Thanks so much for all your hospitality, we really enjoyed our week spending time here with you. After big hugs and handshakes, we pulled out of the site (a lot easier getting out of than into!). We gave a short toot of the horn as we drove by Tim and Becky's place...bye! It was great meeting you both! It was just before 10:00 as we pulled out of Country Roads RV Village and made our way over to I-8 and headed west.

Museum of History in Granite...

About 15 miles later, we took the Ogilby Road Exit (S34), heading north...

There were a number of boondockers spread out in the desert...

 We met up with highway 78 and continued north...and went through a border patrol check.

Overall, the highway was in good condition...just a little like a roller-coaster...

These motorcycles had been following us for quite awhile, passing us when we pulled over for a break. They are now stopped at the rest stop next to Cibola National Wildlife Refuge...

After stopping at Miller Park in Blythe to fill our fresh water tank, we continued onto Midland LTVA (long term visitors area). As we pulled in, a couple in a side-by-side quad greeted us...it was Armand and Anne returning from a ride. They exchanged their Tracker for a side-by-side...nice. We continued on up the hill and pulled in across from Dennis and Charlene...they came over and welcomed us and after lots of chit-chat (along with Armand and Anne), we finally decided that we should decide on a spot and get set up. Knowing we like to be on the edge of a wash, Charlene and Dennis offered a spot beside them...thanks so much for sharing your space guys!

After we got everything all set up, Steve went up to tilt the solar panels...

...and then took pictures of our new spot...

In the distance is a truck and camper. This guy stays for months. When we were here last year his door was always shut and his blinds down. We never did see him outside. Don't know what he does all day cooped up inside...very strange.

View from our kitchen window...

We had just sat down to relax for a few minutes when the BLM Ranger came by to see if we had our LTVA permit...."not yet"...I guess we'd better walk down to the camp host and get it! So we put on our walking shoes and off we went. We purchased the season permit (September 15 to April 15) for $180.

On our way back, Steve took more pictures...we are just out of sight next to Dennis & Charlene...

This is Wolf and Marg's village. He has three trailers here complete with a workshop, a car, truck and a tracker.

We stopped for a short visit with them...

Once back at our rig, we went next door to visit Dennis and Charlene. We had a couple of drinks and chatted with them for about an hour and a half. It's good to see them again...we're looking forward to spending time with them over the next few days...our "annual visit"!