Under normal conditions we would be somewhere never Reno by now. Not this year. The stars have not aligned yet. It would seem that they do not want us on the road just yet. Several roadblocks have been put up to delay us,
1. R has had trouble with her knee rehabilitation. The surgery went well. The bones and area are healing nicely. The tendons, not so much. They have been very resistant to change. R has been working very hard at home and at physical therapy to get them to stretch. At the 6 week check-up the doctor listened to her, checked her and said, "You have too much scar tissue (adhesions). We are going to have to force the knee, " I grimaced. R did too. Yesterday at a day surgery center, R was given another nerve block and the Dr. manually bent her knee to 100-120 degrees. (He showed me a cell photo.) Bottom line; she back on the chaise, back on meds for pain, waiting for the CPM (Constant Passive Motion) to arrive this afternoon, starting the healing process again.
2. The trailer is not ready. A while back after looking at many new trailers, we decided to keep our current home on wheels. It has everything we need and feels like home. But we thought it was time to replace the carpeting and vinyl. Replacement is a much bigger chore ( think installation cost) in an RV than in a home. (Think tight spaces, slides) I checked with the carpet place and am hoping that he will finish it before New Years. It will be therapeutic to reload our furniture and personal items back into our second home. It will be great to get them out of the garage!
3. The truck is ready, sort of. Once in a while, the starter makes a noise when starting the truck. I have it a the shop but , of course, it has not demonstrated this noise there. So do I just replace the starter?
Friday, December 30, 2016
Changes
The view out my kitchen window is changing. The view is to the east. I look cross my neighbor's backyard to pasture and tall firs a half mile away, But that view is changing. That former vacant farm land is becoming residential. The land on the east side of Teakwood Street is now growing houses. Ten are already occupied. As I write this another two-story giant is being put up in my view. The trees in the distance are being hidden. Progress is not without its costs.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Snow Report (Update)
It's still here. Sort of. Major streets and sunny locations are pretty much clear. Protected areas, the north side of buildings, shaded intersections, some sidewalks still are white or icy. The side yard outside my window as I type this is still totally snow covered which I really enjoy. Walking with the boys during the snowfall and the next morning was winter wonderful. The scene 24 hours later was quite a bit different.
R has been watching many ( too many) Christmas movies that she has recorded so she can skip through the voluminous number of commercials. Besides being totally predicable, ( girls goes home to visit and meets old boyfriend, they fall in love, she gives up a big promotion in the city to live in the small town and everything is great. Anyway, I have been exposed to many of these cinematic marvels that started right after Thanksgiving. There are several similar items. Snow in different amounts depending on locale. (An exception with the movie, "Christmas on the Bayou") Next time you tune into one of these, check out the snow. It's always perfect. In my neighborhood on the day after the snow was covered with footprints, debris, tire tracks, etc. Sidewalks were shoveled haphazardly, some done, some ignored, Walking on them this morning even with the temperature at 26 was dangerous. The footing was bumpy at best. Some areas were clear, but most were frozen rough snow and ice. I spent most of the walk looking down, trying not to fall. I was happy to get off the sidewalk and find a unpaved trail to take the boys on. I think they were too. A change of weather will take care of this problem. I think the change will come Sunday or Monday. I will miss the snow.
R has been watching many ( too many) Christmas movies that she has recorded so she can skip through the voluminous number of commercials. Besides being totally predicable, ( girls goes home to visit and meets old boyfriend, they fall in love, she gives up a big promotion in the city to live in the small town and everything is great. Anyway, I have been exposed to many of these cinematic marvels that started right after Thanksgiving. There are several similar items. Snow in different amounts depending on locale. (An exception with the movie, "Christmas on the Bayou") Next time you tune into one of these, check out the snow. It's always perfect. In my neighborhood on the day after the snow was covered with footprints, debris, tire tracks, etc. Sidewalks were shoveled haphazardly, some done, some ignored, Walking on them this morning even with the temperature at 26 was dangerous. The footing was bumpy at best. Some areas were clear, but most were frozen rough snow and ice. I spent most of the walk looking down, trying not to fall. I was happy to get off the sidewalk and find a unpaved trail to take the boys on. I think they were too. A change of weather will take care of this problem. I think the change will come Sunday or Monday. I will miss the snow.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Weather
It's winter We have been reminded of it the last week. We had days in the 30's and several nights below freezing. Wednesday evening R and I braved the wind and cold with friends to attend a play at the local high school. "Miracle at 34th Street". It was great. I have enjoyed all of the movie versions of the story and hoped the play would be alright. It was more than that. The students did a terrific job. It was great fun.
That night was the precursor of the weather to come. Weather people on TV were doing their usual dance hyping up the storm, so when all the schools in the area decided to close for Thursday I "poo-Pooed" it, especially when Thursday morning was calm and dry and maybe even a bit of sun.. However, I was wrong. By noon the clouds were thick, the wind had come up and the sprinkles had started. Only the sprinkles were flakes. I had an outside chore that afternoon and as I worked the flakes continued and increased until the ground was covered with a white sheet. By late afternoon the pretty white was changed when the flakes turned to raindrops. The raindrops increased until most of the white was gone. It was fun while it lasted.
That night was the precursor of the weather to come. Weather people on TV were doing their usual dance hyping up the storm, so when all the schools in the area decided to close for Thursday I "poo-Pooed" it, especially when Thursday morning was calm and dry and maybe even a bit of sun.. However, I was wrong. By noon the clouds were thick, the wind had come up and the sprinkles had started. Only the sprinkles were flakes. I had an outside chore that afternoon and as I worked the flakes continued and increased until the ground was covered with a white sheet. By late afternoon the pretty white was changed when the flakes turned to raindrops. The raindrops increased until most of the white was gone. It was fun while it lasted.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Trailer Update
Today the guy from Carpets for Less stops by to measure the trailer for new carpeting and vinyl. The trailer is 10 years old and it is time to replace it. Actually we never really liked the original carpet color so it is not going to be missed.
It is going to be good have new, but it comes at a price. Installing carpeting in a house is easy and pretty straight forward. A trailer, especially one with slides, is not. So the labor cost reflects that, but because it is our home for 6-8 months a year, we feel that it is worth it. We just hop that there are no delays that prevent us from heading out right after Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.
It is going to be good have new, but it comes at a price. Installing carpeting in a house is easy and pretty straight forward. A trailer, especially one with slides, is not. So the labor cost reflects that, but because it is our home for 6-8 months a year, we feel that it is worth it. We just hop that there are no delays that prevent us from heading out right after Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.
Trailer Update
Today the guy from Carpets for Less stops by to measure the trailer for new carpeting and vinyl. The trailer is 10 years old and it is time to replace it. Actually we never really liked the original carpet color so it is not going to be missed.
It is going to be good have new, but it comes at a price. Installing carpeting in a house is easy and pretty straight forward. A trailer, especially one with slides, is not. So the labor cost reflects that, but because it is our home for 6-8 months a year, we feel that it is worth it. We just hop that there are no delays that prevent us from heading out right after Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.
It is going to be good have new, but it comes at a price. Installing carpeting in a house is easy and pretty straight forward. A trailer, especially one with slides, is not. So the labor cost reflects that, but because it is our home for 6-8 months a year, we feel that it is worth it. We just hop that there are no delays that prevent us from heading out right after Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Sign
There is an auto repair shop in Oregon City that has a sign out front that share important ideas. Last month it was:
" Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate. "
This month :
" These days we are drowning in knowledge and starving for wisdom. "
Think about it.
" Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate. "
This month :
" These days we are drowning in knowledge and starving for wisdom. "
Think about it.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Wallpaper
This is the wallpaper on my phone. We found this rug at a donation store on San Juan Island, Wash.
The Leak (Update)
I took the trailer to a RV repair shop yesterday. They are going to search for the leak (not an easy job). Water has a way to sneak into any open space and creating problems. I hope the shop can find it quickly. With the problem fixed we can move forward on the plan to replace the carpeting and vinyl. Ten years of use means time for replacement. It's raining today so I hope they are working on it today.
Getting the trailer ready meant that the interior had to be emptied. The garage is filled with furniture and boxes of "stuff" from the rig. I look forward to having the trailer back repaired and remodeled and loading it up for our next journey. Arizona is going to be especially appealing after the rain we have had this fall in Canby.
Getting the trailer ready meant that the interior had to be emptied. The garage is filled with furniture and boxes of "stuff" from the rig. I look forward to having the trailer back repaired and remodeled and loading it up for our next journey. Arizona is going to be especially appealing after the rain we have had this fall in Canby.
Monday, October 24, 2016
A Leak
I have spent the last several days drying out the carpeting in the trailer. We it measured to get an estimate for redoing the vinyl the carpeting, The trailer is 10 years old and it's time to replace it. Remodeling is a better alternative to buying a new trailer for at least two reasons. Number one is cost. New rigs hover around $40-50 K. The other reason is that we have not been able to find another trailer that has the floorplan that we want. Fifth wheel trailers seem to come in two sizes. 25-27 ft (week-end rigs) 34-40 ft (full-time rigs). One is too small to live in for the length of time we travel. The others are Way Too Big. I don't want to haul something that big and heavy. I don't have a big or new enough truck and they are tricky to maneuver into gas stations and campgrounds.
My current trailer has a total length of an inch under 31 ft. There is some skill involved but it is ok for most places.
As for the floorplan, nothing comes close. We lived in "Tiny House for 8 months this year and were very comfortable, even with two dogs. The dogs were especially content because when we were home they knew where we were at all times. The other room was just a few feet away.
Getting back to my story. The carpet guy informed us that we have a leak. I pulled the trailer out enough to let the big slide out and ugh! The carpet was indeed very wet. "Where did it come from?" is the $64 question. The shop vac sucking up moisture from the carpet, furnace on high, space heaters going full blast and it is finally drying up. Now I guess I need to take it to a shop to see if they can figure out how the water is getting in, Obviously we want the leak fixed before we install the new floors.
My current trailer has a total length of an inch under 31 ft. There is some skill involved but it is ok for most places.
As for the floorplan, nothing comes close. We lived in "Tiny House for 8 months this year and were very comfortable, even with two dogs. The dogs were especially content because when we were home they knew where we were at all times. The other room was just a few feet away.
Getting back to my story. The carpet guy informed us that we have a leak. I pulled the trailer out enough to let the big slide out and ugh! The carpet was indeed very wet. "Where did it come from?" is the $64 question. The shop vac sucking up moisture from the carpet, furnace on high, space heaters going full blast and it is finally drying up. Now I guess I need to take it to a shop to see if they can figure out how the water is getting in, Obviously we want the leak fixed before we install the new floors.
Tetons
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Sun
I can't believe it! I can see sunshine! It's the first day since last Wednesday that it hasn't rained. It is good to see the sun. We have received over 3.5 inches of rain this last week. The Coast got more rain and lots more wind as well. Listening to the weather people on the media, we should have gone out and bought batteries, water, blankets, etc. for the upcoming weather. Well, it came and went without much ado here in the Willamette valley. Maybe next time.
The sun is here for a short time, however. The forecast is for more rain by this evening. Oh boy!
While working at the Home Show a couple of weeks ago, we visited many booths while walking Hunter around the building. We are toying with the idea of replacing the vinyl counter tops in our kitchen so we invited a couple of vendors to stop by and give us an idea of what was available, costs, etc. A representative from Sears was here Monday and another from Costco yesterday. Both reps were well prepared and very professional but had totally different styles. Both outfits are self-contained meaning you do not have to deal with any outside contractors from start to finish. The Sears installers do one job at a time, so they will not be called to another job midway through your job. They get another assignment only when the customer has signed off on the current one. The Costco vendor, FloForm, has one contact person to answer any questions you may have during the process. Good ideas from both.
Sears offers Corian, Quartz, and Granite, but only a limited number of patterns of each that they have tested and approved. Costco offers only Quartz, (Cambria to be exact) The sales person said that when they offered unlimited counter materials, wood, granite, quartz, Corian, etc. over 80% of the time, Quartz was chosen. Costco researched quartz products and picked Cambria as the best. I have to say that the Cambria patterns had more movement than the Sears quartz products.
All of that being said, I have a couple of observations.
Both of the appointments were made as a "We'll stop by and let you know what options are available to you. No Pressure".
Both salespeople expected to get an order at the end of their presentation.
Both bids were substantial amounts: Sears was close to $11k, Costco a little under $9k.
I am not going to make a snap decision with an amount like that involved. (Sears did offer a 10% discount if we ordered at the time of the sale.)
Neither agent left us with a written estimate. Was that on purpose?
No decision has been made. Do we really NEED new counter tops? Do we want to start making monthly payments? Hmmmm...........
The sun is here for a short time, however. The forecast is for more rain by this evening. Oh boy!
While working at the Home Show a couple of weeks ago, we visited many booths while walking Hunter around the building. We are toying with the idea of replacing the vinyl counter tops in our kitchen so we invited a couple of vendors to stop by and give us an idea of what was available, costs, etc. A representative from Sears was here Monday and another from Costco yesterday. Both reps were well prepared and very professional but had totally different styles. Both outfits are self-contained meaning you do not have to deal with any outside contractors from start to finish. The Sears installers do one job at a time, so they will not be called to another job midway through your job. They get another assignment only when the customer has signed off on the current one. The Costco vendor, FloForm, has one contact person to answer any questions you may have during the process. Good ideas from both.
Sears offers Corian, Quartz, and Granite, but only a limited number of patterns of each that they have tested and approved. Costco offers only Quartz, (Cambria to be exact) The sales person said that when they offered unlimited counter materials, wood, granite, quartz, Corian, etc. over 80% of the time, Quartz was chosen. Costco researched quartz products and picked Cambria as the best. I have to say that the Cambria patterns had more movement than the Sears quartz products.
All of that being said, I have a couple of observations.
Both of the appointments were made as a "We'll stop by and let you know what options are available to you. No Pressure".
Both salespeople expected to get an order at the end of their presentation.
Both bids were substantial amounts: Sears was close to $11k, Costco a little under $9k.
I am not going to make a snap decision with an amount like that involved. (Sears did offer a 10% discount if we ordered at the time of the sale.)
Neither agent left us with a written estimate. Was that on purpose?
No decision has been made. Do we really NEED new counter tops? Do we want to start making monthly payments? Hmmmm...........
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Storm
Windy, windy. Are we in storm number one or two? I do know the rain gauge has been filling during the last few days. Yesterday, there was 1.6" when I emptied it. This morning, 1/2 ". Will there be more today? Stay tuned. I know the wind is back. The Coast is where the storm has been having the most fun. Being at the coast during a storm is lots of fun. (In a house not in a RV).
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Fall
Fall has fallen. The temps have dropped the sun is being hidden more and more. The irrigation system is turned off and the lawn is greening up. My "lawn" consists of many green plants, some of them are actually grass. There is also clover of some kind, weeds, dandelions, and of course the perennial favorite, moss. Moss has trouble in the summer here in Oregon, but it holds on and flourishes the other 9 months of the year. Weeds can be dug up or pretty much taken care of. Moss is a different story. It's always laying around waiting for a day just like today. Gray, cool, and an all-day light rain. If you listen you may hear the moss sighing with happiness.
Swan Island
Last Monday afternoon we drove to the north side of Canby. There the Swan Island Dahlia farm is located. The graphics on their trucks say, "The Nations Largest Producer of Dahlia Bulbs" and I believe it. Acres and acres of Dahlias of all colors, sizes, and flower types. When you think of these flowers, you think of large blossoms that resemble intricately folded crepe paper. At Swan Island the plants vary from chest high to 12-15 inches and the blossoms from 6-8 inches to 1-2 inches. Lots of photo opportunities plus the gift shop sells cut flowers and offers bulbs for your home garden. The bulbs can be ordered online as well for delivery in the spring.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Fort Vancouver
We also spent time at the Pearson Air Museum before wandering down to the fort itself. Our rangers friends gave us a key so we could enter some of the buildings that are normally not open, It was a nice gesture. It was fun being the tour guides for D and L and seeing the place again. We will go back to volunteer again for sure.
The heritage garden had a fall look meaning that many for the vegetables had been harvested, but the flowers were still looking good. It was a good day.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Progress
My neighborhood is changing. In the area just east of us that used to grow crops is now growing a neighborhood. Growth is inevitable. As I type this I can hear the sounds of progress. Nailing guns, excavators, power saws set the background noise level. That level will, unfortunately, continue until every lot is occupied. It looks to be a while because there are approximately 50 home sites being prepared and being built on. The good thing is that they are all single family homes. No apartment structures in sight. As I walk the boys down Teakwood or in the building area, the skyline and the view is changing daily.
Home
We have been home for a week. Most but not all of the items in the trailer have been unloaded. (Some are still buried in the basement) There are some trailer projects to do but the yard and house needing more attention right now. I have someone who mows regularly but the weeds continue to grow and the trees and bushes continue to grow so the trailer projects will have to wait for a while. The weather has been beautiful since we have arrived home so outdoor activities are enjoyable. The weather forecasters say changes are coming this weekend so now is the time to get yard things done.
This weekend R and I attended our first Comicon. It is an annual event that uses a large portion of the Portland Convention Center. If it would have been a Sci Fi or a Star Trek event
The convention center was crowded with all sorts of costumes from scary to creative to silly. Some required a second look. Some others made you feel a tinny bit guilty for taking a second look. It was an interesting afternoon.
This weekend R and I attended our first Comicon. It is an annual event that uses a large portion of the Portland Convention Center. If it would have been a Sci Fi or a Star Trek event
The convention center was crowded with all sorts of costumes from scary to creative to silly. Some required a second look. Some others made you feel a tinny bit guilty for taking a second look. It was an interesting afternoon.
I would have been more involved and had been more interested in the booths selling and showing items . The comic industry has evolved into a mega-industry with a major portion of the movement here in the Portland area. Saturday, September 3, 2016
Did you know ?
Highway 93 from Salmon to Arco is called the "Peaks to Craters Highway".
If you into Lewis and Clark, Salmon is a great place to visit.
There is a substantial Amish community in southeast Minnesota.
America is a beautiful country to explore.
Life is good.
more later
If you into Lewis and Clark, Salmon is a great place to visit.
There is a substantial Amish community in southeast Minnesota.
America is a beautiful country to explore.
Life is good.
more later
Friday, September 2, 2016
Sept 2, 2016
Today was a long road day. It's 450 miles from Twin Falls, Id to Redmond, Or. I planned on 9 hours driving time so we left TF at 7:07, The trip involves about 120 miles of freeway ( I-84) and the rest US 20, We gained an hour with the time zone change and arrived in Redmond about 4 pm. That was 10 hours on the road. Starting out early helped make it better but it was still a long day.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Twin Falls
Arrived in "Twin" yesterday. Spent a day and a half in Salmon. I wish we would have had more time to look around. The area is a hotbed of Lewis and Clark information. The Sacajawea Center has a large section of books and pamphlets on the expedition. It would be fun to spend some time trekking where they trekked over 200 years ago.
We drove Hwy 28 north to Salmon and Hwy 93 south out of Salmon. Both are great route choices heading up to that area. The town of Salmon is kind of an oasis. There is "not much" for many miles around that area so the town has pretty much everything you want. Long bus rides for high school teams in that area.
We drove Hwy 28 north to Salmon and Hwy 93 south out of Salmon. Both are great route choices heading up to that area. The town of Salmon is kind of an oasis. There is "not much" for many miles around that area so the town has pretty much everything you want. Long bus rides for high school teams in that area.
The Tetons
Sunny days and mild temps made for a pleasant stay. The fire at the northern border of the park made the air quality an issue as you can see from the upper photo.
The lower photo is taken at the Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve in the national park. His father purchchased 33000 acres to preserve land and then donated it to the NPS. Thank you Mr Rockefeller.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Sat 8/27
This is our fourth day on the road. Left Minnesota on Wed. Got as far as Murdo, SD, a small town about halfway across on I-90. Already the land was quite different. Gone were the farms with their corn fields and soybean fields. Gone were the large groves of trees that marked a town or even a farm. The land now was open and virtually treeless. The fields were hay or sunflowers. Yes, we passed many large fields of sunflowers, their bright yellow faces pointing at the sun.
Thursday we continued through SD, turning south just as we entered Rapid City, which is on the edge of the Black Hills. I remember coming here for vacation when Dad had a weeks vacation. There are an abundance of family activities to do here, but I always thought of it as a "tourist trap". The flood of billboards along the highway did nothing but emphasize the fact. Reptile Gardens, Blah Blah Cave, Dah Dah Adventure Park. They seem to drown out the scenic beauty of the hills themselves.
At Rapid Cithy we turned south on Hwy 79, to Hot Springs. We spent nearly two hours at "The Mammoth Site" where they have bones of both Wooly Mammoths and Columbian Mammoths.
Thursday we continued through SD, turning south just as we entered Rapid City, which is on the edge of the Black Hills. I remember coming here for vacation when Dad had a weeks vacation. There are an abundance of family activities to do here, but I always thought of it as a "tourist trap". The flood of billboards along the highway did nothing but emphasize the fact. Reptile Gardens, Blah Blah Cave, Dah Dah Adventure Park. They seem to drown out the scenic beauty of the hills themselves.
At Rapid Cithy we turned south on Hwy 79, to Hot Springs. We spent nearly two hours at "The Mammoth Site" where they have bones of both Wooly Mammoths and Columbian Mammoths.
From Hot Springs we headed west into Wyoming, through Lusk, unto I-25 for a few miles to Casper, and then west again on Hwy 20/26. Camping spots did not appear so we spent the night at a rest stop at the edge of an almost dead town of Shoshoni. Breakfast and fuel in Riverton and continued west following the Wind River as it went from a large following body to a rather small stream as we climbed up the mountains. It was a great road but we climbed and climbed. The BRT did a great job of getting up the pass. The summit was 9600+ ft. The truck alone has been to 9700 on Steens mountain in eastern Oregon, but this is the highest the rig has been. The uphill and downhill were both very enjoyable. Second gear on the steep parts but still ok.
After getting down the mountain we drove to Moran Junction and turned south towards Grand Tetons National Park. A fire burning in the area of the southern border of Yellowstone has the highway from the Tetons to Yellowstone closed right now. So our exploring will be around here. Looking for wildlife and then there are those fabulous mountains!
A moose having lunch.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Flood
Wednesday we drove 45 miles east to Owatonna. We checked into the Riverside RV park about Noon. It is located on the Straight River which is normally under 10 foot wide. It was higher because the area experienced 5 inches a few days before.
Our campsite was spread with pea-gravel which probably covered any mud that was there. The tires sunk in some but it was ok. Our area was a low area so water was standing all around. I shoveled small trenches to help the water drain away. Overnight most of the standing sunk in or moved elsewhere. The next day we had more rain. Friday night the rain started in earnest about 9pm. It continued as we went to bed.
About midnight, R woke me up saying "There's lights outside." When we looked out I saw that the tenters camped out by the river were packing up. I got up. I walked over to the camp host trailer and talked with them. They were concerned. The owners were concerned. Both were driving around with their golf carts. Finally it was decided that the river was going to flood and it was time to telll everyone to leave.
It was 1:15am when I opened the trailer door and said, "Hey R, get dressed, we're leaving. I was walking in 3-4 inches of water as I got the trailer ready to hitch. Soon the slides came in, the back legs were cranked up, I backed the truck under the hitch. Once hitched, I moved the rig forward to get it off the boards that the tires were on, threw them into the bed and we were ready to go.
At 2 am we pulled out of the campground and unto the paved county road. We drove for w hours and parked in front of R's sisters house in Fairmont at 3:45am.
Saturday afternoon we got an email from Riverview RV with an update on the flood. At that time there was 3 ft of water where we were parked and 1 ft at the gate to the highway entrance. They offered free camping for the nights missed for 2017 or refunds to those from outside the area. A classy thing to do.
Our campsite was spread with pea-gravel which probably covered any mud that was there. The tires sunk in some but it was ok. Our area was a low area so water was standing all around. I shoveled small trenches to help the water drain away. Overnight most of the standing sunk in or moved elsewhere. The next day we had more rain. Friday night the rain started in earnest about 9pm. It continued as we went to bed.
About midnight, R woke me up saying "There's lights outside." When we looked out I saw that the tenters camped out by the river were packing up. I got up. I walked over to the camp host trailer and talked with them. They were concerned. The owners were concerned. Both were driving around with their golf carts. Finally it was decided that the river was going to flood and it was time to telll everyone to leave.
It was 1:15am when I opened the trailer door and said, "Hey R, get dressed, we're leaving. I was walking in 3-4 inches of water as I got the trailer ready to hitch. Soon the slides came in, the back legs were cranked up, I backed the truck under the hitch. Once hitched, I moved the rig forward to get it off the boards that the tires were on, threw them into the bed and we were ready to go.
At 2 am we pulled out of the campground and unto the paved county road. We drove for w hours and parked in front of R's sisters house in Fairmont at 3:45am.
Saturday afternoon we got an email from Riverview RV with an update on the flood. At that time there was 3 ft of water where we were parked and 1 ft at the gate to the highway entrance. They offered free camping for the nights missed for 2017 or refunds to those from outside the area. A classy thing to do.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Amber Lake
Amber Lake is one of the five lakes that Fairmont is built around. They make the town a pleasant place to live. When we are staying at family in Fairmont, I walk the boys down to the lake every morning and evening. The other day I noticed that the sign for Amber Lake has another smaller sign underneath it. It was interesting to read about the connection between this Lake and the National Park Service.
Goodbye Mankato
We have moved on from Mankato. It's a nice town. It has all of the amenities. Lots of shopping. lots of parks. A couple of colleges including MSU. Minnesota State Mankato. We visited the campus. It was weird. Both R and I graduated from this institution, but it wasn't MSU. It was Mankato State. I recognized a couple of buildings but that was it. It has been nearly 50 years and the changes have made this a different school. It felt like we were on a foreign campus.
Getting back to Mankato, it was where I grew up. The town is still here but, like the MSU campus, many changes have been made. In the sixties, Front Street was a viable active retail area. I remember "Crazy Days" when items were on tables on the sidewalk and crowds walked in the street to check them out. Now the downtown is not much of a retail area.at all. So much for progress.
We left Mankato on Wednesday and traveled about 45 miles east to Owatonna. We are here until Saturday morning when we will drive to Fairmont. During these days we are visiting old friends. Friends from high school and college. It is great renewing relationships.
The heat has broken, at least for a while, by thunder storms. The storms are exciting. Our area of Oregon does not have thunder storms, so we really enjoy the thunder and lightning. It's fabulous!!
Getting back to Mankato, it was where I grew up. The town is still here but, like the MSU campus, many changes have been made. In the sixties, Front Street was a viable active retail area. I remember "Crazy Days" when items were on tables on the sidewalk and crowds walked in the street to check them out. Now the downtown is not much of a retail area.at all. So much for progress.
We left Mankato on Wednesday and traveled about 45 miles east to Owatonna. We are here until Saturday morning when we will drive to Fairmont. During these days we are visiting old friends. Friends from high school and college. It is great renewing relationships.
The heat has broken, at least for a while, by thunder storms. The storms are exciting. Our area of Oregon does not have thunder storms, so we really enjoy the thunder and lightning. It's fabulous!!
Sunday, August 14, 2016
The Irish Fair
The Irish Fair is held every August at Harriet Island park on the Mississippi River in St Paul. The skyline of the city is across the water. Lots of wonderful Irish music on at least three venues. (You cannot help but clap or tap your feet.) Many Irish dance schools were there to show their skills. It is always fun watching young kids performing, doing their best.
Lots of green. Green t-shirts. Lots of kilts. Lots of plaid fabric. Tons of booths selling all sorts of items that you just can't be without. The fair runs for three days and is totally free. It is totally run by volunteers. Hooray for volunteers!!
The location is spacious and grassy. People flock in and so parking is difficult. We parked in an industrial area for $5 but it was at least a half-mile from the site which was difficult for R but she did it without complaining like usual.
I would have liked to hear the final performing group last night, Gaelic Storm< but we still had to drive to Fairmont (150 miles) so we needed to get on the road. I bought one of their CDs to play on the way south instead,
If you ever get a chance to attend the Irish Fair, don't miss it.
Lots of green. Green t-shirts. Lots of kilts. Lots of plaid fabric. Tons of booths selling all sorts of items that you just can't be without. The fair runs for three days and is totally free. It is totally run by volunteers. Hooray for volunteers!!
The location is spacious and grassy. People flock in and so parking is difficult. We parked in an industrial area for $5 but it was at least a half-mile from the site which was difficult for R but she did it without complaining like usual.
I would have liked to hear the final performing group last night, Gaelic Storm< but we still had to drive to Fairmont (150 miles) so we needed to get on the road. I bought one of their CDs to play on the way south instead,
If you ever get a chance to attend the Irish Fair, don't miss it.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Lanesboro
Buffalo Bill Days parade in Lanesboro, Minn. This is in the hilly area of SE Minnesota. It has been called "the Land the Glaciers Forgot". It is also Amish country. It is quite common to see a buggy traveling the highway shoulders. 
More Minnesota Observations
Did I say humidity? Boy, I know why I decided not to come back here after I left the Marines. I hate the sticky body feeling. I showered this morning and could do it again and it's still morning. I can't imagine what it would be like being in the South. Maybe to lessen the effect, the weather people do not tell you what the humidity is. We talk about dew point. I have gotten from watching the weather on the news, the higher the dew point, the higher the humidity. Why don't they just say "the humidity is...."? Also they combine the dew point and temperature and get something called the "heat index". Evidently it is the summer equivalent of the winter wind chill. It doesn't help.
Corn Drive around the country and you see corn. Corn everywhere. Because of the corn and ecology, ethanol plants have been built in the area. There are two plants near Fairmont, one for corn and one for soy beans. Most gas stations have an ethanol pump. The price of ethanol is about $.50 a gallon less than unleaded. The trade-off is that ethanol does not burn as hot so fuel mileage is less. I'm not sure which is a better deal.
Neatness. Driving around Mankato and Fairmont and driving around the country, you do not see junk. You do not see yards filled with trash or abandoned vehicles. It is a good thing.
Rust. If you drive a vehicle in winter around here, you will get rust. They put salt products on the roads to help the ice melt. In our country sand or pumice is spread. Of course Oregon does not have the weather that Minnesota has. Cold. Snow. The result is that cars rust. Around the wheel wells, Pick-up tailgates. I would not buy a used car from here. Collector cars are put away for the winter.
Central Day Time Two hours different from the West Coast. Also, the network programs are broadcast an hour earlier. Not a bad thing if you go to bed early, At home and in the trailer I dont care because I have a satellite, so I record the programs I like and watch them when I choose.
Corn Drive around the country and you see corn. Corn everywhere. Because of the corn and ecology, ethanol plants have been built in the area. There are two plants near Fairmont, one for corn and one for soy beans. Most gas stations have an ethanol pump. The price of ethanol is about $.50 a gallon less than unleaded. The trade-off is that ethanol does not burn as hot so fuel mileage is less. I'm not sure which is a better deal.Neatness. Driving around Mankato and Fairmont and driving around the country, you do not see junk. You do not see yards filled with trash or abandoned vehicles. It is a good thing.
Rust. If you drive a vehicle in winter around here, you will get rust. They put salt products on the roads to help the ice melt. In our country sand or pumice is spread. Of course Oregon does not have the weather that Minnesota has. Cold. Snow. The result is that cars rust. Around the wheel wells, Pick-up tailgates. I would not buy a used car from here. Collector cars are put away for the winter.
Central Day Time Two hours different from the West Coast. Also, the network programs are broadcast an hour earlier. Not a bad thing if you go to bed early, At home and in the trailer I dont care because I have a satellite, so I record the programs I like and watch them when I choose.
Soy Beans. The trees in the distance are farm sites.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Minnesota Observations
Minnesota is green.
Lots of grass. Lawns are green and nicely mowed. Farms have huge mowed grassy areas.
Lots of trees. Trees everywhere. Mostly deciduous. Driving in the country the farms are surrounded by groves of trees. I remember going to friends or relatives farms and playing in their "woods", as we called them. It was great fun! There were trees to climb in and always some old farm machinery to sit on.
Corn. Oh my gosh! Miles and miles and miles of cornfields. Some soybeans too, but mostly corn. As far as the eye can see in all directions. Every town is marked by a water tower with its name on it and a grain elevator. You know you are getting close to another town when you see one or the other or both in the distance welcoming you.
Bumpy roads. Highways are bumpy. City streets are bumpy. Neighborhood streets are bumpy. The highways have expansion joints in them to handle the extremes in temperature, I guess. But the weather takes a toll on the roads. Driving on some of the roads gives you a pattern. Thump, dot, thump, dot, thump. It's a sound and a feeling at the same time. It tries to lull you to sleep until you hit the occasional "big one" that jar you and your car's suspension system.
Bugs. I got more bugs on the front of my rig on the drive from the South Dakota border to Fairmont (100 miles) than I did on the entire trip from Canby to Texas, to South Lake Tahoe, to South Dakota. I have been happily surprised by the lack of mosquitoes. They haven't been bad at all. Other bugs have made up for their lack. Lots of flying bugs. I had forgotten about Cicadas. We used to call them Heat Bugs. You don't see them, you hear them. It's kind of a buzzing sound.
Humidity!! Yikes! I had forgotten how I hate it. Hate it. Hate it. The weather guys don't talk about relative humidity, they talk about dew point, whatever that means. It isn't constant. It comes and goes. This week-end and today was great. The middle of last week was crappy and the upcoming mid-week sounds "not so good". Think dry.
Lots of grass. Lawns are green and nicely mowed. Farms have huge mowed grassy areas.
Lots of trees. Trees everywhere. Mostly deciduous. Driving in the country the farms are surrounded by groves of trees. I remember going to friends or relatives farms and playing in their "woods", as we called them. It was great fun! There were trees to climb in and always some old farm machinery to sit on.
Corn. Oh my gosh! Miles and miles and miles of cornfields. Some soybeans too, but mostly corn. As far as the eye can see in all directions. Every town is marked by a water tower with its name on it and a grain elevator. You know you are getting close to another town when you see one or the other or both in the distance welcoming you.
Bumpy roads. Highways are bumpy. City streets are bumpy. Neighborhood streets are bumpy. The highways have expansion joints in them to handle the extremes in temperature, I guess. But the weather takes a toll on the roads. Driving on some of the roads gives you a pattern. Thump, dot, thump, dot, thump. It's a sound and a feeling at the same time. It tries to lull you to sleep until you hit the occasional "big one" that jar you and your car's suspension system.
Bugs. I got more bugs on the front of my rig on the drive from the South Dakota border to Fairmont (100 miles) than I did on the entire trip from Canby to Texas, to South Lake Tahoe, to South Dakota. I have been happily surprised by the lack of mosquitoes. They haven't been bad at all. Other bugs have made up for their lack. Lots of flying bugs. I had forgotten about Cicadas. We used to call them Heat Bugs. You don't see them, you hear them. It's kind of a buzzing sound.
Humidity!! Yikes! I had forgotten how I hate it. Hate it. Hate it. The weather guys don't talk about relative humidity, they talk about dew point, whatever that means. It isn't constant. It comes and goes. This week-end and today was great. The middle of last week was crappy and the upcoming mid-week sounds "not so good". Think dry.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Photo Memories
This photo was taken at Johnson Reservoir just north of Loa, Utah. The elevation is 7500 ft.
The campground hosts at Capitol Reef have this view from their RV site. Not too bad!
A look back at Bodie, Ca. It was hard to believe that the town was at 8300 ft elevation. Winters must be brutal !
Mankato
Today we traveled the 60 miles from Fairmont where R's sister lives to Mankato, where my sister lives. I was born across the Minnesota River in North Mankato. Different town, different county. It has been 45 years since I left the Minnesota to go into the military. When I got back from Viet Nam, I was stationed in Twenty Nine Palms, CA. When I was finished with my military service, we did not return to the Midwest, but looked for work on the west coast. The rest is history.
We have been back a few times every 5 years or so. But still you notice differences. In Texas and the west, spices. As you saw in a previous blog, the condiment selection here is more limited. When people ask me if I want hot sauce, I tell them, "No thanks, I'm from Minnesota where we only know three spices." Then I wait....... "What are they? Salt, Pepper, and Ketchup. " It's a joke but not much of a stretch.
What else did I notice? Lots of trees at farms. Out west, like in South Dakota, Wyoming, even Nebraska, a few trees mark a home site. Here a few hundred mark a farm site. Looking at the rural landscape as we drove today, it really hit home.
Fuel is less expensive here. I have seen unleaded for $1.99/gal and diesel for 2.25. When we left Tahoe fuel was $2.67 for both grades. Through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota saw diesel prices from $2.39 to $2.49, still quite reasonable. It makes traveling much less painful.
We have been back a few times every 5 years or so. But still you notice differences. In Texas and the west, spices. As you saw in a previous blog, the condiment selection here is more limited. When people ask me if I want hot sauce, I tell them, "No thanks, I'm from Minnesota where we only know three spices." Then I wait....... "What are they? Salt, Pepper, and Ketchup. " It's a joke but not much of a stretch.
What else did I notice? Lots of trees at farms. Out west, like in South Dakota, Wyoming, even Nebraska, a few trees mark a home site. Here a few hundred mark a farm site. Looking at the rural landscape as we drove today, it really hit home.
Fuel is less expensive here. I have seen unleaded for $1.99/gal and diesel for 2.25. When we left Tahoe fuel was $2.67 for both grades. Through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota saw diesel prices from $2.39 to $2.49, still quite reasonable. It makes traveling much less painful.
Museum of the Fur Trade
How unlikely is this. The museum of the Fur Trade is located, not in Canada, not in northern Minnesota, not in the Pacific Northwest, but in Chadron, Nebraska. Who knew?
Actually it is quite large and quite impressive. The gun collection is huge ! There are stories and information on this old industry from all areas of North America. We have worked at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which was a trading post and distribution center for the Hudson Bay Company and we still learned a great deal by visiting this place.
Notice the Canoe Cups. Each Voyager carried on his sash. When he got thirsty he could just dip water from the lake or stream he was paddling through. We had never seen these before. 
Fort Robinson State Park
It is now a state park with many activities to attract visitors. There are two campgrounds, several officer and barracks buildings for overnight rentals. Other activities available are two museums, riding stable, kayak rentals, hay rides, bike rentals, even plays in the theater. A great place for the whole family.
There is a natural history museum to visit as well. You can view a local Columbian Mammoth.
Agate Fossil Beds
This National Monument is located on the prairie about 50 miles north of Scottsbuff, Neb.
A very nice visitor center with a very impressive room devoted to the native peoples of the region.
Scotts Bluff Nat Mon
Who knew that part of Nebraska is not flat farm land
The view from the top went on forever. There's that farmland in the distance.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
NW Nebraska
Who would have thought? Nebraska is actually interesting. Well, NW Nebraska is. The Fossil Highway for example. Highway 71.
Let me go back to Utah. Left Torrey at our usual time 9ish. Enjoyed the drive back through Capitol Reef, passed the Headquarters, and east on 24. The landscape got bleaker and turned north until finally intersecting I-70. Driving the Interstate is a different experience. The road is normally considerately better (except for sections of I-10 in Texas which were awful).
We rambled eastward, Green River, Grand Junction, and turned north at Rifle. We spent the night at Yampa River State Park just east of Craig. A nice park.
The Saturday we bought a few groceries and continued north on Hwy 13 which is a very nice road. The next morning a hundred miles landed us unto I-80 just west of Rawlins. Some more pleasant scenery and we were out of Wyoming and into Nebraska.
Riverside Campground in Scottsbluff was not great, but adequate. After unhooking we drove solo out to Scotts Bluff ( notice the different spelling) National Monument. Nice visitor center, good movie, great drive up to the top of the bluff. It's about 3 - 4 miles of twists and turns, through three tunnels, to reach the summit. The view from up there was great.
Back to the rv park and picked up the trailer and again went north. Hwy 29 to Agate Fossil Beds out in the middle of nowhere. Interesting fossils of early mammals. Then east on Hwy 20 to Fort Robinson State Park. Most of the Army buildings are still standing and a great place to spend a week or at least several days. There is a multitude of activities available for vacationing families. Many of the barracks and officers quarters are available for nightly rentals. Activities include, horse rentals, tubing, kayaking, hay rides, plays at the theater, several museums. A good thing.
Yesterday we left Ft Robinson and stopped at the Museum of the Fur Trade just east of Chadron, NE. Wow! Did not expect such a place in the unknown area of Nebraska. Have you ever heard of Chadron, Nebraska? Me neither. Huge display, lots of items, unbelievable number of ancient rifles and handguns, and fur trading info from all over North America. Having worked at Fort Vancouver, we were somewhat familiar with the fur trading industry. Well this place blew us away ! A definite must see.!
Then back in the truck down the road. First east on Hwy 20 then jog north to South Dakota and east on Hwy 18 through the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, finally north on Hwy 47 to I-90.
AS we drove north we watched a very dark clouds to the Northwest. Trouble !
We continued north, watching the blackness getting closer. Finally we reached I 90 and turned east away from the storm. As we drove the radio kept interrupting telling us of the heavy rain and ping pong sized hail that was falling in Winner where we had just come. Our timing was great.
With the storm in mind we did not stop until we arrived at R's sisters house in Fairmont, MN at 11pm. We had called and let them know we were arriving late, but they were still waiting for hugs and smiles before we all went to bed. Is it good to be back in Mimnesota? I'll let you know.
Let me go back to Utah. Left Torrey at our usual time 9ish. Enjoyed the drive back through Capitol Reef, passed the Headquarters, and east on 24. The landscape got bleaker and turned north until finally intersecting I-70. Driving the Interstate is a different experience. The road is normally considerately better (except for sections of I-10 in Texas which were awful).
We rambled eastward, Green River, Grand Junction, and turned north at Rifle. We spent the night at Yampa River State Park just east of Craig. A nice park.
The Saturday we bought a few groceries and continued north on Hwy 13 which is a very nice road. The next morning a hundred miles landed us unto I-80 just west of Rawlins. Some more pleasant scenery and we were out of Wyoming and into Nebraska.
Riverside Campground in Scottsbluff was not great, but adequate. After unhooking we drove solo out to Scotts Bluff ( notice the different spelling) National Monument. Nice visitor center, good movie, great drive up to the top of the bluff. It's about 3 - 4 miles of twists and turns, through three tunnels, to reach the summit. The view from up there was great.
Back to the rv park and picked up the trailer and again went north. Hwy 29 to Agate Fossil Beds out in the middle of nowhere. Interesting fossils of early mammals. Then east on Hwy 20 to Fort Robinson State Park. Most of the Army buildings are still standing and a great place to spend a week or at least several days. There is a multitude of activities available for vacationing families. Many of the barracks and officers quarters are available for nightly rentals. Activities include, horse rentals, tubing, kayaking, hay rides, plays at the theater, several museums. A good thing.
Yesterday we left Ft Robinson and stopped at the Museum of the Fur Trade just east of Chadron, NE. Wow! Did not expect such a place in the unknown area of Nebraska. Have you ever heard of Chadron, Nebraska? Me neither. Huge display, lots of items, unbelievable number of ancient rifles and handguns, and fur trading info from all over North America. Having worked at Fort Vancouver, we were somewhat familiar with the fur trading industry. Well this place blew us away ! A definite must see.!
Then back in the truck down the road. First east on Hwy 20 then jog north to South Dakota and east on Hwy 18 through the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, finally north on Hwy 47 to I-90.
AS we drove north we watched a very dark clouds to the Northwest. Trouble !
We continued north, watching the blackness getting closer. Finally we reached I 90 and turned east away from the storm. As we drove the radio kept interrupting telling us of the heavy rain and ping pong sized hail that was falling in Winner where we had just come. Our timing was great.
With the storm in mind we did not stop until we arrived at R's sisters house in Fairmont, MN at 11pm. We had called and let them know we were arriving late, but they were still waiting for hugs and smiles before we all went to bed. Is it good to be back in Mimnesota? I'll let you know.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Craig, Colorado
This is morning. I am sitting at the table waiting for my wife to stir. The boys and I went for a long walk earlier. At the end of a long lane was a raised viewing stand, I would call it a viewing blind. There were several holes looking out at a field which now holds bales of hay. When we checked in yesterday I saw a bulletin advertising the fall Sandhill Crane Festival in September. I'm thinking that this is what the blind is used for. I heard the distinctive call last evening. It made me think of Malheur.
We were lucky enough to get the last campsite here at Yampa River State Park at 5pm yesterday. It is located just off Hwy 40 about 15 miles east of Craig. This area of Colorado is ranching and coal. Coming up on Hwy 13 from I-70, we passed signs noticing coal mines. We also noticed a coal-fired electric generating plant. It makes sense to have one close by.
After breakfast we will take down and head back to Craig to get a few groceries and then continue north on 13 up to Wyoming and I-80 and easterly. The weather has cooperated with mostly sunny days and not too warm temperatures. Utah and Colorado do get afternoon thunderstorms this time of year so the cloud formations are awesome.
Looking back at Capitol Reef. Photos do not do it justice. You have to be there and experience the expanse of beauty!
We were lucky enough to get the last campsite here at Yampa River State Park at 5pm yesterday. It is located just off Hwy 40 about 15 miles east of Craig. This area of Colorado is ranching and coal. Coming up on Hwy 13 from I-70, we passed signs noticing coal mines. We also noticed a coal-fired electric generating plant. It makes sense to have one close by.
After breakfast we will take down and head back to Craig to get a few groceries and then continue north on 13 up to Wyoming and I-80 and easterly. The weather has cooperated with mostly sunny days and not too warm temperatures. Utah and Colorado do get afternoon thunderstorms this time of year so the cloud formations are awesome.
Looking back at Capitol Reef. Photos do not do it justice. You have to be there and experience the expanse of beauty!
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Last Night in Utah
This is our third night at Thousand Lakes RV. It's definitely the busiest. This is summer so the summer traffic here is ongoing. Lots of rental RVs with European visitors driving them. German and French folks wanting to see the Big 5 National Parks of Utah.
Plus this is a holiday week-end. At least it is in Utah. It's Pioneer Days. A state-wide celebration of when the Mormons arrived at Salt Lake City. State offices are closed. Banks are closed. So the parks of Utah are overflowing with families camping. I'm glad we aren't trying to find a place for the night in Utah for the next few days. Tomorrow we pack up and head east.
Our route will take us on Hwy 24 back through the park and east through Hanksville and up to I-70. We will travel east to Grand Junction and then turn north toward Craig. I am trying to avoid the high passes of Colorado.
Plus this is a holiday week-end. At least it is in Utah. It's Pioneer Days. A state-wide celebration of when the Mormons arrived at Salt Lake City. State offices are closed. Banks are closed. So the parks of Utah are overflowing with families camping. I'm glad we aren't trying to find a place for the night in Utah for the next few days. Tomorrow we pack up and head east.
Our route will take us on Hwy 24 back through the park and east through Hanksville and up to I-70. We will travel east to Grand Junction and then turn north toward Craig. I am trying to avoid the high passes of Colorado.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Camping at Torrey
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
A Statement of the Obvious
I expected to see these trucks gone when I took the dogs for a walk this morning, but they were still there waiting for the pilot cars. Finally they arrived and the entourage started down the road heading west at 8:30. I'm glad that I wasn't going west this morning.
Away
This is Tuesday July 19, 2016. I was up by 6. The sunlight had been up for hours. The morning walk with the boys was significantly different than yesterday. Yesterday it was a familiar route with tall fir and pine trees. The lake was in the background, always in the background.
Today, desert. As far as the eye can see, far as the mind can wander, desert. We spent the day crossing and spent the night parked in the Great Basin Desert, the largest of the US deserts.
We left our site at Tallac almost on schedule, (9:45) and trudged through the traffic lights of South Lake Tahoe. We finally got past the city and over Spooner Summit and Hwy 50 down the long grade into the Carson Valley.
We were on 50 all day. Fallon, east to Austin. A pathetic little spot. I was in low gear driving through Austin because it is located in a rather steep canyon and every part of town is either up or down, including the highway. Going east I had no trouble dropping to the 25 mph speed limit because of the grade. I never got up to that speed, either through the town or up the steep grade for the next several miles to the pass. Boy was I glad to be out of there!
I was going to count the number of passes we went over during our day, but I lost track. It is somewhere around 8 or 9. In a car they aren't very noticeable. Pulling a 30 ft fifth wheel, loaded to the gills, they are noticed ! But the BRT ( Judy and David started calling it that. Big Red Truck. ) the BRT performed well. We had a tail wind which was greatly appreciated. 400 miles under our belts or tires.
Today we cross over into Utah (which is 50 feet away) and head for Torrey, which is just outside Capital Reef National Monument. But first, breakfast at the Casino. :)
Today, desert. As far as the eye can see, far as the mind can wander, desert. We spent the day crossing and spent the night parked in the Great Basin Desert, the largest of the US deserts.
We left our site at Tallac almost on schedule, (9:45) and trudged through the traffic lights of South Lake Tahoe. We finally got past the city and over Spooner Summit and Hwy 50 down the long grade into the Carson Valley.
We were on 50 all day. Fallon, east to Austin. A pathetic little spot. I was in low gear driving through Austin because it is located in a rather steep canyon and every part of town is either up or down, including the highway. Going east I had no trouble dropping to the 25 mph speed limit because of the grade. I never got up to that speed, either through the town or up the steep grade for the next several miles to the pass. Boy was I glad to be out of there!
I was going to count the number of passes we went over during our day, but I lost track. It is somewhere around 8 or 9. In a car they aren't very noticeable. Pulling a 30 ft fifth wheel, loaded to the gills, they are noticed ! But the BRT ( Judy and David started calling it that. Big Red Truck. ) the BRT performed well. We had a tail wind which was greatly appreciated. 400 miles under our belts or tires.
Today we cross over into Utah (which is 50 feet away) and head for Torrey, which is just outside Capital Reef National Monument. But first, breakfast at the Casino. :)
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Wednesday July 13
Today is our last Wednesday meeting. R and I have four more work days. Saturday is our last day on the job. The time seems to have slipped away again. It does that every place we go. Days go by, things happen, memories are made, lessons learned, and we move on. Just like life, I guess.
Sunday we will pack up the trailer, and head down the "hill" on Monday morning. I have been doing a few tasks to prepare for the trip. Checking battery levels, cleaning my K&N air filter, rearranging items in the underneath storage compartment.
I was trying to figure out our route to Minnesota yesterday. We are definitely not going the direct route. First, we are spending a few days at Capital Reef Nat. Mon. visiting friends we met at LBJ. Ron and Mary are camp hosts and the Fruita Campground. That area is beautiful and it will be good to see it again. That means we will drive across Nevada on Hay 50 which is labeled "The Loneliest Highway in the US". We have been on it before. It is.
Then we will drive east and north, avoiding the high passes of Colorado, thru Grand Junction, Craig and up to Wyoming. We want to stop at Scottsbluff Nat Mon and go straight north to several small parks in NE Nebraska and SW South Dakota before we jump on I-90 and go east. Eastern SD is not that exciting.
Sunday we will pack up the trailer, and head down the "hill" on Monday morning. I have been doing a few tasks to prepare for the trip. Checking battery levels, cleaning my K&N air filter, rearranging items in the underneath storage compartment.
I was trying to figure out our route to Minnesota yesterday. We are definitely not going the direct route. First, we are spending a few days at Capital Reef Nat. Mon. visiting friends we met at LBJ. Ron and Mary are camp hosts and the Fruita Campground. That area is beautiful and it will be good to see it again. That means we will drive across Nevada on Hay 50 which is labeled "The Loneliest Highway in the US". We have been on it before. It is.
Then we will drive east and north, avoiding the high passes of Colorado, thru Grand Junction, Craig and up to Wyoming. We want to stop at Scottsbluff Nat Mon and go straight north to several small parks in NE Nebraska and SW South Dakota before we jump on I-90 and go east. Eastern SD is not that exciting.
Up up and Away
Morning is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride. At Tahoe the balloon rises from a barge in the lake for a flight where ever the winds will carry it.
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