Travels – Toucanrv

Rosedown Plantation

Rosedown Plantation (circa 1835)

It was late January, when we detoured off the interstate to explore some regional history, and go visit a southern plantation.

Along “River Road”, a term referring to the great Mississippi River, is the small town of St. Francisville, Louisiana in West Feliciana parish.

Many plantations existed within proximity to the River, as a means of transporting crops and other merchantable goods. Goods sold down River in New Orleans usually meant the seller returned home with a pocket full of “Dixies” – the local bank note issued by the Citizens’ Bank of Louisiana. Dix being the French word for ten, hence a $10 dix. This note is one of the multiple theories on why the south is referred to as Dixieland.

Rosedown spanned upward to 3,455 acres at the height of it most productive years before the civil war, primarily planted in cotton, and had about 28 acres of formal gardens.

The plantation had as many as 450 slaves that were responsible for the construction of the main house, outbuildings, gardens and overall operations.

Driving down the country lane you start to feel embraced by the Spanish moss and white rail fencing, that leads to a formal gate and inner drive leading to the front of the main house.

We explored the gardens, while waiting for the tour to begin, and can imagine the extent of labor required to build and care for every square inch of the gardens.

The grounds include statues, fountains, greenhouses, root cellars, formal hedges and several seating areas to enjoy plants when in bloom. Only a few azaleas and camellia bushes were in bloom in late January, but the many paths to wander the grounds were impressive.

Glazed wallpaper panels and painted floors adorn the foyer.

The workmanship of this period was exquisite, especially the hand-turned mahogany banister. The remarkable condition of the property is in part attributable to 10-year renovation by a subsequent owner, but also the Cypress wood used in construction that was cut from nearby swamps, as it is known for its longevity.

Every bedroom displays elaborate quilts, ornate furniture and incomparable wood work and moulding.

The bedrooms originally had hand-hewn wood floors, covered in a woven fiber, kind of like a rush wall-to-wall mat.

Square Grand piano keys were less likely to stick based on the horizontal string and hammer arrangement.

The piano was in the music room – a small room that seated the family and was a good choice of instrument based on the room size. We were very impressed with the knowledge of our guide, and lucky to enjoy her sharing a piece on the square grand piano.

Incredible to imagine the full-course meals churned from this hearth.

A Punkah (shoo-fly) hangs above the dining room table and operated by servants using ropes.

The tour was both fun and educational.

For more virtual travels, you may visit the following sites while you enjoy staying at home during these unusual times.

https://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/River-Road-plantations

http://stfrancisville.us/16-monthly-articles/96-st-francisville-s-rosedown-plantation-state-historic-site-story-of-survival

Lake Mead and Valley of Fire

We were lucky to get into a decent spot midday on a Friday at Boulder Beach CG in Lake Mead NP. Then with some early morning scouting, we were able to switch to a lake view site.

A day trip has taken us to explore the Valley of Fire State Park.

A early morning drive was quiet and watching the hills change color made the ride enjoyable.

We stopped at one of the many waysides, and found Rogers Hot Spring along our trip. The water looked inviting, although there are some inherent risks with Amoeba organisms in these natural springs. I wondered about the palms,as we always see palms at hot springs. But the information sign indicates plant life is often introduced over time by human and animal traffic.

Both the journey and destination was a delight. We visited many of the key features in the State park, although my desire to seek out the canyon-like passages on the Prospect Trail turned out to be more challenging to hike down to than I anticipated.

I traversed down the first quarter of mile or so, to see there had actually been a film set created there in 1965. I am not sure if they had horses on location for that scene, but I decided that was a good turning point for me today.

There was so much to see at the Valley of Fire SP, and was glad we had the time to spend a morning out amongst all the wonderful rock formations, on a mild day.

A few glimpes of Valley of Fire State Park.

The CCC built these structures decades ago.

One of many unique features in the Park.

We look forward to visiting the Hoover Dam and the historic features in the area.

Winter LTVA

Years ago we stopped at the official center of the world in Felicity, CA. Little did we know that we would be spending a long stretch of the winter months in the BLM Long Term Visitors Area across the highway.

There are seven different areas in southwest AZ and neighboring CA where one can stay from September 15 through April 15. We previously stayed at the La Posa LTVA in Quartzsite on a two-week permit (after the winter gem and RV show).

This year we are still thinking about whether we want to get into the flux of half a million people in Quartzsite. From what I understand, there are good deals to be had on goods and services.

Our original plans were to stay at the Imperial Dam LTVA, but the rough paved highway (thru miles of farmland) was pretty slow going. It is 40 minutes to Yuma and we had no cell coverage at that place. It was good to check it out in the van instead of taking the motorhome up there.

On the way to the Imperial Dam we stop at the Imperial Date Farm. I didn’t know it, but apparently I like dates – first time trying them.

Fabulously fresh Medjool dates. We will be going back to get more.

The benefit would have been the RV dump and fresh water fill on site. Staying at Pilot Knob costs a bit more, having to pay extra for dump and water nearby, but the trade-off is the convenience to Yuma.

And… to Los Algodones. We made an initial trip across the border to buy medications. The hawkers were ready to guide us to optical and dental services. We passed on that, not needing those services.

Well…, a week later one of my fillings fell out and now I had the need for a dentist. I tried to do research and based on other reviews by others, I went to a larger group and feel I found a dentist that did not cause any pain during the process of getting a crown. Now I just need to follow up to see if I can request this specific dentist for a future visit.

It’s funny how you think all is well on the health and medical side, until these expenses pop up. Fortunately, we try to stay within our budget.

Pilot Knob has worked out to be pretty nice; once you get used to the trains at night. Ellie has so much fun being able to play off leash and run in an area outside the LTVA boundary line where people go to hike the hill.

As for the humans, we are getting our fill of reading and cooking.

Recent culinary creations – Sonoran hot dogs, persimmon tart, mashed potato biscuits, quiche, pulled pork and tomalito (yumm!)

As a special treat, I was able to find spice jars that allowed me to organize my spices. Now I have three dedicated places to find one of the 30 or more spices we carry in the pantry.

Our new 4 oz spice jars with shakers and lids.

2018 was a wonderful year for us, full of happiness and good health.

We wish the best for you in this new year!

Tucson and Green Valley

We arrived in Tucson to find a local vet to get Ellie’s heartworm renewal, revisit Tucson and explore the Green Valley area.

There are multiple casinos in town and found one in particular allowing RVs to stay overnight.

Not all casinos are alike with regard to perks to new club members or overnight options. Desert Diamond is the exception.

We received dining rewards for new member sign up and took advantage of the 2 for 1 lunch and dinner options.

In the Tucson location, there is a beautiful rotunda displaying heritage pieces from the Tohono O’odham Nation. The craftsmanship on the handwoven baskets is exquisite. (Sorry – no pictures allowed). If you are ever in Tucson I highly recommend seeing this display.

The Sahuarita location is a smaller place, more relaxed and not overcrowded. The exterior facade is unique with an outdoor rotunda centered upon cascading waterfountains and nature displays of the Tohono O’odham lands.

Both places were built with a high sense of design.

We explored the various retirement communities of Green Valley. There are all types of communites from ranging from golf courseand gated to low key abodes. We spent some time researching the area online this past winter, but in-person exploration of neighborhoods provides a better understanding of the area.

It is perfect weather at the moment; well past the triple digits of summer. One neat place to escape the summer heat is a trip to Madera Canyon and hiking trails in the Santa Rita Mountains just a short drive from town. The Coronado National Forest also is a well-known place for bird watching, picnicing and has accomodations – B&Bs and a campground (suitable for tiny RVs and tents.)

As the weather cools we will be heading west. See ya!!

Snake River Scenes

As we leave the Idaho Falls area, we take a break to let Ginger roll in the grass along the Snake River. What a beautiful area this is with groves of Cottonwoods below.

We are headed to Wyoming. See you there!

Idaho Potato Museum

I could not pass up visiting the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho since we are in the state known for Idaho potatoes. Actually, the variety is Burbank Russet.

I entered the museum expecting to learn more about the favorite source of potato chips, and left knowing a ton more.

I always thought of potatoes as either an Idaho or Irish food crop. I come to learn the first cultivated potatoes were grown in the Andes. Then, in the mid to late 1500’s, during the conquest of the Inca Empire, Spanish Conquistadors returned to Spain with potatoes.

By the 1600’s, Portuguese fisherman had introduced potatoes to Ireland, which became Ireland’s primary crop for over 200 years. That was until the Great Irish Famine in 1845, when a late blight wiped out potato crops for the next several years. This forced starving migrants to emigrate to north America.

The Burbank Russet is not actually an Idaho native. Luther Burbank, well known botanist, developed the variety from the seed pod on a New England potato plant. He actually planted the seed pods, took the hardier of the two plants that emerged and continued development from there.

Typically, when you see the term “seed potato” it is not referring to seeds. The best potatoes are grown from pieces of potatoes that have been certified disease free. Planting a 1″ piece of potato with an 2 or more eyes will produce more, but smaller, potatoes than a piece with one eye.

As with any crop, there will be different outlets and processing for the different quality and size of potatoes.

Potatoes are harvested in the Fall, and are stored in potato cellars between harvests. As potatoes are sold by weight, preventing weight loss through evaporation is critical to farmers.

Potato Cellars have catwalks and pipes running underneath to enable workers to inspect potatoes and keep a constant temperature and humidity level. They require a constant 95% humidity and 45 degrees. That requires an R factor of 28 during the winter and hot spring days.

We saw many smaller farms with dirt piled over their wooden potato cellars. I would love more insulation in the walls of the motorhome, but I don’t think the mud look will help.

More than 30% of US potatoes are grown in the south and southeast portion of Idaho. Without the watershed of the Snake River flowing down thought Wyoming this might not be possible.

Why? Idaho only receives 8-10 inches of rain and potatoes require 24 ” during growing season.

If you visit Idaho, you should spend some time at the museum, then grab at bite to eat at Rupes Burgers across the street.

Virgin River Gorge and Cedar Pockets

It is especially rewarding to be in the passenger seat when traveling the 27-mile section of I-15 that crosses the far northern section of the Arizona Strip.

The upheaval of sandstone cliffs and twisted rock formations are surreal. At some points it is hard to imagine where the road will lead as we meander through the mountainous passage.

This section of I-15 was completed in 1973 and cost over $61M. Currently, improvements on just 3 of the 12 bridges that crisscross the Virgin River is estimated at $29M. One expensive highway!

Half way through the gorge is the Cedar Pockets exit and Virgin River Recreation Area. After spending the day in Mesquite, NV doing laundry and shopping, the cooler mountain air in the gorge is a welcome change.

I was wondering how the name “Cedar Pockets” was derived, and can only imagine it refers to the cedar-color of the pockets and canyons in the area, as mainly Creosote bushes and Joshua trees dot the landscape.

Natural Places and Spring Flowers

I sit watching the sunset as are a few other neighbors at least one hundred feet away. There are views spanning thousands of acres on the western edge of the Arizona Strip. It is so peaceful here, and quiet, considering it’s only seven miles south of St George, Utah. The area is managed by the BLM and used by campers, ATVs, hikers, and other sports.

The vastness of the red sandstone cliffs is hard to describe in magnitude, but after hiking a mile up one trail, the motorhome appears as a dot on the surface. That should give you a sense of the size of the bluffs and mountains.

I explore and attempt to learn the plant life
on my daily walks.

Amongst the plants in bloom are Prickly Pear Cacti, Engelmann’s Hedgehog, and Desert Globe Mallow.

I did see what may have been a juvenile Greater Desert Horned Lizard (looked just like a rock), but I was not quick enough to get a photo.

As for the early morning hours, generally, the click-click of dog patter on the floor is the wake up call. It is a bit different here. Cows graze the entire area and often the mothers are bellowing call the calves back to the herd.

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We are expecting strong winds tomorrow and are staying in the lower elevations until the temperatures warm up north of here.

Virgin River and Zion National Park

A week ago we left Las Vegas after an enjoyable visit with my niece who also happened to be spending a few days in Vegas.

We found a scenic and peaceful place to spend the next five days at the Virgin RIVER recreation Area. The campground is surrounded by red cliffs soaring high above the Virgin River.

After spending a day in the historic part of Saint George ( established in1861 as a cotton mission under the direction of Brigham Young), we visited Zion National Park.

The park is breath taking – like a Yosemite Valley all grown up. The towering spires, hoodoos and cliff stand between 1500 and 3,000 feet above the valley floor.

Riding the shuttle in the cool alpine morning air to the end and back half-way to some of the easier hiking trails was a great way to enjoy the scenery without driving. By the time we returned to the visitor center the line for the shuttle was between 200 to 400 people. I was glad we started early in the day with no waiting.

Quartzsite and moving north

For the last thirteen days we have been in Quartzsite, AZ. We accomplished our goal of getting solar panels. The day after, we came down with some respiratory and fever bug (maybe Valley Fever) that kept us in bed for the next 5 days.

Once that cleared, we lost power to our Fantastic Fan. I am just glad the temps had not yet reached 90 degrees.

I called the fan manufacturer (Attwood), spoke to very pleasant people in technical support and 5 days later recieved not 1, but 2 of the more common parts that fail on these fans.

I called back to get some guidance and was very pleased with the help in understanding how to install the replacement switch.

Today we are on to a new fix. The Onan generator is cuttting off after ten or fifteen minutes.

Did I forget to mention the slide release on the passenger seat broke away from the cable pully?

I know it is starting to sound like the motorhome is cursed for turning 3 years old this month, but really– these issues are minor compared to some horrir stories we read.

There is not much excitement here in the big Q right now. The LTVA ( Long Term Visitars Area – part of BLM land) at La Posa West just 1 mile south of town has given us the time needed to rest and repair.

The artistic renderings in the desert do some justice to the otherwise bleak labdscape.

Northward to Parker and Lake Havasu City it is.