Once we got through Apache Junction, we put Alea's bike in the van and drove to Usery Mountain Recreation Area, where we are camped at Buckhorn Campground ($30, power, water, pushbutton showers, no shade structure for the picnic table). We lucked out, as currently the second night's stay is free, so in reality we are paying $15 per night.
As we turned into the park there is a huge "
This is the time for us to get our ducks in a row before heading to Mexico in about a week or so. The first thing that we wanted to get done was to have the camper's bearings repacked and the brakes inspected. We had tried to get that set up before getting in the area, but we chose a shop that would never answer their phone. After playing lots of phone tag they were not able to fit us in this week. But after an hour or so of calling around, we found a place in Glendale that will do that service for us tomorrow (Friday), and at a fairly reasonable price as compared to some of the places that we checked.
Next up was to research some Mexican auto insurance. We got quotes from three providers and have figured that we will call it good at that. We will be in Mexico somewhere between 30 and 55 days, and the only viable option is to get a 6 month policy. But we have found an annual policy for about the same money, so we figure we'll likely be back this way next year, and might then consider a trip to Puerto Penasco, at the very least. We plan to get the policy through Discover Baja, which also offers some camping discounts (hopefully at RV parks where we actually plan to stay for a night or two). We'll purchase the policy online once we leave Phoenix, as that will give us a fairly accurate date for the policy to begin.
Renewing our healthcare is another priority, as we want to make certain that Alea can get the same doctor who did her first knee surgery. Of course the deductibles keep going up, so we will likely be out of pocket more than several thousand dollars once everything is said and done. It turns out we won't be able to compare and change policies until after the first of November.
With the hot weather and lack of shade at the campground, we deployed our ARB awning and put up our tarp on the side facing west. I refined the tarp design to accomplish a few minor goals: make the set up a bit simpler and faster; to allow access to the van's passenger side door while the tarp is deployed at the front of the van, and to create more uniform tension along the bottom of the tarp. I was successful on all counts. With the help of our garage fan, the shade structure helped keep us cool in the hot afternoon.
On Thursday morning we packed everything up and drove into town to do chores. Just as we pulled out of the park we witnessed an auto wreck. A woman pulled off onto the shoulder and the truck behind continued on, but then the woman decided to make a U-turn in front of him, without signaling. We left our card in case the driver of the truck needed a witness, as everyone was OK (though a bit shaken). Both parties were on the phone to the police and their insurance companies, so we figured we weren't needed and so headed off to do our errands.
Our first stop in town was an auto parts store, where we had the camper battery load tested (it is in good shape). Next we topped off our propane (which might have lasted another two weeks or so). Then it was a stop at Trader Joe's, so that we could have a little change of pace for some of our meals. And finally, it was shopping at Walmart to get the rest of our groceries and new RV water filters.
Tomorrow we start our journey through the Phoenix urban area...
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