Saying my goodbyes and so long to Yuma

I spent much of this week packing, rearranging and organizing my space and vehicle in preparation for my trip home to Saskatchewan. It was bittersweet - I am looking forward to seeing my family, and I'll be happy to see some cooler temperatures too, but I'll miss the folks here. Many of my fellow Canadians are also heading home for the season. There are a father and daughter duo flying out of Palm Springs, and another couple who are heading to a cruise today. I'm planning on leaving by 8 a.m. for my first day of driving. 

My initial plan was to drive as far as Laughlin, Nevada, spend the night there and do the drive through Las Vegas early Sunday morning. I've reconsidered that plan and think I will try to make it to Ely, Nevada, about a nine hour drive, where I'll stay for the night. I had considered avoiding Vegas, and driving through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (park), but the cost to non-residents is an additional $100 USD to visit. I'll keep that money in my pocket to pay for the additional costs of fuel, thanks! 

I did get to Canasta on Wednesday, and coffee hour on Thursday. There was a trip to Walmart on Tuesday to pick out grocery items to take home to my family. These were items that are not available in Canada or at least flavours of things we don't get there. For example, Duncan Hines cake mixes are no longer sold in Canada and my daughter wanted some different blends of Hamburger Helper. The latter is something I don't eat, but she enjoys on occasion. Overall I spent about $100 including two containers to carry them home in. I purchased clear tubs, which along with the ones I brought here in October, should be useful at the border, should the agents want to see what I'm bringing into the country. 

Jose came by shortly before sundown on Thursday to take down the gazebo. It looks so forlorn out there with just the metal structure. He also unhooked the propane tank so I was without a stove and water heater for Friday. That was okay, as I still had the BBQ grill, a toaster and microwave and heated up water in the kettle for washing. 

Speaking of water, I filled up several jugs to be placed around the unit, and put water in plastic bags to seal the drains in the sinks. Both the dinette benches and couch were covered with sheets in the hopes that I won't find them as dusty when I return. This morning, I stripped the bedding, laid the hanging clothes on the mattress and covered it with a fitted sheet. Again, keeping the dust at bay. H did tell me, that even with all of these preparations, I will still come back to a mess to clean up. 

I had done as much as I could by mid-day on Friday, so left the a/c running (it was 88F/31C when I returned after Happy Hour the day before), and went to visit friends. S and L and I had a good visit, before I headed home to grab my last beer for Happy Hour. I tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to not cry as we said our goodbyes but I know I'll miss this group of wonderful people. S and L were extended an invitation to dinner, which I accepted, so I didn't even have to cook or do dishes. 

This morning, I've still got a laundry list of things to do before I leave: empty the black and gray tanks, turn off the electricity at the pole, turn off the water, put the foam pads up in the roof vents, ensure the fridge door is left slightly ajar, put out bay leaves, and load the car. So I'd best get at it, so I can get on the road to home.

So long Yuma, see you in November.

Have a great week ahead everyone!