As I write this the holiday season is upon us and Ty and I wish all of you a
very Merry Christmas and a New Year that is happy and healthy.

 

December has been a busy month visiting with family and friends. We flew to
Michigan with young Tyrus for a Fouchey Family Christmas ( also got to see my
sister Sue and niece Colleen for a brief lunch). If ask young Ty what the
highlight of the trip he would tell you it was the 6 Coney dogs and White
Castles! We grandparents sure know how to feed our children. Takes after his
Grandpa when it comes to Coney’s; even as we were in the airport for the return
home flight Tyrus spots a National Coney Island so we had to stop in and get
the last for awhile. We managed to hit Lafayette, American, National. White
Castles were an appetizer at the Fouchey party.

I came back to Boulder, Ty went onto Florida to get Wanda over to Tampa
LazyDays for a scheduled repair (fireplace and bearings – an appointment we
made way back in August and December 14 was the first available). His highlight
was the Fort Myers Red Neck Parade – think that says it all. My highlight was
getting together with the girls for the many nights of playing cards and a few
beading days.

Of course, being with family is the best highlight of course and not without
some excitement! While the men were out of town, Colorado had a huge wind storm
with recorded gust at 100mph and one of those gusts blew down a tree next to
Amy’s house, taking out a part of the roof. Luckily? Only a squirrel was a
tragic victim as poor guy rode the tree down to the roof and didn’t leap off in
time. No one was hurt and Amy and I didn’t even hear it hit; we were in her
gym/garage working out and saw all this white stuff blowing by – we thought it
was snow, turns out it was roof insulation. Neighbor next door called and let
us know what happened. Once Amy took a deep breath (believe me that is very hard
for her to do) she immediately called insurance which laid out the plan of
attack. Tree guys show up about 1/2 hour later, then her house contractor who
then sent over the roofer. They took the offending tree plus the one in front
of it because they couldn’t get the monster truck with crane close enough to
get the tree. That was sad to take down a perfectly good tree, but they were
very old and getting brittle. Insurance guy came 2 days later.

Highlight for me is going to dentist – ha – whenever is that a highlight?? Sorry Adam but honestly folks, it was painless and quick. Got a crown replacement.

Christmas morning was hectic once all the teenagers awoke from their slumber and there was wrapping paper and boxes everywhere. Another successful Christmas.

We plan to hibernate in Naples FL for January and February, then Ft. Myers in March. Then we need to check off some bucket list items like Gettysburg, Pennsylvania capital, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Maybe the Great Lakes Water Shed, but that sounds like a lot of driving – will see. If you have any suggestions please let us know as always the best places are the suggestions!

Till next year 2022!

2021 Year In Review

·        
Moved Wanda for a total of 9,731 miles

·        
Stayed a 71 campsites or homes

·        
States we’ve were in (in no particular order)
CA, AZ, TX, NM, CO, OK, MO, AR, KY, TN, ILL, OH, PENN, WVA, NC, GE, FL

·        
State Capitals: TX, MO, AR, ILL, OH, WVA,

·        
Lost the following

o  
Bike Box

o  
Fireplace Remote

o  
Fire Poker

o  
Wrench

o  
Wood Plank for leveling

o  
Chocks for wheels

·        
No major injuries, nothing that a band aid
couldn’t fix

·        
Celebrated our 51^st wedding
anniversary and still talking

·        
Two flat tires on truck and one on Wanda

·        
Wanda and Truck repairs

o  
Awning reattached

o  
1 chassis replacement

o  
4 new tires on Wanda

o  
1 new tire on truck

o  
1 front hitch repair on Wanda

o  
Back tailgate repair on truck

o  
Wheel bearing fitting repairs

o  
1 new fireplace

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, albeit late, but the thought is there. Hopefully, all of your friends and family were able to gather, Canadians able to cross the borders and no one had a Covid spreader like last year. November was one mishap after another and I am grateful that as I write this it is coming to an end. Read on….

I Know I Had The Remote For the Fireplace

…it was in my pocket and I started the fireplace with it then poof it is gone. I even remember feeling it in my pocket and reminding myself to put it back in its spot. It is not in it’s spot and to make matters worse, the fireplace manual switch is wonkers right now and the only way to get the fireplace to start is to use the remote. I have searched everywhere – all my pockets, Ty’s pockets, the refrigerator, the pantry, under the cushions, under the chairs and couch, under bed, under the sink, in the silverware drawer. Trash dived twice!

Just plain weird

The CD/Radio system that came with the rig has been on the fritz so I decided to find out what the problem could be. Since this system ONLY works via a remote I am pushing all the buttons and what the hell? The fireplace turns on!  That’s right – the remote will turn on the fireplace. And the weirdest part of that is it is a combination of pushing buttons that don’t make sense but in the right order turns on the fireplace. So there! you stupid hiding remote! BTW still can’t get the CD/radio to work.

We Pull a Willy

Left Walmart for our weekly grocery shopping trip; upon leaving we had to make a Michigan left (turn right to go left). Tricky part was the left turn had a lot of traffic and it is a tight turn. Ty, thinking he is driving a Ferrari, guns it, turns tightly (think I heard wheels scream, but I could be wrong) and makes the turn. All good until 3-4 miles down the road at a red light some guy bangs on our door and shouts “hey Buddy, when you made that turn your tailgate was open and your black and yellow box flew out”. Damn that box had all our bike stuff in it! Helmets, gloves, my much-loved bike basket, yellow jackets, and misc stuff for bike repairs. We turn around and go back but someone thought they had struck pay dirt and the box was nowhere to be found.

Another Willy? Almost

Now folks it is only Nov 8 and the third “lost” items event occurs. We are driving from North Carolina to Savannah GA and we have to make plane reservations for our trip back to Michigan for Fouchey Christmas. This is a complicated affair because Ty will be traveling back to FL from MI and I will return to CO. We want to make sure we get similar flight departure times so not one of us is at the airport waiting a long time. While Ty drives I make the reservations but I have to use both of our phones and separate credit cards to make it easier to check in. To compound the problem, the road is pot holed and Ty is managing to hit them all and when he does I hit a different part of the screen and it jumps someplace else. Getting very frustrated and adding to that I have to go to bathroom and there is NO rest stops. Finally, I tell Ty to just pull over, I jump out, use the bathroom and off we go again. I am finally at the pay screen and look down on my lap and OH NO!!! the credit cards are gone!! They were on my lap and when I jumped out of truck they must have fallen out. It is both of our cards and without we are toast. Can’t get gas, don’t have any checks and we have $4.00 in cash between us. What do we do? We turn around and try to figure out where we stopped, we go back about 10 miles and start the search stopping at 3 places that looked like where we pulled over. No luck did not find them. Trying to decide what to do, I throw some papers in the trash container in the back seat and what do I see in there? The CREDIT CARDS – both of them. Must have put them on the console between seats, then opened the console to get something out and they fell into trash. Think I did that before I got out of car. So really not a Willy.

Head Helmet

Savannah stop and we get oil changed and the back tailgate fixed plus a visit with nephew Jason and wife Lisa, sons Connor and Ethan. They picked the best little pub in a very quaint part of the city, narrow brick paved streets – loved it. And Jason is so thoughtful of Ty as he gave him a helmet to protect his head when walking under the nose of Wanda. It has these pointy ends and if it touches Wanda Ty knows he is too close. Ha Ha thanks Jason!

Crystal River and Crystal Falls Fl

We keep traveling south heading for Wanda’s winter rest break and a 3 year maintenance check-up.

Crystal River FL is a beautiful place right on the gulf. We rented a kayak one afternoon and went into the marshes and canals by the Crystal River. Saw a lot of Manatees and Night Blue Herons.

 

Red Neck Status Symbol

Stored Wanda at John and Sandy’s place, which is a blessing for us and a neighborhood status upgrade for John. When we discussed this situation, he insisted we store there because he is the only one on block without a rig and a big $%3 truck and this will certainly upgrade his status in the hood.

It Just Won’t End

Day before we leave for Colorado, the blog hosting website got hacked and the thieves didn’t waste anytime racking up charges on my credit card. Thank goodness we get a notice from the bank every time a charge is made so we were able to get on top of that pretty quickly.

Thanksgiving

Spent a great day with Family, Extended Family, and Friends. What could be any better than that – and for that I am grateful.

November ends and I am grateful, tough month for us.

We zig zagged across 4 states and not being very fuel efficient at that; but we have been in these states many times since starting this Great Adventure, however, never close to the capitals. So far the lovely fall weather has still been with us, but we are anticipating it to turn cold and rainy when the weather bomb hits and the central states experience “atmospheric river”. We figured why not drive all over the place.

Illinois St Cap Old State House

Springfield, Illinois THE MOST SPECTAULAR CAPITAL WE HAVE ever visited! No lie. It is so ornate, and so much marble and crystal chandeliers that you think we were in the Vatican! Illinois has had many capital buildings. While on the  tour of the building, I’ll admit I got a little confused trying to remember all the capital building they did have. As far as I can figure out, Illinois had at least 6 capital buildings. # 1 and 2 located in Caspian got swallowed up by the Mississippi River. #3 in Vandalia was too small so Lincoln and his gang of 9 petitioned to move it to Springfield. First one there burned, of course, so then they built another one that is still standing but also too small. Number 6 took several years to construct due to deaths and what not, funds, fights you name it, but it finally got built to the tune of $4M. What struck me was all the glass chandeliers, the variety of elaborate decorative plaster frieze and multiple types of marble and all the leaded art glass. Beyond description – go there. And actually the Old State House, although very plain, was grand. Notice it even has a dome albeit plain.

Indiana Capital

Indianapolis, Indiana. Now we cross back to Indiana because it seems all we do there is get Wanda fixed and we have to fulfill the GA obligation and get to the capital. It was big and ornate. Not as ornate as Illinois but still pretty impressive. A disappointment was the grounds; it is right in the heart of the city and it has paved parking lots all around it right up to the steps. Don’t want any of the congress (House or Senate) walking too far! It is beginning to sound like see one, seen ’em all. We didn’t stay long here.

Columbus Ohio W McKinley

Columbus Ohio. This is by far one of the least impressive buildings on the outside. But I learned something about the style of building. Many of the capitals that we have been to in the East are of the Neoclassical Style (Roman) with big cupolas on the top. Columbus is of the Greek style with just a dome on top, so it is rather “flat” in its appearance. However, go inside and it knocks off your socks.

3 Interesting tidbits about this capital

• Interesting part was entry is underground in the Catacombs which was built by the prisoners at the time. Building took a long time to construct because it was totally funded with tax payers’ dollars and the government kept overspending
• During renovation (all these building go thru renovations) a shoebox was found in the dome with a dead cat in it. Apparently, this is a Celtic custom to have a dead cat in attics to ward off evils and protect the building. See cats are good to have around!
• Statue of William McKinley, 25^th President and Ohio Governor in 1891. McKinley statue is facing what was once a hotel where he and wife took residency during his term as Governor. McKinley, known for his promptness would leave the residence precisely at 9am walk across the street mount the steps to capital, turn around and wave to his wife who was ill and looking out the window. Then again at 3pm (great working hours, eh?) would repeat the process on his way home. Now that’s love.

• Charleston, West Virginia a lot of marble and a big building and that is about it. Not all the art work, statues, paint decorations on the walls, stain glass or impressive lightening that are use to. Just a big building made of marble and painted walls. Made me wonder if during one of the renovations since building was built in 1913 if they didn’t paint over all the wall decorations and got rid of the light fixtures, even covered over the dome stain glass.

Charleston WVa

Now for the rest of the month

Had dinner with some good friends, while in Marblehead, Ohio. Pat and Bob Tomizac, you might remember these folks from our 2019 blog when we visited them in Florida. They live in Huron Ohio so we took the time from our busy tourist schedule to visit with them. They are such characters, always up to something fun. See ya in Florida this winter!

Pat & Bob Tomizac

Fun with Welbourn’s

Flight93 Duquesne Incline Ohiopyle Pittsburg Leslie & Tom Welbourn

First bike stop was down in the Ohiopyle area, Laurel Hills specifically. Spent our time here riding the Great Allegheny Passage – which, by the way, travels for 364 or so miles connecting Washington DC and Pittsburg PA. There a lots of places to pick up the trail, we choose Ohiopyle area because of its beauty. The ride itself is easy, flat and follows along rivers. Not much color but who cares – the rides were fun and the company better.

Flight 93 a sobering but must needed stop from all our fun to thank those who fought so bravely against terrorism. The grounds where the plane went down is hallow, the museum which details the brave fight is well done. Even hear the transcripts of the voicemails left to love ones. Thank you all you brave people.

Pittsburg to ride the city still on the GAP trails. What an excellent way to view the skyline of a town. A couple of weeks later Ty and I are watching Sunday night football and the Steelers were featured. And there it was, THE Stadium! It’s right on the river, we rode past it several times. How fun is that?! Note to self: that is not fun, that is old. Visited a Frank Llyod Wright, Kentuck Knob, which was much in keeping with his more traditional designed homes (he built over 1000 homes!) in a very peaceful setting. Fun thing to do in the city is to take the Duquesne Incline (a cog type car) up the side of hill to the next level of Pittsburg. We had high hopes to ride our bikes but it was WAY to hilly to ride around so next best, lunch!

Pittsburg is also home to Heinz, a Strip Corridor (hmmm) and also everyday weirdness.

Said our good byes to Tom and Leslie – catch ya next year someplace -it was so fun to camp with you two!!!

Now the Zig Zag

Goshen Indiana is a town thriving on trucks and trains with lots and lots and lots of trains passing thru ALL THE TIME! Day and night, blowing their horns for the many crossings AND keeping one awake most of the night – even with earplugs. And then there is the Amish striding thru town with their black buggies and horses. The contrast is mind blowing. Stayed in the Elkhart 4H County Fairgrounds – new one for us, but it was cheap despite the trains. Also, Elkhart which is close has the RV Museum which I had to go see (Ty stayed home). My mom and dad had a green hard sided camper like the one displayed in the picture. Little known is GM actually produced a RV (yellow in pic) on a Cadillac chassis.

Most importantly, Wanda is all fixed (hitch that is) and we were on our way in about an hour. You can see by the pic that the hitch on Wanda is a big deal.

Lincoln Tomb

Weather is still nice so we head over to Springfield Illinois; now this was a long way, out of our way, but we have nothing but time and the weather is starting to turn but not bad yet. We find a “city” campground to stay at, again pretty cheap to stay here, no trains but we do have a lot of lights from the near by arena. Springfield is a “surprise” city as there is lots to see and do here. We biked around the city, visited the capital (both), Lincoln’s tomb, and an old fort. Worth visiting.

Indianapolis Indiana – Zagging back to Indiana because it seems all we do there is get Wanda fixed and we have this obligation to get to the capital. It was big and ornate. It is beginning to sound like see one, seen ’em all. We didn’t stay long here mainly because although it was another very cheap, Indianapolis State Fairgrounds, the place was SO lite up at night I had to put the blackout shades on all the windows just to get to sleep (see pic). Just the capital on this trip. Weather starting to turn too.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Expo State Fairgrounds, trains that go all night long with horns blowing every 3 seconds as they pass thru, we were the only ones there and it cost us a whopping amount to stay here. Such a disappointment, although…there was a yearling sale going on so we got to see that. Not something we have ever done before and we found it very entertaining! The horse in the pic sold for $160,000!!!  Will say that we really liked Germantown, old homes kept up beautifully and pubs on the corner. A lovely downtown. We both said we could live there, but Bucks? No way. But wait – home base of WhiteCastles!!! We couldn’t resist.

Port Albon West Virginia we find a FREE city park! It is right on a river, but is a boat launch parking area with a nice little park dedicated to Rosie the Riveter. This is a busy little boat launch with people stopping by to eat lunch or dinner by the river, walk the dog or just enjoy the view.  At first we thought our standards are getting lower as we become more vagabonds however, this place is comfortable and safe. Actually, picked this spot for 2 reasons: 1. Charleston is the capital of West Va and 2. we got our Covid booster shot and last time I had a 6-hour reaction and we decided to just overnight and see what happens. Well, this time I was down for 24 hours and glad just to have a bed in a place that was nice and dark! Plus, the weather bomb has dropped so it is time to head south!

Brag – grandson Tyrus is 18 and this is his senior picture. So proud of all that he has accomplished and has overcome to be just the outstanding man he has become! Love you Tyrus.

PS: Tyrus use to be hailed as “Little Ty” but as you can see he has surpassed Grandpa Ty hence now he is Tyrus.

When one plays Euchre with the same deck of cards night after night in 80% or higher humidity and the cards are so sticky that every other deal is a misdeal…it is time to burn ’em.

September – WAM!(What A Month!)

Really don’t know how to begin and not bore you into eternal sleep, but for us September was a WAM! (What A Month).

Spent the entire month with family both immediate, in-laws and cousins; with friends and friends of friend, right on Lake Michigan. The weather for the most part was spectacular for month – warm days with cool nights and the occasional boomer thunderstorm.

Most importantly it was so wonderful to be able to hold my family, cousins, friends and friends of friends for the first time in what seems like an eternity. Just to be able to touch them, kiss them, feel their warmth, look into their faces for real just brought tears to our eyes. That was our September 2022 on this Great Adventure of ours.

If interested in the detail read on…….

Final 8 days spent with Will and Pam was winding down our glorious 40 days of traveling through Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and then Ohio; however, were far from uneventful! Will continued to have problems with bike hitch despite all the repairs, patches, temporary c-rings and straps (Pam’s bike really took a beating) and actually finished the trip with putting one bike in rig while traveling (which we girls suggested all along, of course).

Wanda, of course, did not manage to be repair free either. After 4500 miles on the new tires a screw managed to worm its way into a tire. Also, having troubles hitching up and after further inspection noticed that the connector coming from the nose of rig is warped. Who knows how that happens but will have to go back to our favorite spot in Elkhart Indiana to have it replaced (under warranty) in October.

Brief stop in the Dayton Ohio to visit cousin Annie and second cousin Jim (sone) and Kim Robinson (d-i-law). Annie and her late husband Charlie were so loved by my mom and dad and it seems like every Thanksgiving when I was growing up Annie and Charlie would come up from Dayton and spend the weekend. Great memories. Annie turned 89 this year and she still has got it!! She always had this shy way of joking around but can give a stab with the best of them. Love you Annie!

Dragging out our goodbyes we had one last breakfast at Bob Evans (we Ouellette’s sure know how to prolong a goodbye!). It is always a teary occasion for Will and I.

40 Day Recap – this is why we love it so and keep coming back for more!

• 1 nose bleed
• 2 Ty falls (one on hike and one while stopped on bike)
• 1 wrong campground
• 3 flat tires on the rigs
• 3 bike repairs (Pam’s front wheel had to be straightened out from scraping on ground, Pam’s front wheel fork lost its bolts, Jane had to have right gears replaced)
• 1 or 2 bumper repairs for the bike (I lost track)
• 1 bike rack that never got fixed
• 1 lost wrench
• Spent time in 5 states: Missouri, Arkansas, Tennesse, Kentucky, and Ohio
• Bucket list cross offs: Branson MI, state capitals of Missouri and Arkansas, Hot Springs in Arkansas, 1404 Big Train

Pioneer County Park – Muskegon MI

This is where we spent the next 3 weeks of September.

Had a little time to ourselves swimming in Lake MI every day, some bike riding, chores, and overall relaxing. Did have a humdinger of a storm roll in one late afternoon lasting most of the evening. Thunder boomers coming off the lake sound like cannons. Then we are camped under all these oak trees so when the wind blew acorns would pummel the camper. Sounded like we were being shot at.

Then my girlfriends: Peg Stanger and Mary Ellen Terao come to spend a couple of days with me while Ty went sailing with Jerry LeAnderson. We had a very relaxing time on the beach, telling stories, recapping old times, cocktails and nights by the fire. Was sorry to see them go.

Peg and MaryEllen

Ty didn’t remark too much on his trip with Jerry other than they had a typical sailing trip – motoring. I think “what goes on sailing stays on sailing”. He did come back very relaxed. Which was a good thing as we have been together non-stop for a long time and we were getting a little “chippy” with each other. All better now.

Brad and Cecilia

Oh boy – Tom and Leslie Welbourn and C and Brad Jacobson with Gus (dog) rolled in  on Sunday just as the girls were leaving. They also have rigs and had spots right behind us. Just spent a lot of time around the campfire, played some cards and of course the beach.

Lacie on Beach

The Fouchey/Ouellette family campout has arrived! Haven’t had one of these for 2 years and what a party it was! Ty’s brothers, Mark, Dave, and Paul came with wives Jen and Sandy. My sister Sue got released from Canada and came with daughter/niece Colleen. Amy, Tyrus, Tessa and Lacie flew in from Colorado. Rounding out the family fun was Deanna and Tony Isrow (Ty’s oldest sisters’ son) rounded out the campout fun. Again, much time around a campfire trying to catch up on all the family affairs.

Unfortunate that Ty’s sister Renee, who also lives in Canada, could not come and join us. She is a nurse in a hospital and would have had to quarantine for 2 weeks after returning home with no pay. We all missed you Renee!

CakeTopper,Clown,Beer Holder,Spike Pumpkins

The campground hosted Harvest Halloween for the campers on Friday and Saturday. Pumpkin and campsite decorating contest, night lighted bike rides for the kids (and I suppose some adults) and trick or treating ended the affair. Tessa craved two of the pumpkins in the night using a flashlight to see by. Our only request was “Where are we NOT going? To the hospital”

Of course, Amy and I always do up Halloween so no surprise that we managed to find a costume. It is pretty sad that with the clothes that I have with me, that all I need is a little crepe paper and a putty nose and a clown I am. As for Amy, she was a cake topper.

Lynn and Mark

Finished off the month of September with Mark Miller and Lynn Wilton in our ole’ stomping grounds of Clarkston, MI. While our house was being built in Colorado we lived with Lynn and Mark for about 9 months. Amazingly we are still friends, at least I think so since I still have a key to front door and it still works!

See what I mean by WAM! ?

It was just a great month to celebrate our 51st anniversary – September 25.

51 Years

Missouri and Arkansas  brother Will and bride Pam

Pam Will

Well, so far this month Missouri has been a challenge. When this trip was booked with brother Will and bride Pam way back in August of 2020, we knew it was going to be hot; however, with this heat wave the hot index exceeded our expectations. We try to make the best of it, doing short tourist excursions and visiting the local pub each evening to cool off someplace.

The heat is not the only challenge though. First camp spot where we met W/P was in Odessa, MO – nice enough and close to Kansas City MO where we tourist around and of course, Jefferson City state capital of MO. Then off to Fort Leonard Wood, an Army Base campground. That was nice, but turned out that reservations were switched on us as we were supposed to be on a lake but instead, we were on base. Hmmm, not much going on at the Fort. The blessing in this mistake was Pam got a nose bleed that just wouldn’t stop so quick jaunt to the base hospital where she got excellent care (she was there all day). IF we were at the lake, that place is out in middle of nowhere and a hospital would be hard to come by.

Not that Ty and I were in a hurry to leave Amy’s, but now I know why you see stray shoes laying on streets as we both left our shoes. Scotty mailed Ty hokas to him but for me I was told to just go buy some new flips.

The next challenge is now provided by brother Willy, while trying to back into a spot in Branson, jackknifed his 5^th wheel a little too tight (they can jackknife but not at such a severe angle) and punched out his back window on the truck. Off to a town north of Branson for a replacement window. Good thing we are in a nice spot.

Next up are campsites, which are ever increasingly hard to get especially when people have booked them and then don’t show up and campgrounds cannot rebook them. Right now sitting next to a site that has been empty for about a week according to camp host and it is a prime spot! This is a nice state park for Mo – Indian Point. Right on Table Rock Lake fairly close to Branson. But we have to move because this site has been reserved long ago, so we move into a Group Site which was great by us as we were all alone! Which also means NO LIGHTS which I treasure at night and because the rig next to us was all decked out in lights at night that stayed on all day and night! Not sure why people think that decorating their rig like it was Christmas is a good thing and enjoyed by all around – not!

It is so fun to be with brother and wifey as they are now providing the entertainment. Back bumper on his rig, where he has his bike rake attached cracked off and the bikes were hanging on by a thread. Poor Pam’s bike got the worst of it as every time the rig went up and down an incline the wheel of the bike would scrape the ground. Good thing it was discovered quickly but another repair job. This time to find a welder.

Wanda is acting up again with the squeaks but has decided to add a new problem to the mix. Now the hitch won’t engage properly and appears to be tilting a bit. This is challenging. The squeaks just drive me mad.

Nosebleed Pam and Truck Forgotten Shoes

What we did in Missouri

1. Went to the Ozark Cave, had a great tour however no bats
2. Went to Kansas City MO and toured the area
3. Visited the state capital of MO located in Jefferson City.
4. Hiked Ha Ha Tonka which has a natural bridge, ruins of castle built in 1890, and a nice hike around lake (including some stair climbing)
5. Canoed on Lake Taneycomo that looks like a river (these MO people will believe anything. If you say it is a lake, then it is a lake but it looks and flows like a river.
6. Once bike fixed took a nice ride on a Rails To Trails
7. Visited Walmart every other day, it seems
8. Went to see RAZA and illusionist at Branson. We wore our mask in the packed theatre; only about 2% of the population in the theatre were wearing mask. Us and staff.
9. Saw some unusual watercraft while eating out on Lake Taneycomo.
10. Will dropped a lot of $$$$ on repairs.

Canoe Lake Taneycomo HA HA Tonka Its a car Its a jet Capital of MO

Impressions of Missouri

Despite the heat, MO is a beautiful state. Rolling hills (they call them mountains), lots of green and lots of lakes thanks to all the dams. Also a plethora of Corps of Engineer Campgrounds, which a situated on the lakes by the dams the COE created and they are clean, spacious and fairly inexpensive.

ARKANSAS

Lake Leatherwood AR Eureka Springs Ar

Eureka Springs is the first stop- what a cute town that is! Built really as a tourist mecca for the healing springs that abound in the area. Lots of rich ole guys in the 1890’s built huge hotels with bath houses to bring in the tourist; which it did. Not too many tourists come anymore for the springs, but do come for the quaintness of the town, the hotels and shops. Now instead of springs, ES tourist attractions ghost and haunted tours and gangsta’s.

AND we stayed at the city owned park, Lake Leatherwood. What a gem and the best part is kids are back in school so campground is empty. It had a beautiful lake and swim area that was built by the CCC and hasn’t been updated much. Ty jumped off what was once a swim platform, it was about a 10 foot plunge; I climbed down the ladder. We enjoyed the cool water and lazed around for an afternoon. Our view from campsite looking out onto the water from the trees was like looking at a Monet painting with all the water lilies and heat haze. Just love it when we find these gems.

We came across some interesting “gems” of tourist sights like a chapel built in the side of the mountain used for meditating built out of steel and glass.

Thorncrown Chapel

The Walmart Pilgrimage and we have found the Temple

Bentonville is the home to the very first Walmart that is now a museum that describes how it all came to be.  Hallelujah!!!! Since all our trips seem to revolve around finding a Walmart – it was no brainer that we should make our way here and pay homage. Interesting tidbit, which there is a picture, is some of the returns and reasons. Example: wall thermometer returned because “clock” didn’t keep good time. Thermos which was returned with no receipt AND was made 8 years before the 1^st Walmart opened (customer returned in 1983) saying it leaked. Hand mixer was possessed. Pencil sharpener wouldn’t sharpen pens! Tennis racket, crushed by something, didn’t serve well. Fishing pole wouldn’t catch fish.

We could have ended our days right here and Will would go out with a smile on his face.

Crystal Bridges

Would like to thank whoever told us to make sure we go to Crystal Bridges if we get to Arkansas around the Eureka Springs area. Ty and I thought it was a tourist spot to hike and view a bridge. Not so, it is a wonderful museum of American Art and it was free! Beautiful building design in a valley over a river incorporating the river into the design where they had a Chihuly balls and blue spikes in the vegetation. A Frank Lloyd Wright home which could be toured. In the museum itself were paintings, sculptures, mixed mediums of cloth all by American artist. It was a great find.

Capital Tour – Little Rock Arkansas

Double bonus with this excursion as Little Rock still has the original capital building (now a museum) The Old State House as it is referred to. Everything one would want to know about Arkansas including the original spelling Acqkansa, then later Arkansaw, and now Arkansas. Capital building was one of the largest that we have ever been in, it has been restored to its original build state when completed in 1915. Lots of marble and granite.

Little Rock AR Capital Fort Smith

Fort Smith was next up; not sure who or why we choose Fort Smith as all we seemed to do there was go to Walmart a couple of times, stayed at the State Park Springhill, was nice as state parks go. Tried to hike, but it was way too hot to get many miles in and we tried riding bikes in the park but had to go around several times to get in 10 miles, tried riding into Fort Smith but that didn’t work out so well.

• FS does have a Civil War Military Fort that is well preserved, although, we could not get into the main building (Armory) due to flooding, we walked the grounds and went into what buildings were open. Did not take a picture of this because it is too gruesome, on display were the gallows where over 21 men were hanged. Never saw a hanging gallows before and you could walk right up to it, gave me the shivers.

Fordyce Bathhouse Mens Bathhouse Bathhouse Exercise Room

Hot Springs

What a surprise (not!), too HOT to go into the hot springs and many of bath houses are closed because of temps. Hot Springs is actually a National Park. The town is old and quaint with Bathhouse Row being the main attraction and there are a lot of springs both hot and cold that are open to the public to get water from and people do! Jugs full. National Park has done a wonderful job of restoring the Fordcye Bathhouse. As you tour through you get firsthand knowledge of what it was like in the days of the rich and pampered to come to town for a relaxing spa. Even had a gym. No surprise that the men’s section of the bathhouse was so elaborate with stain glass ceilings, intricate floor tile patterns and statues. Women’s – not so much.

Tesla Coil

Trying to stay cool in the sweltering heat we went to the Mid America Science Museum in Hot Springs and to our delight was the Tesla Coil demonstration. Yes, it is the same Tesla as the car. Tesla who discovered AC power and not much appreciated by Edison went on to become a famous inventor in the electronics field despite Edison. The Tesla Coil stands inside a cage lined with a metal mesh. The lighting bolts try to escape the confines thus producing an ear-splitting display. I am shown lighting a lightbulb in my one hand and touching a glass globe with a tesla coil inside that. The premise is the globe does not contain the energy as well as the cage, and the energy is transmitted thru my body to light the bulb. Didn’t hurt a bit.

Whoo-hoo, hoo, whoo-hoo (train whistle)

Thought Walmart Muesum sent Will over the top, HOLD ON not so fast little cowpoke there is a train comin’ to town. Now Will has really died and gone to heaven ’cause the  BIG BOY #1404 (that is the train name) has rolled into town on a special tour stop of its historical train tour of 2021. BIG BOY #1404 is owned by Union Pacific, built in 1941, is 132 feet long, weighs a whopping 1.2 million pounds and runs on a 4-8-8-4 wheel configuration. Four wheels on the leading set of “pilot” wheels which guide the engine, eight drivers, another set of 8 drivers, and four wheels supporting the rear of locomotive. It is all black, billowing steam, blaring the whistle massive. Made of day of it going to see the Big Boy at a 30 minute stop in Marken. I think the entire town showed up for the event. It was fun and festive and probably the highlight of the trip for Will (Walmart you came in 2nd)!

Three Sister Park – spent our last hot day on the lake, enjoying the water and breeze.

Three Sisters Park Nashville

Nashville, Nashville, Nashville Tennessee!

A repeat stop for 2019 but it’s Nashville. Stroll through the honkey tonks, and the rail station that has been renovated and of course Grand Ole Ryman Opry House. Trivia: is opry held its first venue in June of 1936 in the Dixie Tabernacle which was a religious meeting hall.

• IDA rolled in with a vengeance on late Monday evening and hovered over Nashville for 24 hours. We watch a ditch behind our rigs fill with water up to the brim but no worries as we were higher yet.

Last night in Nashville we of course had to go to the Grand Ole Opry, always a good time and a good way to end August.

Sept 1 we headed to Kentucky for some bourbon.

P.S. Will’s troubles with bike rack are still not resolved, the welding cracked and the new hitch is not strong enough resting on bumper to support the bikes. As we travel behind him, watching the bikes bounce up and down we prepare ourselves to swerve out of the way in case a bike falls off.  AHHH the adventure of it all!

 

Car Camper?

What the what?

Forgotten

Ty didn’t take any big hits on the head this month, that’s not to say he didn’t take any, just not any BIG hits. July turned out to be just plain fun being with family and friends; doing a lot of hiking and other fun activities. You know all the pictures of the “Walmart” people and their weird outfits on YouTube? Well, we got one! This is the weirdest vehicle we have ever seen!!

Ty forgets his shoes at Amy’s when we swung by and Scotty had to send them to us.  Then I am looking around for my favorite flips when Scotty sends me pic with text “these yours?” We don’t have many possessions, think we could keep track of what we had.

Alpine Trl

Bucket List Checked

Wouldn’t ya know it, many of the things I have on my bucket list I checked off right here in Colorado! Always wanted to camp high up in mountains secluded (or mostly) and we did that in Turner Ponds NFS campground in the Wolf Creek area. Altitude over 9,000ft and a late afternoon storm came in and left the camp in a couple of inches of hail. Always wanted to hiked a good portion of the Colorado Trail and we did that when in Pagosa Springs on the Lobo Trail/link to CT. Always wanted to hike the Alpine Tunnel Trail (don’t ask me why it just always looked like a beautiful trail to hike) up in St Elmo and when did that. So satisfying to check things off, don’t ya think?

Lobo Trail Hiking BV All of us at cabin ATV Rafting kids in hot springs Amy Tessa Sweet Sixteen

Family Fun

Always good to go home! Spent the first 11 days and 17 loads of laundry at Amy’s having fun with family, visiting a few friends, doing laundry and walking the dog. Wouldn’t change it for anything.

Then we all (Amy, Scott, Tyrus, Tessa, Avery, Jaden, Dakota and Talia (Tessa friend)) went to Buena Vista, Chalk Creek to be exact and spent a week there. Amy and Scott’s friends, John and Jess Hernandez and their 2 boys, Rueben and Mateo, also came with us. Oh, and not to forget the dogs, Lacey and Bradley were a part of the fun. Fourteen of us! We pull Wanda into the circular drive out front and that’s where we stayed. You know how the beginning of the vacation seems to go so slow and then it suddenly takes flight and we are saying our good byes. But not before we went rafting on the Arkansas, ATV up in St. Elmo area, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and campfires at night, 2 birthday celebrations, night out on town. Great fun, lots of memories.

Rick Joann Morgan BachelorMine North Clear Creek Falls

Rick and Joanne Morgan

On our way to Pagosa Springs, made a stop in South Fork to visit for a couple of days with friends, Rick and Joanne Morgan. They were Anthem residents at one time, and we RV’d with them a couple of times around the state until they took flight and became almost full timers, camp hosting for several years. Then when the bug for travel had waned, they settled in South Fork. Many of us Anthem “folks” wondered how they could settle in such a remote place. Well, I can offer my thoughts and that is after being on the road in remote places that have the wide-open views, not a lot of people or stuff going on that when it comes time to settle the thought of going back to the crowds, and the hustle bustle just isn’t for them. And I get it!

A little on South Fork since Rick and Joanne are great host and gave us a grand tour of SF and Creede, which are two areas in Colorado that Ty and I have never been. IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Need I say more? SF is hardly a town, more of a crossroads and Creede is a tourist town for the summer enthusiasts who like to fish, atv, touring mines or just enjoying the beauty of the area. Both towns pretty much close down for the winter months and are glad to have their peace and quiet back for a spell. Lots to do in this area; summer is rafting, fishing, hiking, ATVs, taking scenic drives. Winter fun includes skiing at Wolf Creek, cross country skiing or snowshoeing and cuddling up by a fire. I fell in love with South Fork. AND Pickle Balsamic which we picked up in Creede. Great on salads.

Fourmile Falls

Pagosa Springs

Another unexplored place by us so we made the most of our time here. First hiked to Fourmile Falls which is actually a 6+ round trip hike that was rated easy/moderate. I think it was definitely a moderate/hard. Lots of ups and downs and rocky. But worth it as we could get right up to the base of the falls with the water rushing down at us. The spray was so refreshing. The falls get its name because it is on the Fourmile Road.

Then hiked Piedra River Trail. Truly spectacular trail along the river and the wild flowers were out in all their glory. Took so many pictures of the flowers, it is a good thing that the cameras are digital so one can delete most of them.

Also went to Chimney Rock – a very sacred Ancestral Puebloans of Chaco Canyon site. It is thought that this site was actually a religious gathering site as there were not many permanent living houses but evidence of large gatherings. The Chacions were astronomers and the moons presence between the Chimney Rock and Companion Rock had special meaning to them, so it is thought. The moon has a special phase called Major Lunar Standstill, which they celebrated.

Chimney Rock What is the MLS?
The moon’s orbit of Earth oscillates or wobbles, gradually causing the moon to rise at different points on the horizon over the years. The entire cycle of wobbling north to south and north again takes 18.6 years. At each end of its swing, the moon appears to pause for about three years, rising at the same point on the horizon before beginning to move back toward the opposite end of the swing. This pause is known as a MLS and happens every 18.6 years.

Of course, then as any good tourist we spent an afternoon in Pagosa Springs, walking downtown and viewing the hot springs. There is also a river running through the heart of town and watching all the tourist bob up and down and their rafts is entertaining.

Back to Chalk Creek

Last week of July and we headed back to Chalk Creek to be with Cindy and Harry Atkinson. Friends whom we met in Anthem but moved onward early on but we stayed in touch. Saw them last October when we passed thru Surprise AZ. We have been visiting CH and their families and friends for many years up at Chalk Creek – love that place so. We didn’t do much as they played with the kids, but did meet them every night for dinners which was good enough for us as we were tired and needed a week to relax.

Laundry Reversal

Left Chalk Creek and started to make our way to Missouri, via Boulder. Remember how the kids would come home and dump the laundry on the floor and as soon as it was done, back out they were. We sort of did this as I did waltz in with a load or two of laundry. Also managed to help out with Tyrus’s football team dinners for two nights and then we hit the road again.

Next destination

Odessa Missouri to met brother Will and bride Pam for our 9^th annual RV trip. Going to see MO and hopefully Arkansas.

Can’t Leave Without Sharing All the Wildflowers

And what a surprise Oklahoma was for us. We expected dried up grasses and flat lands where the dust still swirls. Were we ever wrong! Spent most of our time in the “Green Hills” and it was rolling hills, plush grasses, trees and lots and lots of lakes, mainly reservoirs. Oklahoma gets its name from Choctaw Chief Allen Wright; okla meaning people and humma meaning red and was first introduced in 1866 and adopted in 1890. The earth is red and the state is beautiful.

Oklahoma became a state 1907; never participated in the Civil War although the Texas Road was used by both side armies as an important travel route. After the war this route was the main cattle drive from Texas to Kansas. Route 66 sprang up as people traveled west and although most of the original road is taken over by I40, there are parts that remain and try and hold on to the nostalgic of the old times.

The Trails and Tribulations of June

Actually, it has been a pretty quiet month – no flat tires, no squeaks, or anything major with Wanda. However, Ty did manage to bump his head several times producing blood worthy gashes in his head; some things never change. And we did have a major infestation of carpenter ants. Must have picked them up when we camp in the wet woods. Nasty looking buggers and they only came out at night when lights off and mostly stayed to the floor in living area but an occasional one was found on the wall. Sleeping at night was tough knowing these monsters were roaming around. Borax mixed with powdered sugar, laid down on their paths was their demise. Took about 10 days to finally eliminate them, but that and the fact that we moved locations twice which meant the nest was left behind. Gross though was when they ingested the borax then they craved water so every morning we would have a pile of them in our shower; ewwww.

We really enjoyed Oklahoma, glad we got there before the tornado season started up. It was HOT, but so was the rest of country so can’t fault OK for that. And the storms we encounter were all night boomers.

IF you are interested in the details of June, read on. Next month, July, we will be in Colorado enjoying the family.

Brynteson Tour of Oklahoma

Aptly named as Donna and Paul, whom spent 13 years in OK, sent us a list of places to visit while on the Eastern side of the state. And we did!

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma

We left Waco and wandered up to Lake Texoma and spent a rainy/sunshine/rainy 5 days with the most perfect camp spot. Up on a bluff, secluded except for all the geese who also like this grassy, secluded spot. If we had a watercraft of some sort, we could have traveled the lake but we had to be content with tying our floaties up to the dock with a line to let us drift a little. Which we did in between every rain shower, getting out of the water once the lightning and thunder started up again.

RoadWashOut

Robbers Cave

Just a few miles north and east of Lake Texoma and the wow did the scenery ever change! Have gone from flat and sparsely treed to hilly almost mountainous and plush with trees and grasses. And the lakes! Robbers Cave is notorious for the many bandits who hung out hiding from the law. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris sing about the most famous of them all: “I’ll be your Belle Starr if you’ll be my Jesse James” James was just one of four who was crazy for Belle and hung out with her; she was a ruthless bandit herself, shot dead in the back.

Camping here was challenging. The first site, yes the first of three, was a “shared pull-thru” and unfortunately we couldn’t share because Wanda took up the whole space. We then were reassigned to site 40, nice site in the woods but we didn’t realize was at the bottom of the hill. Rained and rained and rained (over 1 ½ inches overnight) and all that rain rushed down road and hills creating a mudslide into our site. Ty tried to dig a ditch to no avail. Site #3 was just perfect. High and dry, cement pad to rest Wanda on and full hook-ups. Only cost us $3 more.

Went to hike to Robbers Cave the day after the rain and got to see first hand what water over the roadway means (see pic), couldn’t get across so we came back 48 hours later and what a difference (see pic).

Tenkiller Lake

Moving on to the heart of the Osage and Cherokee Nation and it is absolutely beautiful! Tenkiller Lake is named after a prominent Cherokee family by the white soldiers and pioneers at Ft. Gibson, because of the ten notches on his bow.

Will Rogers

A 1922 silent short film starring (and written by) Will Rogers, in which he shows off many of the rope tricks that made him a vaudeville star with the Ziegfeld Follies from 1916 to 1925. 

Take a minute and watch it on You Tube:

“The Ropin’ Fool” you will be amazed!

Tulsa

Got to Tulsa just as the city was winding down the 100 year remembrance of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa massacre. Not a pretty time in Tulsa history and to make matters worse, the city decided to wipe it away by tearing down that section. AND 39 people were killed BUT over 400 were unaccounted for and not one person was ever arrested for this crime. It was sobering to partake in the last day of the remembrance. Woody Guthrie museum also finds its home in Tulsa so we made our way through that.

We actually stayed in a town called Skiatook which was close to Tulsa and of course on a reservoir (Skiatook Lake). Found a great Rails-to-Trails that you could ride all the way into Tulsa (14 miles) but of course you have to ride back. We opted for 20 mile round trips.

Will Rogers museum also in the area so we stopped in. Interesting guy, he was especially known for being “nonpolitical” but gets the idea across.  WR actually got his start in vaudeville twirling a rope and telling jokes – which lead to what he became. Rope twirling wa!s his specialty and he devised some rope tricks that cannot be duplicated today. He made a slow-motion documentary showing his many rope tricks which we watched twice because it was so fascinating to see how the rope maneuvers up and around the horse and rider.

Look close at the pic – yes that is a cow in the middle of a algae pond. One will do anything to escape the heat

sculptures OK City

Oklahoma City

We hit all the “hot spots” and found this to be a very pleasant city to be in. Of course, State Capital was first on our list and we got a private tour which is always a treat. Then onto the Oklahoma History Museum, Stockyards (not much going on there – had lunch), and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum (another private tour plus met the artist of Cougar and Otters sculpture – see pic). Oklahoma has revitalized the Bricktown area which use to be a warehouse district with a small canal running through it. Now it is a pleasant walkway with a few restaurants lining the way.

Black Kettle Carrizo Canyon

Homeward Journey

Black Kettle: I was anxious to return back to Boulder to see the family so we cut the travel thru Oklahoma short and started the homeward trek. But we wanted to see the prairie grasslands of Oklahoma so we overnight at Black Kettle Prairie National Forest. So calm and lush with a lake and we were tempted to go swimming but lightning and thunder all around us so we decided best not. That night we hardly slept at all because of the storms that kept passing through. At one point it just lightening for about an hour straight. One flash after another.

Carrizo Canyon: picked a spot on the map for another prairie grassland and headed out. This spot is in the south east corner of Colorado and is a canyon with one of 2 perennial rivers (in this area). What a lush spot this was. This was a boondocking spot, only 3 campsites and we had to drive 20 miles down a dirt road, got lost, had to turn around (not an easy thing to do pulling 30feet, some cowboy pulls along side and gives us directions to the camp spot (they were wrong too) and finally wade our selves thru a herd of cows and camped in probably the most serene spot we have ever been in.

John Martin Reservoir/Lake Hasty: last stop before Boulder. Needed a place with electricity, water and a dump station so we could “spring clean” Wanda before we store her in Boulder for 3 weeks. What a little gem of a campground this is just east of Las Animas. Sometimes I wish we had a boat.

Oklahoma!

So that’s it for the month of June; thanks Paul and Donna for the suggestions!

Texas IS big!!! I will give any Texan that! We’ve been here a month and have just touched the surface. Texas is also hot, humid and rainy; these cowboys drive fassssttttt down the freeway which everyone of them is under construction. I knit while Ty drives and I have knitted the same row 6 times because of errors made while driving down the freeways in the rain, construction and fast drivers.

Blame Texas for this lengthy blog as there is a lot to see and journal.

Cindy John McCue Michael Ouellette Fred Hilde Ouellette

Lots of good visits with family and friends!

In Austin we met John and Cindy McCue – who lived in Clarkston many years ago and John and Ty worked together. They now reside in Dustin FL just bought a Class B (van) and are on adventures of their own.

Then met nephew Michael Ouellette in Galveston for dinner one night. He looks terrific, sadly Stephanie (wife) unable to join in and the kids are teenagers so that speaks for itself. Michael is such a good nephew that he remembered we always camped with Schnapps so he presented us with a bottle. Good job Michael!

And while in Waco we got the chance to spend 3 days with my oldest brother Fred and wife Hilde. Just can’t spend enough time with family and we treasure every minute of it. What really surprised me is that Fred is an amazing cook as he made us this wonderful hot shrimp salad for dinner. My mom would be really proud of him! They have a lovely home in Waco out in the sticks and with a beautiful garden that Hilde obviously works very hard on and Fred mows the 1 acre of grass. It was really great to see them, sit and talk and talk and talk.

Parked on wrong side

What is wrong with this picture?

Site 6

Guess it has been a while since we had to back into a space and I have to admit Ty did a terrific job for not backing in for 6+ weeks and the space was so tiny too. But he managed to just glide right in. Good job, unhook Wanda from truck, start to hook up all the utilities, but wait – all the hook-ups are on the other side of the rig, that is not normal. Double checking the numbers on the electric outlets, everything seemed in order, we were in site 6; looked at our neighbor and his hookups were on the left as should be. How does the numbering system go? 5 space 6? Oh gad, we parked into the neighbor’s driveway of a permanent trailer! Had to re-hook Wanda to the truck, unhook all the hoses, take out the chalks and position her into site 6. We always have a hit of Schnapps when we set up camp, so this time we did two! Ty still had to congratulate himself on the great backup job (both times!).

Big Bend National Park

Trinketstobuyalonghike SheepherderHouse bigbend BBhikeandlocalhouse RioGrande

What a must-see place if you haven’t. Right on the US-Mexico border (talk about a wall!!!), hard to imagine that anyone, let alone anyone without electricity (for air conditioning) lived here; but they did! The beauty of the rugged mountains, the desert terrain and just the desolation of it all just had us in awe. Lucky for us it was rainy (spotty at most), and cloudy which kept the temperature down and made the desert flowers pop! Early days it was the sheepherders that populated the land. At the beginning of one of the hikes it was like the “gift shop” came to us as all along, maybe the first ½ mile, were caches of beaded items all along the rocks with tin cans that you put your money in. Thank goodness I have NO room for any of that stuff as I am a sucker for it! Lots of good hiking here.

Campground FULL

Please, if you are a camper and you made reservations some place like at National Park or State Park and you can’t make it; PLEASE cancel your reservation. I tried for 6 months to get into Big Bend National Park but the campground was always full. We decided to take a ride into the campground on a Saturday afternoon and the sign says FULL but as you can see it is empty!! And all of the sites had reserved tickets on them for Apr 30-May 2 but nobody there!

CampgroundFull

Layover in Del Rio

Quick 3 day stop to get oil changed – bet you didn’t think about having to do that did you?

Very Mexican town and what does Ty do? Orders all cheese pizza which was not very good. I ask you, do you go into a Fish House and order steak?

While we hung around waiting for went to the International Reservoir that shares waters with Mexico. Besides the water, the area is known for the Cave Dwellers living in 7000 AD, leaving behind their story via pictographs. Unfortunately, caves were off limits on Mon-Wed, can’t even hike down there. However, it was 99 degrees that day. So we found a really cute city park to hang out for the day doing absolutely nothing.

Fredericksburg

Tourist town for sure, with a German heritage draw. Countryside is beautiful rolling green hills. Packed with people – no masks even indoors. We were not comfortable being in town, even had dinner in a german restaurant which was outdoors but packed.

Instead, we spent our days touring the area as there is a lot to see.

RideThruPark LBJ elem school animalsonLBJ AirForce one half LBJbirthhome LBJ Cemetery

Lyndon B Johnson was born, raised, lived and is buried in Stonewall; part of the eulogy at his funeral is the pastor is quoted as saying “Lyndon has gone full circle” referring to his spending his entire life in Stonewall. Decided to ride our bikes since it is only a 10-mile tour but it took us 6 hours (2 hours of actual bike time) because of the many stops to read the signs, tour the various buildings and of course there is a winery which we had to stop at for lunch and a little liquid quencher. Learned a lot about LBJ and his life on the ranch and the use of his home as the “Texas Whitehouse”.

Because of his schooling in a “one roomer”, LBJ was very instrumental in establishing the Head Start program, Civil Rights Act, just to name a few but much centered around education

 

LBJ was a humorous sort of guy and his favorite thing to do was to drive his guest over the “damn” that he built to get to their home. There is a back way, but he loved to see the expression on his guest faces when he drove thru the water!

drivethruwater Trinity Lutheran Church

Looking for the LBJ cemetery we rode our bikes into Trinity Lutheran cemetery. The pastor came riding up on his bike and wanted to know why we were in cemetary as he doesn’t get many tourist. After explaining he wanted us to see his church (which also is the church LBJ worshipped at) and mostly the stain glass windows that a passerby created for them, took no payment and left no name.

Luckenbach

Luckenbach Pickers Luckenbach Tx PickerSign

Here is a fun place! Stumbled upon this place looking for a winery and it turns out it was “Pickers” night so we stayed (served only beer in cans). It was a warm evening; music was fun; it was an enjoyable evening. Luckenbach established in 1859 (established means you have post office) and set Guinness World Record for most pickers at one time: 1868 pickers. Now that must have been some crazy music.

Enchanted Rock

Gets its name from glow it has at night, which we never saw, but they say it is from the reflection of the moon on the dome rocks. Don’t know might be some ‘licker involved here. Anyway, we hiked up the rock to some beautiful views. This dome is likened to an iceberg with just the tip protruding up and underground the rock is larger than Manhattan.

Texas Road Stop Texas Capital Austin Santa Ana oil rig Cindy John McCue

Austin – Texas Capital

Got out of Fredericksburg and headed for Austin; along the way, stopped at rest stop which is typical for back road Texas and disappearing fast. Bought some jerky. Capital tours are back on! Didn’t stay long in Austin, but long enough to ride around Lady Bird Lake (10 miles), tour capital building, eat at Texas Chili (we had chili of course, no beans) and overnight visit with friends Cindy and John McCue who were passing through. Austin has the worse homeless situation that we have seen so far on our travels. There is legislation to banned camping in the city and while this is being debated, they have closed down most public restrooms especially around the lake. Which only makes the situation worse since these people are bathing in the lake and using the surrounding bushes for you know what. Terrible. Capital building had same architect as Colorado and Michigan capitals. Very similar structures. Of course, what would Austin be if not for the very first oil rig, Santa Ana, to be forever remembered. When it blew, it created Austin. “Texas Tea”

PadreIsland Solar jellyfish

Padre Island

What a beautiful campsite we had! So excited we were going to “sort of” boondock which means we will fill our tanks with water and use solar for power. Not everything goes as planned. Due to flooding, the parks fresh water was polluted so we could not fill our water tanks. That meant we had to go out and buy 10 gallons of fresh water, get 10 gallons of non potable water for our pooper and take cold showers in the rest room which has showers to wash but do not put in your mouth. Okay, we can do that. Then we had 4 days of torrential rain and when it is not raining it is cloudy and we depend on solar which ain’t happening with no sun. And of course, no wifi. That pretty much sums up Padre Island stay. But it was cheap, 7 bucks a night.

Geography lesson: PI is a barrier reef sitting off the Guld Coast protecting the shoreline of Texas. Does a very good job (as we witnessed during the storms) however, it is also the convergence of currents coming in from the east and west. Resulting of depositing tons, and I mean tons of trash!! Never saw so many bottle caps, flip flops and boobs. Huh? Yes, as the picture shows boobs. Now come on – who loses their boobs? Ty and I did our part and collected trash everyday using the provided trash bags handed out by the visitor center. The neat think about this island is you can drive on the beach for 60+ miles – we drove 5 miles.

Houses Glaveston Tinman

Galveston

Another barrier reef, Galveston Island, however the current of trash bypasses this area and leaves a clean beach. The town of Galveston is historic for the hurricanes that sweep through leaving destruction is its wake but out of that comes beauty. We toured the town and looked at all the old houses that owners have lovingly restored and painted in all sorts of colors. The house style is referred to as Queen Anne style. Also, Hurricane Ike roared in an took out most of the Live Oaks on the island and what the homeowners did with the stumps was to have them carved out into sculptures. We saw about 20 of them.

Of course, what would be a trip to Galveston if you don’t go down to the water’s edge for fish and oil rigs. Yup, quite a combination. Unfortunately, the downtown strip, The Strand, is nothing but tee shirt, quick stop bars and cbd stores appealing to the younger crowds.

Finally, the end of this blog

We spent our last days in Waco visiting with my brother Fred and wifey Hilde. Watching the baby Purple Martins in the bird condo they have. Also, we have a new animal visiting every night for a tuna meal.

We are not done with Texas yet but as I write this have no idea where we will be heading and we have to move out of this lovely campsite on June 2.

Not yet…One Last Thing

My Trek bike of 15 years and 1000+ miles finally laid down and died. The Gulf salt air, and the pounding rain rusted out the chain beyond repair, the brake cables broke off, pedals clunked as they turned, seat is torn. So I got a new bike LIV a bike design by women specially for women. I love it. However, now I have to get Ty to put my bike on last on the bike rack so if in the event someone decides to “need a bike” they will need Ty’s.

LIV Quirky stuff

A wise woman friend of mine said, “if you see turbines, you know it is going to be windy”

What I want to know is why she didn’t tell me that BEFORE we went to Desert Hot Springs!

It is WINDY here.

We wondered “is the Great Adventure honeymoon over?”

Had a brake squeal on Wanda when we pulled into Catalina RV Park back in February and got right on it to find a RV repair to come and look at the brake as we did not want to drive it anywhere if we didn’t have to. First appointment to get the brakes looked at was early March – okay no big deal. Well, it turned out to be a big deal – here is the rest of the story…..

The brake fluid leaked into the brake due to a seal rupture which lead to the guy removing the wheel. The tire (which is less than 6 months old) had a bulge and very bad wearing on the outside. This means we need to replace the tire. Repair guy fixes brake, checks the others and they are ok.

Next up is to have the tire repaired. Had to find a place to repair our tires and that carried the same brand since you don’t want to mix and match tires. That appointment is mid-March. Okay we should meet our timeline of getting back on the road April 1. Not so fast, inspection of the bad tire showed that we had a bent axle! Arghhhh. We decide to buy new tires (we got rid of the China Bombs even tho they were only 6 months old) and replaced with heavy duty. But we can’t travel far with bent axle because we would be replacing tires every 200 miles.

Lets DIY Wanda since we don’t have anything else to do!

Resurfaced the kitchen and bathroom cupboards. They have taken a beating these last couple of years so I sanded, stained and sealed them. Then the kitchen island looked shabby so painted that Black Magic. It all looks really nice.

Still trying to fight the boredom, I got out my beading and made a bunch of earrings. Not sure what I am going to do with all this jewelry as I don’t wear any, any takers?

resident hummingbird

Turning the Lemon into Lemonade is how we decided to look at this delemona (spelling intentional). Hiked a lot and the desert came alive during April. Blooms everywhere and a beautiful site to see the yellow sand, green bushes and pink and yellow blossoms of the cactus. Hummingbirds continued to entertain us; I even rescued a baby that had gotten blown out of its nest. So small, with some feathers and “he” was able to drink from the feeder if I got his beak into it. With help from neighbor able to get him back into his nest. Named him “Chet”.

Even had ducks visit the campsites.

Now the Awning decides to separate from the rig. Such strong winds here, 50 mph gust and we try not to have the awning out but it is also 90-100 degrees out and we need shade. The weather pattern is there is no wind until about 2pm then it starts to blow and blow and blow well into the evening. One time we didn’t pull in the awning in time.

Repair guy comes out April 25. Well, that’s okay as we are not going anywhere.

Interesting hike up to the Bob Hope house. Looks like a mushroom, sits high on the bluff overlooking Palm Springs and sold in 2016 for $13M.

Did the Whitewater hike seems like a million times, and the Canyon Loop Trail. Suicide Rock (5miles) in Idyllwild is a 2.5 straight up affair, easy to come down.

Rode our bikes in Palm Springs a couple of times always around the golf course for 9 miles, ending the day at LaQuinta Brewery. I am beginning to find a taste for IPA’s.

I tire of hiking in the desert and Ty thrives on it, so off he goes on his 8 milers and I prefer to exercise with my videos and also Amy’s online classes. It is too hot to hike the desert unless you get started at 7am, which we did several times.

April 26, we pulled into BIG TEX axle repair and 1 hour later we are all fixed and we hit the road. On our honeymoon again! We are off to Big Bend NP Texas a 1400-mile ride.

A very quick stop to see Ginger and Jon Frankson. Some of you Anthem folks may recall that we had a couple who stayed at our house while we vacation; we gave Jon our “honey do” list and came back to all the repairs taken care of. Same couple. We showed up at their house with a “honey do” list for Jon this time too. Simple look sees at our trailer brake connection as we kept getting warning signal that it was not connected correctly. Simple fix was to clean the connections as they were all sand crusted. Jon was disappointed that there wasn’t more as he has been desperate to repair something during the 12-month quarantine and his house is all fixed. We had a very nice but quick visit catching up and being fed like kings. Upon leaving Ginger supplied me with all sorts of food treats, the best being a lemon wine vingerette which I have used every day since we left.

Ginger Jon

Arrived on April 29 long ride through rain (haven’t seen rain in 6 months) and an overnight at the Walmart parking lot. Anxious to explore! Great Adventure reboot!!!

For those of you who wonder/ponder that “wow – seems like a lot of hassle” Well, you are right – it is. But think about it. Pulling your house down the road, it is like an earthquake going on inside that thing. Not to mention that no matter the price you paid for a rig, they are cheaply put together and will always need repair. We knew that going in and accept that there will always be something. I write about it because it is part of the journey, it is not a complaint. For those of you who say I couldn’t do what you two are doing, it is probably because of this hassle and yes not for everyone.

The upside is we have so much freedom right now. We choose where to go (when Wanda is able) and when. The United States is one HUGE place and we are trying our best to make a dent. We are free spirits, love the land and the sights and we love each other’s company. Put up with the problems cause they eventually go away. Our lives our short, we need to hurry on and make the best of it while we can. Miss our children and grands terribly but we raised them to fly and so must we.

Have managed to see the entire Colorado Desert Landform. All regions are actually very diverse and we saw it not so much by terrain but by flora. Joshua Trees in the Great Basin, Saguaro and Organ Pipe Cactus Mohave Desert and the Ocotillo Cactus in the Colorado Desert are the most notable. And because we were stalled we got to see it in bloom. Breathtaking!

Colorado Desert Landform Province

Will be doin’ TEXAS in May, y’all!

March

Arrived in Desert Hot Springs the end of April and I was glad to be out of the bone chilling cold.

First 3 weeks of we did not do much as I was still trying to recover from the hip surgery. I have to admit that I am very impatient because my hip feels so good, I just want to run – well, not run exactly but hike the 4 miles uphill or ride my bike. Instead, I had to hold back on the hiking settling in for walking around the RV park building up length endurance.

 

Bored: the first couple of weeks so I got out the beads and made a bunch of jewelry that I have no idea what to do with.  Pondering while beading comes to the forefront. For those who have electric toothbrushes (I do) do you ever find yourself scrubbing away instead of letting the brush do the work?

Death Valley National Park

Bucket list item checked off although we did not see any blooms because DV did not get any significant rain. Understand that this occurrence only happens every 10 years and the last was in 2016. It did snow the first night and that was unexpected. I had this vision that DV was all sandy with dunes like the Sahara but it is not like that at all. Death Valley is a small valley (20 miles wide or so) nestled in-between to huge mountain ranges, Greenwater Range and Last Chance Range. These ranges were created by ground upheaval and volcanos, plus the area was a large lake (Lake Manly) 10,000 years ago. All of this creates a geological dream for rock hounds and a beautiful, rugged, harsh, and colorful sight for us gawkers. There is actually very little white pristine sand, rather it is a lot of strewn rock, gravelly sand and some dirt thrown in for good measure. And of course, there is lots areas that consist of borax or salt. Some of the mountains are so colorful that they are aptly named “Artist Palette” with blues, greens, yellows, and reds. All of this colored rock is minerals, but I couldn’t tell you which is which. Then some mountains are nothing but dirt and bland grey rocks looking like the bottom of an old lake bed that has been heaved up. Throw in some scrub bush, cactus here and there and you have the desert, not to mention that most of DV is below sea level with the lowest point at negative 282 below sea level. And it is the hottest place in North America. Recorded temperatures at 134 degrees. And I would wager a bet that it has the highest gas prices and only Super Premium was available – we got 4 gallons

Hikes in Death Valley

We did 2 very spectacular hikes. First was the Red Cathedral, a 4-mile hike through a canyon up to a point with wonderful views. I was unable to go the entire way as it was very steep and very rocky/sandy and I was afraid of falling so I did not go up the last 100 yards. Ty did. But again, we were rock scrambling as there was a 6 foot and an 8 foot fall. “Fall” is a new hiking term for us meaning you have to climb up and then also “fall” down. That was fun

Darwin Falls was only a 2 miler but it packed it all in. Stream crossings, 6 ft falls, open space, then very lush all leading up to a beautiful water fall which surprised us as we are in the desert.

Tourist Attractions

On the way to Death Valley, we gassed up at Baker; sad little town that sprang up along Route 66 and use to be the gateway to Death Valley. But times change and people can go farther so no need to stop overnight at this place. Plus, Covid must have really taken a toll on this place as there was only 1 gas station operational and 3 fast food places. All the mom&pop places are shuttered. One tourist attraction is the world’s tallest thermometer and it is still accurate! Built in 1992 at a whopping 127 ft tall and still operational! Interesting tidbit, the gift store sells snow globes with the thermometer inside. Think about that….

Once we got to Death Valley we had 2 1/2 days to try and hit all the hot spots (get it?) but just couldn’t although we did see the place of the famous Borax 20-Mule Team (site) where borax was made then shipped out via the mules. Of course, Dante’s Furnace the hottest place; the lowest elevation in North America (we had a lot of oxygen there!); and Artist Drive (9 miles wandering thru the colorful canyons) where Star Wars A New Hope and Return of the Jedi were filmed.

Ryolite is a “ghost town” that was originally a “booming” mining town. It is fitting that artist, Albert Szukalski, created these ghost figures. These were created by draping models in gauze and plaster of paris which the model had to stand in for at least 20 minutes for it to harden enough for the model to vacate and the remaining form remains. It was pretty eerie to see these statues just outside the ghost town and close to Ryolite cemetery (we also went there).

A Ponder while in Ryholite: what do you do there? Drink? And what do you do with all those bottles? You build a house of course! This entire house frame is made out of bottles. Just think of all the ready made hangers on the inside!

We can attest to the fact that it does snow in Death Valley! First night it snowed about an inch all total, all gone by morning.

Entertainment on the Homefront

Watching hummingbirds come to our feeder. Have about 4 different varieties of both male and female. Most spectacular is the one with the very iridescent purple head. These little guys guard their stash sitting in the trees behind us and when an outsider comes up, they swoop in to move them away. It has been very entertaining and keeps me occupied refilling the sugar source 3 times a week. Learned that they do not like red colored water, just plain old fashion sugar water.

Then Ty’s brother came to visit and I was entertained watching them all bundled up, sitting on the lazy boys (aptly named) on their phones. I on the other hand was outside in the sunshine in my shorts and tee top.

Friends and Family

Joan Blue: Able to look up Joan Blue who is my idol of ping pong. She hated the manner (ha! Another ponder: Manor and Manner) of the way I served so she taught me how to do it with my backhand. It looks like a very weak serve, but just as it reaches the opponent it takes a dive one way or the other. Divas – if you are reading this and hate my serve blame Joan. It was a nice visit; she has a lovely home in Palm Springs and is very settled and happy especially since she is with her siblings. So good to see you Joan!!

Paul Fouchey: made his 3^rd annual trip (interrupted by Covid for 1 year). Always fun to have him around except for he ate all my Dove Ice Cream sticks. The guys spent a day going up to Idyllwild CA, went to the Living Zoo in the Desert, Joshua Tree, hiked Whitewater, had a bonfires and hotdogs in the desert one night and loaf around at night watching the stars. Lot of laughs. Thanks, Paul, for coming out.

Chet Honey

Sad story with happy ending. Tamara (friend camper) was at the gas station at the corner of where we are staying and saw this truck stopped at 4 way stop, open his door and toss this little guy out and off he drove. Tamara rushed over and picked him up as he was tumbling around. She was unable to take him in as she has a cat (know how that goes) so she asked if we would. I said yes!!! Next day we posted signs all over the area, hoping the owner would claim him (but really? If you toss something you are not going to claim him) and I was hoping to keep him. He was the sweetest Chihuahua that looked like a miniature German Shepard. He was housebroken but it was obvious he was never on a leash nor ever wore a collar. A couple of days went by, me falling for this little guy more and more, when a lady called who said she was looking for a dog and if owner is not found she will take him. She sounded like the perfect match for him so took him over and they both fell in love with each other. She named him right away to Honey (I was calling him Chet) – it was a match. Chet Honey has found his forever home.

Not Going Anywhere

Month of March has ended and we had planned to head for Big Bend Texas, Austin, Frederickburg and Waco for the month of April but that has all been squashed. We had a squeak in our rear axle and when the repair guy came out it turns out that the brake seal was leaking. BUT when the tire was removed it had a big bulge and very worn (only 7 months old). So we haul the rig into Big O tires to get new tires (Ty hated these tires and we have had 2 blow outs with these new ones) and when they looked at our axle they said it was bent. Don’t drive long distance till fixed or replace tire every 100 miles. Ouch! We found a place to look at the axle but not till April 19 and they are not sure if they can repair that day or what.

Here we are stuck in Desert Hot Springs for at least till April 20^th. It is getting very hot here, the pool is a hot spring which is nice in winter not so much when it is hot out and we have seen just about all there is to see. Oh well, all part of the Great Adventure!

Covid Positive

Always to “home” for the holidays and this was no exception – well except for the not being able to socialize and party with friends and family; we happily settled to just party with family and it actually turned out to be pretty darn fun!  That is a positive for Covid.

Ty and I spent all the first 3 weeks of January seeing a couple friends – not many as everyone is still hunkered down; doctors/dentist/eye/dermatologist/ortho PLUS we also got on BCH list for the vaccine. So that was a positive for Covid.

Another positive for Covid is that I now really love how the “waiting room” process has evolved. No more showing up for appointments only to wait 20 minutes or more, filling out forms, and reading stale magazines. Now you arrive for your appointment, while still in car you call the receptionist who registers you in, fills out the forms for you and calls you when it is your turn to be seen which is usually no more than 10 minutes (unless of course your phone is on vibrate and you don’t feel it so you wait 45 minutes before making a call back to them only to discover that they have called 4 times and left voicemails each time wondering where I am). Then you go in and usually the doctor is waiting for you!

Snow View from hotel Koty Tessa Sing Ty any similarities Mother and Daughter

Lodging

We stayed with Amy until the beginning of January and really that was plenty of together time. Scotty and Amy have taken in Scotty’s niece for North Carolina, Dakota. A very lovely young 19-year-old woman who is going to nursing school online and working giving care to neighbor with Parkinson. She is a delight. However, that means that the household at any given time can have up to 5 hormonal teenagers. Let me tell you if you never have experienced 5 teenagers at one time, it can be a lot of noise, action, tears, shouting, dishes, food and high energy even during our sleeping hours.  We decided that getting a hotel room was in order. Found one in Westminster, but when we arrived it was pretty questionable. The aroma of marijuana (legal in Colorado) was so strong that we did not have to light our own joint to feel the effects. We decided this was not for us. Finally landed on Home2 by Hilton in Longmont. Place is in a nice location, is only 2 years old and best of all only $52 a day! Covid price. So we stayed here until end of February.

Pain Reliever

Surgeries

Ty had carpel tunnel surgery and what a difference that has made for him. No more tingling fingers and he was able to ditch the brace he had to wear at night. Simple surgery and simple recovery.

I had surgery on my right hip labrum. It was repaired in 2018, but it failed so this time they just removed it. What a relief I have from hip pain. Recovery is long as I spent 3 weeks with no weight bearing so I hobbled to the bathroom on crutches then either back to bed or the couch where I could be in the prone position. 21 days in the hotel room, only time to escape was to see PT and occasionally over to Amy’s, rest of the time I laid around watching “Love It or List It” and “Chopped”. I did get back into some beading, made a few earrings and bracelets, goodness knows what I will do with them as on the road I don’t wear jewelry. Also crochet a shrug and a hat, both of which didn’t fit so now are back as balls of yarn.

Since I couldn’t put any weight on my hip Ty did it all – cooking, laundry, making me coffee and serving me. He even mastered the Insta Pot since we only had a microwave and didn’t want to do too many carry out meals. I married the right guy!

Weather

Thoughts

Lying around waiting for the temperature to warm up a bit,  one has the tendencies to think a lot about nothing; here are some of my most profound:

• When driving in the car did you ever notice how when one person makes a move to adjust the temperature the other one “eyes” it? And then a few minutes later, the other one then makes a different adjustment? All this is done silently of course. So I have resolved this issue by just wearing socks and I have a blanket because no matter what the temperature is, I am always too cold.
• Here’s another one: you decide that you would like this “thing (doesn’t matter what it is)” right here. The next thing you know, it’s gone. So, you ask “what did you do with that thing?” and the response is that they put it someplace else. Now I have pondered over this a long time and wondered, if I moved it in the first place how come it got moved again? Then you realized it is all a matter of conversing about the “thing” and why it should be moved.  Duh!!
• And…you say something like “sure wish it would warm up a bit” and you get the reply “well it’s not that cold” “it is -6 degrees” “could be colder”.  This can go on forever until one sighs and turns the heat up..

That’s how I spent my recovery time.

Time to “Get Outta Dodge“

After 10 days with Amy (although never enough) and 52 in a hotel we needed to move on once I got the ok from Ortho Doc that I could travel. Besides, it is time to WARM UP.

Had a beautiful 2 day ride to Phoenix, saw quite of few wild horses as we drove thru Payson and the Tonto Apache Reservation area; we decided to meander on our way to pick up Wanda from storage. Highways 260 and 87 through the Tonto National Forest is one of the most prettiest areas that we have been in. Didn’t spend anytime in Phoenix and headed straight for Desert Hot Springs where we will spend entire month of March.

Till the next installment – stay safe everyone, don’t let your guard down with wearing masks and washing up. Think we are still in this for awhile.