February 2019 – Rest, Resort Living, Rehab…
So the plans in January were aggressive though we accomplished what we had intended. Arriving at Desert Shadows RV Resort on Friday February 1st defintely worked out, and after setting up, getting laundry done, and then packing we departed first thing Saturday morning for Long Beach, CA where we would board the Ruby Princess for our 7 day cruise to Mexico…
The Ruby Princess…
We drove with my sister Pat that morning through the Banning Pass, Hemet, Redlands, and ultimately LA which all proved to be easy and fun. (Good thing it was a Saturday as LA traffic wasn’t too bad) The Banning Pass is definitely interesting and the miles after miles of wind mills were very impressive.
We arrived and met our friends from home a few moments later and it wasn’t long till we were all allowed to board the ship early on the coat tails of Pat’s Elite Pass. (That’s a whole other story… that Elite pass…)
The Princess Cruise Terminal…
We had invited Pat, our next door neighbors of 30 years in Clinton, CT (The Shiely’s), and a family friend (Pat Healey) also from Clinton whom I coached youth sports with for many years, served together on the Clinton Youth soccer Board, and whose daughter (Kate) had worked for me at BEAR Sports for many years as she was going to school.
With this group we knew we were going to have a fun time for sure…
Cruise departure sunset …
Getting on board so early we had to truck our carry ons with us though no worries we headed to the Buffett for some nourishment and a few cocktails where we waited for the rooms to be ready. Having actually taken this same cruise a few years ago we were very familiar with the ship and the ports so our goal was to just relax and share some fun times with our friends/family.
Since excursions weren’t really high on our list, we didn’t even get off the boat in Mazatlan. We took a cab down to the beach and open markets in Puerto Vallarta and then just did some walking and spent some time having fun at Cabo Wabo in Cabo San Lucas….
Mike & Pat waving at Puerto Vallarta Dock…
Pat & Joanne…
Puerto Vallarta…
Mike & Joanne…
Sammy Haggar’s-Cabo Wabo
Probably one of the funniest experiences on the cruise started with our first dinner where a group of other cruisers at an adjacent table kept staring at me. As they departed, passing our table, they asked if they could take a picture with me. The back story is this very funny group are pilots that make up an elite private demo team called “The Patriots Jet Team” . Apparently a few members of this very talented team of pilots couldn’t make the cruise and luck would have it I was a dead ringer for one of those pilots. Hence, from that first encounter the entire rest of the cruise, every time a team member saw me they would shout his call sign “STICKY” and high five, thumbs up or just wave as I was an honorary member of the team for the cruise. I remember one night we walked into the large theater and the entire team stood and yelled “STICKY… ” It turned out to be fun and since Sticky is such an accomplished pilot I guess I got a chance to channel for few moments how a real Top Gun might feel…
The cruise was fun, the food was good, our drink package was definitely well used by us all, the entertainment was ok, and the company was exceptional…
When we had planned the cruise we had all decided to go to my sisters (Pat) for 4 days afterward and hopefully just extend the fun. Pat’s house has plenty of space for us all and her resort setting definitely rivaled some of the amenities of the cruise line… Pat is a great host and spoiled us as I expected her to do.
Over those few days we had a chance to visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, The College of the Desert Swap Meet, Grill-a-Burger (Made famous by Diners, Drivin’s, & Dives), Sunnylands, and The Famous Shields Date Store. As every one prepared to head to the airport we all hugged our goodbyes, said let’s do this again and then we actually headed to our campsite which is only 10 mintes from Pat’s house .
A quick group pic at Pat’s house…
The Famous Shield’s Date Store…
Sunnylands….
February 10th was actually our first night at Desert Shadows Rv Resort. Now we really haven’t ever stayed at an actual RV Resort before even though many places claim that’s what they are. Honestly, this is the first one I’ve seen that actually is a resort. The amenties, mountain views, activities, facilities, people, and tons of social events really make this place special. We never thought we would like something like this though it didn’t take long for us to get won over. A few of the activities we have participated in: Weekly Friday night Pot Luck Dinners, Hiking Club, Ice Cream Socials, Picnic in the Park, the 6 heated Pools, our nightly Hot Tubs, the unlimited Citrus fruit, the gym facilities, and ultimately the incredible people that stay here and are constantly including us in gatherings… This is a very special place for sure, with grounds and landscaping that is kept immaculate.
Desert Shadows RV Resort…
Our Campsite # 299
Our Campsite # 299
Another nice part of this area is it’s short drive to Joshua Tree National Park. We had never been to Joshua Tree NP before and although it was a very chilly day that wasn’t accommodating for hiking, we had an incredible time on February 20th driving through the park and snapping pictures. (We will definitely have to come back for some hiking).
Joshua Tree National Park
So besides close proximity to family, one of the biggest reasons we decided to stay here was my hope to have knee surgery by Dr. Erik Schnaser of Desert Orthopedic Group at Eisenhower Medical Center. Those of you that don’t know, I have had knee issues for over 40 years with my right knee. Starting with a football injury in college in 1975 (MCL), Cartilage surgery in 1978, and then 7 more operations between 1995-2000 for MCL & PCL repairs (twice) all stemming from a karate injury. I have been fighting a losing battle for my entire adult life with knee issues. My goal for the first year of retirement was to get a (TKR) Total knee replacement for my very arthritic deformed right knee. Actually I had started limping a lot the past several years and have had to wear a custom unloader knee brace just to hike or to mow the lawn. I had tried everything to avoid this though several doctors had indicated that I could have it replaced any time I wanted too. BEAR Sports really didn’t allow adequate time to have it done until we decided to retire…
So after several exams, x-rays, and tests TKR was scheduled for Friday February 22, 2019 at Eisenhower Medical Center by Dr. Schnaser. Since we had committed to stay in Palm Desert through April 30th I would have nearly 10 weeks to rehab the knee before we would be departing for our Alaska adventure. Between PT, the gym facility at Desert Shadows, and my commitment I was hoping that this would be a very doable objective…
Surgery went well and due to a small complication from the spinal block which required a one night stay, I have to tell you Dr. Schnaser and his PA Kevin Hearn did an incredible job that day. I left the hospital on crutches moved to a cane 2 weeks later and then dropped everything 3 weeks post surgery. Having the experience of 9 previous surgeries I knew the work rehab would require and since we are now retired I knew I was in a position to hopefully give it a full court press to do it well and quickly…
With the month starting to wind down we had a surprise visit by some college friends (The Grindley’s) whom we hadn’t seen in over 38 years. They live in Washington, though were in the Palm Desert Area for the week as they were scouting for a possible winter retreat/home when they retire in the next year. Always fun to reconnect with old friends and coincidently they invited us to visit at either their Seattle House or Lake Chelan house sometime this summer when we pass through on the next phase of this Revolutionary Journey… (with a new knee hopefully ready to do some hiking in Alaska summer 2019)
Our friends “The Grindley’s” …
