We committed to the Gomez Family, grandson Happy in particular, that we’d be there to celebrate his 5th birthday. That required we depart Coronado Island on 28 April and travel 2,665 miles in 13 days. We were challenged by longer driving distances between stops (306 to 437 miles) , and only being able to stop for 2 nights. To meet these challenges, we made our set-up and tear-down routines more efficient and got on the road before 8 am. We had previously proven it could be done with a trial run between Colorado Springs and Albuquerque during our trek west to San Diego. By comparison, we would have taken at least 30 days to cover this distance had we followed our normal “we’re-retired” travel routines. I mapped out a 6-stop plan for the trip using RV Trip Wizard as shown above. We achieved a 1-day early arrival at Topeekee Yugnee RV Park in Hollywood (pop. 154,817), and were able to celebrate both Happy’s birthday and mother’s day with the Gomez family. They were as excited as we were about finally getting there!
Our first leg was 421 miles, which took us to the Boneyard View RV Park on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ (population 548,073). “Boneyard” referred to the world’s largest outdoor storage area for US miltary and government aircraft. I first experienced the Boneyard in 1974, when as a 1st Lieutenant, I went there with my colleague 1st Lt Pat Fink to evaluate their jet-fuel purging and reuse system. It was as impressive during our RV visit as it was back then. Officially, the Boneyard was called AMARG (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group). The facility’s functions included: destroying and recycling aircraft; and pickling aircraft for various reuses, such as, static displays, foreign military sales, conversion to drones, and reintroduction to active service. We were surprised to learn that obsolete ICBMs (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles) and huge ingots of various metals melted from destroyed aircraft were also being stored. The Boneyard’s aircraft inventory varied; however, 4,400 aircraft were typically parked on an area covering 2,600 acres. To put this area in more relatable terms, that’s also 10,521,827 square meters; 113,256,000 square feet; or 4.06 square miles. As interesting as it was seeing some Boneyard aircraft, while driving along the peimeter, I’ve included these free and uncopyrighted online aerial photos for an improved, and I think, much “better” viewpoint.
On our way to Tucson, we were zooming along I-8 in Arizona, when our TPMS warned us of a high tire temperature for the RV passenger-side front tire. The temperature at that point was 149 degrees F; however, the tire pressure was normal. We posited the sensor was bad, but I subsequently googled the warning to determine whether ignoring the temperature was wise. Everything I read indicated that if the pressure was OK, then the sensor was probably bad. However, the one highlighted caveat was this: if the pressure started dropping, then the recommendation was to stop immediately and change the tire. We continued watching the TPMS readings as the temperature climbed to 164 degrees F just before the pressure suddenly dropped by 30 psi. We pulled off, and I changed the tire. Having done this three years ago on the very same tire; we were prepared, and I completed it in record time! MFI inspected the flat and located this damage. Yikes!
The day after we set-up camp at Davis-Monthan AFB, we took the flat tire to Discount Tire and had them evaluate it for either repair or replacement. To our financial shock, we had to buy all new tires because of visible damage and excessive tread wear. These tires were just 3 years old with only 19,295 tow-miles on them. The horrible conditions of Canada’s Dempster Highway just kept on impacting us. While we hadn’t planned on purchasing all new tires, our pain was somewhat offset by the incredible level of attention and quality service provided by the Discount Tire staff, not to mention feeling significantly safer once back on the road.
My brother Rus lived in Green Valley, AZ only 24 minutes south of Tucson. Weeks before our arrival, I asked him to pick a place where we could meet for lunch or dinner. He invited his hiking friend Maryanne, and between our trips to Discount Tire, we joined them for lunch at Trident Grill on E Speedway Blvd. It was great spending time with him again, and we enjoyed meeting his friend. She was very nice, and we enjoyed how happy they were together. Once again, I failed to take any pictures, so Rus was kind enough to share this one.
Our second leg was 434 miles to the Fort Sam Houston RV Park on Joint Base San Antonio, TX. The population of San Antonio was 1,434,625. We were in our old stomping grounds, having lived there for 20 years before moving to Arlington, TX. We ate breakfast the next morning at Jim’s, an old favorite of ours, based on our belief they had the best tasting pancake recipe. We weren’t disappointed, even after a ten year hiatus. This particularly Jim’s happened to also be the one where parents of members of the MacArthur High School marching band and dance team gathered for an evening-breakfast after Friday-night football games. The restaurant’s coffee was still the absolute worst.
We drove downtown, because MFI wanted to gift shop for the grandkids in the Historic Old Square mercado. Normally, we would have parked on top of one of the market buildings; however, when we exited I-35 south, the mercado area was blocked off for Fiesta San Antonio, and all available parking was remote and $20/day. We luckily found a lot only two blocks from the mercado and arrived just as the public gates opened. Fiesta was San Antonio’s signature celebration, commemorating the Battle of the Alamo (fought in San Antonio) and the Battle of San Jacinto, both of which led to Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. Fiesta has been held annually since 1891 and currently lasts for 10 days beginning at the end of April. We were in town two days before the 2025 party ended. We didn’t enjoy the crowds but did find the perfect gifts for Sammy and Happy.
Our third leg was 348 miles to the Blue Heron RV Park in Iowa (pronounced eye-oh-way), LA (population 3,436). Arcadians relocated from the state of Iowa in the late 1880’s at the recommendation of Seaman A. Knapp, president of Iowa State University, as part of an agricultural migration to Louisiana. Migrants brought the state name yet kept the Arcadian (Cajun) pronunciation. There wasn’t much of anything to see or do, although surprisingly, there was an Anytime Fitness only a mile from our campground. We got a good workout, followed by breakfast at the only restaurant in town, Rabideaux’s Sausage Kitchen. Our meal wasn’t anything much to brag about, except for the link sausage. It was big enough to share at six inches long, fat, juicy, and extremely tasty with a spicy kick. Turns out Rabideaux’s primary business was creating a wide variety of meats, from deli to specialty products, including boudin (look it up) and cracklins. After eating, we left quickly to prevent ourselves from buying too much of the delicious-looking meat products on display.
Next stop was Pensacola, FL (population 54,312), 360 miles further east. We stayed in the Pensacola RV Park, which was a very nice, well-maintained campground. The roads and campsites were gravel; however, both had been heavily compacted, which created a level site with excellent drainage. Despite an inch of rain overnight, there were no puddles or standing water anywhere in the park the following morning. A rare occurrence!
There was an Anytime Fitness only 4.4 miles from the campground, so the evening we arrived, we drove over to check it out and stopped for a coffee and dessert at Lotus Crepe and Coffee Shop. MFI ordered our go-to Americano (smallest size was 16 ounces), and I ordered the #5 Lotus Crepe made with Bischoff Cream, White Chocolate, Almonds, and Crumbled Bischoff Lotus Cookies. Yes, these were the same complimentary Bischoff cookies served on Delta Air Lines flights. It looked fabulous, tasted delicious, and was gaggingly sweet. MFI wisely refused to try any, and I only stopped devouring when it was about 80% gone. If only they could have oriented the cookie properly on the plate. Really… upside-down?
Early next day, we worked out at the Anytime Fitness, had breakfast at Denny’s, and stopped for our morning Starbuck’s before returning to Arthur. By lunch time, we were both a bit stir-crazy, ready to get out of the trailer, and go anywhere. The check-in host had given us a map of Pensacola, so we drove through one of the historic districts shown on the map, drooling over the historic homes, then headed for the outer barrier island. We strolled along the public beach, took cloudy-day pictures, and enjoyed a frozen pina colada at Bamboo Willies.
It started raining as we left the beach and didn’t stop until late afternoon. I was pre-packing for our next day’s departure when the storm front passed and the sun put on a colorful show.
Our final stop before reaching Hollywood was Sportsman’s Cove Resort in McIntosh, FL (population 463). This leg was yet another 359 miles, and while rain had been forecast for the entire day, we didn’t experience any. As we drove into the campground, I thought I’d made a poor choice. The weather had turned gloomy, making the park look shabby. Most of the RVs seemed to be permanent residents who weren’t taking the best care of their property. There was a lot of messy outside storage happening. Our assigned site was not level, and rainwater had eroded the full length of the sandy pad. As we were evaluating the situation, Ken, the park host, pulled up in his golf cart and kindly moved us to the adjacent site, which was a welcome improvement and provided a great forest view out our rear windows.
The next morning after showering, my stroll around the park and marina changed my opinion entirely. The sun was shining, a pleasant breeze was blowing, the Orange Lake scenery was captivating, and the wildlife was stirring. I met the owner, found him to be very welcoming, and confirmed our account was settled. Ken was tooling around in his cart again and stopped several times to say good morning and chitchat. I was surprised to see Whooping Cranes in such great numbers and amused at the Great Blue Heron whose feathers became so unkempt after diving for food.
There was an late 60’s model Airstream in the park that appeared rooted to its spot. The dingy exterior needed some serious polishing; however, the landscaping was impressive. It had looked creepy when we drove in, but was rather enchanting in the sunlight.
When Ken asked us for the umpteenth time if we had any questions, I inquired, “where can we get a good breakfast and coffee?” He admitted the only place short of driving 21 miles into Ocala was Coffee N’ Cream in Micanopy (pop. 648), the next town over. We drove there in the morning and were gratefully surprised and satisfied. They made a great version of our go-to Americano, and we enjoyed a delicious egg and sausage burrito with salsa. We dined outside on the porch; and after our second coffee, a trio of musicians provided some local entertainment (voice, percussion, guitar, and a recorder of all things).
Our final leg to Hollywood was only 306 miles. We had reserved our spot several months in advance at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park/Whispering Pines. We dropped Arthur on our spot, plugged into power for AC, and arrived at the kid’s house at about 4 pm. Sammy and Happy ran out to meet us, and their loving hugs and kisses were what makes grandparenting so incrredibly worthwhile. We celebrated Happy’s birthday that afternoon, and on Sunday had a dual celebtration with Mother’s Day. Our observation was that Happy experienced one of those birthdays he’ll never forget. He received many well-througthout and practical gifts; but the topper, based on his reaction, was a fishing rod and reel accompanied by a Florida lifetime fishing license. He promptly slipped the license into his wallet, and proudly flashed it when adults challenged, “How can you, just a 5-year-old, go fishing?”
Sarah is a member of the Hollywood Ladies Club, where one of their endeavors was to decorate the yards of residents having a birthday. To his absolute delight, Happy got “flocked” just like his dad had several weeks prior.
EPILOGUE:
We’d made it! Towed 5,471 miles since leaving Carrollton on March 1st. Had a great time with Chad and family in Des Moines; celebrated the beautiful wedding of Max and Natalie Wittmack in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico; and now were settled in Florida for three months of Gomez house projects and various family events. Not yet sure on what comes next, but as usual, we’re ready for anything.
