4 September 2011
We are now on our way to the RVF Rally at Lake Mead, NV. Today we drove from Tulare to Barstow to Peggy Sue's Diner where we met Bob and Hedy. During the last two days we passed a lot of cotton fields and orchards. We stopped in Bakersfield for gas and some shopping at Target. Then we stopped in Tahachapi for a quick lunch. It was cold there as we climbed to 4000 feet. The rest of the day was nice, but windy in spots. We had a good dinner at Peggy Sue's then dry camped in their lot.
5 October 2011
We arrived at the Lake Mead Recreational Area RV Park this afternoon after having breakfast at Peggy Sue's. Bob and Betty met us at Peggy Sue's and caravanned with us. It was overcast and rainy much of the afternoon. But the lake was very pretty with the sun, clouds, and shadows. There was a brief rain bow. Our outdoor happy hour was cut short due to rain and wind. The heavy wind even scared our Samantha during the night.
6 October 2011
Today was a beautiful, sunny day. The lake was awesome! We've been taking numerous pictures. The morning was spent walking and just enjoying the beauty. Then we rode with Bob and Betty to Willow Lake. That was a beautiful drive. We had never been in that area before. Some of the terrain reminded us of Death Valley. The Willow Lake Marina is being built up and it looks to have very nice facilities. The store had a display of the large fish (stripers) that had been caught there. We visited the fish hatchery where fish are raised for stocking Lake Mead. They range from small fingerlings to large trout.
There was a short shower in the afternoon, then it became sunny again.
After happy hour our wagon-masters served home-made baked beans, franks, salad, and carrot cake. A ranger- volunteer spoke about the highlights and history of Hoover Dam and the Valley of Fire State Park.
7 October 2011
We enjoyed a delicious flapjack breakfast prepared by Bob and Betty. Then we departed for the newly opened Memorial Bridge and a walking view of Hoover Dam. We saw several presentations on the history and construction of the dam, and on how the water is distributed today. This is really quite a marvel.
In the evening we were guests of the Boulder City Rotary Club. We were served a beef stroganoff dinner prepared by a top chef. The guest speaker did a monologue presentation portraying a woman living at the time of the dam construction. They had a very hard life.
8 October 2011
The day started with more good flapjacks. We Then went to the Las Vegas Renaissance Festival. It was spread out over a large, grassy field. It was a beautiful day for walking around looking at everything. The fair was much smaller than what we are used to at home, and there was much less food variety. We had a good time.
After happy hour Rudie served lasagna with salad and ice cream for desert. Ranger Tony gave another presentation on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Then Bob and Betty built a campfire and we sat around and talked. It was a beautiful evening.
9 October 2011
Our get - away breakfast was this morning. Ken and Rudie thanked everyone who helped make this a good rally. Joe presented them with their Wagon-master's badges. Some then said good-bye before leaving. Those of us staying over until tomorrow went on the Nevada Southern Railway Historic Train Ride. We shopped at a market with lots of metal yard decorations. We bought a bobbing peacock for our garden.We then relaxed, played marbles, and enjoyed the lake scenery and the beautiful day. Hedy cooked us a sauerkraut, sausage dinner.
10 - 11 October 2011
On our way home! We packed up and said our good-byes. We drove to Peggy Sue's in Barstow where we enjoyed a good dinner and stayed the night. We arrived home about noon on Tuesday. Then the work begins!
Lake of the Springs / Concord
24 September 2011
It was a long day's drive from Salem to Lake Shasta. We are headed for the Thousand trails LOTS Preserve near Marysville. We did stop for rest several times and had a good lunch at the Seven Feathers rest and truck stop and Casino in North Canyonville. It was a very nice complex. The dogs enjoyed the enclosed dog run. We arrived at the Lakeshore Villa RV Park in Lakehead, CA near Shasta Lake. We had a nice view of Mt. Shasta on the way. It was a bit overcast, warm and muggy most of the day. It stayed warm all night.
25 September 2011
Today we drove about 3 hours to the LOTS. It was rainy and misty all day. We had lunch in a little cafe near Oregon House before setting up camp. We tried to find a site where Joe could get his satellite TV, but it is quite woodsy here. We set up in a site in the A section close to the laundry, etc. But no TV for football! And no sewer connection! The lake and trees are beautiful. Deer are roaming around. Bob and Hedy rented a kayak and had fun rowing.
26 September 2011
Bob and Hedy had to leave this morning. We did laundry and sat around in the sun. After the misty day yesterday, today was warm, sunny, and dry, just perfect. Then we decided to move to a sewer site in the X section, but we were still unable to get TV. Joe suffered from not having Monday Night Football! Also, there is no WiFi, 3G, or cell phone service. It seems we want the beauty and peacefulness of nature and the amenities of the city! I took the dogs for walks to the lake and will do more tomorrow. There is supposed to be WiFi at the lodge, so I may walk up there tomorrow.
27 September 2011
Another perfect day! Leah took the dogs for long walks around the park and to the dog beach. Samantha played in the water a little, but I was afraid to let her off leash. She is still unpredictable. We enjoyed a champagne brunch in the motor home. We sat outside reading, talking, and doing needlework.
28 September 2011
After I took the dogs for walks in the morning we had our champagne brunch in the motor home. We then walked up to the lodge. Here we were able to get WiFi and catch up on e-mail. But there was still no cell phone service. The day became quite hot so we spent a little too much time indoors in air conditioning doing needlework, reading, and Sudoku. What a lazy life!
29 September 2011
Another hot, lazy day! I took Samantha to the dog beach again, and took Arden around part of the lake to the dam. We went up to the lodge again for WiFi - it was very slow today. The later afternoon was too hot to be out.
30 September 2011
We drove to Jean's today. We set up at Sunny Acres RV Park, then Jean picked us for dinner at Tahoe Joe's Steak House. After a very big dinner we visited in the RV. Jean met Samantha for the first time.
1 October 2011
Jean picked us up and we went to Pinata's for brunch. Then she took us to the opening of a photographers' exhibit in Hayward. We met several very accomplished photographers and admired their work. We had supper at Mimi's, then visited more in the RV.
2 October 2011
Joe wasn't feeling well this morning so Jean took Leah to Mass. We came back to the RV, picked up the dogs and went to Jean's. She made us a breakfast of bacon and eggs, and Joe could rest and watch football. We enjoyed hanging out and talking. Samantha was hyper and had to be kept out on the patio most of the time. Jean then made us delicious BLTs with avocado. We had to say "good-by" until Thanksgiving.
3 October 2011
We left Concord and drove about 135 miles to the Apricot Inn in Firebaugh off I-5 for lunch and to buy apricot pies. We intended to go to Kingsberg on Hwy. 99, but somehow missed Hwy 180 connecting I-5 with 99, so we ended up going a little further to Hwy 198 and stayed in Tulare at the Sun & Fun RV Park. We had a quiet evening.
It was a long day's drive from Salem to Lake Shasta. We are headed for the Thousand trails LOTS Preserve near Marysville. We did stop for rest several times and had a good lunch at the Seven Feathers rest and truck stop and Casino in North Canyonville. It was a very nice complex. The dogs enjoyed the enclosed dog run. We arrived at the Lakeshore Villa RV Park in Lakehead, CA near Shasta Lake. We had a nice view of Mt. Shasta on the way. It was a bit overcast, warm and muggy most of the day. It stayed warm all night.
25 September 2011
Today we drove about 3 hours to the LOTS. It was rainy and misty all day. We had lunch in a little cafe near Oregon House before setting up camp. We tried to find a site where Joe could get his satellite TV, but it is quite woodsy here. We set up in a site in the A section close to the laundry, etc. But no TV for football! And no sewer connection! The lake and trees are beautiful. Deer are roaming around. Bob and Hedy rented a kayak and had fun rowing.
26 September 2011
Bob and Hedy had to leave this morning. We did laundry and sat around in the sun. After the misty day yesterday, today was warm, sunny, and dry, just perfect. Then we decided to move to a sewer site in the X section, but we were still unable to get TV. Joe suffered from not having Monday Night Football! Also, there is no WiFi, 3G, or cell phone service. It seems we want the beauty and peacefulness of nature and the amenities of the city! I took the dogs for walks to the lake and will do more tomorrow. There is supposed to be WiFi at the lodge, so I may walk up there tomorrow.
27 September 2011
Another perfect day! Leah took the dogs for long walks around the park and to the dog beach. Samantha played in the water a little, but I was afraid to let her off leash. She is still unpredictable. We enjoyed a champagne brunch in the motor home. We sat outside reading, talking, and doing needlework.
28 September 2011
After I took the dogs for walks in the morning we had our champagne brunch in the motor home. We then walked up to the lodge. Here we were able to get WiFi and catch up on e-mail. But there was still no cell phone service. The day became quite hot so we spent a little too much time indoors in air conditioning doing needlework, reading, and Sudoku. What a lazy life!
29 September 2011
Another hot, lazy day! I took Samantha to the dog beach again, and took Arden around part of the lake to the dam. We went up to the lodge again for WiFi - it was very slow today. The later afternoon was too hot to be out.
30 September 2011
We drove to Jean's today. We set up at Sunny Acres RV Park, then Jean picked us for dinner at Tahoe Joe's Steak House. After a very big dinner we visited in the RV. Jean met Samantha for the first time.
1 October 2011
Jean picked us up and we went to Pinata's for brunch. Then she took us to the opening of a photographers' exhibit in Hayward. We met several very accomplished photographers and admired their work. We had supper at Mimi's, then visited more in the RV.
2 October 2011
Joe wasn't feeling well this morning so Jean took Leah to Mass. We came back to the RV, picked up the dogs and went to Jean's. She made us a breakfast of bacon and eggs, and Joe could rest and watch football. We enjoyed hanging out and talking. Samantha was hyper and had to be kept out on the patio most of the time. Jean then made us delicious BLTs with avocado. We had to say "good-by" until Thanksgiving.
3 October 2011
We left Concord and drove about 135 miles to the Apricot Inn in Firebaugh off I-5 for lunch and to buy apricot pies. We intended to go to Kingsberg on Hwy. 99, but somehow missed Hwy 180 connecting I-5 with 99, so we ended up going a little further to Hwy 198 and stayed in Tulare at the Sun & Fun RV Park. We had a quiet evening.
Mt. St. Helens
22 September 2011
Today we just drove about 135 miles to the Silver Cove RV Park in Silverlake, WA. We stopped for gas and shopping at a Safeway in Woodland, WA. We had wine and pot luck heavy hors d'oeuvres and deserts. Then we took the dogs for a walk around the park. It was a nice balmy evening.
23 September 2011
This is the last day of the rally. After a bagel, lox, and cream cheese breakfast we headed out on a 40 mile scenic drive to the Mt. St. Helens Volcano National Observatory. We learned a lot about the eruption in 1980. A huge area was demolished. Since then there has been vast reforestation, roads and bridges built, and scientific study of volcanoes. It was a clear sunny day for photography! We would have liked more time there, but we wanted to get on our way. This has been a fantastic "Rolling Rally" with good friends.
We drove to Salem for the night with Hedy and Bob, staying at the Hee Hee Illahee RV Park. The name means a "Happy Location". It was a very warm evening.
Today we just drove about 135 miles to the Silver Cove RV Park in Silverlake, WA. We stopped for gas and shopping at a Safeway in Woodland, WA. We had wine and pot luck heavy hors d'oeuvres and deserts. Then we took the dogs for a walk around the park. It was a nice balmy evening.
23 September 2011
This is the last day of the rally. After a bagel, lox, and cream cheese breakfast we headed out on a 40 mile scenic drive to the Mt. St. Helens Volcano National Observatory. We learned a lot about the eruption in 1980. A huge area was demolished. Since then there has been vast reforestation, roads and bridges built, and scientific study of volcanoes. It was a clear sunny day for photography! We would have liked more time there, but we wanted to get on our way. This has been a fantastic "Rolling Rally" with good friends.
We drove to Salem for the night with Hedy and Bob, staying at the Hee Hee Illahee RV Park. The name means a "Happy Location". It was a very warm evening.
Memaloose State Park
19 September 2011
This morning we drove to the Maryhill Museum. This is another fascinating museum with exhibits of dance, art, Rodin, chess sets, history of the area, and extensive Native American exhibits. We ate a box lunch at the museum. We then went a little ways to Stonehenge, a WWI memorial. This was followed by a visit to the Maryhill Winery for tasting and shopping.
We had a delicious gourmet dinner at the 6th Street Bistro in Hood River.
20 September 2011
We had a very nice lunch at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. The grounds were beautiful, including a beautiful waterfall. After lunch we went with Dora and Warren to take a drive on the "Fruit Loop", a guide to local farm stands, wineries, etc.
We bought gifts and things for ourselves including jams, fresh apples and pears, a long votive candle holder made from oak barrels, alpaca socks, lavender oil, and more wines. We didn't get back to camp until after 5:00.
21 September 2011
We drove to Cascade Locks to take a cruise on a sternwheeler. It was a beautiful sunny day with beautiful scenery on the Columbia River. It was most interesting going through the locks. They are quite an engineering feat. Very good food was served on the boat including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. All the food was prepared fresh on the boat. We got back to camp in time for Happy Hour. We didn't need much dinner!
This morning we drove to the Maryhill Museum. This is another fascinating museum with exhibits of dance, art, Rodin, chess sets, history of the area, and extensive Native American exhibits. We ate a box lunch at the museum. We then went a little ways to Stonehenge, a WWI memorial. This was followed by a visit to the Maryhill Winery for tasting and shopping.
We had a delicious gourmet dinner at the 6th Street Bistro in Hood River.
20 September 2011
We had a very nice lunch at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. The grounds were beautiful, including a beautiful waterfall. After lunch we went with Dora and Warren to take a drive on the "Fruit Loop", a guide to local farm stands, wineries, etc.
We bought gifts and things for ourselves including jams, fresh apples and pears, a long votive candle holder made from oak barrels, alpaca socks, lavender oil, and more wines. We didn't get back to camp until after 5:00.
21 September 2011
We drove to Cascade Locks to take a cruise on a sternwheeler. It was a beautiful sunny day with beautiful scenery on the Columbia River. It was most interesting going through the locks. They are quite an engineering feat. Very good food was served on the boat including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. All the food was prepared fresh on the boat. We got back to camp in time for Happy Hour. We didn't need much dinner!
Elgin to La Grande, OR
17 September 2011
We left early for the little town of Elgin to take the Eagle Cap Excursion Train ride beside the scenic Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. They served a nice lunch on the train. We then drove to the Eagles Hot Lake RV Park near La Grande where we had Happy Hour and another potluck dinner. Kirk gave us more information about the Exson-Valdez investigation with pictures.
18 September 2011
After coffee and donuts we drove a short distance to the Manual Museum at Hot Lake. This is the hottest hot springs in the U. S. David Manual, a renowned bronze sculptor and Indian Historian and his wife, Lee, told us about how they have been restoring the historic buildings at Hot Lake which included a hospital, to include a museum, B & B, restaurant, studio, and store. The museum includes displays of military history and Indian history. We had a good Italian chicken lunch at the museum. Lee enacted the story of Marie Dorian with much enthusiasm and David demonstrated some sculpting techniques. We admired the beautiful bronze work and wished we could aford it. There is a lot more at this museum than I can write about here. It was almost 2 o'clock when we started the 185 mile drive to Memaloose State Park west of The Dalles, OR. We are camped on the Columbia River with lots of sunshine and trees. Beautiful scenery and weather!
We left early for the little town of Elgin to take the Eagle Cap Excursion Train ride beside the scenic Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. They served a nice lunch on the train. We then drove to the Eagles Hot Lake RV Park near La Grande where we had Happy Hour and another potluck dinner. Kirk gave us more information about the Exson-Valdez investigation with pictures.
18 September 2011
After coffee and donuts we drove a short distance to the Manual Museum at Hot Lake. This is the hottest hot springs in the U. S. David Manual, a renowned bronze sculptor and Indian Historian and his wife, Lee, told us about how they have been restoring the historic buildings at Hot Lake which included a hospital, to include a museum, B & B, restaurant, studio, and store. The museum includes displays of military history and Indian history. We had a good Italian chicken lunch at the museum. Lee enacted the story of Marie Dorian with much enthusiasm and David demonstrated some sculpting techniques. We admired the beautiful bronze work and wished we could aford it. There is a lot more at this museum than I can write about here. It was almost 2 o'clock when we started the 185 mile drive to Memaloose State Park west of The Dalles, OR. We are camped on the Columbia River with lots of sunshine and trees. Beautiful scenery and weather!
Joseph, OR
13 September 2011
It was a beautiful, scenic 70 mile drive to Joseph on a winding road. We caravanned with several others. The leaders notified the rest about oncoming cars and bicyclists, etc.
We are at the Park on the River. We saw fresh water salmon spawning in the adjoining stream and we are surrounded by pine forest. The weather is perfect. We had a delicious shish kebob dinner at Vali's Alpine Restaurant a block from the park. They opened especially for us.
14 September 2011
After a leisurely morning at camp with huge cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, and doing some laundry, we went to the Enterprise, OR Rotary Club lunch meeting. The food was provided by local ranchers and businesses - wonderful! Our own Kirk was the speaker, telling us about his experiences with the Exson-Valdez investigation. We stopped at a Safeway market to prepare for the evening pot luck dinner. How much weight did we gain today? After the dinner a young park ranger spoke to us about the local ecology and history. She was very dynamic.
15 September 2011
It was raining off and on this morning, but we were happy it stopped before afternoon. We went into the town of Joseph to see beautiful bronze work, go through the historical museum, and to window shop interesting stores. We went into a hardware store for a clasp and longer rope leash for the dog and received friendly personal service.
In the evening the Reeds invited us to their beautiful home on Lake Wallowa for a wonderful ham dinner. This was followed by a fresh Oregon Marionberry cobbler to die for.
16 September 2011
Today we mostly hung around camp getting ready to move on tomorrow. We had a Mountain Berry Shake in the afternoon and bought some shirts. At 5:00 PM we carpooled to the Mt. Joseph Cattle Ranch. We toured the beautiful ranch log houses and grounds, and enjoyed a big camp fire. Then we sat down to a wonderful steak dinner. A local rancher gave us a presentation on the details of cattle ranching. This was most interesting and inspiring. It is amazing how much work it takes to get a steak to our plates!
It got quite cold so we were ready for bed when we got back to camp.
It was a beautiful, scenic 70 mile drive to Joseph on a winding road. We caravanned with several others. The leaders notified the rest about oncoming cars and bicyclists, etc.
We are at the Park on the River. We saw fresh water salmon spawning in the adjoining stream and we are surrounded by pine forest. The weather is perfect. We had a delicious shish kebob dinner at Vali's Alpine Restaurant a block from the park. They opened especially for us.
14 September 2011
After a leisurely morning at camp with huge cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, and doing some laundry, we went to the Enterprise, OR Rotary Club lunch meeting. The food was provided by local ranchers and businesses - wonderful! Our own Kirk was the speaker, telling us about his experiences with the Exson-Valdez investigation. We stopped at a Safeway market to prepare for the evening pot luck dinner. How much weight did we gain today? After the dinner a young park ranger spoke to us about the local ecology and history. She was very dynamic.
15 September 2011
It was raining off and on this morning, but we were happy it stopped before afternoon. We went into the town of Joseph to see beautiful bronze work, go through the historical museum, and to window shop interesting stores. We went into a hardware store for a clasp and longer rope leash for the dog and received friendly personal service.
In the evening the Reeds invited us to their beautiful home on Lake Wallowa for a wonderful ham dinner. This was followed by a fresh Oregon Marionberry cobbler to die for.
16 September 2011
Today we mostly hung around camp getting ready to move on tomorrow. We had a Mountain Berry Shake in the afternoon and bought some shirts. At 5:00 PM we carpooled to the Mt. Joseph Cattle Ranch. We toured the beautiful ranch log houses and grounds, and enjoyed a big camp fire. Then we sat down to a wonderful steak dinner. A local rancher gave us a presentation on the details of cattle ranching. This was most interesting and inspiring. It is amazing how much work it takes to get a steak to our plates!
It got quite cold so we were ready for bed when we got back to camp.
Hells Canyon
September 2011
It was a beautiful drive from Baker City to the Hells Canyon Recreation Area along the Snake River. The river is the boundary between ID and Or. We had a good lunch in the little town of Halfway. We are at the Copperfield RV Park in Oxbow, OR on the river with lots of trees. It is a beautiful, clean park.
12 September 2011
We drove to the Hells Canyon Visitors' Center to board a jet boat for a 6 hour cruse though the canyon. It is the deepest canyon in the US. We went through several rapids including 2 class 4. The occasional water splash felt good in the very hot sun! Lunch was served on the boat. The mountain and river scenery was awesome. We hope some of the pictures are good! It was unbelievable how pioneers homesteaded and ranched in this very remote, rugged area. It was a most enjoyable trip through the deep canyon.
It was a beautiful drive from Baker City to the Hells Canyon Recreation Area along the Snake River. The river is the boundary between ID and Or. We had a good lunch in the little town of Halfway. We are at the Copperfield RV Park in Oxbow, OR on the river with lots of trees. It is a beautiful, clean park.
12 September 2011
We drove to the Hells Canyon Visitors' Center to board a jet boat for a 6 hour cruse though the canyon. It is the deepest canyon in the US. We went through several rapids including 2 class 4. The occasional water splash felt good in the very hot sun! Lunch was served on the boat. The mountain and river scenery was awesome. We hope some of the pictures are good! It was unbelievable how pioneers homesteaded and ranched in this very remote, rugged area. It was a most enjoyable trip through the deep canyon.
Baker City, OR
10 September 2011
This morning we had a gourmet breakfast at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City. After breakfast we went through the Baker Heritage Museum. An interesting display about the history of Air Stream Trailers was featured. We didn't know there was so much history in this area. From there we drove up to Sumpter to see the Sumpter Dredge. All the machinery and gold mining history was educational. It was a nice drive and a beautiful day. We met back at the RV park for Happy Hour and a pot luck dinner.
This morning we had a gourmet breakfast at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City. After breakfast we went through the Baker Heritage Museum. An interesting display about the history of Air Stream Trailers was featured. We didn't know there was so much history in this area. From there we drove up to Sumpter to see the Sumpter Dredge. All the machinery and gold mining history was educational. It was a nice drive and a beautiful day. We met back at the RV park for Happy Hour and a pot luck dinner.
Baker City, OR
5 September 2011
We left home this morning, caravanning with Bob and Hedy. We took Hwy 14 to the 395, stopping in Mojave for lunch. We stayed at the Boulder Creek RV park in Lone Pine. It was a beautiful warm day.
Our new dog, Samantha, is getting used to motor home travel. She wants to jump on everthing, including the driver, so we have to keep her tethered to the soofa seat belt. We hope she'll settle down before long.
6 September 2011
This was another beautiful drive on Hwys 395, 6, and 95 to Fallon, NV. We stayed at a Passport America Park, Sage Valley RV Park.
7 September 2011
We drove through a lot of desert land. We passed a lot of military installations and Indian reservations. There was no cell phone, WiWi or 3G most of the way. I haven't been able to open Blogger.com on the iPad. We had a slow day going to McDermitt, OR on the NV/OR border. We walked to a casino for dinner.
8 September 2011
Today we drove north to Baker City and arrived a day early for the rally. It was nice to have time to set up and to rest. This is a pretty park with lots of shade trees. The evening was lovely for taking a walk. We can relax and clean up tomorrow morning before the rally starts with Happy Hour at 5 PM.
9 September 2011
We slept in this morning, then cleaned up the motor home. Other members started to arrive after noon, so we could relax and catch up. Samantha and Arden greeted all the other dogs. Since I still couldn't access Blogger.com on the iPad, I tried the parks WiFi on the netbook, which works fine. I'll have to see what went wrong with the iPad because it worked perfectly in New Orleans in May.
I found that Blogger no longer works with Safari. It was necessary to download an app for the iPad. I don't know how to use all the features. It doesn't seem to allow much formatting.
We carpooled to the Haines Steak House in Baker City for a wonderful prime rib dinner. When we got back to camp Samantha broke away and had to be chased. She tried to pick a fight with a big black lab. What are we going to do with her??
We left home this morning, caravanning with Bob and Hedy. We took Hwy 14 to the 395, stopping in Mojave for lunch. We stayed at the Boulder Creek RV park in Lone Pine. It was a beautiful warm day.
Our new dog, Samantha, is getting used to motor home travel. She wants to jump on everthing, including the driver, so we have to keep her tethered to the soofa seat belt. We hope she'll settle down before long.
6 September 2011
This was another beautiful drive on Hwys 395, 6, and 95 to Fallon, NV. We stayed at a Passport America Park, Sage Valley RV Park.
7 September 2011
We drove through a lot of desert land. We passed a lot of military installations and Indian reservations. There was no cell phone, WiWi or 3G most of the way. I haven't been able to open Blogger.com on the iPad. We had a slow day going to McDermitt, OR on the NV/OR border. We walked to a casino for dinner.
8 September 2011
Today we drove north to Baker City and arrived a day early for the rally. It was nice to have time to set up and to rest. This is a pretty park with lots of shade trees. The evening was lovely for taking a walk. We can relax and clean up tomorrow morning before the rally starts with Happy Hour at 5 PM.
9 September 2011
We slept in this morning, then cleaned up the motor home. Other members started to arrive after noon, so we could relax and catch up. Samantha and Arden greeted all the other dogs. Since I still couldn't access Blogger.com on the iPad, I tried the parks WiFi on the netbook, which works fine. I'll have to see what went wrong with the iPad because it worked perfectly in New Orleans in May.
I found that Blogger no longer works with Safari. It was necessary to download an app for the iPad. I don't know how to use all the features. It doesn't seem to allow much formatting.
We carpooled to the Haines Steak House in Baker City for a wonderful prime rib dinner. When we got back to camp Samantha broke away and had to be chased. She tried to pick a fight with a big black lab. What are we going to do with her??
29 May 2011
29 May 2011
Heading for Home!
We are planning to get out early this morning to beat the heat.
We started out early yesterday, at 7:45. We stopped for breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Goodyear, AZ. This will be our last Cracker Barrel "fix"for awhile!
We stayed in Ehrenberg, AZ at the River Breeze RV Park. It was full of boaters on the Colorado River celebrating Memorial Day. It was very hot during the day, but cooled off in the evening.
When we get home we have to catch up on everything, then we are going to the SW Computer Conference in San Diego on June 1- 5. We're going directly from there to a RV rally in Lake Elsinore with the Kamper Klub until June 10.
Heading for Home!
We are planning to get out early this morning to beat the heat.
We started out early yesterday, at 7:45. We stopped for breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Goodyear, AZ. This will be our last Cracker Barrel "fix"for awhile!
We stayed in Ehrenberg, AZ at the River Breeze RV Park. It was full of boaters on the Colorado River celebrating Memorial Day. It was very hot during the day, but cooled off in the evening.
When we get home we have to catch up on everything, then we are going to the SW Computer Conference in San Diego on June 1- 5. We're going directly from there to a RV rally in Lake Elsinore with the Kamper Klub until June 10.
27 May 2011
27 May 2011
It was a hot and windy drive to Tucson, AZ. With the dash air not working we had to keep windows open which was noisy. When it got hot we turned on the generator for coach air conditioning. We stopped for lunch at a Country Fare Restaurant at a truck stop near Willcox. The service was very slow so we spent too much time there. We stayed at the Tra-Tel RV Park. It's a Passport America Park and is quite nice with a pretty desert view. But it stayed hot all night and loud train whistles blew about every hour. It was difficult to sleep. The time zone changes didn't help either!
It was a hot and windy drive to Tucson, AZ. With the dash air not working we had to keep windows open which was noisy. When it got hot we turned on the generator for coach air conditioning. We stopped for lunch at a Country Fare Restaurant at a truck stop near Willcox. The service was very slow so we spent too much time there. We stayed at the Tra-Tel RV Park. It's a Passport America Park and is quite nice with a pretty desert view. But it stayed hot all night and loud train whistles blew about every hour. It was difficult to sleep. The time zone changes didn't help either!
26 May 2011
26 May 2011
We stopped at an Iron Skillet restaurant near El Paso, for lunch. We drove to Deming, New Mexico and stayed at the Little Vineyard RV Park. It is very hot, dry, and windy. The official humidity was 2 percent. I didn't know it could get that low! The country side is so dry we fear that the wildfire danger is very high. And to think that there is flooding in other parts of the country! What a contrast from Louisiana and east Texas!
No air is coming through the dash vents in the motor home. Joe looked for a bad fuse but couldn't find one. We called a couple of local places for service but couldn't find anyone who would work on it. We'll have to open windows or turn on the generator for air.
We stopped at an Iron Skillet restaurant near El Paso, for lunch. We drove to Deming, New Mexico and stayed at the Little Vineyard RV Park. It is very hot, dry, and windy. The official humidity was 2 percent. I didn't know it could get that low! The country side is so dry we fear that the wildfire danger is very high. And to think that there is flooding in other parts of the country! What a contrast from Louisiana and east Texas!
No air is coming through the dash vents in the motor home. Joe looked for a bad fuse but couldn't find one. We called a couple of local places for service but couldn't find anyone who would work on it. We'll have to open windows or turn on the generator for air.
25 May 2011
25 May 2011
We had lunch at an IHOP in Fort Stockton, TX, then drove to Van Horn, TX. Texas is big with long stretches of road! We're at the Mountain View RV Park. It was a Passport America park, but it is under new management and isn't anymore. The new manager has plans to fix it up. It is quiet and peaceful with desert vegetation and some cactus flowers. There's a ranch next to the park with pretty horses. It is very hot, dry, and windy, but the night cooled off.
We had lunch at an IHOP in Fort Stockton, TX, then drove to Van Horn, TX. Texas is big with long stretches of road! We're at the Mountain View RV Park. It was a Passport America park, but it is under new management and isn't anymore. The new manager has plans to fix it up. It is quiet and peaceful with desert vegetation and some cactus flowers. There's a ranch next to the park with pretty horses. It is very hot, dry, and windy, but the night cooled off.
24 May 2011
24 May 2011
Again we stopped at a Cracker Barrel near Kerrville, TX for a late breakfast. We arrived at the Circle Bar RV Park in Ozona, TX. The park is just a big parking lot, but they have a good restaurant and a gas station. It was 100 degrees, but the humidity wasn't as high as it had been. Leah and Arden took a little walk after 8 PM and it was still sunny and hot. But it did cool down during the night. We were not able to get 3G here in the evening, but it worked fine the next morning. No cell phone service here.
We watched the news about the terrible tornados in Missouri and Oklahoma.
Again we stopped at a Cracker Barrel near Kerrville, TX for a late breakfast. We arrived at the Circle Bar RV Park in Ozona, TX. The park is just a big parking lot, but they have a good restaurant and a gas station. It was 100 degrees, but the humidity wasn't as high as it had been. Leah and Arden took a little walk after 8 PM and it was still sunny and hot. But it did cool down during the night. We were not able to get 3G here in the evening, but it worked fine the next morning. No cell phone service here.
We watched the news about the terrible tornados in Missouri and Oklahoma.
23 May 2011
23 May 2011
We had breakfast at a Cracker Barrell about 5 miles from the Houston East RV Park. Delicious granola pancakes with fruit and nuts! After about an hour we stopped at a Camping World to have our refrigerator looked at, but their service department was backed up for three weeks. We continued to Seguin, TX. We found Twin Palms RV Park, located just off the freeway. It is a small private park with mostly long term residents. The manager was very helpful, even helping us to hook up! We had to change to a second spot because of an electrical problem. The river ran under the freeway. After dinner we walked down to the boat dock, saw people fishing and water skiing under the noisy freeway. It was very pretty under there, but we were constantly aware of heavy traffic overhead. Unique!
There was a tree in the way of the satellite TV. It stayed hot and humid all night. We slept well to the hum of the freeway!
We had breakfast at a Cracker Barrell about 5 miles from the Houston East RV Park. Delicious granola pancakes with fruit and nuts! After about an hour we stopped at a Camping World to have our refrigerator looked at, but their service department was backed up for three weeks. We continued to Seguin, TX. We found Twin Palms RV Park, located just off the freeway. It is a small private park with mostly long term residents. The manager was very helpful, even helping us to hook up! We had to change to a second spot because of an electrical problem. The river ran under the freeway. After dinner we walked down to the boat dock, saw people fishing and water skiing under the noisy freeway. It was very pretty under there, but we were constantly aware of heavy traffic overhead. Unique!
There was a tree in the way of the satellite TV. It stayed hot and humid all night. We slept well to the hum of the freeway!
22 May 2011
22 May 2011
We drove to Baytown, TX and are staying at the Houston East RV Park. We stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch. We filled up on propane. Our refrigerator has been running only on propane instead of switching to electricity when we plug in. The RV park is next to a little lake. It is very hot and humid so we waited until early evening to take a walk. It got a little windy during the night.
We drove to Baytown, TX and are staying at the Houston East RV Park. We stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch. We filled up on propane. Our refrigerator has been running only on propane instead of switching to electricity when we plug in. The RV park is next to a little lake. It is very hot and humid so we waited until early evening to take a walk. It got a little windy during the night.
21 May 2011
21 May 2011
After our get-away breakfast a Ukelele ensemble from Vancouver entertained us. They were very good. We said good-byes and put away all the stuff we had out. Most of the rally attendees stayed for the Rotary International Convention, but we had decided to move on. A couple of more rigs came in just for the convention.
We drove to Poche's Fish 'N Camp RV Park in Breaux Bridge, LA. We saw some high water along the way. We ate a late lunch at the Poche's Restaurant for craw fish estoufee and BarBQ chicken. It was very hot and humid so we stayed in air conditioning looking at the lake from the coach. Later Arden and Leah took a walk around the nearest lake, watching the sun set. There are 5 fishing lakes here. It was a beautiful evening, but stayed hot all night.
After our get-away breakfast a Ukelele ensemble from Vancouver entertained us. They were very good. We said good-byes and put away all the stuff we had out. Most of the rally attendees stayed for the Rotary International Convention, but we had decided to move on. A couple of more rigs came in just for the convention.
We drove to Poche's Fish 'N Camp RV Park in Breaux Bridge, LA. We saw some high water along the way. We ate a late lunch at the Poche's Restaurant for craw fish estoufee and BarBQ chicken. It was very hot and humid so we stayed in air conditioning looking at the lake from the coach. Later Arden and Leah took a walk around the nearest lake, watching the sun set. There are 5 fishing lakes here. It was a beautiful evening, but stayed hot all night.
20 May 2011
19 May 2011
First we had breakfast at the Alumni Center. We took an informative bus tour of the city. We toured the Longue Vue House and gardens. There is a lot of history in the old estates. This house had quite a collection of antique dolls and ceramics. Also we saw more of the effects of Katrina. After the tour we took a cruise on the steamship Natchez. We got back to camp tired and ready for Happy Hour. Leah won a handmade bag in the raffle. We ate leftovers in the Motor Home.
20 May 2011
After breakfast we went on a bus tour of two plantations: the Laura and the Oak Alley. The tour got off to a late start because of some miscommunication. The first was a Creole Plantation. Our guide told us a lot of stories of the families who lived there. The gardens were beautiful including flowers and vegetables. The second was much more formal with a long alley of gnarled old oak trees. We just had time for a snack in the cafe before boarding the bus. On the way back we saw a lot of water gushing from the spillway on the Mississippi into Lake Pontchatrain. At dinner the new board was introduced and we had Dixieland music entertainment.
First we had breakfast at the Alumni Center. We took an informative bus tour of the city. We toured the Longue Vue House and gardens. There is a lot of history in the old estates. This house had quite a collection of antique dolls and ceramics. Also we saw more of the effects of Katrina. After the tour we took a cruise on the steamship Natchez. We got back to camp tired and ready for Happy Hour. Leah won a handmade bag in the raffle. We ate leftovers in the Motor Home.
20 May 2011
After breakfast we went on a bus tour of two plantations: the Laura and the Oak Alley. The tour got off to a late start because of some miscommunication. The first was a Creole Plantation. Our guide told us a lot of stories of the families who lived there. The gardens were beautiful including flowers and vegetables. The second was much more formal with a long alley of gnarled old oak trees. We just had time for a snack in the cafe before boarding the bus. On the way back we saw a lot of water gushing from the spillway on the Mississippi into Lake Pontchatrain. At dinner the new board was introduced and we had Dixieland music entertainment.
18 May 2011
18 May 2011
After a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit at the UNO Alumni Center we got on the bus for the French Quarter Tour. Not much has changed since our visit here in February, 2010, but the tour included other points of interest. A highlight for me was a tour of the home of the author Frances Keyes. Her books are out of print but they sold old paperback copies and used hard copies. I bought one paperback and wished I had more time to browse through more. The tour was moving on. We had a muffaletta for lunch. Then we went to the Cafe du Monde for a beignet for desert, then bought some Coffee with chicory and some pralines to take home for ourselves and for gifts. In the evening we had a catered dinner at the Alumni Center consisting of crab bisque, lemon chicken, and bread pudding. I won't get on a scale for months after this trip!
After a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit at the UNO Alumni Center we got on the bus for the French Quarter Tour. Not much has changed since our visit here in February, 2010, but the tour included other points of interest. A highlight for me was a tour of the home of the author Frances Keyes. Her books are out of print but they sold old paperback copies and used hard copies. I bought one paperback and wished I had more time to browse through more. The tour was moving on. We had a muffaletta for lunch. Then we went to the Cafe du Monde for a beignet for desert, then bought some Coffee with chicory and some pralines to take home for ourselves and for gifts. In the evening we had a catered dinner at the Alumni Center consisting of crab bisque, lemon chicken, and bread pudding. I won't get on a scale for months after this trip!
18 May 2011
18 May 2001
A beautiful day in New Orleans! We stayed around camp greeting members as they arrived. Leah walked to a nearby store to pick up a few things. Joe attended the RVF Board meeting at 2 PM. We had a big crowd and lots of hors d'oeuvres for Happy Hour. We went with the Traisters to check out the location for the meals at the University of New Orleans Alumni Center. Lake Pontchartrain is big and full of water. It looks like the ocean! I hope to have some time to take pictures of it tomorrow. We went to the board dinner at the famous Tujacques restaurant. After a fantastic 5 course dinner we could barely walk. The restaurant was established in about 1850 and has a lot of history. The big mirror behind the bar was brought from Paris.
A beautiful day in New Orleans! We stayed around camp greeting members as they arrived. Leah walked to a nearby store to pick up a few things. Joe attended the RVF Board meeting at 2 PM. We had a big crowd and lots of hors d'oeuvres for Happy Hour. We went with the Traisters to check out the location for the meals at the University of New Orleans Alumni Center. Lake Pontchartrain is big and full of water. It looks like the ocean! I hope to have some time to take pictures of it tomorrow. We went to the board dinner at the famous Tujacques restaurant. After a fantastic 5 course dinner we could barely walk. The restaurant was established in about 1850 and has a lot of history. The big mirror behind the bar was brought from Paris.
16 May 2011
15 May 2011
We took a beautiful drive from Little Rock to Alexandria, LA, mostly on US 167. There were lots of green trees and fields and interesting little towns. We then went about 30 miles south to the Crooked Creek Recreational Area Campground. The roads were winding and narrow making it quite an adventure! At the end of this we came to a beautiful park with all the facilities. We were nestled in a forest next to a lake. We wished we could spend a few days there.
16 May 2010
We drove from Crooked Creek to the University of New Orleans RV Park. Along parts of I 10 from
Baton Rouge we could see the rising water, and water coming in from a spillway. The highway is a bridge over the waterways, so we were high and dry! It is just so sad that so many people lost everything with the flooding waters when the spillways were opened.
A lot of rigs arrived early for the rally which doesn't start until tomorrow. So we had a great time greeting old friends and meeting new. There were a lot of burrs on the ground which got into the dogs' fur and paws. We gathered for an impromptu happy hour. The weather was beautiful during the day, but a fierce wind blew all night.
We took a beautiful drive from Little Rock to Alexandria, LA, mostly on US 167. There were lots of green trees and fields and interesting little towns. We then went about 30 miles south to the Crooked Creek Recreational Area Campground. The roads were winding and narrow making it quite an adventure! At the end of this we came to a beautiful park with all the facilities. We were nestled in a forest next to a lake. We wished we could spend a few days there.
16 May 2010
We drove from Crooked Creek to the University of New Orleans RV Park. Along parts of I 10 from
Baton Rouge we could see the rising water, and water coming in from a spillway. The highway is a bridge over the waterways, so we were high and dry! It is just so sad that so many people lost everything with the flooding waters when the spillways were opened.
A lot of rigs arrived early for the rally which doesn't start until tomorrow. So we had a great time greeting old friends and meeting new. There were a lot of burrs on the ground which got into the dogs' fur and paws. We gathered for an impromptu happy hour. The weather was beautiful during the day, but a fierce wind blew all night.
15 May 2011
14 May 2011
We visited the Old Court House in Little Rock. There is a lot of Civil War history and local history here. Then we took a 50 cent trolley ride around the city. The driver described every thing we passed. A real bargain! We browsed through a farmers market and ate lunch. We took a trolley back to our car, then stopped at a Walmart before going back to camp. In the evening we went to a Chinese Restaurant with a big buffet.
We visited the Old Court House in Little Rock. There is a lot of Civil War history and local history here. Then we took a 50 cent trolley ride around the city. The driver described every thing we passed. A real bargain! We browsed through a farmers market and ate lunch. We took a trolley back to our car, then stopped at a Walmart before going back to camp. In the evening we went to a Chinese Restaurant with a big buffet.
13 May 2011
13 May 2011
There were loud thunder storms during the night. We visited the Clinton Presidential Library today. It is quite impressive. We learned a lot. They also had a special display of Dr. Suese's art, books, and cartoons. We did't know he had done so much. The Arkansas River, bridges and surrounding landscape are beautiful. Construction is being done for a walkway and bike path on the bridge. We had a good lunch with a sandwich and gumbo in their cafe. It got too windy to eat outdoors. We will have left over spaghetti tonight. This RV Park offered a special giving Saturday free, so we plan to take them up on it to visit more historical sites in Arkansas.
There were loud thunder storms during the night. We visited the Clinton Presidential Library today. It is quite impressive. We learned a lot. They also had a special display of Dr. Suese's art, books, and cartoons. We did't know he had done so much. The Arkansas River, bridges and surrounding landscape are beautiful. Construction is being done for a walkway and bike path on the bridge. We had a good lunch with a sandwich and gumbo in their cafe. It got too windy to eat outdoors. We will have left over spaghetti tonight. This RV Park offered a special giving Saturday free, so we plan to take them up on it to visit more historical sites in Arkansas.
12 May 2011
11 May 2011
We stayed at camp today doing laundry, cleaning in the RV, taking walks, and resting. Betty made us a spaghetti dinner followed with spumoni ice cream. We made plans for what to do on the way to New Orleans and prayed that the impending flooding wouldn't affect us.
12 May 2011
We ate breakfast. Then we packed up everything to break camp. We drove with the Lunds and Traisters to the North Little Rock KOA RV Park. We were finally able to get good cell phone service so I could retrieve voice mail messages and make some needed phone calls. We shared champagne for happy hour. We got Hedy on the phone and we all talked to her. For dinner we ate left over tritip and mashed potatoes. Betty made more of her Italian bread.
While we were camping at the Crater of Daimonds we could hear the cicadas in the trees. We also saw a lot of their exoskeletons on the ground. They have a very interesting life cycle beginning underground, then in the trees. Also we were facinated by a red cardinal who was often seen pecking at mirrors and chrome on cars and RVs. Did he think his reflection was another bird?
We stayed at camp today doing laundry, cleaning in the RV, taking walks, and resting. Betty made us a spaghetti dinner followed with spumoni ice cream. We made plans for what to do on the way to New Orleans and prayed that the impending flooding wouldn't affect us.
12 May 2011
We ate breakfast. Then we packed up everything to break camp. We drove with the Lunds and Traisters to the North Little Rock KOA RV Park. We were finally able to get good cell phone service so I could retrieve voice mail messages and make some needed phone calls. We shared champagne for happy hour. We got Hedy on the phone and we all talked to her. For dinner we ate left over tritip and mashed potatoes. Betty made more of her Italian bread.
While we were camping at the Crater of Daimonds we could hear the cicadas in the trees. We also saw a lot of their exoskeletons on the ground. They have a very interesting life cycle beginning underground, then in the trees. Also we were facinated by a red cardinal who was often seen pecking at mirrors and chrome on cars and RVs. Did he think his reflection was another bird?
11 May 2011
10 May 2011
After breakfast we went with Ken to visit the Historic Washington State Park. This is where the Confederate Capital was after Little Rock fell to the North. First we took the surry ride to get an overall view of the whole place. Then we visited and had excellent docent tours of the old court house, the printing museum, and the gun museum. We had an excellent lunch at the Williams Tavern Restaurant. We got back to camp just in time to walk Arden and go to Happy Hour. Betty made a delicious dinner of turkey meat loaf. We were tired and went to bed early.
After breakfast we went with Ken to visit the Historic Washington State Park. This is where the Confederate Capital was after Little Rock fell to the North. First we took the surry ride to get an overall view of the whole place. Then we visited and had excellent docent tours of the old court house, the printing museum, and the gun museum. We had an excellent lunch at the Williams Tavern Restaurant. We got back to camp just in time to walk Arden and go to Happy Hour. Betty made a delicious dinner of turkey meat loaf. We were tired and went to bed early.
10 May 2011
May 7, 2011
We drove US 82 through green fields and tree lined roads. This is not what we thought Texas looked like. It is good to get off the Interstate! We drove through pastoral scenes, small towns with very old and brand new houses and stores. There are a lot of churches. We arrived at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in the afternoon, met old friends for happy hour. This is a beautiful camp ground, well laid out, lots of trees, a walking trail to the Little Missouri River. But Joe can't get his Direct TV due to the dense trees. Cell phone service is poor, and the 3G access is spotty.
May 8, 2011, Mothers' Day
Our wagon masters made a pancake breakfast. We went to the Visitors Center for an orientation presentation and to look around. We learned how to go about hunting for diamonds. We went back to camp where Leah and Arden did the 1.2 mile River Walk. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The weather was warm and overcast so pictures may not be great. Our wagon masters outdid themselves preparing a delicious tri-tip dinner.
May 9, 2011
After the pancake breakfast we gathered shovels and buckets and set out to find a big diamond. We rented screen sets and a saruca, a round screen slanting to the center so that the heavier diamonds will wash to the middle. We spent several hours sifting and sleucing soil and rocks. The best we came up with was quartz, jasper, calcite, etc. No diamonds! But we had fun playing in the mud!
We came back to camp, cleaned up, and prepared for a pot-luck supper. There sure are good cooks in this group!
It got very hot and humid, and stayed hot all night. We're concerned about thunder storms predicted for the next few days.
We drove US 82 through green fields and tree lined roads. This is not what we thought Texas looked like. It is good to get off the Interstate! We drove through pastoral scenes, small towns with very old and brand new houses and stores. There are a lot of churches. We arrived at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in the afternoon, met old friends for happy hour. This is a beautiful camp ground, well laid out, lots of trees, a walking trail to the Little Missouri River. But Joe can't get his Direct TV due to the dense trees. Cell phone service is poor, and the 3G access is spotty.
May 8, 2011, Mothers' Day
Our wagon masters made a pancake breakfast. We went to the Visitors Center for an orientation presentation and to look around. We learned how to go about hunting for diamonds. We went back to camp where Leah and Arden did the 1.2 mile River Walk. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The weather was warm and overcast so pictures may not be great. Our wagon masters outdid themselves preparing a delicious tri-tip dinner.
May 9, 2011
After the pancake breakfast we gathered shovels and buckets and set out to find a big diamond. We rented screen sets and a saruca, a round screen slanting to the center so that the heavier diamonds will wash to the middle. We spent several hours sifting and sleucing soil and rocks. The best we came up with was quartz, jasper, calcite, etc. No diamonds! But we had fun playing in the mud!
We came back to camp, cleaned up, and prepared for a pot-luck supper. There sure are good cooks in this group!
It got very hot and humid, and stayed hot all night. We're concerned about thunder storms predicted for the next few days.
7 May 2011
6 May 2011
We drove from Vernon, TX on US 287, cutting off on US 82, going to Paris, TX. It was a pleasant drive, one lane in spots, going through a few small towns. It would have been nice to have had the time to stop at interesting little stores and restaurants. Often the road was treelined with green fields. A lot nicer than the Interstate!
We did stop at Saint Jo for gas and picked up huge delicious hamburgers for lunch. They were made on wonderful homemade buns. I don't know what they are called. Joe is still fighting his cold and did't feel up to sitting in a restaurant.
On the Internet we found a little, new RV park about 5 miles East of Paris, TX, right on US 82 - Live Oaks RV Park. The address on the Webpage was just a mailing address, so we had to call to find them. It is next to open fields with sheep, goats, and horses. It's a quiet, pleasant little park in a ranch-like setting. It stayed warm all night.
7 May 2011
This morning we'll head for Diamond Crater State Park near Murfreesboro, AR to meet other Rotary RV Fellowship members for a rally. We hope to find a big diamond!
We drove from Vernon, TX on US 287, cutting off on US 82, going to Paris, TX. It was a pleasant drive, one lane in spots, going through a few small towns. It would have been nice to have had the time to stop at interesting little stores and restaurants. Often the road was treelined with green fields. A lot nicer than the Interstate!
We did stop at Saint Jo for gas and picked up huge delicious hamburgers for lunch. They were made on wonderful homemade buns. I don't know what they are called. Joe is still fighting his cold and did't feel up to sitting in a restaurant.
On the Internet we found a little, new RV park about 5 miles East of Paris, TX, right on US 82 - Live Oaks RV Park. The address on the Webpage was just a mailing address, so we had to call to find them. It is next to open fields with sheep, goats, and horses. It's a quiet, pleasant little park in a ranch-like setting. It stayed warm all night.
7 May 2011
This morning we'll head for Diamond Crater State Park near Murfreesboro, AR to meet other Rotary RV Fellowship members for a rally. We hope to find a big diamond!
6 May 2011
4 May 2011
We drove from Grants, NM to Tucumcari, NM, staying at the Cactus RV Park, a Passport America Park.
5 May 2011
It was a longer drive today to the Rocking A RV Park in Vernon, TX. We took US Hwy 287 after Amarillo, TX. It was a nice drive with a little slowing through a few small towns. It was a warm, windy day. The park is next-door to a Walmart, so we picked up what we needed for the pot luck in Arkansas.
We drove from Grants, NM to Tucumcari, NM, staying at the Cactus RV Park, a Passport America Park.
5 May 2011
It was a longer drive today to the Rocking A RV Park in Vernon, TX. We took US Hwy 287 after Amarillo, TX. It was a nice drive with a little slowing through a few small towns. It was a warm, windy day. The park is next-door to a Walmart, so we picked up what we needed for the pot luck in Arkansas.
4 May 2011
3 May 2011
We drove to Grants, NM. Since Joe still has a cold we made several short stops. We stayed at Bar S RV Park in Grants near a Love's Truck Stop. Leah walked over to the Kiva Cafe to pick up Indian Tacos and sopapillas for dinner.
We drove to Grants, NM. Since Joe still has a cold we made several short stops. We stayed at Bar S RV Park in Grants near a Love's Truck Stop. Leah walked over to the Kiva Cafe to pick up Indian Tacos and sopapillas for dinner.
3 May 2011
1 May 2011
We left home on Sunday, May 1 to meet the Rotary RV Fellowship at Diamond Crater State Park in Arkansas. We started out caravanning with Bob and Hedy, stopping for lunch at Peggy Sue's near Barstow. We stayed at the Elk's Lodge in Needles. They have nice RV sites with full hookups and a nice bar where Leah could celebrate her birthday! The weather was warm and windy.
2 May 2011
Hedy was having stomach pain, so they decided it was best for them to go back home on Monday. That was a real bummer! We continued on our own to Flagstaff and stayed at Black Barts. Joe came down with a bad cold so we didn't go to their dinner show. It was sunny and breezy when we arrived in Flagstaff, but it got down to 19 degrees on Tuesday morning. We had put some water into the fresh water tank and did not connect the hose for fear of freezing.
We plan to head for Grants, NM today.
We left home on Sunday, May 1 to meet the Rotary RV Fellowship at Diamond Crater State Park in Arkansas. We started out caravanning with Bob and Hedy, stopping for lunch at Peggy Sue's near Barstow. We stayed at the Elk's Lodge in Needles. They have nice RV sites with full hookups and a nice bar where Leah could celebrate her birthday! The weather was warm and windy.
2 May 2011
Hedy was having stomach pain, so they decided it was best for them to go back home on Monday. That was a real bummer! We continued on our own to Flagstaff and stayed at Black Barts. Joe came down with a bad cold so we didn't go to their dinner show. It was sunny and breezy when we arrived in Flagstaff, but it got down to 19 degrees on Tuesday morning. We had put some water into the fresh water tank and did not connect the hose for fear of freezing.
We plan to head for Grants, NM today.
April 7, 2011
April 7, 2011
We picked up huge, delicious donuts from Donut Time in Buellton. We carpooled to Lake Cachuma for a pretty and interesting tour on the Lake. It was overcast, and after awhile the wind became very cold. We cut the cruise a little short and took in the Nature Museum. We canceled the drive to Figuroa Mountain to see the wild flowers because of threatening storms. We then were going to eat our box lunches at a Rotary Park in Buellton, but it was still too cold and windy. So we went to the Rideau Winery where we ate indoors and tasted more wines. We went back to the RV Park for a little rest, then went to the tritip BarBQ put on by the Los Olivos Rotary. We ate and socialized in an interesting historical building. Also had more wine! I will post pictures on our Website.
We picked up huge, delicious donuts from Donut Time in Buellton. We carpooled to Lake Cachuma for a pretty and interesting tour on the Lake. It was overcast, and after awhile the wind became very cold. We cut the cruise a little short and took in the Nature Museum. We canceled the drive to Figuroa Mountain to see the wild flowers because of threatening storms. We then were going to eat our box lunches at a Rotary Park in Buellton, but it was still too cold and windy. So we went to the Rideau Winery where we ate indoors and tasted more wines. We went back to the RV Park for a little rest, then went to the tritip BarBQ put on by the Los Olivos Rotary. We ate and socialized in an interesting historical building. Also had more wine! I will post pictures on our Website.
April 6 2011
April 6, 2011
We started the day with a breakfast of bagels and fruit. Then we carpooled to Vandenberg Air Force Base. We didn't realize how big and extensive this place is. We got a lot of information about the history and current operations on the bus tour through the base. A lot of the technical stuff was over my head. There is a Amtrak tain route along the coast through the base. That should be a nice ride on a clear day. The base has 42 miles of coast line. We had a very good lunch at the Pacific Club on the base. We got back to camp with just time to set up and prepare for our pot luck dinner. We hope we don't gain too much weight on this trip!
We started the day with a breakfast of bagels and fruit. Then we carpooled to Vandenberg Air Force Base. We didn't realize how big and extensive this place is. We got a lot of information about the history and current operations on the bus tour through the base. A lot of the technical stuff was over my head. There is a Amtrak tain route along the coast through the base. That should be a nice ride on a clear day. The base has 42 miles of coast line. We had a very good lunch at the Pacific Club on the base. We got back to camp with just time to set up and prepare for our pot luck dinner. We hope we don't gain too much weight on this trip!
April 5, 2011
After a continental breakfast with pastries delivered from Olsen's in Solvang we had a day to pursue any of the attractions in the area. We went with the Downings to visit Mission Santa Ines, the miniature horse farm, and the motorcycle museum. We had a late lunch at the Red Vicking in Solvang. Back at the RV we rested a little, then set up for Happy Hour. After the late lunch and Happy Hour snacks we had no need for dinner! Solvang is celebrating it's Centennial this year. The name means "Sunny Meadow".
April 4 2011
April 4, 2011
We started the day with delicious Danish pancakes at Ellen's. We went to Solvang with the Downings to look at a yarn and quilt shop. Then we visited the Ostrich and Emu Farm.
Most of our group came in today so we were happy to greet old friends. Happy hour was followed by a very good lasagna dinner catered by the RV park. A local resident and Rotarian gave us a rundown on what to do in the area. He was entertaining with a good sense of humor. All the dogs enjoyed being together, too!
We started the day with delicious Danish pancakes at Ellen's. We went to Solvang with the Downings to look at a yarn and quilt shop. Then we visited the Ostrich and Emu Farm.
Most of our group came in today so we were happy to greet old friends. Happy hour was followed by a very good lasagna dinner catered by the RV park. A local resident and Rotarian gave us a rundown on what to do in the area. He was entertaining with a good sense of humor. All the dogs enjoyed being together, too!
4/3/2011
3 April 2011
We left home on April 2,2011 for a Rotary RV Fellowship Rally in Buellton at Flying Flags RV Resort. We are expecting about 20 RVs. We visited the La Purisima Mission on Sunday. It is now a California State Park and has been beautifully renovated. We spent a lot of time there, then had a good Mexican lunch in Buellton. Back at the RV we met up with our wagon masters and started setting up the rec room for the rally. It was a beautiful day. Our dogs enjoyed the off-leash dog yard here.
We left home on April 2,2011 for a Rotary RV Fellowship Rally in Buellton at Flying Flags RV Resort. We are expecting about 20 RVs. We visited the La Purisima Mission on Sunday. It is now a California State Park and has been beautifully renovated. We spent a lot of time there, then had a good Mexican lunch in Buellton. Back at the RV we met up with our wagon masters and started setting up the rec room for the rally. It was a beautiful day. Our dogs enjoyed the off-leash dog yard here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)