LESSONS LEARNED: THE DESERT MAY OFFER GREENER PASTURES
We were talking today about how we like San Diego, but after seeing its many attractions there may not be anything interesting left to do. Unlike the RV Park in Mesa, Arizona that we stayed at for several days last year and which we remember being in perfect condition and offering a wide range of activities that included Church and Chapel Services, Bible Study classes, choirs and concerts, Texas Hold’em Poker games, community food events, water aerobics, board games, a variety of food trucks, and many other options, the RV parks here are not nearly as nice, and offer little to do.
Moreover, while the cost of living in California is comparable to BC when the current exchange rate of 33% is taken into consideration, it is ridiculous when compared to the neighboring state of Arizona. Our rent here is increasing by US$200 per month in February, as we are told it did last year. Monthly rent at Mesa Spirit RV Resort will then be US$540 less per month than it is here. Similarly, we purchased gas at Costco today for $4.39 per gallon (which equals CDN$1.46 per litre), while Gas Buddy shows fuel at $2.88 per gallon in Mesa (CDN$0.95 per litre). That is not a minor consideration when filling our motorhome’s 75 gallon tank.
There are no beautiful ocean views in Arizona, but there are lovely sunsets, unusual landscapes, and attractions to explore in and around Mesa. We discussed the possibility of coming directly to San Diego again next year but staying just until the end of November before heading to Mesa and parking there until the end of March.
Then it occurred to us: Why don’t we stay here in San Diego only until the end of February this year, and then travel the 370 miles to Mesa to spend the month of March there? That would enable us to make a current comparison of these two options. There is no point in wondering “what if,” nor would it be wise to make a decision about next winter until we’re sure the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. (A bad metaphorical expression when you’re comparing ocean front to desert, but you get the idea.)
The possibilities are almost endless when you can take your winter home with you!