Arizona Trip 2013 - a multi-part post

Our first day on the road to Yuma was long, buffeted by winds and colorful, courtesy of the highway department painting lines on the road. We left Lubbock a little after 7:00 A.M. CDT, and headed west to the town of Brownfield on US 62/82. 

From there we continued to Plains, passing through towns named Gomez and Tokio. Then it was US 380 through the towns of Bronco, Gladiola, Tatum and Caprock before arriving in Roswell, NM. 

The highway from Brownfield to Roswell is predominantly two-lane roads through flat west Texas. From Roswell on to Ruidoso (where we picked up the paint), highways are predominately four-lane. US 380 passes through towns such as Riverside, Picacho, Tinnie and Hondo before arriving in Ruidoso. At Hondo the road changes to US 70 and cuts through the Lincoln National Forest the home of Smokey the Bear and Billy the Kid.  US 70 also cuts through the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and through the towns of Mescalero and Bent. At Tularose we picked up US 54 for a short distance to Alamogordo, then back on US 70 and down the mountain and across the White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range. 

This was not the first time we had been by White Sands National Monument. Many years ago when we still owned a Miata, we went with the Miata Club to the Monument. It was a good thing that white Miata had a tan top or we might have lost it. 

After stopping for fuel in Las Cruces we got on I-10 for another 120 mile drive to the Lordsburg, NM Travel Information Center, which was our stopping point for the day. About a 9.5 hour driving day covering about 480 miles. This was a little longer than our rule of thumb (which is about to change) of 400 miles or eight hours driving per day. This was our first trip headed to Arizona across US 62/82, US 380, US 54 and US 70. We decided that we like this route much better than going to Midland, TX then taking I-20/I-10 west. El Paso traffic, even if you take the "by-pass" has never appealed to me on the previous two trips to Arizona. The Lordsburg Travel Information Center has a pretty good size parking area. When we went to bed, we were the only ones there. At 7:00 A.M (MDT) when we got ready to leave, the place was packed with 18-wheelers.

Living History - Battle reenactment - Fredericksburg, TX

The morning silent was shattered by the artillery fire, a burst of machine gun fire, a shotgun blast and the hissing roar of a flame thrower. Enemy and US soldiers running and falling, shouts for medics, grenades going off, World War II was raging. All this on a rainy May morning in Fredericksburg, TX.  Sitting on bleachers, under a tin cover, 75-100 of us, many of whom were Veterans, watched a battle reenactment staged by the National Museum of the Pacific War, home of the Admiral Nimitz Museum. In a well rehearsed, well staged event, that took you through the duties of the various Marine units, the equipment they used. A glimpse into what it was like to be in a life and death battle, far from home in a very different environment. When we Baby Boomers walked away from this awe inspiring history lecture, we knew that our parents were indeed the Greatest Generation.
Staged on a three acre, indoor/outdoor exhibit, it includes a PT Boat, a Landing Craft and other displays. The reenactment is only held about ten times a year, but it is worth the time to go see. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Store in Fredericksburg.

 

The "battlefield"

Jeep mounted Machine Gun - Covered, but ready.

Presentation begins - make sure you have earplugs.

Machine Gun demonstration

Jeep mounted Machine Gun in action

Members of the "Bunker Crew"

12 gauge shotgun demonstration

In the Battle - "Bunker Crew" in action with Flame Thrower

Advancing on the enemy

The actors

For more information - check out Living History - Pacific War Museum

Oakwood RV Park - Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg, TX is where we stayed over the Memorial Day weekend with several of our camping group. Specifically at the Oakwood RV Park, about three miles south of the center of downtown. This was our third trip to Fredericksburg and in the past with both trailers and Motor Homes we had stayed at the Fredericksburg RV Park. So, this one was new to us.

The entrance to the RV park is very narrow by the office check in area. Stopping in the lane, as there is no pull off area, blocks the inbound lane. After checking in and being assigned a spot, we found the interior roads, at least in the area we were assigned, very wide, which made maneuvering relatively easy.

This extra room came in very handy as the sites themselves are extremely small compared to the standards at other parks that we have been to.

RV Site next to ours. Looking at it from front of our RV.

The septic connection is located on the concrete pad of your neighbor's site, next to their picnic table.
The Park does have a Rally Room which can be rented, so a large group would have the benefits of those conveniences.

Rally Room in building on far right

The Park also has a swimming pool and a Hot Tub area.

At the front entry of the Park is a large picnic area with a pergola that would be great for large group gatherings.

All in all this is not a bad park. It is well maintained and cared for. It can feel cramped, especially in large vehicles.I will keep this on my list of places to stay, in case I can't find anything in the area with larger sites.

Around the track at 140+ MPH

This all started back in mid November last year when I happen to get a discount coupon for the Mario Andretti Racing Experience from the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). The coupon was good for a five (5) minute drive in a NASCAR vehicle or in a IndyCar  valid at any number of race tracks in the US. I forwarded the information to my wife, who immediately asked which I would prefer. I have always wanted to drive a race car. When I had a Miata I would autocross it whenever I had the chance. Autocross was the closest I ever figured I would get to racing, though I always have wanted to get my SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) racing license. That is a little out of reach, due mainly to the vehicle requirements, but that is another story. I have also been a fan of Mario Andretti and the other racers from the past, like Andy Granatelli, Parnelli Jones, A.J Foyt and Bobby Unser. So, the decision was, IndyCar - open wheel.

Mario Andretti Racing Experience Car

This was my Christmas present. So, where should I redeem this? Which track should I go to to enjoy driving as fast as I can? I had to be in Charlotte, NC for a conference in June, the Charlotte Motor Speedway was probably the place to go. Since I had planned to stay an extra couple of days to go visit my brother Bill and his wife Sonja in Greensboro, NC, then staying one more day to participate in this event was doable.

So, after checking the schedule at the track, I registered for a 11:00 AM driving slot on Sunday, June 23. It was interesting to note that on June 21 & 22 they were doing the NASCAR Experience and they only had June 23 for the IndyCar Experience. Apparently they do not mix the cars on the track.

Concord, NC home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway was the location for this awe inspiring event. The vital statistics of the track (thanks to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Website) are: Length: 1.5 miles or 7, 920 feet, Front stretch: 1,980 feet, Back stretch: 1,500 feet, Turns 1 & 2: 2,400 feet, Turns 3 & 4: 2,040, Radius Turns 1 & 2: 685 feet, Radius Turns 3 & 4: 625 feet, Banking in corners: 24-degrees, Banking is straightaways: 5-degrees
Seating capacity: 134,000, Suites: 113. Built in 1959 by O. Bruton Smith and his business partner and NASCAR Driver Curtis Turner the track has expanded and added additional venues such as a 1/5 mile oval, a Dirt Track Oval and a Drag Strip. An auto racing fan place for sure. Much more of the track history and other details can be found here. I will note, that in all of the instruction at this event, the straight stretch on the West side or Grandstand side was referred to as the Front Straight and the one on the East side (longest) was referred to as the Back Straight.

Looking down at the Speedway. 2005 Google Earth image

From the Charlotte Motor Speedway website

What was I to expect? What should I wear? Was there anything special I needed to do before I arrived? Well, the Mario Andretti Racing Experience website answered a lot of my questions, and the others got answered through the marvelous Google search. Basically, show up an hour early, don't drink before you drive, safety is everything. OK, I was good to go.
 
I arrived at 9:50AM, and discovered that I could not find where I was to go. The complex is rather large and the signs I expected to see to guide me to the event were not to be found. So, I called the 800 number I had, and the nice lady that answered directed me to the tunnel at Gate 26 which is on the east side of the track (opposite side from Highway 29). I got to the gate, and after signing a waiver stating that I would not sue anyone for injuries suffered at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, we waited until 10AM to be allowed into the infield of the track.

Gate 26 Tunnel

After parking, I went to the registration area and left my Driver's License and got a Racing Suit to put on over my clothes and a pager (like a restaurant pager). This is a fire retardant suit (coveralls) that is supposed to help protect you in the unlikely event of a fire.

I was told to take pictures, as many as I wanted, walk around, and wait for the driver's meeting that would be announced.

Registration, Memorabilia, Water, Chips

So, I took pictures, walked around and talked to a few of the Race Crew and other participants. Now, at the same time many of us would be driving, many came for the ride-a-long experience. You sit behind the driver in a lengthened version of the IndyCar and ride around the track. These have the term "Ride Car" and play an important role in the Driving Experience as I will explain later.

Going down the front stretch

A little before 11AM, Bob, our Crew Chief made the announcement that the Driver's Meeting for the 11AM drivers would be starting. We all collected by the registration trailer and were guide to the Media Center, passing the Winner's Circle and the Winner's Circle Lounge on the way.

We were guided to the Briefing Room inside the Media Center. This is the same room that all the Drivers and Crew Chiefs meet in prior to the race to go over the rules and get questions answered.

Crew Chief Bob, going over the rules

Bob started out by going through the safety procedures, including how to conduct ourselves on the "hot" side of the wall in the pit area, (look toward the incoming cars all the time), that the Race Crew would guide us to the car, would strap us in, would install the steering wheel (which comes off for easy entrance and exit from the car), and describing the rules of the road. The "Ride Car" has the right of way, and will be in the top two lanes of the straight stretches. Bob also described how to navigate the corners, to stay three (3) to five (5) feet off the apron (or you will crash into the outer wall), and where to place the car in the straight stretches. We were to enter the track on the back straight stretch and could only pass in the back straight stretch. Safety was the most important factor. A big point was made that these are not go-karts. These are IndyCars that weigh 2200 pounds and are powered by a 600 horsepower engine. They will go in excess of 150 miles and hour. Bob also described how you were to interact with your Instructor/Spotter via radio. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio, with a PTT (Push-To-Talk) button on the steering wheel. You are to acknowledge every transmission from your Instructor. Since you can basically only see straight ahead when you are in the car, with maybe a 20 degree window left and right when you turn your head, the Spotter (Instructor) is a very important part of the team. The Spotter will tell you where you need to be on the track, will tell you to speed up or slow down, will tell you when you are going to be passed, when to pass and when you are clear to go like hell. Safety is the most important thing to remember.

A video was then shown that went over the things that Bob had talked about. The videos gave more information on the proper corner handling procedure and the spots to look for on the track so that you have your car properly set for the corners.
After the video, Bob went over the information again and then answered questions. We were then sent back to the registration area for a briefing by the Pit Boss and to wait for our pagers to go off. It was also suggested that we stop and use the restroom prior to driving.

Pit Boss, giving safety instructions

The briefing by the Pit Boss reiterated the safety rules in the pit area and the proper way to enter the pits after you finished your time. Now it was time to wait. Since I was one of the first to arrive, my wait time was not long - unless you happen to be on your way to the bathroom. Following their suggestions, I completed my mission, then went to the helmet stand.

Helmets of varying sizes

At the helmet stand they first gave you a set of ear buds, which after getting them sized appropriately were taped in your ears so that they would not fall out during the putting on or taking off of a helmet. Then you were provided with a sanitary/disposable helmet sock to put on, then the proper size helmet. After you got your helmet, then you waited until a car of the "proper" size was available. The vehicles are designed to fit people of varying heights. Supplemental cushions are provided to go behind your back so that you can fully depress the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals.

Car 4 was "my" car. Getting in is no easy feat for a 60 year old, with a helmet on and in a racing suit. I am not as limber as I once was. I stepped over the side onto the seat bottom (not much padding), and then slide my legs forward into the foot-well.

Driver getting into Race Car

Cockpit of an IndyCar (Steering Wheel removed)

From Mario Andretti Racing Experience website

I discovered that I could not fully depress the clutch pedal, so they added a cushion behind my back. Problem solved. The five-point harness was buckled, the steering wheel installed and checked, and the radio plugged into the helmet.

Hooking up the harness

Again to wait. It is hard to describe what it is like to sit there in that car waiting. All of the things going through your mind. Push in the clutch, once you start rolling, count to three and let the clutch out. Go easy on the gas. Acknowledge radio transmissions from the Instructor/Spotter. Drive the "dots" in the corners. Two "dots" go between them, one "dot" stay to the right, three to five feet off the apron, what have I gotten into? I look out of the car down pit row. All I can see is straight ahead. I see the front racing slicks, out in front no more than an arms length. I feel like I am sitting on the ground (actually I am three inches above it). I wait, sweating in the heat of a warm day, a racing suit and a helmet. Thank goodness the "helmet sock" was absorbing the sweat so it was not dripping into my eyes.

OK, lets talk about the weather. Late June in Charlotte. It is 87 degrees and overcast with about 70% humidity. Just as we came out of the drivers meeting it rained lightly for about 10 minutes. All of us were expecting the drives to be postponed. With luck, the rain stopped and the track was dry in minutes.

I feel the bump of the four-wheeler as the push bar comes against the back of my car. Then we are rolling.

Car 4 headed down pit lane

I have only said "hello" to my Instructor. Where is she? She is supposed to tell me what to do next. I let out the clutch and the engine roars to life. I don't even touch the gas and I must be doing 50 MPH. I follow the apron around Turns 1 & 2 until I reach the back stretch, here there is a 5 degree bank instead of the 24 degree banking on the rest of the track. My Instructor comes on the radio and tells me to give it some gas and ease onto the track. I look for my rear view mirror, oh, right, there is none. I turn my head to look for traffic, I can't see much more than straight ahead. The Instructor is telling me to give it a little more gas and to just relax and keep the car pointed in the right direction.

The first lap is done. Boy, these cars are a little difficult to steer. One-to-one steering, you turn the wheel (no power assist) and you go that direction. Lap two starts and I give it more gas, I am getting more confident, until I drift high coming out of Turn 4 and into the short front straight.

Coming out of Turn 4

My Instructor is urgently telling me to get lower on the track, to stay in the bottom two lanes, get down (remember where the "Ride Car" is supposed to be?). I acknowledge, move down to the lower lanes of the track, increase the gas and we both settle down. As I come around the track, I am passed by a faster car, who drops down in front of me, behind a slower vehicle. We proceed around the track with the Instructor telling me to stay close on the tail of the car in front and we will pass the slower car on the back stretch. As we come to the back stretch, I am not close enough to make a safe pass, so around the track for another lap with the Instructor urging me up closer and then getting very animated saying go, go , go, and go I did. Around the slow car and dropped back down to split the double dots going into turn three. I remembered something Bob, our Crew Chief, had said. "These cars are set up for this track and to turn left. They will stick on the corners at full throttle, there is no need to slow down." So, I did not. However, by the time I hit the front straight again the Instructor told me "Checkered Flag" which meant the drive was over. Continue speed until you come to the back stretch, and ease off onto the Apron. As I ease onto the Apron, I do what they have told me - check the brakes. Make sure that I know how much pressure is needed to stop the car.

Coming down Pit Lane

So, on down Pit Lane I go and bring the car to a smooth stop right on the stop line. How many laps did I drive? Did I make the 150 MPH club? Can I walk? The short answers are; I don't know, No and Yes. The Race Crew came asked how the drive was (awesome) and unbuckled the harness, helped me out of the car and back to the safe side of the Pit wall. The helmet was removed, and I was left standing among other just returning drivers going "that was freaking awesome."

I went to the covered bleacher area and removed my Racing Suit and took it back to the Registration area. I got my Driver's License back, my plaque with a picture of me in my Racing Suit, holding my helmet and an autographed picture of Mario Andretti in his race car. A certificate showing completion of the event with my speed, and my official Mario Andretti Racing Experience Driver's License. Since I did not break 150 MPH (144.70) I forgo the 150 MPH T-Shirt and get one that just says I completed the Mario Andretti Racing Experience. Then it was off the the rented Chevrolet Terrain SUV for the drive to the hotel.

So, would I do this again? In a heartbeat. One of the things I did was to add an extra three (3) minutes to my track time. I upgraded from five (5) minutes to eight (8) minutes and I am glad I did. I wish that I had another two minutes, as I was finally getting comfortable with the car and what to do when it ended. If you have the desire to drive a race car, this is the way to be able to do it. This costs about $40 a minute, but those eight (8) minutes were the most fun of my life.

Getting Driver's ready

A lot of credit go the the people with Mario Andretti Racing Experience. They made the event fun and did everything possible to make this a fun and safe event. Everyone of the staff that I talked to were polite, friendly and just wanted this to be a great time for you.

Jamaica Beach RV Park - Galveston Island

Rating 4/5 - Narrow interior access roads and high sewer access points are the main detractors with the park.

Located on San Luis Pass Road (FM3005) - about 11 miles west of Galveston, the Jamaica Beach RV Park resides on the Bay side of the highway. The entrance off the highway is marked by a large yellow sign.

As you can see the palm trees kind of obscure the sign, but you will see it. That plus the four yellow building on the property. One is the owners residence, one the office, one a pool house/changing room and one the managers residence. There is an unmark entrance just east of the main entrance that makes a good ingress/egress location for your trips off premises.

The office and owners residence from the east. Looking across a pond and miniature golf course.



The sites are all concrete, with, in most cases two sites sharing a single connection pedestal. One RV pulls in one way and the other next door the opposite way. This works well as if you are camping with friends, you could arrange to have your doors facing each other. Each site also has a concrete patio with a wooden picnic table. Cable TV is also provided and the channel selection was enough that I did not need to set up my satellite system. WiFi is also provided, but the signal strength varies on a seemingly day to day basis. It was adequate for email and for doing this post. There are two septic connections at each site, but these are high above the ground. Probably because of the amount of rain, they do not want the rain water filling the septic connections. You should bring an elevated hose holder, though I was able to dump without one. You just have to walk the septic hose (lift up and drain it) in order to assure that all the stuff has drained out.

For the kids, there are a couple swimming pools, a water play area, the miniature golf course and other activities.

Looking down one of the access roads. Nice concrete surface, about 14 feet wide.

The interior access roads are all concrete and measure about 14 feet wide. This is sufficient for travel, even if someone is sticking out a little way. The problem comes with turning the corners. Though there are flared entrances to the roads and to the sites, it can get a little tight. If you are not familiar with your motor home or travel trailer it can get a little nerve racking.

Typical RV Site

There were still several "Winter Texans" at the park. It was interesting to look at the license plates and see vehicles from across the US and Canada. There were a couple of vehicles from Florida there also.

The park offers other amenities also, like a $3 waffle breakfast on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Hot Dog dinners are also offered on some nights and free movies at their outdoor theater on some evenings. Plus, you can order a pizza and have it delivered right to your door. There are also Llamas located on the east side of the park that make a interesting exhibit.

Of course there are ducks and other feathered friends. Behind and to the west of the park is a horse riding concession, and a large vacant field directly behind that is mostly inhabited by snakes.

Beach access is across the main highway (which can be very busy) and to the west of the park. This is a public beach access point and there is a parking area.

This park is Good Sam rated, is a Woodall's 5W and Triple A approved -

So, would we come back again? Yep, just from a different direction so that we could avoid the Houston traffic. Like across the Bolivar Ferry, or through Freeport along the Bluewater Highway. Of course there is a bridge across the mouth of West Bay that might be an issue.

We enjoyed our stay, and will probably return.

Sunset over the Park Office

Stay tuned for more on the Trip to Galveston.

The next stop is the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana. Not the original in downtown, but the freeway store. Great no matter.

Headed to Galveston. Two day trip, about 680 miles give or take. First stop is Weatherford, TX and Cracker Barrel.