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.