First Week, Venture Out Mesa, Arizona – 10th December
So, we have been here just over a week now and have settled into the facility, community, park, adult Disneyland, gated community, +55 activity boot camp, etc etc.
Every day we awake to blue skies and somewhat cool temperatures. It does get down to single digits overnight but by 10.00am it warms up enough that you can dress in shorts and light tops. We have found that by early evening you do need a light fleece on.
As you can see, it is very constant weather.
We have frequented the pool almost every day to get in our laps, but we struggle with the 32c they have it set at. It is lovely when you first get in as you don’t have that cold shock you get when you first jump in, but it is a struggle otherwise. The water almost feels soupy, and you tire very quickly. We really should try to go earlier in the morning to set the hot temperature of the water off but it is a struggle for us to get out of bed as we are not early risers.
When we are at the pool, we are horrified to find people laying out in the full sun and not a lot of sunscreen being used. Being weather beaten Aussies, we know this is not good practise. A lot of them look like old wrinkly leather handbags – not a good look.
Fras has found his way to the Tempe rowing club which is about half hours drive away. The club shuts down on the 18th December so he is making the most of the opportunity whilst it is still available.
We made our way into the city of Mesa and had a wander around. Have to say that there is not a lot to see.
The Christmas Tree with the bright blue sky in the background did remind us of Australia a lot at this time of year. Haven’t seen the santa riding on his bike yet on his way to his shift at the local mall yet as you often see back downunder.
We have participated in a quiz evening which is always a thing we enjoy; met up with relatives of friends who live in Calgary; been out on a drinking session to fun place called The Monastery with acquaintances; played pickleball; met quite a few nice people and the odd weirdo as you would expect, but overall, we are enjoying the experience.
Should we get the opportunity to hire a unit for another month at a reasonable price, we might try it. There are available units coming up on their electronic bulletin board as we can see that people are having to make changes to their holiday plans. Anyway, we will see what happens. Will keep you posted.
Rowkin Rovings Blog 