Ingrid's Corner

Son returns to Phoenix

by Ingrid

road tripSo after our enlightening, whirlwind trip to New Orleans, son and I enjoy some much-needed downtime home in Colorado.  It’s been awhile since I’ve taken a road trip without the RV and although we lucked out and had some great hotel experiences……well except for one night, I really missed my RV.

There’s a sense of freedom hauling ones home around.  A sense of independence.  A sense of self-sustainability.  But that sense of freedom is amazing.  It’s so liberating.

I won’t complain about the low cost of travel with sons vehicle versus the fuel cost of RV travel.  Son’s Hyundai Elantra got on average 35 miles per gallon.  The F-250 gets 10-13 mpg while pulling the rig…..at today’s lovely Diesel prices…ouch.  However, traveling by car requires the added expense of lodging.  At an additional charge of $75-100 per night (those taxes added to the room charge are always a shocker)  I’m not sure if there’s a clear winner on cost savings.  It would depend on RV Park fees.  There’s always a cost to traveling, always pros and cons, and above all personal preference.

Fashion Square Mall Scottsdale
Fashion Square Mall, Scottsdale

After a few days of relaxation and recovery from the arduous drive between Colorado and Louisiana, son needs to return home to Arizona and guess who decides to keep him company on his drive home?  None other than moi.  Turns out a dear friend of my had some surgery.  She lives about 35 minutes south of my son in the Phoenix area.  She would love some company.

Son and I left Colorado the day before a cold front rolled in.  While Logan and I enjoy 90 plus degree temperatures and sunshine in Phoenix, hubby and daughter enjoy Denver’s first flakes of the season.  This is a reminder, Al and I will need to get organized quickly and get the RV out of Colorado in the very near future…..preferably earlier rather than later.

San DiegoAs part of girlfriends recovery from hip surgery, regular walking is a must and since the outside temps are in the upper 90’s, we head off to a local mall; Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale.  This allows an abundance of level walking surface in air conditioning, as well as plenty of spots for breaks (i.e. coffee break).  We had a great visit and accomplished physical therapy as mall walkers.  We discuss plans for hiking this winter as her recovery continues.  No shortage of great hiking opportunities in the Phoenix area.

As if Logan and I have not spent enough time on the road, tomorrow we’re off to San Diego, California…….

24 thoughts on “Son returns to Phoenix”

  1. Metro Phoenix is one of my fave destinations and that mall in Scottsdale is completely killer!! I’m envious!!!!!
    Great post…glad your friend is recuperating and thst you got extra travel time with your boy…to quote Charlie Sheen: “Winning!!”

    Like

    1. Once I get my act together and we finally make it to Phx, then perhaps I’ll feel it….”winning” lol.
      Totally agree, Fashion Square is awesome!

      Like

  2. Ingrid, I just stumbled upon your blog, and I must say, I LOVE the topic! My family had an RV as I grew up (and my parents still do–as retirees they go all about the country too!) but my fondest memories of my childhood are traveling around the U.S. and Canada in that RV. Now, my boyfriend and I do most of our traveling tent camping, and occasionally borrowing the parents’ RV. There is nothing like traveling with it! I couldn’t agree more about the sense of liberation and comfort. Great blog!

    Like

    1. Thank you….hubby and I started out tenting it during our dating years and borrowed my folks Class C from time to time. We even honeymooned in Western Ontario (near Lake of the Woods). We were in the airline industry and could have flown anywhere, but we chose a little cabin on a lake. Thanks for stopping and commenting 🙂

      Like

  3. Scottsdale Fashion Square!! My favorite. Our home was only about 4 miles north of the mall in McCormick Ranch. With the pouring rain and thunderstorms here today and tomorrow, I would love the bright blue skies and 90 degree sunshine. Homesick…

    Like

    1. I can totally understand some homesickness….. you’re coming into a rough weather time of year in the midwest 😦 Hopefully you’ll head south as soon as you’re done with Amazon. Stay dry!

      Like

    1. Son graduated from college three years ago. He’s working on a career change. Long story. Will share with you over a glass of wine and campfire 🙂 Heading to AZ in November!

      Like

  8. Not sure. Isn’t that the beauty of RVing….meandering? Let’s keep each other posted and I’m SURE our paths will cross….looking forward 🙂

    Like

  9. Sounds like you have had a great time with your son. We will be heading to the San Diego area in a couple of weeks. Any chance you will still be there? 🙂

    Like

    1. Afraid not. In CO now getting the RV ready. Will leave for the winter beginning of Nov. heading to AZ. I think because of fuel costs in CA we’ll stay in AZ for the winter. However, that could change if diesel goes under $5…… 🙂 I really would like to get Al to San Diego….two up coming posts will clarify.

      Like

      1. Where will you be in AZ and for how long? We will be in the San Diego area through January, then are heading to AZ. Would love to catch up with you sometime. 🙂

        Like

    1. A little too much travel these days…..exhausted. Home in Colorado right now recovering and getting the RV ready to head to the desert for the winter. Getting too old for Colorado winters….lol

      Like

Comments are closed.