Quartzsite, AZ

Took a ride out here on Saturday, 1/18/2014.  Stayed at the Eagles club #2594 in Coachella Valley.  It's out on the far edge of the valley, a good 30 minutes to Palm Springs itself.  There are a couple of truck stops just down the road, TA and Love's.  This Eagles had full hookups, electric water and the smelly stuff.  The smelly stuff was a little too far away to hook up hose to, so had to backup, empty, then pull forward again.  In a way this was OK as supposed to leave tanks in the closed position at all times, according to the guy I listened to at the FMCA Rally.

I should've taken a picture when in Quartzsite, AZ, but it was a MADHOUSE.  Wall to wall people, very little room to move around, traffic lights took forever, and then some.

Came here for a couple reasons, one to see what all the hub-bub was about, the other was to pick up a propane heater.  Accomplished both missions.

Picked up an Olympian Wave 6 Propane Catalytic Heater.  New they're over $300.  "Refurbished", at the show, they were $135.  A substantial savings if someone was to ask me.  That night I went to a local hardware store and picked up all the parts, including a flaring tool and a small pipe cutter.  These two tools, which will only use one time, added about $30 onto the bill, and the bill for all the parts, fittings, hoses, etc (tools too) came to an additional $100.  However, at the current place am at in Pahrump, there is a little workshop with tools, so maybe I can return the ones I bought when go back to Palm Springs.

Don't have any pictures yet of this purchase, or this project, but will be accomplishing it this week and posting what went through for the install process.  It looks to be fairly simple.  One thing which I have tried to avoid is working with gas, such as natural gas or propane.  In this case I actually have to work on it as, well, it's only me, and Mia.  Can't farm out the work with this one.

Already have a spot picked to hook it up, under the stove.  There's a nice copper line will be cutting into and it promises to be an easy thing, albeit several hours.

At Quartzsite, they have one main tent, think like a BIG circus tent.  Inside, and outside, they have all the vendors and it's a typical RV show thing.  Some good deals to be had, as well as some not so good deals. There were some Jug-O-Juice companies, some chintzy magnetic bands things, even saw a chintzy insole.  Most things like that I saw was not quality, and none of them seemed to only want to make a buck, and not care about why customer was looking.

While here saw some familiar faces from the FMCA rally, as well as other people I have come across in my travels.  They had an Escapee booth (and I'm a lifetime member).  Had to stop in to thank them.  I also ran into some other Escapee's I met in Yuma.  It was funny seeing them up here, fun was had all around.  I even helped someone drag her husband away from some booth.

There were booths there for all sorts of things, from Workampers (such as temporary help at Amazon or camp hosts at campgrounds), to Jug-O-Juice-O-Matic's, to Honda Generators and the like, and cooking pans too.  A large range of activities.

Next year I plan on staying in town for a week, hopefully dry camping out on BLM land.  If not there were quite a few cheap RV parks in town (very squishy squishy) if worse came to worse.  Also very cheap.

Epilogue

Some people always forget this.  Some people have never experienced this.  Timing is everything and figured would share this quote from something I saw on Google+

"The best things in life aren't material "things".  They are moments, feelings, lessons, faith, emotions, discoveries, and truths"

This quote highlights one of the things I will be achieving from this journey, as I identified when wrote The Meaning.  This post is also in regards to the passing of Pia.  As mentioned, have received her remains, and one of the steps which I need to do, for myself, and to honor Pia, is to write this post, much of which is outside my comfort zone by quite a bit.

One of the things which I need to experience, and have experienced some of now, is loss.  While loss is in everyone's life, some people insulate themselves more so than others.  And some people experience it at different times in life, under different circumstances.

Front paw print

This is a first for me.  Have experienced loss of pets before, but when I was knee high to a grasshopper and didn't really know much.  Nothing, EVER, has impacted me this much.

Paw print and pin

Unsure why, but have never been able to show true emotions before.  Still not fully sure of all the emotions out there which await me.  Not sure I want to know sometimes, but know I must.  However, they will all come in due time, at the right time, at the time which is most important, and impactful, for me to learn. Some things we cannot rush, and the things we cannot rush are the most important in life (in my view).

Closeup of pin

This is the first time, since I was knee high to a grass hopper, which I shed genuine tears and cried like a baby.  Not just once, but several times.  Truly never knew I really had that in me.  I would attempt to call these manly tears, but I have hard time calling myself that.  Not that I'm not one, but in order to get that I feel have to experience the meaning of this journey.  Am one step closer, the emotions, the grieving process, all things have not experienced before.

Pin and card

After she passed in my arms, and after the "talk" with the doctor who saw her last breath, I had to go to the RV to retrieve my card (to pay for the cremation).  It was all I could do to stop whimpering like a school girl as opened door to walk across the parking lot.  The emotions just welled up and it was extremely difficult controlling them during walk to RV.  It was almost like the walk of shame after leaving a place of ill repute, but vastly different.

Nicely wrapped up

Most guys don't really talk about things like this, it seems like it's a taboo topic among men really.  This is another part of what I must do on this journey of mine.  I must open myself up, hard as it might be, as it's part of the meaning. This is all encompassing for most of what I do, and what I post.  When I truly realize what wrote there, once have figured it out, will spread the word.

Cedar box containing remains

After the talk, after the walk, soon as got to the RV, and before looking for the card, immediately went to the rear, where the bed is, and flopped right down, teary eyes and all, hoping to just take a breather.

Enclosed thing

However, soon as body touched the bed, the flood gates opened and there was nothing I could do to stop flow of emotions.  I just laid there, for a minute or two, simply sobbing uncontrollably.  Nothing I could do to stop what was happening.  This is something which had to happen, for me, for my growth, and for Pia.

Once had regained my composure, straightened things up and found my card, went inside to settle everything up.  On the way was trying to dry my eyes and control myself.  Once things were squared away everything was a little better.

Certificate, it's official.

I had requested a final viewing of her body, just me and her, prior to going to RV.  Soon as got back asked them to disregard as it didn't feel right, plus I was a sobbing mess to begin with, and viewing her one more time would've made it much, much worse.  I had already honored her presence, her life, and her passing, in the way which felt right at the time.

Small lock and tag with her name

At some point in this process, and just now while typing this out, I actually felt my throat constricting, making it little harder to breathe and little painful too.  Unsure if this means anything, maybe she's haunting me already.  Err, I mean, with me already.

Cedar box with lock and tag

After settling up, headed back to RV and, just for giggles, tried to turn the water heater on (to help clean and wash some things off), and to my surprise, it turned on first thing.  Some people, most people, would think that it would be a normal thing.  However, it typically takes at least a day after parking someplace before it works.  Even now, having been in this one spot for close to a week, it still takes several times to make it light, using gas.  Something I need to fix.  I think, and believe, that Pia had something to do with this.  Maybe I'm mistaken, maybe I'm not, it's difficult to tell what's true and what's not, especially when we don't, won't, and can't, understand everything which happens.

Open box with remains

While waiting for heater to heat up, cleaned up her last act in the RV, when her bladder let go. Opened up windows, turned on exhaust fan, and did what could to remove the unique odor.  After doing that just had to sit in the drivers seat, where she was last, hang my head on the steering wheel and take it all in.  Some emotions were gripping me, lots of lactoferrin was leaving me, lots of things which had never experienced were happening to me.

Lessons were being learned and foundations were being formed, as was truly in a surreal place.  Stayed like this for many minutes, soaking it all in.

When felt it was time, unsteadily got up and wandered to the shower.  It was strangely surreal.  While in the shower Pia would wander up and wait for me to come out.  As towel off, put towel on floor to step onto, then dry off the feet, typically she would always get in my way.  It was not the case this time.

Empty cedar box, remains removed

After the shower, up until four days prior, she would always hop into the shower after I finished, and start licking up the water.  Unsure why, but doesn't matter now.

Note inside the front cover

Dried up, put on clothes again (TMI for sure), and headed off to the rally.  It was very tough to say goodbye at this stage, to turn the key and start the engine, knowing that Pia wouldn't run scurrying for a "safe" place to be.
 

Pia, in all her glory

One of the hardest parts about this was went to bed for the night.  She was my sleeping buddy.  Would always, even when she got in trouble, attempt to crawl under the covers as if nothing happened.  No matter how upset I got it was almost like there was forgiveness, or forgetfulness.  This is one of the lessons which have learned. Love always as we don't miss them till they're gone.

Closeup

It was equally hard to wake up as she would always be resting on me in some form or another, either on my chest, between my legs, or laying next to me.  Always in some form of contact.

Back in place, with imitation rose, and real feelings

So, it is with a lightened heart, and uplifted spirits, that I celebrate Pia's life.  For it is her who has helped me realize quite a few things.  Everything happens for a reason, for both me and her!

Safely in place

With crystal to keep her vibrations

For those that have expressed I don't share enough, and for those who wish to analyze everything under the sun, and then some, it is for you why I went into such depth and detail.  May the wheels turn, conclusions form, for things which I don't yet know.


For it is a real man who, among other things, can share emotions in a respectful manner. This is my goal for what have done here.

Happenings of today

Don't have much to jot down today other than couple minor things, which will expand on a bit later.

Today received remains of Pia..  Wonderful Pia.  It looks like they did a really good job and am fairly confident that these are indeed her remains (i.e. ashes).  Will outline more soon.  Not even a sniffle.  I did great!

The last couple days it was close to, or over, 80 degrees.  Little toasty inside the RV but could be worse.  Had both exhaust fans going and the door open (screen in place) and was fairly nice, mid 80's at least.

Am about to head back to Nevada to get a screwup fixed that was done by DMV.  It is actually their fault as the VIN number was misread by one of them.  I kinda think they're in kahoots with the oil companies so I burn more diesel, but anyways..  Only 1/2 joking.  However it will work out in the long run.  If don't go back and have it read at a Nevada DMV office they will suspend registration as the insurance VIN number doesn't match up to VIN number on registration.  Guess they like to play hardball with insurance.  What a wonderful learning experience.

Haven't decided fully yet, but might be heading back to the LA area as there's an expo thing I would like to check out, close to end of the month.  Will see what the mood strikes, but have to start heading East shortly.

FMCA Rally in Indio, CA

So, this is the real reason I came back to California.  Otherwise would be elsewhere.

In reality though, being here helped me immensely due to recent event(s), namely passing of Pia.  If it wasn't for being around people, arriving here on day of her passing, and just being "forced" to participate, not sure what would have done to help get back to reality.

More Black Stuff

While at this rally, went to a talk where they talked about Black stuff, i.e. the stuff no one wants to talk about and what I touched briefly on here.

Their talk was very informative and was very happy that I was doing most everything right.  Here are some highlights, in no particular order, which most people should be aware of.

• When parked at one spot, keep all drains closed
• Empty tank(s) when they are at least 2/3 full
• Water Water everywhere for black, be very generous when flushing
• "RV" toilet paper doesn't matter.  Costco (or equivalent) paper is fine
• Double ply is recommended.  Single ply causes fingers to poke through in wrong places
• Treat Black, and Grey, tanks with treatment, or they highly recommended this.
• Grey tank is generally much worse than Black, for most people
• Follow Black flush with Grey Flush (to clean out hose)
• Use the mascerator's sparingly, i.e. only when necessary
• After empty, fill black tank with ~10-15% clean water
• After empty, fill grey tank with ~5% clean water
• Avoid chemicals that only cover up odor, such as PineSol
• Avoid products that could leave "sludge" on the bottom

In my black tank, the level sensor doesn't operate correctly, at least when just emptied.  Once it's about 1/2 full, or so, then it seems to function more accurately.  Believe it might be coated with struvite's.  Apparently, the product that was briefly touched upon at end of presentation clears these struvites, plus any hardened build-up within the tank, through normal use.

When I emptied my tank just now, peered down the poop chute into the tank, and didn't see any sediment around (not that have a wide field of view).  Poked a stick down there and the bottom was solid, but grainy, and not plasticky.  Filled it with quite a bit of water, but no layer of water (rig at slight angle).  Could be the angle causing problem (not a large one) or maybe bottom is built up with a deposit (20 years old after all).

Will be getting some of the TankTechs product as seems like it really does work.  Japanese use something similar, and generally they have good stuff, with exception of Fukushima.

The recipe that I point to here actually calls to use PineSol.  I was able to find an organic'ish alternative, at a store in Moses Lake, WA.  It's from biokleen and called Super Concentrated All Purpose Cleaner.  It's made from Grapefruit Seed & Orange Peel extract, among other things.

Entertainment

Every night of the rally (three nights) there was live entertainment.

First night was group called 3 guys and thirty instruments.  They were really great!  Will look forward to seeing them again.

Second night was a comedian, which I missed.  Talked with some people next day and they were very pleased!

Third night was a group of four, with three guitars.  Can't remember name of the group.  Nice "oldies" music and all, just wasn't my thing.

RV's for sale

There were about 130 RV's for sale, and 25 of those were sold to attendees to the conference.  I wasn't one to buy, but two people who I met earlier on in my trip did buy one each.  It was somewhat funny to see just how everything worked out.

Final thoughts

I stayed on location as it was my first time attending.  While I had fun and such, next time, unless I have a booth, will almost definitely be staying off site.  This is because, while there are generator hours and people obey them, people still run generators, which are noisy.  Smell didn't really bother me, just the noise did.  If it wasn't for those would definitely stay onsite again.

This is a great rally, but as was here by myself, I would've been able to see everything in one day.  With the exception of the talks, such as on the Black tank mentioned above. Everything else would've been able to see, thoroughly, within an 6 hour day.

Idyllwild to Palm Springs (area)

Trip down the mountain was more beautiful than going up the mountain, but also fraught with steep downhill slopes in some areas.  Going from 7500'ish feet to near Sea Level, in 75 minutes, was actually pretty graceful.

The trip wasn't like some mountain ranges, such as when went from Death Valley to Pahrump, NV.  That was both a steep, and long, uphill travel followed by an equally steep, and rapid, descent.  Sure, in some areas it was little steep but for the most part everything was generally gradual, except when heading into the Valley with hairpin turns and steep dropoffs.  These would've been great on the scooter, but alas, can't tow the RV with a scooter.

With this still being California and all, I wasn't really surprised when actually entered the valley.  Housing project upon housing project, and a gated golf course every block it seems.  This is definitely a snow bird's paradise.  Some people warned me about the humidity in this area, and they were not mistaken.  The temperatures here now are really nice, but definitely can feel the humidity.  It's not as dry as most of the other places which have been to.

Stayed at one of the Thousand Trails parks for six days before heading to the FMCA rally.  This was a mediocre park and was pretty unimpressed with it.  There were date palms (but alas I had no date) towering over most of the sites, sparse brown grass in most areas, and we were all packed in close.  Not like sardines, but pretty close nonetheless.

One great thing about this park is it was right off the highway, I-10.  This is great, however, since so close did get a lot of the highway noise.  There is also a train track across the highway, behind some trees, and while couldn't see it, many trains passed on it every day.  Refreshing to hear the train as it's a more efficient means of transporting goods.  Though, in an ideal world, everything would be fairly local.

One major downside to the park is that they have been having problems with theft lately, so much so that they warned me about it.  Thought wouldn't have a problem, but someone actually took my tie-down strap, only one.  It is one I use to tie down the scooter to the motorcycle lift.  It is somewhat (extremely) important that have four of them to secure it in place.

Other than these couple things, the people who work there are great (except one lady talked to in the sign-up office, but that coulda been me also).  All of the fellow campers there that I talked to were also great!  Not sure who walked away with my tie-down strap, but they were the exception to the rule.

I continue to be one of the youngest people at the parks I go to.  There was a younger family that was diagonally across from me in Idyllwild, but they were exception to the rule.

This is the park where Pia's last days were also.  Don't think anything here exacerbated any issues as they were already in the works.

Either way, still in the area for this week.  Then heading away again.  The FMCA rally was pretty good, and will make a post soon about it.

Idyllwild

As I had to leave Jojoba Springs, and reservation in Palm Springs area wasn't until Friday, decided had to go someplace.  It just so happens, someplace in the middle is a place called Idyllwild.  It is in the mountains, and was in a campsite at around 7,500 feet.  Highest I've ever been.

One GREAT thing is that was able to see trees again!  Real, honest to goodness trees.  Not real dirt, but at least had the trees!

It was a little chilly up here.  There were splotches of ice on the road, not a large deal on 6 wheels, little more concerning on 2 wheels.  In some of the shady areas there was snow on the ground, not a lot, just enough to notice.

Daytime high was around 60, nighttime low was around 35-40'ish.  I stayed here for only one night and it was quite pleasant.  The hills in the campground were HUGE!  I mean REALLY HUGE.  Lots of great views and vista's and all that happy fun stuff.

Getting to the campground was fairly easy.  It went along a mountain road which was skinny in someplaces but rather enjoyable.  Not much in the way of precipous drops, but there were quite a few stunning views, which couldn't really enjoy as had to keep eyes focused on road.

The town of Idyllwild is actually a very nice place.  Everything looked quaint and touristy to some extent.  Tourists probably sustain this town so a lot of things are geared towards them, but there did seem to be some real quaintness to be had.  Stuck to the main road myself as on a time schedule.

Am going to be heading back to this place if ever find myself in the area again, during the warmer months at least.

Wednesday - Most impactful day of my life

Pia watching as unpack on Vashon Island

So I had to take Pia, one of my cats, to the veterinary clinic.  The clinic was actually an animal hospital but figured had no choice at the moment as one of her legs gave out on her and was unable to walk.  It also looked like she was in quite a bit of pain.  This happened on Tuesday, and she wasn’t eating much for over a week prior to that, only what treats I could coax her to eat.

Beautiful Pia with her eyes.

For reference, the animal hospital is:

VCA Valley Animal Medical Center

Emergency Hospital

46-920 Jefferson St

Indio, CA 92201

Pia sniffing around under bed

Par for the course, ran the standard tests, X-rays and the like.  They hydrated her back up with saline solution (salt water essentially if memory serves correctly). The total bill caught me for a little surprise as didn’t really expect the final total to be so high.  Here is a listing of what was done:

Description	Quantity	Cost
Geriatric Blood Profile	1	257.70
IH ) CBC with a Profile	1	0.0
Radiology Services	1	258.35
Initial X-ray Film Series	1
AIS Radiology Report	1
Examination by Doctor	1	64.50
Fluid Therapy SQ per liter	1	28.00
Cerenia Injectable 10mg/ml	0.5	36.80
Buprenorphen 0.3mg/1ml	2.25	64.74
Cerenia Injectable 10mg/ml	0.5	36.80
Fluid Therapy IV per liter	1	35.00
Treatment charges are in computer	1	0.0
	Patient Subtotal	781.89
	Invoice Total:	781.89
	BioHazard/Medical Compliance	25.79
	Total	807.68

Soon as gain back some senses will ask about some discrepancies, such as Fluid Therapy SQ and Fluid Therapy IV, as well as Cerenia Injectable duplication.  They were also unable to draw a Urine sample and don’t see that credited on this bill.

With the results of these tests in hand, Dr. Jameson, DVM told me what I already knew, is that they didn’t know cause of why one of the rear legs stopped working, and didn’t know why she stopped eating.  The x-rays looked pretty normal.  The last disk was a little compressed, which could indicate a pinched nerve and/or some other discomfort.  Bladder, kidney, the poop shoot, and all the other internal organs seemed to be running along fine.  They were just as baffled as I was.

Pia sniffing a black cat!

So, they dutifully sent her home with me (across the road literally) and off we went back to the RV park.  Gave her the first dose of pain killer that they prescribed her, and she was mostly in lala land.  She was stuck in front of the RV, not being able to move, so I made my bed to be right on the floor with her in case any bowel, or other movements, needed a set of hands to remedy.  It was a quiet night but was difficult for me as tossed and turned, trying not to drift too far into sleep.  Every time woke up to check on her, she had unblinking, wide eyes.  A little worrisome.

It just so happens, Wednesday morning logged in to LinkedIn and had a pending invite from some friends of mine in the Tacoma area who are deeply into metaphysical stuff.  He had a near death experience which totally transformed his life (clinically dead for some time), and she’s been this way for quite awhile.  Anyways, the night before had wanted to check if there is any truth in animal communicators so was going to start looking for one, and then I got this invite.

While they’re not animal communicators, they are gifted in the metaphysical realm.  I emailed them inquiring if they knew anyone, and to my surprise responded almost right away.  He suggested Pia should go to a pet chiropractor, ASAP, before permanent damage happened. Didn’t even know they existed.

Some deep insights Pia has

I dutifully obeyed as it made complete sense based on what learned from the doctor Tuesday night.  Last night’s doctor mentioned a pinched nerve as a possibility, though I didn’t share this information with my metaphysical friends.  Called the Animal hospital back and they only have Chiropractor on Thursday and Friday, which couldn’t do for a variety of reasons.

They referred me to another branch, or a different entity (unsure how they’re related), where they had a full time chiropractor on staff Monday through Friday.  Through talking with the new place, and the receptionist on the phone, we were able to squeeze us in for a 9:30 appointment.  This was at 8:53.

Quickly packed up camp, loaded scooter on back and went tearing off.  Arrived a little on the late side, but they were able to still see us.  Filled out the requisite paperwork, in triplicate it seemed, and the receptionist took it.

Pia basking in sunshine!

Not a minute or two later Pia made these weird noises and twisted, with a contorted face, and then relaxed.  The receptionist asked if she has been doing that, and I responded yes, at least twice in the last day only.  About thirty seconds later I realized she was like a rag doll, could barely feel a pulse and also barely felt her breathing, it was as if the life left her.  The receptionist quickly came over, took her, and grabbed the doctor.  This happened in super fast motion.

Couple minutes later they usher me to a room so the doctor can explain the prognosis.

Turns out that was the last moment Pia was alive, when she left my arms.  One of her last breaths was when she was cradled in my lap.  Just prior to this, she did try to get off my lap, but kept her on.  Am sure she knew what was coming.  I was definitely grateful for this wonderful experience.  It is something which I will treasure, and remember, FOREVER.

While I wasn’t the best dad at times, Pia did teach me a lot, and I hope to have enriched her life, all 17 1/3 years of it.  She is truly a wonderful spirit and will always be around so I don’t stray too far from the path.

Leading up to this, have been doing what I can to help ease her pain, and maybe benefit her in some way.  Don’t think there is anything I could have done differently, other than be a better dad (hindsight is always 20/20).  I went through and cleared as many trapped emotions from her as I could.  There is a pretty long list, and have listed total numbers below.  I would like to think that this made her passing easier, and quicker, and better, to some extent, in that she was now released and ready.  Some people say I’ll never know, but I feel one day I will.

Pia in shower

There were 71 trapped emotions in the Heart Wall.

There were 14 trapped emotions outside the heart wall.

The longer the list, the more we’ve accomplished, right??

The weird thing about this is that she also had an inherited trapped emotion from her dad, and no clue who her dad was, or is.

This experience has been very hard on me so far.  It truly has taught me several lessons, and am sure more lessons learned will appear in the future from Pia.  I truly believe we never die, just transform into a different energy form since energy can’t be created nor destroyed.

Have never experienced loss like this before, and was never prepared for it to have such an impact.  No matter how many signs we see, it almost never is enough to prepare us.  I noticed couple signs before, such as Tuesday night, and the couple days leading up to that.  I kept doing my best to get her well, to eat, to relax.  I think that’s what a healthy relationship is all about, till the very end.  That is one lesson which she has taught me, a little late, but at least I learned.

Last picture of Pia trying to get out!

Next week will receive her ashes, and will most likely carry them with me for awhile, until find just the right place to let her go.  She loved to get outside, and I let her out under close supervision.  She would actually eat tall, or short, blades of grass.

Unfortunately I don’t recall much of her earlier life with me due to my alcohol dependency, but everything happens for a reason, and am sure will figure out the reasons soon enough.  One thing I really remember, is after bringing her back as a young kitten, she was very nervous due to unfamiliar surroundings.  We let her alone and she climbed on my water bed (at the time), got under the pillow, and left a turd sitting right there. She was staring right at us, and I can still see her eyes.

She is featured in my video, and will be featured in the coming years video also!

January 8^th, 2014, a date that will change me forever.  Pia has passed on.  Though we never saw eye to eye, she was the life within my eyes.  She has taught me more than I will ever know, for it’s eternal love that matters, not how I throw. Though sometimes we wore gloves, you have been unwavering in your love.  Rest my Princess In Adoration.

May you rest in peace Pia.  You will be with me forever.

Jojoba Hills - Aguanga, CA

So far this is the premier Escapee park that I have been too.  In a nutshell it's very active, hand built by the volunteers, except for some things involving dynamite and paving roads.  It is also maintained almost exclusively by members, and financially sound.

Some of the vista's are very nice, temperature this time of the year is quite nice.

The wonderful promotional video can be found here, and from what I've seen it's all true.


There are only two downsides.

1. California
2. Too young (unless find a Cougar 55 or older)

The people here are amazing and very friendly.  Have noticed a little in the way of politics and such, but for the most part it's really great!  There is an actual library, movie rental place, craft area, sewing area, quilt machine, and the list goes on.  There is a full featured wood shop, heated pool, two jacuzzi's, and a view from the pool and jacuzzi!

With this park there is a significant (to me) upfront initial investment, which will be returned if choose to leave the park, or to your estate. After that the monthly maintenance fee (payable all year I think) is very reasonable.  Beyond that, the only thing which are responsible for is helping with your talent(s) (it's a Co-op after all) and electricity/internet.  For internet they have four T1 lines coming in, and are in talks to possibly get a 40-6o Gbps Microwave link after T1 contract expires.

Will definitely come back to the park as people were amazing to me and actually learned a couple life lessons here.  It's a toss up in which park like the best so far, this one or one in Yuma.