Mon. June 20, 2011

We headed out towards Memphis. We plan to stop at a KOA just west of Nashville. Our plan is to arrive in Knoxville tomorrow afternoon. Kris, this is for you, I hope you enjoy the blog! We will spend a couple days with Jeff, Mere & boys & then head for Burlington & HOME!

Sun. June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day! Both Larry's kids called him & he appreciated them touching base. We headed across Texas( big state). Traveled some good roads, but it was windy! Larry does a phenominal job driving the coach. I got excited when we got around the Fort Worth/Dallas area & I saw TREES!!! We spent the night in Texarkana, TX at a KOA park. I traded trees for hot nights & hot mornings. I did love the cool nites & mornings in the desert. Oh well, you can't have it all.

Sat. June 19, 2011

We packed up & started our journey to Burlington via Knoxville. We overnighted in Sweetwater, TX at a Walmart. It is hard to believe that we have been on the road 5 weeks! We have had a wonderful time, but I am ready to sleep in my own bed. I told Larry, give me a week & I will be ready to hit the road again.

Fri/ June 17, 2011

We slept in because we were out WAY past our bedtime last night. Had a relaxing breakfast & Larry decided that I needed to see a horse race. Rudioso Downs is the local Race track. We stayed for 4 races & after losing $30, we left. It was something I can check off my bucket list. Checked out the town & went back home & took a nap. We had dinner at the casino, they have a great buffet. Called it a night, early.

Thurs. June 16, 2011

We got up at a reasonable hour & Amelia fixed a great farewell breakfast. Tried to help clean up breakfast, but that was a negative, so we packed up Adventure & headed for Rudioso, NM. Larry, mom, & I celebrated our 3rd anniversary at a resort in Rudioso. We spent 2 days in a campground just off the main road. We went to the casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods. I invested $20 & went home with $114- a good return on my investment. Left the casino around 1230am & an elderly gentleman flagged us down-told us his vision was bad & he was lost. We led him to the main road & watched him drive down the wrong side of the median. A semi & a car missed hitting him. I called 911 & a few minutes later a police sped past us with red light blazing. A ways down the road he was pulled off the side of the road. Thank God!!! Scary!

Wed. June 15, 2011

Kris had us up at the crack of dawn(that would be around 7:00am). He had to get his windshield fixed in Truth or Consequences. Kris, Larry & I went out to breakfast at a great little cafe. Kris, then took us on a tour or the area. It was very educational. We went back & visited with Amy & Gordy. Gord took us to a restaurant that he had never frequented. Good food & good company. An enjoyable day.

Tues. June 14, 2011

Hit the road to Elephant Butte to spend a couple days with my aunt & uncle. Had a straight drive down  the road with not much road work & an easy drive for Larry. Kris, my cousin, is living with Amelia & Gord & we spent the evening getting caught up on family & getting reaquainted. It's good to see everyone. Gord took us to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. A relaxing time & great food. We are going to tour Elephant Butte & Truth or Consequences in am. The rest of the trip is making our way back home. I will write if something interesting happens. We are stoppin at Jeff's house in Knoxville to celebrate Towne's 1st. birthday. Where does the time go?

Mon. June 13, 2011

We were up & at im early and off to Santa Fe. Had a couple of stops along the way. First stop, Tinkertown museum. The museum was built by Ross J. Ward. It took him 40 yrs. to carve, collect, & construct the museum. It has thousands of miniature,wood carved figures that form the museum. There are miniature western towns, carnivals, old west memorabilia. An enchanting place.! Second stop- Madrid is an old mining town transformed into art shops, homes, gift shops. We spent a few minutes looking at stone fountains, copper yard art, jewelry. Found a parking place off the town square in Santa Fe. We walked to the plaza & had lunch in a beautiful old hotel, La Fonda, spent the day visiting stores, an old church in the center of the plaza & the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Headed home tired, but had a fun day. We are off to visit my aunt & uncle in Elephant Butte in am.

Sun. June 12, 2011

Relaxed in the morning & straightened up "the house." We headed back down to Old Town & walked around looking for a Gallery showing the work of Steve Hanks. Finally found it in an upstairs Gallery. He is a favorite water-color artist of Larry's. We then chanced upon a peddle cart & driver, who gave us a great tour & history about the town.It seems that the town was first named  San Francisco in 1706 by the govenor of  NM. The spanish government was not happy because the governor named the town on his own. Spain renamed it  Albuquerque. We then went to the museum of art & history. There was a showing of tiffany lamps & the history. It seems, a woman named Sarah Driscoll designed many of the lamps.Came home & took a walk & hit the bed. Off to Santa Fe in the am.

Sat. June 11, 2011

Up & out to see the sights of Albuquerque. First stop, Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.. It contains one of the world's finest collections of historic balloons, artifacts, & some "hands" on experiences. I wished our grandkids along. I flunked flying a balloon. We headed to Old Town, which is a fun historic district that dates back to the founding of the city by the Spanisl in 1706. It comprises 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings grouped around a central plaza & church. The adobe buildings were converted to shops, restaurants.Old town did not become part of Albuquerque until the 1940's. We got to observe a Quinceanera, a rite of passage into womanhood for a 15yr. old Mexican girl. It was at the park & looked like a wedding. The girl wore a white gown & her attendants wore purple gowns. Quite impressive. One of the shop owners told us what was happening. At 6:30pm we headed towards Sandia Tram, which took us on a 2.7 mile ride up the mountain to 10,378 ft, where we had dinner  & watched the sun set. Beautiful experience. We stopped at the Sandia Casino where I left 15 dollars & Larry won. Went home tired, but with some fond memories.

Fri. June 10, 2011

We headed south of Gallup & stopped at a couple of jewelry stores. Larry was right, this area is the mecca for really nice Indian jewelry. We drove down to the Zuni pueblo & visited their shops & co-op. It was an enlightening & interesting experience. We came back to Gallup & visited with a man who worked in a store that Larry visited years ago. He recommended an authenic Mexican cafe that was delicious.Went back to the RV park & packed up Adventure & headed to Albuquerque. Arrived at this scenic park. Had some dinner, a walk around the park, & called it a night. The new jeep did the trip just fine!

Thurs. June 9, 2011

I'm back! After a week in Flagstaff, which we thoroughly enjoyed, we packed up Adventure & our new jeep which,( unintentionally) matches our motorhome & headed to Gallup, NM. We got settled in the RV park & took a short tour of Gallup. Called it a night & went to bed early. The changing time zones take some adjusting. Off to sight see & shop in the am.

Fri. June 3, 2011

Well, after much shopping & much frustration, we finally settled on a 2005 Navy blue Jeep Liberty. Larry took it to the garage that is storing our old jeep & they checked it over for us. It came out clean-we are thankful for that. We are leaving our old Cherokee in Flagstaff, The man that owns the garage is buying it from us for some money, better than nothing. Larry ordered a new tow plate, which has to ship from nebraska, it should be here tues. & then we have to have it put on. We plan to be in Flagstaff until June 8. Then we plan to head towards New Mexico. Last night there was an Art walk in downtown, & we attended. Heard some music, walked in some shops, & had a great dinner outside of an old hotel. A really fun evening. I am going to take a break from blogging, unless we have some great happening. Will pick it up when we get to NM. Have a great weekend

Thurs. June 2, 2011

Had a leisurely breakfast & then headed out for more car shopping. Found a great at the VW store, but it can't be towed on 4 wheels & that"s what we want. Went back to the place that has a 2006 jeep liberty-took it for a test drive & kept it overnite. Are having it checked out at the garage that has our jeep. They have been really helpful. Went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. We like Flagstaff, but are ready to head towards New Mexico.

Wed. June 1, 2011

We left our campground at 6:45am with Larry driving Adventure & me following in the rental car, heading to  Flagstaff to have our leveling system fixed & to check on our jeep. We got good news & bad news. The leveling system was minor, but the jeep was beyond repair. We are leaving it in Flagstaff. After that "good" news, we began the process of car shopping in a town where we know-no one. There are 2 dealers looking in Phoenix for a car, jeep for us to drive. We came home tired, frustrated, but glad to have each other. Had some dinner & a glass of wine! This trip is, in fact, an ADVENTURE!

Tues. May 31, 2011

We are taking our first actual "down day." Washed 3 loads of clothes, spruced up Adventure,  & waited to hear about the status of our jeep. Relaxed at the campground  & finished our chores.We are going to Flagstaff in am to have our leveling system checked out. No word about the engine. We gave up and roasted marshmellows with our neighbors & their grandchildren. Not a day of activity, but a really good day

Mon. May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day! After breakfast, Larry & I headed for the Grand Canyon. We stopped at the Imax thearer, but the projector was broken. Perfect timing! We ventured up to the S. rim of the canyon & drove around different places, decided to walk the path of the S rim. Larry had never seen the canyon, I had been there before, but it was still breathtaking. We traveled towards Williams & stopped at the Imax, once again, the projector was repaired so we got to watch  the film, which was awesome. A must see for any visit to the Grand Canyon. It told the story of early settlers & their struggles, & travel along the Colorado river. We returned home, rested & went into Williams for dinner.All the shops were open so we walked around town, returned home at dusk. Larry started a fire in out pit & we roasted marshmellows & pretended to be kids again! Wished our grandkids were with us.

Sun. May 29, 2011

Awakened at 5:30am with the wind howling & sun shining. We turned over & stayed in bed until 6:30am. Had a leisurely breakfast, then cranked up our jeep & headed for Sedona, an artsy, Santa Fe type town about 1 hr from Williams. We passed an outside art show & decided to stop & walk around. There were many lovely items for sale. Larry loves southwestern art.He fell in love with a beautiful silver/turquoise/inlaid bracelet made by a Navajo man. He haggled a little & I am the proud owner of a new bracelet. He has a good eye for "good" Indian jewelry.Had some lunch in a coffee shop he used to frequent, then headed towards "home". About 1/2 way there I smelled something burning, about that time the hot light went on & we pulled off the highway. Called Good Sam (AAA for Rvers). A nice, young man came to our rescue in 40min & towed us to a garage in Flagstaff, after driving us to the airport to rent a car. The man at the garage waited for us to arrive & looked at our little jeep. He is going to figure out what is wrong today.Drove home & had supper, & a glass of wine.Touche! Here is to our adventure.Going to Grand Canyon tomorrow.

Sat. May 28,2011

Left Monument Valley at 9:30am, planning a 4 hr. drive  to our destination in Williams, AZ. The winds across our travel route were 50-55mph. We bumped & swayed for about 3 hrs & then Teddy decided that he needed a walk.  We noticed an Indian stand a little ways away & spent 1 hr. buying some gorgeous jewelry for me & the store. We then headed towards koa in Williams. Of course, we went to the wrong campground (my & GPS's) fault. We arrived at the right place 4 miles N. of Williams. We were unable to level our coach, but fortunately, we are parked between 2 coaches, which help with the wind. Had dinner on the grounds & spent the evening with Larry researching our leveling problem & listening to the howling wind! Larry found the company that makes our system & it is 2 hrs away. We are heading there on Tues. Wish us well!

Fri. May 27, 2011

We pulled Adventure & the jeep down to Arches parking lot at 7:30am. We had breakfast & headed up into the park. This is one of the most beautiful creations of nature that I have seen. The park & arches are formed from red sandstone. We spent 3 hours walking, driving around the park. Tired & hungry we returned "home" had some lunch & took the jeep to Moab to walk around & shop. I aquired, thanks to my Larry, who appreciates good jewelry, a pair of authenic silver/tourquoise earrings.We hit the road heading to Monument Valley to spend the night on the Navajo reservation at one of their campgrounds. A much less tense, but pretty ride. We did have a moment of excitement, that puts us in motorhome 103, our awning started flapping in the wind. We spend 20 minutes trying to get it fixed. Of course, Larry figured it all out & we were soon on our way to our destination. We followed the GPS, which put us on the wrong road in the campground, so we unhooked the jeep, locked Adventure, & drove to the right area. Had a quiet dinneer at our private picnic table. We are off  to the Grand Canyon. Have a wonderful weekend. Talk soon.

Thurs. May 26, 2011

We spent the morning packing up some souvenirs from Larry's past job, delivering pottery made in Mexico. We are bringing home some lovely momentos. Packed up Adventure, bid Donna farewell & thanked her for a great visit & headed west towards  Moab, Utah. Drove 70 west to 128S which is a breathtaking ride (2 lane road) that follows the Colorado River Canyon. It was a beautiful ride, but a little intense as the road wasn't that wide & the edge was close! Also, Adventure, is 8 1/2 feet WIDE! you all do the math! We arrived safe & sound at our campground near Arches Park. Tomorrow we are up early to walk & ride thru the park. We will spend tomorrow night at a park in Monument Valley. Sleep tight!

Wed. May 25, 2011

Good News! We awakened in this beautiful Rockie mountain setting to SUNSHINE! Unbelievable! Larry is working on some motorhome items. I am updating this blog & then we are off to Rifle to get our computers "fixed". We got that accomplished & we are now able to send emails! We had lunch at one of Larry's old haunts- Basecamp Restaurant- had a great lunch after which, we toured Rifle. It is a small town, so it didn't take us long. We headed to the nearby city of Glenwood Springs for some shopping & checking some more beautiful scenery. Lyman surprised Donna & came home for the evening. We all had dinner at a local bar & restaurant.The teachers in the area were celebrating the end of school & the place was noisy. However; we sat in the back & had an enjoyable dinner

Tues. May 24,2011

After breakfast, Larry hitched up the jeep & we headed to Silt, CO to spend a couple of days with Larry's friends, Donna & Lyman Fogle. We got off the main st & headed up a mountain road that was windy. Arrived at their picturesque property in the Rockies. Their house is at the foot of a mountain & this setting is just breathe taking.We set up camp & waited for Donna to get home. She works as a meals on wheels volunteer. Larry & I decided that on this entire trip we have seen sunshine 11/2 days. This entire country is wet,wet, wet! At least we have missed tornados. We had a good visit with Donna & headed with her to Aspen to see Lyman, who is a property manager of a 15,000 sq. ft home. We got a tour & it was very impressive. After which, we had dinner in downtown Aspen. Came home tired, but enjoyed spending time with friends. Talk tomorrow. Stay dry! You know, any of you following this trip- feel free to comment or just say hello. Would love to hear from you.

Mon. May 23, 2011

We packed up, paid our bill & hit the highway towards Colorado. We had a 9 hr. high country ride thru the Continental Divide, where we drove thru a "token" snow storm. Doesn't anywhere in the west know that it is spring/ going on summer.The snow turned, thankfully, to rain as we came down the mountain, thru the Picturesque Glenwood Canyon. We arrived at Walmart in Rifle, Co- tired, hungry. We took in a few sights & then went to dinner at a casual, but most excellent restaurant. After dinner we went & washed our very dirty jeep- He thanked us! Came back to Adventure & I spent 11/2 hrs on the phone with dish network trying to get local tv stations. I really want the local news & weather.  Perserverence paid off. We are learning much as we go. Talk with you tomorrow.

Sun May 22, 2011

We slept in and awakened to a sunny, windy morning. Went over to the restaurant & visited with the people that manage the campground. Enjoyed a pancake breakfast. Tried to call some of you folks, but still no cell service. I took my computer to the store to use their wifi. I can receive messages, but can't sent. I will need my computer "Earled" when I get back. I did update this blog. Larry & I cleaned Adventure & rewarded our efforts with a little tv watching & a little nap. We later drove around the area & almost literally ran into some black angus cows. They were no more happy to see us as we were to encounter them! Watched the  movie The Kite Runner & had a quiet, but enjoyable evening.

Sat. May 21, 2011

Leisurely breakfast. Packed up & bid farewell to our Lutheran church parking lot. We headed west for paarts unknown. Nebraska is a prairie, flat but beautiful We are headed toward the sandhills in western NE.The wind was still an item as Larry drove westward. We have had a fun & wonderful week with family, friends, but decided we (Larry) needed a couple of down days. A rest from driving a 38 ft motorhome with a jeep! I found a campground in the sandhills 20 miles from Ogallala. Another long, paved & graveled road which led us to the beautiful place. Had a nature walk & settled in for a quiet evening. Still had some wind, but no rain.

Friday May 20, 2011

Awakened to a cloudy Lincoln day. Had breakfast in the motorhome & then set out to show Larry the sights  of Lincoln. Larry usually does the driving, but I gave him a reprive & did the driving. My memory may waver occasionally, but I did right well navigating around Lincoln. Of course, it is almost impossible to get lost! First stop, Big Red Store to buy NE memorabilia for "kid" & grandkids. I bought a couple of items for myself. Next we went to Ideal grocery store to pick up steaks for dinner. The store is a shopping experience. Larry & I lunched back at Valentinos-had a lighter fare! Went past the capital & parked in front of NE stadium, where we had a moment of silence. Finished up in downtown at the Nebraska bookstore. Fun!. Larry wanted to check out the local RV store & needed a couple of items. Of course, we toured a few newer coaches(with higher price tags) & decided that our "Adventure" is just fine. Went to Kirk & Trula's for dinner. We went with them out to see the log cabin that they are having build. Kirk wanted a fishing hut & now has a house! It will be beautiful. It sits on a lake so Kirk can fish. Finished out tour & went back & cooked steaks. I hate to leave Lincoln, but have other places to go & people to see.

Thurs. May19, 2011

We left the campground & followed another winding road. Larry said, "We would have a lot more fun riding this road in a sports car." We finally connected with I-70 & headed in the rain towards Lincoln, NE. Unfortunately, the "new" windshield wipers weren't connecting with the windshield, but Larry drove on & the rain was light. Finally stopped at a TA for gas & bought new wipers that actually worked! Arrived in Lincoln at 5:30PM & touched base with our friends the Jamisons. They arranged for us to park the motorhome at their church. Oh, we finally named our coach " Adventure".We got settled & Kirk & Trula picked us up for dinner. We ate at Valentino's which makes the best pizza that I have ever eaten. They had a buffet that was awesome! Kirk took us past our old neighborhood, which has grown up a lot. When we lived here there were little trees & now there are full trees.It was quite nostalgic for me. Jay & Jeff played with the Jamison's kids & everyone is all grown with kids of their own..We went back to their house after dinner & caught up on our families.

Larry & I graduated from motorhome 101 to 102. We slept thru a wind/rain storn in our RV. Rain pelted on the roof, awning flopped in the wind (Nebraska does have wind!) The RV did a little rocking. Quite a night! We are off to sight see & show Larry around Lincoln. I have some serious shopping to do for grandchildren. Talk later

Wed. May 18, 2011

Joined Matt & Jen & Ada for breakfast. Packed up & hit Hwy 3 around 10am. on our way to St. Louis for a  visit to the Arch. A beautiful drive along Hwy3 which follows the Mississippi. We did see some flooded farmlands. Arrived in St. Louis around 12 noon. Took our GPS route & ended up on a cobblestone road near the arch! Have you ever driven a 38 ft.. RV towing a jeep!! Quite a bumpy feat. Larry handled it beautifully & I was a nervous wreck. We tried for about 1 hour to find adequet parking for our vehicles- but to no avail. We finally succombed to failure & headed West on I-70. Next stop Wildwood acres campground. We traveled a windy road for several miles. On the way to the campground Larry spotted a quaint little post office & stopped to get stamps so we can send you some postcards.It was closed, but the lady was sitting out back  & was kind to get him some stamps. We are grateful. The campgound is lovely & ever so peaceful- our sattelite didn't connect( too many trees), no internet connection or as some of you know, no cell phone service. We took a lovely walk & enjoyed nature. Turned in early, did some reading & are off to Lincoln, NE tomorrow.

Tues. May 17, 2011

Jasper & Jeff notified me that it was time to get up & fix swedish pancakes. It was 7:30am( don't they get that we are on vacation) As the dutiful gandma I enjoyed spending the morning with Jeff & family. Enjoyed the pancakes too. Backed out of their driveway at 9:30 headed for Murphysboro, Il for an overnight & visit with Matt, Jen, & girls. Enjoyed our time on their farm. It was a relaxing experience.

May 17, 2011

Drove from Knoxville across Tn and had a relaxing drive. Larry is getting very adept at maneuvering thi RV. We traveled some  narrow roads to spend Tues. night at Windy Hill Farm, which is the home of Meredith's brother & his family. They live outside of Murphysboro in the country. Had a great visit with them & their delightful girls. We are off to a good night's sleep & off towards St. Louis tomorrow. Will write more tomorrow & hopefully, include some pictures. Everyone have a good evening.

First stop Knoxville May 15, 2011

Spent  first night in Knoxville with Jeff, Mere & boys. Stayed in their driveway with our 38 ft. motorhome. Had a great time. It really is different driving a motorhome as opposed to a car!