Yes, it's been hot inside The Palms. We seem to have acclimated to the heat quickly this year, though. Between some cloudy days, some breezy days, and the little rain we had, it really wasn't too bad once I got the hang of it again - when to turn on fans, open windows, when to keep everything closed up, when to bring out the neck wraps from the fridge. And now it's done, and we've moved on.Hot Springs is a nice campground, an LTVA which is free if you purchase the $180 season pass. I always do, because it gives me different places to spend some time during the winter, and then when I'm heading to San Diego in the spring, I have LTVAs along the way.
I met some really nice people this time around. The only people I've met before at Hot Springs were Peter and Bea, and they have always been friendly and nice neighbors. This year I met two more couples, both with little Deer Chihuahuas - half the size of Katie. Katie loved their dogs and actually chased and played with them a little.
This area has some really pretty sights, such as the palm trees and the hot springs and pool inside the palms. There are areas with lots of trees and bushes, too, and if you get there early enough (or late enough) in the season, you can nab a nice site.
There are also things that aren't so pretty, and that's why I usually don't get a lot of photos here. Every sunset photo is jammed with wires - there are LOTS of above-ground electrical wires everywhere you look. And not far away is a power plant of some kind. It emits a humming noise - it doesn't bother me, but might be a problem for people who are more noise sensitive. We are also right next to the I-8 freeway, so the traffic and big rig noises all day and most of the night are very evident if you're camped near the front of the park, especially on hot nights when you want the windows open. For the campers further back, the traffic is probably not an issue. I've always parked about halfway back and I don't remember hearing traffic before. I do like the campsites in the front, though. I have to walk to the dumpsters every day, so I'd rather be a little closer.
I like Hot Springs and visit every year on the way to San Diego, and usually on the way back to New Mexico. This year I'm going to be so late it will probably be too hot to stay more than an overnight on the way back. We'll see. My season pass isn't up until April 15. There are RVers, mostly Canadians, who spend the whole winter here, and have for years and years.
But just to let you know if you haven't been here, it's not perfect. Most places aren't. I don't know about other bloggers, but I usually don't post photos showing the unattractive things, unless I'm making a point. Usually I pick the most favorable shots in an area, or of our campsite. Of course!
From Wikapedia: "CalEnergy currently runs a geothermal plant that generates enough power for 300,000 homes and could tap into more for up to 2.5 million homes."
We left Hot Springs on Wednesday and drove to El Centro to get gas and do a little shopping at Costco, then over to Wal-Mart where I finished our shopping and we spent the night in their parking lot. They are very RV friendly at the El Centro Wal-Mart.
Thursday morning we left El Centro - good bye to another winter season - and drove to Alpine to spend three nights at the Viejas Casino. As you've probably read in other blogs, they allow a maximum stay of three nights. There is a large parking lot, but the fenced in area on the north side of the lot is for RVs. We'll stay here until Sunday morning, then drive into San Diego which is an hour drive to where I need to be. I'm staying at Home Depots the first two nights in San Diego to be near early morning medical/dental appointments, then I'll head over to my son and d-i-l's house.
Here are photos from Viegas' RV area - I'm in the RV lot and the other RVs are in the employee parking lot. The signage isn't clear, and I started in that lot, then moved over when the guard told me were the RV lot was. He told us all we could stay where we were, it wouldn't be a problem, but I wanted to move. The only thing is this is where the buses and big rigs stay, too, and some of them keep their diesel engines running for a while during the day. It was quiet all night, though. Anyway, it's free, it's green and piney, and I'm happy to be here.
The Palms and the buses in the RV lot:
You can see we are right across the road from the other RVs. It's actually the same lot, just fenced in for the RV area:
I've heard back from Discount Tire/America's Tire. I received an e-mail thanking me for my feedback, said he said they were forwarding my concerns to the store manager and also to the Regional Executive Staff for their review. He wrote that they will be in contact with me. I'll let you know what happens.
From me and Katie, have a great day, everybody! :)
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