198 Mesa, our winter home?

Our parting view of the mountains
surrounding the Hemmet/San Jacinto area.

March 1, 2017
         Our trip across the desert on our way to Mesa Arizona was without incident. Thoughts of our two years working at the Arabian horse ranch in Indio crossed my mind as we rode thru the Coachella valley. We had met some wonderful people during our time at the ranch and unfortunately some who sucked the pleasure out of life.   Seen and experienced things that only the wealthy are privileged to. It would have been a treat to have continued working there however I just couldn't expose Ruthie to the pressure working there. With the knowledge that my co-rider was operating on a little less than two hours sleep my plan was to stop early this evening at a hotel on the west side of the Phoenix valley and search for a residence tomorrow. I was doing okay probably due to the emergency room pain killers from last night still in my system and the relief from the emergency room doctor that I wouldn't be having any more problems with the pain in my side.
       Our new found desert friends the Saguaro's stretched their arms to welcome us on the downhill side of Quartzite. Again I thought their were a few in the back row that exhibited some inappropriate gestures as we flew by. I chose to ignore them as I don't think it was anything personal. It seems every group has a few of them.
     It was early afternoon as we reached the outlying towns on interstate 10. I was looking forward to relaxing, maybe a nap something to eat and then a good nights sleep.
     I think it was a Holiday Inn express near the freeway that caught my eye at Buckeye or Goodyear.   Inquiring at the front desk I asked the clerk to repeat the price she had quoted me. Over $300 ? I checked to make sure she understood we only wanted it for one night. Yup, no mistake, seems this was baseball spring training prices. My shocked expression probably told her we were looking for more affordable lodging and she told us the areas to avoid where prices were increased for the spring training fans. There went our early stop idea. Continuing on our way we had a few more disappointing stops and phone calls. The sun had now set and we were tired. In Tempe we finally found reasonable lodging at a Hawthorne hotel surprisingly it was a large suite meant for an extended stay. Tomorrow we look for a home in earnest. (every thought about that? Who decided that Ernie would get the credit for an honest effort?
     Deciding we would leave our belongings and refrigerated items at the motel and reserve it for tonight we put the motel with kitchenettes in our phone and headed out.   The Colonnade was on main street in Mesa.  Taking a spin around the parking lot and I think some of the vehicles parked there raised some questions about the tenants.   Checking in with the office raised some more questions, they didn't have a clean room for us to view nor had they and their manager worked up a price for our 40 day stay.   With the assurance that they would call us with a price we left our card and headed west on main to the RV park from Craigslist. 

      We already had the gate code so our plan was to head to the bulletin board and check it out.  The entrance was tucked behind the Travelodge motel.  We were stopped at the front desk and explained our plan.  The manager said the park had some to rent and sent us out to look at some with her assistant.   The rentals seemed nice however the price for 40 days seemed a little steep.  We said we were going to check out the bulletin board rentals and the assistant shyly mentioned that she had one listed on it.  While checking it out the assistant just happened to walk past, leaning between us she pointed and said that ones mine.    With her key in our hand we rode over to "F" street to check it out.  It seemed like a nice clean park and the park model with covered car port seemed acceptable.  A phone call to Jill produced a more price we could live with.    During the deal making she asked when we would want it, "could we move in now, so we can retrieve our belongings from the hotel and save a days rental.".  It hasn't been cleaned since the renter just moved out.".  Ruthie agreed to the condition it was in and by 10:30 AM we had housing for 40 days and 40 nights, just like Noah!

F18,  looks peaceful, life will probably be a little more laid back here.