We thought we were "The Best in The Desert"?

Parker, AZ is well known for their off-road racing events and although this isn’t the famed Parker 425,(or Parker 500 back in the day), it was the “Best in the Desert Race” sponsored by the nearby Blue Water Inn.  

The massive amounts of dirt flying, mud-slinging and cheers added to the sheer adventure and excitement of this day! 

We got up close and personal with the Corona Trophy Truck (and crew), and cheered on local racers as well as big names like RockStar Energy Drink, Monster Energy Drink, Corona and many more.  With three low flying helicopters catching each twist and turn, the unmistakable dirt rising from the earth could be seen enveloping the town of Parker for miles away.

 In the thick of it, your heart skips a beat when they all start the engines at the same time, rev ‘em up and take off. And you can’t help but cheer when these powerful Trophy Trucks take the curves on the outside and violently kick up so much dirt, that it looks like a mini dust storm or an Arizona haboob. 

The intense sun, spectators and the smell of high octane gasoline made the Parker Best in the Desert Race a fun (albeit very dirty) day! In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we had to take a second shower when we got home (and we think we brought back half of the dirt race track with us)!

Although most people camped and brought their RV's to the Blue Water Inn, the Totally Trailer gang stayed at a campground on the river. 

Dust encircles the town of Parker and can be seen from miles away

The Corona truck was one of the leaders in the series and the crew were are friendly and let us take a peek inside their truck and massive semi set up!

Waiting at the starting line....these trucks are itching to get going

The Corona truck is ready for some fun

We were warmly welcomed in to experience the giant Corona setup

Get outside and get dirty at an off-road race, it's a lot of fun to watch!

Action shot! Caught the YouTheory truck mid embankment

Same embankment, different truck and a lot more dirt flinging!

Locked Away- An Internment Camp in our backyard?

Growing up in the “land of the free”, it’s hard to imagine that not too long ago, we had internment camps in our own backyard. And for over 17,000 people, these scars from their past run deep. 

Between 1942 and 1945 Poston Camp incarcerated 17,867 Japanese men, women and children. Regarded as the largest and hottest camp at 115 degrees in the summer (with humidity off the Colorado River), Poston War Relocation Camp is located 17 miles south of Parker, AZ and encompassed over 71,000 acres. 

Evacuees of Japanese descent were forcibly taken from their homes and only allowed to bring with them what they could carry. The majority of people were from Los Angeles and San Diego, CA and the government saw anyone with at least 1/16^th of Japanese blood as a threat to the United States during World War II.

Poston encompassed three camps in the area known as Poston Camps I, II and III. Camp I was the largest and had 36 residential evacuee blocks and each block contained a staggering 14 barracks, a mess hall, rec building, bathrooms, laundry facilities, staff housing, admin buildings, a hospital and police headquarters.

Camp II had even more residential blocks, staff housing, storage and warehouse buildings, a swimming pool. fire station, medical facilities, fire station and carpentry shop.

While Camp III had 18 residential blocks, an elementary and high school, staff housing, admin buildings, a library, auditorium, stage, two swimming pools and a dry goods store.

It would seem as if the internees had their own fully functional city, but the reality of life in the camp was harsh, barren and frightening.

The government only allocated $.40 cents a day for food, so the internees grew their own fruits and vegetables and raised their own chickens and pigs. Housing was extremely primitive and the lack of privacy was incredibly difficult for the Japanese women who were required to do ALL of their daily routines in front of others.

As time passed, 662 babies were born and 221 adults passed away at the Poston Camps and the quality of education and job opportunities were seriously lacking, while hope and morale were fading.

For years, tens of thousands of people were locked away in the desert, forced to start over and build a life out of sand and fear. It wasn't until the spring of 1944 that the executive order was lifted and the internees were finally free. 

All that stands today of those indignities are some derelict buildings, a beautiful memorial monument and a haunting reminder of what life must have been like for those imprisoned families. 

Although the Totally Trailer gang did not take our RV here and there is no RV camping at the site, it is certainly a fascinating day trip from Parker, AZ.  The monument has a few benches and a kiosk with photos and informational brochure too. 

For more information cehck out these links:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poston_War_Relocation_Center

http://parentseyes.arizona.edu/wracamps/

Built in 1992 a beautiful monument was constructed in memory of internees of Poston Camps

Plaque and memorial in Poston honoring the site

Now un-maintained and overgrown by vegetation, these lonely and abandoned roads indicate the presence of a once populated camp. 

Deserted living quarters now rotting away in the Arizona sun and over-run by rodents and bees

Walking through the burnt and broken down elementary school

In awe of the adobe bricks still hanging on after years of the harsh elements and devastating recent fire to the school building

A massive warehouse houses thousands of old books, textbooks, files and magazine from a bygone era

Newspapers for the entire year of 1971 on display and stored in Poston

A hidden plaque survives time, fires and weather to proudly display the site of the Poston Elementary School

One of many residential evacuee blocks serve as an eerie reminder of war, fear and imprisonment

Parking in Parker (we did more than park though too)!

With so many fun day trips within easy driving distance, it’s no wonder the town of Parker is such a great camp spot! 

No matter what time of year we visit Parker, AZ there is always something to do and someplace new to explore. Parker, AZ sits right on the Colorado River and is well known to river enthusiasts and is a great place to float and boat on those hot Arizona days.  

This visit, we didn’t come to Parker to play on the water….we came to explore ghost towns, old mining towns, World War II internment camps, a little off road racing action and to take in the radiant Arizona sunsets. The town of Parker holds quite a bit of history having been established in 1909 for the sole purpose of being a railroad stopover, watering and shipping station. The majority of land in and around the town of Parker is owned by the Colorado River Indian Tribe, which represents the tribes of the Mohave, Chemehuevis, Navajos and Hopi. The reservation was actually established as an act of Congress in 1865, prior to the actual “town” of Parker existed. There is also a beautiful museum and library that offer a plethora of insight into the tribe’s heritage and traditions. 

The railroad holds a considerable amount of economic value to the town and the landmark train depot fittingly sits in the middle of the town for all to see.   

Summer, winter, spring or fall, Parker is a quaint town surrounded by an area rich in culture and history.

Any time of year, there are plenty of places to park your RV and do some camping and sightseeing around Parker. Bring your boat, your off road buggies and your RV/Trailer and be sure to take in all that this area has to offer!

Camp spot right on the water and tucked under some much needed shade

Just steps to the Colorado River

Historic Train Depot in the heart of town

This very polite sign is welcoming us to Parker!

Classic old railroad tracks expand across the Colorado River as the sun sets in the background

Up close and personal with the train bridge and the fast moving river below

Totally Trailer Welcomes a new baby Ford

Give us a moment of silence for our dearly departed Chevy Suburban. 

This was not just a car, this was our trusty steed that allowed us many adventures and the car that our little one grew up in. After we bought the car twice over with repairs, we stepped into new territory with dare I say…..a FORD! 

We did an extended amount of research comparing the Chevy Silverado and the new Ford F150. I spent countless hours researching and reviewing, hubby spent hours watching test drive videos of each truck going head to head while towing and multiple test drives found us buying a new Ford F150 Supercrew.  Although hubby really liked the Silverado’s tow mirrors (that came standard), we felt the Ford blew the Chevy away in every other category that was important to us (and trust me I was a hard sell since I grew up a Chevy girl). 

The new F150 is built with an aluminum frame which makes it lighter and really easy to drive. We also went with the twin turbo 3.5L Ecoboost engine, which offers an astounding 11,900lb towing capacity.  The Supercrew is enormous and offers more room in the back than the Suburban and little one has mounds of room (although already at my height, hopefully she doesn’t grow into it too much more)! 

The Ford is a breeze to drive, so much so, that I forget I’m driving a truck sometimes. It’s smooth, quiet and exceedingly comfortable.  The 3.5L Ecoboost delivers 365 horsepower and 420lb-ft of torque….que the Tim the Toolman Taylor grunt. Not only does it give us the power for towing, but the interior is a lot more comfortable than the Silverado. I felt like I was in a big ole’ truck in the Chevy. It drove more rigid and the seats were not nearly as comfortable as the enveloping F-150’s seats. 

Between the backup camera, heated seats and all the bells and whistles of a luxury car…on top of the super duty tow power, built-in trailer brake and it received a 5 star safety rating…the Totally Trailer gang is very excited!

We can't wait for even more RV and trailer travels and stories to share.

On the lot before driving it home for the first time

We found out that the new baby likes Palm Springs!

Already making friends (well this is a forced friendship since they are attached)!

Another summer day comes to a close and offers a glorious Sunset!

The Totally Trailer gang is quite partial to the Colorado River, and we keep coming back to it for the rest, relaxation, warm water and great memories.

During the summer we visit with both of our toys (the RV and da boat).

We boat, swim, laugh, eat and float…but when it comes time for sunset, we all stop and take in the last few minutes of the day. We “ooh” and “ahhh” at the vibrant colors, the reflections in the water and how the outlines of the jagged mountains seem to fight the sky for attention. 

 There is a quote I found that seems to sum up our time on the water: “Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed, will never pass in that spot again. Enjoy every moment of life”.

There are plenty of Colorado River RV camp spots available from the northernmost portion of the river in Page, AZ all the way down to Yuma, AZ. We hope you'll bring your RV or trailer and camp along the Colorado River and enjoy one of these amazing sunsets with us!

Like a boating magazine advertisement...it's so beautiful!

The clouds, the sky, the mountains and water all compete for your attention at sunset!

Deep Sea Exploration, Dumbo Octopuses and Sperm Whales...Oh My!

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the discovery of the Titanic or have dreamt of being an ocean explorer, you will probably be exceedingly jealous of our behind the scenes tour of the Nautilus Live Ocean Explorer vessel. 

The Ocean Explorer Trust was founded by Dr. Robert Ballard who discovered the resting place of the iconic Titanic. He’s also a well-known National Geographic explorer and along with his team, they embark on worldwide scientific and ocean explorations aboard the magnificent 192ft Nautilus. The Nautilus chronicles their journey online and through live web-streaming. Day and night, you can log on and watch live video, hear the scientists discussing what they see, chat with the scientist and see data they collect from the ocean floor. 

Our family (especially hubby) has been a little obsessed with this team, the boat and all of their discoveries. The Nautilus gained followers young and old as they captured footage from underwater ROV’s (remotely operated vehicles) and met adorable new sea creatures like the dumbo octopus that was SO cute, it's discovery went viral this past year. If you haven’t seen one of these "Finding Nemo-like"cuties, you have to google it and check it out!! They also had an up close and personal visit with a rare sperm whale, all while collecting samples and data about the Galapagos Rift and the site of the first hydrothermal vent that was discovered in 1977. 

What’s not to love here? Big boats, awesome sea creatures and underwater adventures…sign us up! 

Our big break came this summer as the Nautilus was docked in San Diego Bay for about three weeks. They were busy exploring cold seeps off California’s coast and a 3 year old whale carcass. During this time, we got lucky enough to see the boat and even got an invitation to board and tour this massive vessel.  We got inside the bridge and pretended to be captains (for a few minutes anyway), we saw where they slept, ate, worked out (yes, there is a small gym on the boat), the lab, the live streaming room and we even shook hands with the famous robotic ROV’s Hercules and Argus. 

As the sun set on the picturesque San Diego Bay, the Totally Trailer gang earned our sea legs and thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Nautilus and the crew. The crew gave us a highly informative private tour and allowed us to live out our underwater exploration dreams! After all, it's just an oversized floating RV right?

Check out the Nautilus website for information on their expedition, videos of the best moments of 2015 and to learn more about underwater research and ocean life: http://www.nautiluslive.org/

With the city of San Diego all lit up, Nautilus is all tucked in for the night

Little one and hubby listening about the ROV "Argus" while I snuck off and the boat for a sunset shot

The San Diego skyline almost looks fake in the background

The smaller ROV of the two is Argus and he is seen here enjoying the view and warm weather in S.D.

"Hercules" is the larger ROV who does all the collecting of samples (seen here with his robotic arms and little baskets for collecting and bringing samples back to the surface)

Inside the main control room where the scientist and volunteers sit day after day watching and analyzing each of the many cameras on board and in the water. As well as radar, position and weather. This was definitely the coolest spot on the boat! Hubby liked :)

Little one also took a seat in the control room admiring all the sea creatures swimming by underneath her

Little one learning about the joystick and how it controls the ROV's underwater (as seen above in one of the monitors)

Hard to get hubby to leave this fascinating room.....

Proof that I was here in a family photo taken by a nice crew member! Another gorgeous day in Southern California

Pretending to be the captain of the vessel

Oh, don't trust her driving!

The 192 foot vessel docked in San Diego

This boat has seen some action!

Both ROV's hanging out on the back deck of the Nautilus until they are called for duty again

The Volcano Spit on Me!

If you squint really hard, you can almost imagine what life was like back when dinosaurs were becoming extinct. 

The land is dry, cracked and barren and everywhere you step is a bubbling, active volcano. It smells like the tar pits and in this highly seismic area, it is normal to feel an occasional earth shake. We knew we had to venture back in time by witnessing the geothermal wonders of the Salton Sea Mud Volcanoes.  

Although not true volcanoes (because they don’t produce lava), they still spew and bubble with molten mud, creating a fun and fascinating sight. The earth is always making a mud-like substance and it mixes with the boiling water that is heated deep within the earth. This hot mud is forced upward by an intense amount of pressure from a geological fault which creates the appearance of these mini volcanoes and mud baths. The Salton Sea area has a tremendous amount of heat rising from the earth’s crust known as geothermal activity. In addition to the geothermal activity, this area sits below sea level and directly on the overly active San Andreas Fault. These geological ingredients create a “hot bed” (pun intended) and breeding ground for these miniature natural wonders. 

We had heard that the smell was really intense, but during our visit the area directly around the simmering pots smelled like the La Brea Tar Pits but it was not overwhelming. We had a great time getting dirty and listening to the earth gurgle and spit. On multiple occasions, we got a little too close and the mud volcanoes reminded us that this was their home, by flinging scalding hot mud on us! Each volcano had their own story to tell, some were big open pits, some were boiling mud baths and some were a perfect representation of real volcano. 

The mud pots are not hard to find and can be easily reached by car, but be sure to dress appropriately to avoid the occasional mud flinging and spitting!

Totally Trailer recommends that you take your RV or trailer and camp on nearby BLM land or at the Fountain of Youth Resort in neighboring Niland, CA.

Aerial view of the mud volcano location

Large mud baths...chocolate milk anyone?

Looking into the mouth of the pot in mid spit and pop

Although it's not lava, it sure leaves an ominous trial like from a real volcano

You can see the dry, cracked land, mud baths and mini volcanoes as they erupt!