One of the reasons we wanted to come to this area at this time of year is that it is right at the end of the rainy season so everything is green and lush. The last two times we were here it was February/March and with so little rain over the winter things are very dry at that time.
We did a little cleaning in the morning, and I read my book. After lunch, Barb and Sal suggested we go for a walk on a new trail they had found in the hills behind the RV park.
Ruth and the wildflowers
Hiking up behind the village of Valle de Juarez
This guy was bringing a load of firewood down the trail!
Lots of wildflowers in bloom
The fields are full of pretty flowers
Neat colors on this dung beetle
Yet another pretty bloom
This little old lady lives beside the beginning of the trail.
Sal picked some flowers for her.
We had such a good afternoon. In the evening, Ruth made a lasagna and Barb and Sal joined us for dinner. Had another good sleep last night, and the sun is shining bright again today. I'm experimenting with running the refrigerator off the electricity produced by our solar panels. So far, it's cool enough at night that we shut the fridge right off, and then fire it up on propane when we get up. As soon as the batteries are fully charged from the sun, I switch it over to electric for the afternoon when we have lots of solar. Each site here has metered electric (the way EVERY campground should be!) and we haven't plugged in yet, although I may plug the fridge in for a couple of days just to see how much it would cost versus running it on propane. More out of curiosity than anything else.
We get lots of amps going into the batteries here because the temperature is reasonable and the sky is so clear. Our three 80W solar panels are rated at maximum 4.9 amps each, but occasionally we exceed that under ideal conditions.
enjoy your time with your friends!..nice pictures from your walk on the trail!
ReplyDeleteGreat weather you are having, nice hike for the day as well. Gotta love solar energy, we have only 1 -130 watt panel and two six volt batteries but sure work great when dry camping or to save money if we have to pay for power.
ReplyDeleteHow much is Sal charging per KW? Love the greens int he header photo and of course all the wildflowers.
ReplyDeleteAre you solar panels fixed on top of your RV or can you move them around on the ground?
ReplyDeleteLooking into maybe having a panel or two for next year.
Nice picture of the lake and mountains
Thanks
Mark
just caught up n my blogs and noticed your loss of Whiskey... sorry to hear about... enjoy the weather as it is in the 40's here in northern VA
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys are having the same weather as we are at the Weeb Ranch.It won't last for us thought. Last year at this time I was in PA. helping my sister and it was winter jacket time already.Went from shorts to a jacket in just 900 miles. Glad to see you are enjoying your stay and your walks. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..
ReplyDeleteWell, I missed Whiskey's presence in your post. Take care now.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful area and I can see why you want to spend time there.
ReplyDeleteWe realy want to get solar power for our 5th wheel when we get it.
ReplyDeleteReally really enjoying your site - especially while we are still up here in the North.....
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSue and Doug...We will thank you.
ReplyDeleteGeorge and Suzie...Solar panels is the only way to go! We travelled our first winter without them and said that we would never do that agian. We love the freedom of having the panels.
Contessa...I think Kevin has been in contact with you about that, but we are paying 3 pesos (23 cents)and that is at their cost. Apparently the prices of electricity depends on the source in that area so prices are different in different areas or states.
Mark and Lauree...Our panels are fixed to the roof. We love them and would never travel without having them. If you plan on staying in just RV parks than I guess they are not necessary unless they charge extra for electricity but if you plan on doing any kind of boondocking/dry camping we feel they are worth it.
heyduke50...Thank you! 40F, that's to cold you gotta start heading further south and fast!
Sam and Donna...Yep, gotta love the weather. Hard to believe it has been a year since you left for Wendy's.
Levonne...We sure miss her presence too!
Chuck and Anneke...Yep, there is a lot to see and do here if you really like the outdoors.
Kenny and Angela...We highly recommend that you do, we love it and would never go without it.
Teresa...Glad you are enjoying our adventures. You will have to head south and get away from the cold.
FULL-TIMERS...OCT. 17, 2009...Thanks, we think so too.
Kevin and Ruth