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.