Made It To Lake Havasu

Above, I took this shot of the sunrise from the entrance to Petrified Forest
National Park. I stopped there for a coffee break. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it to Lake Havasu, Arizona.

I will be spending the Christmas holiday with Mitch & Holly Geriminsky. I have done so for the past several years.

I got into town at about 1:30 in the afternoon. This was after driving around 420 miles from home in New Mexico. I got on the road at 5:30 in the morning. 

Above, a rancher put up this sign on his property ten miles east of Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Outside of some wind along the way, the weather was good. It did rain in the evening hours in Lake Havasu. 

I decided to go to bed early as I was tired from the long drive. 

Take An RV Mini Trip To Seligman, Arizona

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I had been in Seligman, Arizona was in 1984 when two friends and I took a trip into the Southwest. The day before, we visited Grand Canyon Caverns.

In 2017, my roommate Jessica and I stopped at the famous Roadkill Cafe in Seligman for breakfast while on the way home from Grand Canyon National Park. Don't let the cafe's name scare you. They actually have good food.

Above, we parked the RV next to the Roadkill Cafe at this western town mock-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I stayed at the KOA Kampground in Seligman in 2018 when I moved to New Mexico from California. It was an overnight stop after driving from Victorville, California (where I stayed overnight after moving out of Tarzana).

RV Travel has posted an article on things to see and do in Seligman.

They begin it with:

A couple of weeks ago we took an RV mini vacation to Seligman, Arizona, on the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. Although it is sometimes heralded as the “birthplace of historic Route 66”, it is really one of the longest intact stretches of the original Route 66. It stretches from Seligman, AZ, to Kingman, AZ, about 74 miles.

Springfield, Missouri, is actually the birthplace of Route 66. In 1920, the federal government began construction of a national highway system there. About 85 percent of Route 66 is intact, but in bits and pieces across the country.

Nonetheless, Seligman’s claim to fame is Route 66, and the main street reflects that with old-time cafes, motels, and an abundance of gift shops. Tour buses frequently stop there on their way to the Grand Canyon, and we heard several different languages being spoken around town.

To read more (and see lots of photos), go here. 

Four Years Ago

Above, The Beast at the Seligman, Arizona KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks four years since I ended my residency in California.

I spent the night before in Victorville since I got a late start in getting on the road as the Mustang was getting the clutch replaced. Ben Hur Moving & Storage were done before the Mustang was.

Above, the day after arriving in Jamestown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago today, I drove into Arizona and made it as far as Seligman when fatigue set in from the move. I stayed the night at the Seligman KOA Kampground. It was a nice place for an overnight stay. 

I got a good night's rest at the KOA and headed off the next morning refreshed. I made it to Jamestown, New Mexico in the afternoon. Since my belongings were still in California with the movers, I lived in the motorhome for 12 days until my belongings were delivered. It was a good thing I had it.

Above, after the Mustang was delivered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Mustang was delivered about five days after my arrival. Having it made things easier, like going shopping in Gallup.

During the time my cat Sierra and I were living in the motorhome, we had some snow storms come through. But we were comfortable and had the RV electric power cord plugged in the garage. 

Above, a snowstorm hit on February 10, the night before the movers arrived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had snowed the morning of when the movers delivered my belongings. But that didn't cause any problems. 

Above, the movers arrived on February 11. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The move was definitely an interesting adventure. It is hard to believe it has been four years. My friend Larry says that I am now an old-timer here.

Above, in the RV, Sierra was wondering what that white stuff was. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do I regret moving out of California? Not one bit!

Bad Things To Eat While Traveling In An RV

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting on the road in an RV or even in the family sedan is one of life's little pleasures. Stopping for a meal along the way and trying out new, and sometimes quirky, restaurants goes along with it. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to eating while traveling.

RV Travel has posted a list of nine (9) bad things to eat while traveling in an RV. Some of them are surprising.

They begin with:

Foods have a lot to do with how we feel, how we make decisions, and how we maintain our energy. All these things are important when you have 450 miles to go before you can park for the night.

At the first fuel fill-up of the day, you may be tempted to grab a bit of fast food, but that is the worst thing to eat if you need to make it to your destination and have enough energy to set up.

And if you are not traveling alone, the results can be quite unpleasant.

To see what not to eat while on the road, go here. 

Lonely Planet: 7 Best Road Trips In Arizona

Above, the Roadkill Cafe on Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is in Arizona and wonders what's there to see, Lonely Planet posted a list of seven best road trips to take there. 

Their post has a variety of different road trips, all are equally interesting.

They begin with:

The sheer size (it’s the sixth-largest state) and scope of Arizona make it tempting to try to explore this wonderland on a seven-day road trip around the American Southwest. But with the vastness of the Grand Canyon in its northern reaches to its gunslinging history in Tombstone near the border with Mexico, Arizona has hundreds of miles to cover.

It’s best to stake out some routes, relax and explore deeper. To see everything from Indigenous cliff dwellings to quirky towns on Route 66, here are the 7 best road trips in Arizona.

To read more, go here. 

Best Route 66 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since we're now in the summer vacation season and people are favoring road trips over flying and cruises, finding good grup along the way is essential for a fun time.

RV Life posted an article on the best Route 66 diners, dives and drive-ins. I've been to two they've listed.

They start it off with:

The Main Street of America is packed with restaurants, soda fountains, and diners. Route 66 stretches across 8 states and is more than 2,000 miles long. With all that space, it makes sense that a variety of restaurants have made a home for themselves along this historic highway. Some Route 66 diners, drive-ins, and dives have been there since the road was built, while others are much newer to the scene. 

No matter what kind of food you’re looking for, you’ll find it somewhere along the Mother Road. There is a huge selection, from the quaintest mom and pop stores to massive chain restaurants. Even if you drove this route for a lifetime, there’s no way you could hit every stop or taste every menu item. 

So which places should you prioritize on your next trip down Route 66? Well there are a few famous stops you won’t want to miss, each with their own history, unique menu, and special gimmick. Don’t discount the hidden gems and smaller restaurants though! Keep your eyes open from Illinois to California and you might be able to find a few personal favorites that are off the beaten track. Roadtripping foodies will have no shortage of choices!

But if you’re looking for some good reliable food to power your next road trip, check out the following list of Route 66 diners, drive-ins, and dives (arranged by state).

To see what they are, go here. 

Three Years Since Escaping California

Above, while still living in The Beast and after the Mustang was delivered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is amazing (sometimes) how fast time goes by.

Tomorrow will mark three years since I moved out of California for New Mexico. 

Moving day was an almost an all-day affair made even longer as I had the Mustang at the mechanic's getting a new clutch installed. That wasn't completed until about 5:30. 

Above, Sierra exploring while I was unpacking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After picking it up and arranging with neighbor friends to meet with the car carrier company to pick it up from the apartment's parking lot, I was off.

I didn't get to my first stop at the Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville until 9:00. After leaving my credit card info in the night drop box and plugging in The Beast, I went to bed. I was exhausted.

The next day, I drove into Arizona, but not before having a Tommy's breakfast sandwich in Victorville. 

I stayed at the Seligman (Arizona) KOA Kampground for the second night. After getting up early in the morning, I drove all the way to Jamestown, New Mexico.

I lived in The Beast for the next 12 days while waiting for the movers to deliver my stuff. The Mustang arrived seven days after I did.

I am glad to have gotten out of California. The state has become a hell-hole under Gov. Gavin Newsom. No regrets! 

Roadtrippers: 6 Steps To Planning A Successful RV Road Trip

Above, The Beast in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RVing for the first time? (Either your own or in a rental.)

There's a few things that newbies should know before heading out on the road to make that RV road trip a successful one.

Roadtrippers has an article on "6 Steps To Planning A Successful RV Road Trip".

It starts with:

When I bought my first RV more than a decade ago, it wasn’t because I loved camping. Rather, I was a dedicated roadtripper who spent all my vacation time driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the east, the Pacific Coast Highway in the west, or any scenic byway in between. As I entered my 30s—with a couple of babies in tow—I still desperately wanted to be a road warrior. However, I also wanted to bring some of the creature comforts of home along on the adventure. Enter the RV road trip. 

Why road trip in an RV rather than a car?

Eleven years after that first RV purchase I can say the big bet paid off. My family has spent hundreds of days roadtripping around the country exploring national parks, historical landmarks, kitschy roadside attractions, urban destinations, and beach resorts. Here are the reasons why I choose to plan RV road trips more than any other type of travel.

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona, a kitschy diner (they do have good food). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

One Year Ago

Above, The Beast at Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One year ago tomorrow, I moved out of Tarzana, California. I decided I've had enough of California with all its congestion, taxes, high gas prices and wacko liberals.

I was in no hurry that day since the move took a bit longer than expected. So my cat Sierra and I headed out around 3:00 and stopped in Victorville at the Shady Oasis Campground for a overnight rest before pushing on the next morning.

The next morning, I reached Interstate 40 in Barstow and headed east.

Above, The Beast at the Seligman KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The next day, we reached Seligman, Arizona (home of the Roadkill Cafe) and stayed the second night at the KOA Kampground.

Above, the Ben Hur moving truck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We finally reached Jamestown, New Mexico the following day. Thankfully, I already arranged for utilities for the house, so I had water and electric available for The Beast. The movers didn't deliver my stuff for another 12 days, but that was okay, since Sierra and I were comfortable in The Beast (even with occasional snow storms). My Mustang was delivered a week or so later.

Above, a few hours after arriving in Jamestown on February 2. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have no regrets about leaving California and have been enjoying life in Jamestown. I know more people here than I did in Tarzana.

Seligman/Route 66 KOA

Above, The Beast at the Seligman/Route 66 KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While en route to my new home in New Mexico, I spent the second night of traveling in Arizona at the Seligman/Route 66 KOA.

Jess and I stopped in Seligman last November for breakfast after leaving Grand Canyon National Park at the Roadkill Cafe, so I was familiar with the town.

It was an easy check-in as I am a Value Kard member of KOA Kampgrounds and already in their system. The staff were nice and friendly.

After checking in, I proceeded to my campsite and plugged everything in. I used the sewer to empty the holding tanks and fired up the barbecue to cook hot dogs.

Campers were advised that it would be a freezing night and I flipped on the holding tank heater switch before going to bed.

The full hook-up site charge (after discounts) was $39.50 for the night. While there, I renewed my KOA Value Kard ($30.00) for the year. It was due to expire in March.

It was a nice campground with level sites, although a little on the narrow side. It is a good campground to overnight at.

Route 66 Magnets

Above, two magnets I bought during the trip featuring Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a couple of souvenir magnets I picked up during my recent trip to Arizona and New Mexico.

The first is one commemorating Route 66 in New Mexico. The USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico is right on historic Route 66.

The second was from the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. It is also on old Route 66.

An Itchy Elk and Roadkill Cafe

Above, the itchy bull elk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, our trip to New Mexico and Arizona ended.

On our way out of Grand Canyon National Park, we spotted a bull elk next to the road. He appeared to be using a bush to scratch himself or scrape off some skin from his antlers. Whatever he was doing, we stopped to watch for a bit and snapped a photo.

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving Grand Canyon National Park, we headed south on Highway 64 to get to Interstate 40 in Williams. After heading down I-40 for about a while, we stopped at "the next burg", which happened to be Seligman.

Above, the front of the Roadkill Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There, we found the Roadkill Cafe. The name of the restaurant didn't sound appealing to Jes, but we stopped in for breakfast anyway (which wasn't bad). I parked The Beast in a big lot next door to the restaurant. It was either their lot or some abandoned "Wild West" attraction.

Their motto: "You kill it, we grill it!"

Above, where I parked The Beast while we had breakfast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The choices on the menu were funny, they included such items as "Splatter Platter", "Smear of Deer", "Guess That Mess", "Awesome Possum" and other culinary delights. I like a place with a sense of humor. This one had it in spades!

Above, the Roadkill Cafe's hot sauce. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I just had to buy a magnet with their logo for The Beast from their gift shop.

After breakfast, we were back on the road again for Los Angeles.