Calls, hummers, views, and visits

December 25 (Monday)

Lots of calls and Skype today. It is our first time away from family at Christmas. We certainly missed the kids and grandkids……but maybe not the weather. It is very cold in Alberta and Manitoba, not so much here in Yuma.

Later we drove to the West Wetlands park by the Colorado River in Yuma. We have been here before and wanted to spend some more time here. A very pretty place. Didn't seem like Christmas Day though.

There is a hummingbird park here where flowering bushes that are favorites of hummingbirds are planted. We did find a few.

We did spot what I believe is a female Black-Chinned Hummingbird, or a Costa's Hummingbird. It has traits of both and both are common in Yuma. You gotta look closely.....they're tiny!

This statue is dedicated to a large group of Mormon volunteers that marched from Nebraska to San Diego in 1846/47. Many died along the way. Not one shot was fired at the Mexican enemy in their march. They are remembered not so much for their military significance, but for the opening of an overland wagon route from the mid-west to the western coast. It was used extensively in the California gold rush and is roughly followed today by the current interstate and railroad.

Back home it was time for turkey! We barbecued a turkey breast and enjoyed all the trimmings….including pecan pie!

The Christmas Day sunset was again a treat!

......that was Our View From Here!

December 26 (Tuesday)

We were downtown later this morning to book our bus trip for this coming new years weekend. More to follow!

We then headed west down I8 into California. We wanted to see the Imperial Sand Dunes area. It is very popular with off-roaders in their quads and dune buggies. Also popular with Rvers! The dunes are also popular with Hollywood. Many movies have used the dunes in their productions. The most famous, or recent anyway, is likely the Star Wars movies. Any scenes you see where there are dunes was likely shot in this area.

The dunes are roughly 40 miles long and five miles wide. It is an beach from an ancient lake.

The Interstate bisects the dunes.

Mexico in the distance. The border wall is mid-frame.

In the early days of road travel these dunes presented quite a challenge to automobiles. Cleverly, a plank road was developed. Wooden sections were placed on top of the dunes to allow vehicles to cross without getting stuck. Interesting that in northern Canada they used similar means to cross muskeg (swamp type land). It was called a 'corduroy road' and was made of logs laid side by side, similar to corduroy material.

On the way back we stopped at Pilot Knob RV park. I wanted to look the place over, but also to see if we might run into a couple of Bloggers that we knew were there. Sure enough. George and Suzie ( Our Awesome Travels ), Bill and Pat  ( Chillin' With Patsy ) and ( On Our Way ) were there. We invaded their happy hour and true to form we were invited to sit a spell and chat. What a pleasure to meet these folks! Me and my infamous notebook came out and they patiently answered all my questions and showed me their rigs. What a great bunch and I'm sure our paths will cross again soon.

From left - Cheryl, Bill, pat, George, and Suzie

For the first time in a month, cloud cover prevented the spectacular sunsets we have been used to seeing. So, one more from last night.

……..that was Our View From Here!