Greetings from Prescott Valley, AZ! What a whirlwind of a road trip we had! If you read last week’s blog (and thank you so much), you know that we traveled 8 days from Atlanta to Arizona.
Now, let me tell you about the very last road trip adventure we had from Tucson to Prescott Valley! The morning we were to leave it was raining in Tucson. Jerry thought we should stay another night in Tucson and, of course, I said, “no way!” Let’s get going. It wasn’t raining in Phoenix which was about 1.5 hours away. We waited for a break in the rain and got on the road around 7:30-8:00 am.
All was fine driving through Tucson. It was raining, but not horribly until we entered the city of Eloy, suddenly a HUGE downpour started like we have never seen. As we are looking for an offramp to get off Highway 10, we see a car FACING US!!! Not only was the car facing us there was a light pole that had fallen from across Highway 10 East to our side of the highway! Thank goodness for Jerry’s quick reaction. He stopped while flashing his lights for the cars behind us and started to go around the light pole when I screamed that a semi was coming at us on the right at 65 MPH honking his horn and waving from his cab! HOLY #$%$^@%$
Happy to say, we didn’t hit anything and we were NOT hit, and we immediately got off the highway to a truck stop to wait out the monsoon! Both of us were shaking and looked at each other and said, “is this a sign?” We have never traveled in RAIN! Not even a little. Can you believe that? Unbelievable that it was our last long trip towing the 5th wheel!! WTH??????
We arrived in Prescott Valley where it was not raining and have never been more ecstatic to get to a campground in our 18 months. We were so happy to open all the slides, clean the RV after not being able to do that in 8 days.
We are living in the RV until Dec 20th when we have our final walkthrough in our new home. Talking about the new home! Jerry loves it. As you know, he did not see the house I purchased in person, only on FaceTime!! We immediately went to the house and the first place he looked at was the garage! He is so happy and excited to be off the road and has a 2.5 car garage!
This week has been nuts!!! We sold the RV in 4 days to a couple in SD who will be driving here at the end of Dec to pick it up. That gives us time to detail the inside and outside, and store it after the 20th. We also traded in Hunky (the dually truck) and walked out with two vehicles with no money out of pocket. I’m driving a Honda Civic 2019 with only 12,000 miles on it and Jerry got a brand new Honda Ridgeline Truck (although, Jerry says, that’s NO truck, but he likes the way it drives). Honda is keeping the Ram truck on the lot so on the 20th we can “borrow” it and move the RV to the new house and unload it then move the RV to a RV storage facility. Great customer service.
We couldn’t pass up the deal they gave us, as long as we could use the truck to tow Madge around on the 20th. Nothing like trading in one vehicle for two without money exchange. That same day we traded in the Ram, we sold the RV, so we had a very happy day.
In the meantime, our friends Marlene and Jim, who we met in Quartzsite, AZ a year ago as we were walking into the RV Show from the parking lot (seriously, that’s how we met them and have kept in touch throughout the year), came to visit for a few nights. They are parked right next to us. We showed them the new house and the 4 of us have been exploring the area. Marlene and I got our haircuts together from my new stylist, Tim. Yes, he did a great job. I even booked my next appointment.
We have much to do before the 20th. This week we also purchased a new bed and have been looking at furniture. We have a washer/dryer and refrigerator being delivered on the 22nd, along with a couch and two recliners being delivered on the 21st. Can I just say how expensive everything is? I know you know this. It’s been years since we have been furniture and bed shopping. Man Oh Man were we blown away!! But, hey, what are you going to do? We need a bed!!! The furniture we know we will have to order. In the meantime, we will sit on our camping chairs and use our folding tables. (pictures at a later blog)
It is a bit cold here. Jerry’s been diligent making sure he keeps the RV hoses, and underneath warm as it is going to snow here on Monday. We might have to drain all the water at night and put antifreeze in the drains to make sure nothing bursts. It is a process for sure. Thank God Jerry is so on top of this stuff. He’s truly amazing. We have only 10 days left to live in the RV. Please send positive thoughts and prayers that nothing freezes over, including ourselves. (thank goodness for electric heaters and blankets)
It doesn’t feel real yet that we are in our home city or even state. Because we are living in our RV right now, we still feel like we are “camping”. As we drive around we are checking out the area and cannot wait to explore. That will come way after we move in. So much to do and so many appointments booked with window people, landscapers, etc., etc., It’s actually very exciting.
Just One More…..20 degree night in an RV (YIKES)
Just One More... 
So sorry to hear about your very scary trip from Tuscon..so glad you did make it safely to Prescott Valley!
So awesome that everything is lining up for you guys! Congratulations on having a successful trade in of your truck and sale of 5th wheel! Best wishes on your new adventure…we will be seeing you in 2023! Can’t wait to walk and explore with you, Neighbor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!! Can’t wait to be neighbors!!! So excited to see your new home
LikeLike
Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you were so fortunate to have not experienced more rain storms. If that storm was a sign it was telling you to get off of the road and stay off. And so you did. So glad you’re safe. Jerry’s feeling that it was time to put down roots again seems to be moving pretty darn smoothly. So glad he likes the house too. That was a darn bold move Sues. Please PM your new address to me. Very happy for you two. Enjoy the journey of setting up and getting to know your new home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When will you visit??? ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
Can’t wait to see your new home too! Here’s to new adventures in Prescott Valley
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am amazed how quickly and efficiently everything went with regards to selling the RV, and buying new vehicles. As I was reading your blog about the harrowing drive in the rain, I thought the same thing, “a sign?” All is good for you two and I am happy to hear that. Enjoy this next chapter. 2023 will truly be a new beginning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!! ❤️
LikeLike
Welcome to Arizona!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
I have loved following your ADVENTURES since the first day you contacted me about becoming RVers! Even after this last hectic (scary) final leg of your journey, you found time to write and post your blog and YouTube videos!! Stay in touch and maybe “Aunt CoolJudy” will stop by your new house during my winter travels. (((HUGS))) 👍🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
ADVENTURES since the first day you contacted me about becoming RVers! Even after this last hectic (scary) final leg of your journey, you found time to write and post your blog and YouTube videos!! Stay in touch and maybe “Aunt CoolJudy” will stop by your new house during my winter travels. (((HUGS))) 👍🥰
LikeLike
Congrats on selling your vehicles so fast. Will be praying the next 10 days will be good ones and nothing freezes or breaks during this time.
So happy for you with your new home you have and know you will have fun exploring all the places near buy, and getting your house all set up!!! Are you taking dishes or pots and pans or other stuff from the RV.
I look forward to coming to visit you guys – we are about 6 hours from you and have timeshares in the area!!!!
Love to you both
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are buying all new dishes etc!!! All we have is plastic. Lol. Come visit!! Love you both.
LikeLike
WOW!! Talk about a sign on the road. How scary!!! But that part of your life adventure is over and now you get to set up your new home. Impressive that you sold Madge in 4 days and got two cars in exchange for Hunky. I must admit that just reading your post wore me out with the whirlwind of selling, buying, choice making, etc. you are both amazing! I’ll put in good thoughts for you to stay warm in the RV!!❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
Welcome home! So glad you survived that last harrowing incident….And YES, it was a sign and glad you recognized it for what it was! Congrats on selling the RV…had no idea that would be so easy… I’m sure that first night in your new home will be both exhilarating and nostalgic… You guys have had quite a ride for the past 18 months and now one more chapter begins…
Marilyn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!!!!
LikeLike
Hi Susan,
So relieved you made it safely from Tucson to Prescott. That must have been a frightening time in the monsoon.
Wishing you the very best in your new “stick” home versus the movable RV! I’ve followed your blogs for the past 18 months and lived it vicariously through you two. What an adventure!
I hope you will continue the blogs & the weekly meetings; however, I seem to have a conflict most of the time with your zoom meetings. I still remember the day almost 3 years ago, January 6, 2020, when I went back to WW in San Ramon and you and your staff so patiently figured out how to set me up online with the app. I’ve been at goal for the past 2 1/2 years! And, plan to continue…
Best regards,
Carole
Carole Brekke 925.785.5244
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations!!!! I’ll be continuing the blog for sure!!! Miss you
LikeLike
You went out with a bang! So thankful you are ok. Scott and Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Very very scary. ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
You guys have really a lot going on, y’all have been blessed to say the least. May the next few days bring much success. Have an awesome week. Just a side note we were a cold 52 today. Stay warm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear from you!!! Yep it’s a whopping 30 degrees right now. But sunny!
LikeLike