100124 - Welton, AZ

January 18, 2009
M&M RV Park
Welton, Arizona

We had a week to layover before checking into our Casa Grande RV resort. I scanned the directory and spotted a park named M&M RV Park.

Now I admit it did get our attention but we had no delusions of being greeted by Willie Wonka.

It is located out about 30 miles east of Yuma, off of IS 10 in a small town called Welton, and I do mean small. How small? .. well 3rd street is the suburbs.

After we were settled in our space, it was a little more clear why it was called M&M.
Every roadway is named M Street, M Ave, M Lane, M Drive, etc.

The dog run is a dirt road that runs along side the railroad tracks. Oh, about the railroad tracks … they are active.

You know how some people like to go to live by the ocean because they like the sound of the waves and birds, ,,, well if you like trains, this is a great location.
Unfortunately, the activity extends into the night as well. When I mentioned the late night trains, Joe told me that they just recently had a victory by getting the trains to NOT blow their horns or whistles at night. Surprisingly, after a few nights, it doesn’t seem as loud.

Around the corner, on old highway 80, “Main Street”, are a few stores within scooter range. A Chinese restaurant, a breakfast café and a pet groomer. I suggested to Danny that he could use a bath and he gave me a dirty look. It took a day or two for him to finally agree to going to the groomers. On Monday we entered the shop and there were two groomers hard at work and about 6 dogs in holding cages.
The receptionist told us that they were very busy and would not be able to schedule us for a week. We were leaving in 3 days. I don’t know if that look on Danny’s face was disappointment or relief, but I was surprised that there were that many animals owners who groomed their pets. This looked like the kind of town where there were more strays than pets. Anyway, we accepted the rejection and left quietly.

The rest of the week was quiet (between trains) but not dry. The storm that started in Los Angeles traveled east to us and while it might have lost some of its intensity, it certainly maintained its longevity. Being housebound affects people and dogs differently.
To start with, I have an indoor bathroom and Danny’s is outside.
Praying for breaks in the rain was not as effective as I hoped it would be. Neither one of us prolonged our “poop walks” any longer than necessary. Next there is the matter of entertainment. I have a computer and DVDs to watch and books to read. Danny just has a window to look out of. I have to tell you that he was remarkably well mannered and easy to live with, despite his apparent boredom.

Thursday January 23, 2010

Given the option, I would have planned today differently. Unfortunately, we have reservations for a park in Casa Grande that we have to keep and that is about 200 miles east – south of Phoenix.

The morning started with a steady rain and strong winds as we unhooked our shore lines. On the highway, the cross winds made driving a physical challenge. With one hand on the speed/brake control and the other on the steering wheel knob, I could have used a third hand. I have learned that it’s very dangerous to use cruise control on wet surfaces. Danny must have sensed the hazardous travel because he went to the rear of the RV and spent most of the trip on my bed.

We seemed to outrun the rain at one point but the winds were relentless. On the radio, strong wind warnings were announced along with blowing dust storms. I figured that with all this rain, there couldn’t be any dry dust or sand left but I was wrong again. About 30 miles to go to our destination, I got a sample of blowing dust. It filled the road like a fog and turned our visibility to just a few feet. For the next hour we would hit sections of clear highway and then suddenly go blind for the next couple of miles.

Once inside city limits, I could see the strength of the wind and was in awe. Overhead street lights and signals were dancing around like kites. Street signs on metal poles were flapping in the breeze like birds ready for flight and the poles were bending like catapults about to launch their signs.

Luckily, the rain had stopped long enough for us to register at the park and attach our lines and hoses, but soon after, it began again in earnest. I noticed on the activities schedule that tonight was Texas Hold’em poker night but this was one game I would have to pass on. I was not about to add wet to the list of tired and hungry.

100106 - Broken Walker

January 6th, 2010
Pilot Knob RVR
Winterhaven, California

Traveling on the road in an RV has its rewards and enjoyment, but there are also problems unique to this kind of travel.

When things break or stop working, finding a place to get them fixed can be a challenge.

My new rolling walker is really a great piece of equipment and as you can expect, a very necessary item to get around.

As with many mobility assist devices, there are simple methods to adjust the height - simple little silver buttons to push on so that the length of the legs can be altered. Did i say simple? Ordinarily yes ... just push in the button, slide the leg up or down till it clicks into the next hole and bingo, its done.

Unfortunately, after i pushed in the little silver button on one of the legs, it did not pop out. I have no idea where it went but i know where it wasn't and that meant that the leg would not lock in place.

I am currently in Winterhaven, California at an RV park that is remotely located about 12 miles west of Yuma, Arizona.
Fortunately, the product is made by Invacare. This is a company i have had very satisfactory results with customer service issues in the past.

I went to their website and there i was able to look up where their nearest dealer or service center would be located.
According to their info, El Centro, California ... 47 miles away in the wrong direction of my travel was the closest and going east, there was no dealer or service center within 100 miles.

I searched thru the web site for a link to customer service or explain my problem and request assistance but there was none.
Ther website had many categories, so i explored them and found one that was helpful. It was a list of the board of directors of the company and next to the bio of the C.E.O was an email address.

I quickly sent him an explanation of my problem with an apology for having to bother him. The next day i received a phone call from Ken in technical services who was very concerned and discussed the problem with me.He was calling from Elyia, Ohio,where the company is based. We decided that even if he could send me a replacement part, i would not be able to install it myself so he transferred me to customer service. Within 15 minutes, Sarah had assessed the problem and executed a replacement order.She had to search various inventories and found one in Dallas, Texas. I was told that a new unit would be delivered to my RV park by express shipping and should be delivered within 2 days.

This is a company that not only makes a great product, but also knows how to give great customer service. I highly recommend them for your medical equipment needs.