What a difference........

     On this our 9th day of this journey of 2017, I fine a couple of differences already.  The first that comes to mind is after 9 days there is a huge difference in miles driven.  After 9 days in the last 8 years trips we would have driven a minimum of 1800 miles by now, this year only 335 miles so far.  Another difference is the temperatures, boy what a difference that has been!  This will be the last trip we start out near Havasu/Parker AZ this time of the year, and what a difference just going another 180 miles down the road to Cherry Valley/Beaumont CA.  It was 108° when we left Havasu Springs RV Resort and this morning we woke up to 64° with a high predicted of 88° and going down as the week moves forward.  No A/C needed yesterday, windows open and a great breeze all day and into the night.
     After last years 9000 mile journey this is what we wanted to try this year, more time spent in stops and less miles driven over the length of the trip.  The only place we spent a week or more in years past were in Des Moines and Davenport Iowa, other than that it was a day or two here or there and moving on.  Don't get me wrong, we both like being "on the road" but this is going to be closer to traveling as full-timers rather than road warriors!  I just did some quick calculations, by traveling like this, we so far have spent $696.00 less in gas based on $2.40/gal and 6.2 miles per gallon (which is what we average).  Now a lot of this years trip will be in California and Governor Browns huge gas taxes on his people.  When leaving AZ we saw gas at $2.27/gal. and now in California we're seeing signs of $2.69 and a bit higher!  I filled up (topped off) at the last Flying J before entering CA and paid $2.22 with my nickle discount, we'll see what's ahead and report back.
     Going to scout out a couple of golf courses today, we are so close to Palm Springs/Palm Desert and all those great course of the Bob Hope Classic days but not sure we'll tackle one of the big boys.  There is a couple of courses within a mile or two of our campsite, we'll check them out first and maybe give it a go tomorrow.
     I've got some work to do around the coach this morning, and the weather is very suitable for taking care of those outside chores, taking advantage while I can.  Beverly is so happy to have internet and WiFi, she can get a bit of work done in the morning and hopefully have time for golf and stuff as the day moves on...............and my Amazon Fire Stick works now that we have WiFi too!