Week 476 - Home, Sweet Home - 09-27-2015

Hemet, Sweet Hemet,

This week we arrived at Golden Village Palms (GVP) in Hemet, California. We have stayed at GVP every year since 2008. Sometimes for a few days, sometimes longer. On our first visit we discovered they played sand volleyball every morning. We joined them, met 40 of the nicest people and came back to play for two more years. Then we discovered Pickleball and would only come by for a few days to visit our friends. Now, we will stay for a couple of months. What changed?

First, we enjoy seeing our friends. Next, they now have four nice Pickleball courts. And finally Pete is needed in North Hollywood to work at one of his favorite client's business. This is the closest resort where Ellen can enjoy the people and facilities when Pete is away.

GVP is located in the San Jacinto Valley. It is in the middle of farmland and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains and foothills. Within a few miles of GVP are seven golf courses. If that is not enough golf, there are 124 more courses within a one-hour drive. And its just an easy walk or bike ride to almost every restaurant you have ever heard of.

But you never need to leave GVP to stay busy. It is defined by it's facilities, people and activities. There is sand volleyball every day, pickleball, water aerobics, the fitness center, billiards, water volleyball in one or two pools, indoor shuffleboard, horse shoes and putting green, Wednesday through Saturday there is a poolside burger bar with live music twice a week, dances, potlucks, fun nights, card games, Internet center, golf outings, quilting parties and more.

We use the fitness center, pools, spas and billiards. We enjoy the potlucks and dinners and eat out more than we should (we can't help it with all the restaurants within two miles). But we came for the Pickleball. We are parked just twenty feet from the courts.

Our big windows face the Pickleball courts, so when the folks come out to play, we can be there in minutes!

GVP has four new courts with good seating and shades when you get beat and have to wait. Of course we can just step across the street and relax at home.

Hemet is surrounded by mountains. This is a view of the San Jacinto Valley. Foothills in the distance with the San Jacinto Mountains at our back.

The flower and palm lined entrance to GVP at 3600 West Florida. Site map showing the 1019 sites with full hookups and cable TV.

The putting green with the volleyball courts in the background.

1) Lots of water with 3 pools and 3 spas. The large ball room is in the distance. 2) Two grass lined horseshoe courts.

1) A beautiful California sunrise. 2) A variety of housing with park models, class A,B and C motorhomes, trailers and 5th wheels.

1) The large fitness room is usually filled every morning. 2) The world class indoor shuffleboard with 8 lanes and seating for hundreds. Faith Chapel church is held in the shuffleboard pavilion each Sunday.

1) Water volleyball is very popular and played several times each day. 2) One of the water aerobics classes.

1) Reggie takes his shot playing with Mike, Glenn and Jack. 2) Name any chain restaurant and it is on Florida Ave. From McDonalds to Applebees plus one of our favorites, Chipotle. There is even a Long John Silvers, arrrr, matie!

Our volleyball buddies just to name a few: Back row: Don, Ellen, Anita, Mike, Arnie, Mike, Billy, Jerry, Gary, Bob, Billy, Jerry
Middle row: Roy, Diane, Bobby, Rod, Laurie, Reggie, Chris, Ruth.
Front row: Kerry, Peacock, Patti, Glenn, Debbie, Jack, Carol, Eddie, Jose.

In 2009 we had the privilege of joining in on the Hemet GVP versus Indio Happy Wanderers volleyball fun day. Each resort hosts the other, every other year. This has been a tradition for over 30 years!

There are lots of special events and we happen to be here for the annual dog walk and dog talent contest. A festive event.

That's it for now. We'll be relaxing, Pickling and working and seeing you next week. Since we will be "resort bound" for the next few months, we'll continue to bring you more of our Favorite Photos or Photo Collections.

With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from Sep 2015