Socializing & Boondocking…All The Way To Borrego Springs, CA
We wrapped up the wind and our 5 weeks at the spa in Desert Hot Springs yesterday morning. Despite Paul’s family emergency and some tough weeks we really had a most awesome time. I honestly find it hard to describe what I like so much about Sam’s Family Spa -> the place is rather quirky, a little in the middle of nowhere and has the oddest decor, but every time we go we just keep wanting to come back and spend more time. Maybe it’s just the “aaaaaaahhhhhhhh” of relaxing into soothing hot mineral pools surrounded by palm trees and mountain views? Or, perhaps it’s the awesome monthly rate that you can extend indefinitely? Or, maybe it’s the company?
The latter only illustrates to confirm my view that RVing is, rather surprisingly, one of the most social activities we’ve ever done. Not only did we make some fabulous friends at the spa including Sue & Dave (and their 2 lovely doggies…AND their most memorable happy hour), but we also met at least 4 different sets of blog readers, caught up with folks who we’d seen last year and met new ones! Just before our departure we managed to catch up with Linda & Howard of RV Dreams, together with their Canadian friends Ester & Steve. If you haven’t heard of RV Dreams they’re a great resource for RV newbies as well as old-timers looking for RV tips & campgrounds. Both are lovely couples and bought over drinks & snacks for a fabulous afternoon soak and chat (you can see what we got up to on RV Dreams blog HERE). Yet another great group of RV people and another fun RV social meeting.
But the boonies were calling us, pulling us into the wilds for some serious communing with nature. One can only take so much civilization, after all. So as the wind died down yesterday afternoon we hiked up the jacks and steamed off into the horizon. We arrived at our new spot late afternoon after a rather bumpy ride (which prompted our displeased cats to leave “presents” on the bed…and forced yours truly to take a trip to the laundromat), but thrilled at finally being alone again. A stiff rum & coke, a glowingly pink sunset and a serenade from the coyotes put us to bed a few hours later -> “aaaaahhhhhh”….aaalmost as good as a hot spa.
We’ll be staying here for a few weeks before hitting our Christmas location. Fear not that we be alone, however ‘coz we’ve already sighted another well-known boondocker (with a rather fancy new techno-cool antenna), have met our nearest neighbours and are planning another rendezvous with Sue & Dave. Who ever knew we’d be such RV socialites, eh?
Wow you had a blast with your sister and your wonderful hubby is back in your arms. I have not read your blog for a few weeks and it was fun to catch up. Hope you let us know your age next birthday:)) The Strand and Coronado is our favorite place to spend Christmas. It was on our list this year, but we will be in Key West instead.
Yeah, we’re DEFINITELY going to check out the Coronado lights this year. Key West doesn’t sound so bad either tho’ 🙂
Nina
I’ve been following your blog for a few weeks now. We, too, are fulltimers for two and half years now. Presently, we are in Santee Lakes outside San Diego. Hopefully, Thursday we will make our first visit to Anza – Borrego State Park to spend the day. It looks like an amazing place for hiking and using our Jeep. I’ll keep my eyes out for the chance that we see you out and about! Really enjoying your blog.
Awesome! If you have time and see us in the desert come by and say “hi”. We’re at our usual boondocking spot (see the link in today’s post). We’ll be hanging around here all week. Anza Borrego is fabulous. You’re gonna LOVE it!
Nina
Always hard to leave one place for the excitement of another. Seems there will be a party going on at Borrego.
LOL…yeah, it’s amazing how many folks we’re meeting this year. Lots of folks do a similar route each winter, so we’re meeting up with people we saw last year in the same place. Really quite fun.
Nina
Looking forward to being out there with our two favorite rv bloggers next year! Funny that you all end up in the same spot. Think rv sue is nearby as well. What fun!
Yup, RV Sue is right down the road. Already stopped by to say “hi” and will be chatting with her some more while we’re here.
Nina
We’re booked at Sam’s Family Spa for Christmas Week, our first visit there. We booked because of your wonderful blog entries and since this year we decided to go south a bit earlier than usual, our Christmas present to each other would be a week at the spa. We’re looking forward to our visit. Then we’ll be on to Anza Borrego for a couple of weeks. I wonder if we’ll see you two there?
Richard/Ginger van Dijk
Oh excellent! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!! During Nov the spa was pretty empty except for Thanksgiving weekend where it got pretty busy. As long as it’s not too crowded it’s a great place to spend a week.
Nina
Yet another wonderful thing about our lifestyle….we can have as many “social” events as we want then we can leave and have the solitude….ain’t life grand….
Indeed it is, indeed it is…
Nina
You two are definitely the social butterflies! Enjoy your time in Anza Borrego. See you soon.
The only two RV bloggers I read are you and RVSue so it was a pleasure to read that you guys all know each other! One reason I enjoy your blog is for the practical tips and advice I see on here. One reason I enjoy reading Sue’s blog is because we of a similar age and she is doing what I would love to do and is doing it by herself! She is an inspiration for me. Thanks to all of you for sharing your lives.
This comment is a bit late, but we wanted to say we really enjoyed meeting you and we appreciate very much the hospitality, and the kind words in your entry. Enjoy Borrego and we’ll see you down the road somewhere.
Howard & Linda
http://www.rv-dreams.com
It was great to finally meet you guys too!! Thanks for coming over and spending a lovely afternoon.
Nina
So nice to meet bloggers in person. I met with Luann last month, and really felt even stronger connection with her. She’s a great travel buddy and blogger friend.