Wednesday, December 28, 2011
smooth AND warm
Today the gulf waters are not quite as glassy looking, but still very calm, almost no waves at all, with bright sunshine. AND ... it's warm! 65 degrees with only a very slight breeze .... perfect weather !!! THIS is the way winter weather is supposed to be.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
smooth waters
This morning came with SUNSHINE for a change; AND calm, glassy smooth surf. I've never seen Galveston with almost no waves .... it was beautiful!
Got our furnace and electrical circuit problem fixed yesterday. A really nice mobile RV repair team came; their attitudes were great and they worked quickly and efficiently .... and the cost was fair and reasonable. I'm thinking this is a lesson for us to remember. We have been sorely dissatisfied with most of the large "chain" RV repair companies .... but there didn't seem to be a lot of options .... til now.
Later, Marilyn
Got our furnace and electrical circuit problem fixed yesterday. A really nice mobile RV repair team came; their attitudes were great and they worked quickly and efficiently .... and the cost was fair and reasonable. I'm thinking this is a lesson for us to remember. We have been sorely dissatisfied with most of the large "chain" RV repair companies .... but there didn't seem to be a lot of options .... til now.
Later, Marilyn
Saturday, December 24, 2011
roar vs. crash
Here we are parked just a couple hundred yards from the shoreline, in Galveston, Texas. The sound of the surf here is a roar, actually a rather loud roar, which is fairly constant. I was remembering the sound of the surf in Oregon .... it was silence for a time, followed by loud crashing .... then silence, etc. Quite different; must have something to do with the bottom structure. These are much shallower waves and more frequent.
There has been stormy, rainy weather for most of this week .... not what we expected here ..... 40's some nites. Low temperatures at night is not a big thing if you have a working furnace. You know, I'm wondering if we're jinxed or something .... this is 4 times that we have been in cold temps without the furnace working ... go figure. We had it fixed on the way down to Galveston, worked fine for two days, until we had a severe blowing rainstorm at 3 am one morning .... blew some circuits (we had a lot of extension cords outside with Christmas lights); now the furnace won't light... different reason but same result (no heat). We've reset breakers, GFI's, etc. to no avail.
Now our dilemma is compounded by having the satellite dish frozen in the raised position (with no power to lower it), so we cannot drive it down the road to the RV repair place; and there are no mobile repair services in this region. AND it's a holiday weekend. SO, we will live with it until Monday morning and try a regular Electrician to come out to see if he can track the problem down. Good thing we have a couple of hot circuits still working for our electric heaters.
We have been enjoying getting together with friends, both here and Houston.
Vera's back surgery has been rescheduled for Jan. 4th. She had the pre-op tests done Friday, so she just shows up at 6am on the 4th. She has nerve compression at three different locations in the lower back - no disc problems, just stenosis from bone growth and scar tissue from a back surgery in 1973. Several of our Nurse Practitioner friends have expressed concern she will be able to get up the rather steep steps of our motorhome for a while. Don't know ... guess we'll have to give it some thought.
Merry Christmas to everyone; remember He is the true reason we celebrate.
Later, Marilyn
There has been stormy, rainy weather for most of this week .... not what we expected here ..... 40's some nites. Low temperatures at night is not a big thing if you have a working furnace. You know, I'm wondering if we're jinxed or something .... this is 4 times that we have been in cold temps without the furnace working ... go figure. We had it fixed on the way down to Galveston, worked fine for two days, until we had a severe blowing rainstorm at 3 am one morning .... blew some circuits (we had a lot of extension cords outside with Christmas lights); now the furnace won't light... different reason but same result (no heat). We've reset breakers, GFI's, etc. to no avail.
Now our dilemma is compounded by having the satellite dish frozen in the raised position (with no power to lower it), so we cannot drive it down the road to the RV repair place; and there are no mobile repair services in this region. AND it's a holiday weekend. SO, we will live with it until Monday morning and try a regular Electrician to come out to see if he can track the problem down. Good thing we have a couple of hot circuits still working for our electric heaters.
We have been enjoying getting together with friends, both here and Houston.
Vera's back surgery has been rescheduled for Jan. 4th. She had the pre-op tests done Friday, so she just shows up at 6am on the 4th. She has nerve compression at three different locations in the lower back - no disc problems, just stenosis from bone growth and scar tissue from a back surgery in 1973. Several of our Nurse Practitioner friends have expressed concern she will be able to get up the rather steep steps of our motorhome for a while. Don't know ... guess we'll have to give it some thought.
Merry Christmas to everyone; remember He is the true reason we celebrate.
Later, Marilyn
Friday, December 16, 2011
Game plan change
Vera's doctor appointment generated some not so welcome news .... she will be having back surgery as soon as possible .... probably December 28th. She actually has two distinct problems: 3 vertebrae in the lower back with stenosis, and an additional problem with the hip ..... so the back surgery may not take care of all the pain; and the hip may still need to be addressed in the future. But this surgery has the best chance of fixing the largest percentage of pain.
So, in the meantime, we've moved on down to Galveston to enjoy Christmas with our friends here. We are parked between Seawall Blvd. and East Beach at a new RV campground called The Sandpiper. Actually, it is the "re-purposed" site of the former Sandpiper Motel ... which was obliterated by Hurricane Ike. We like it very much, and can see the beach (several hundred yards away) and are within walking distance to a large portion of the east end of the Island.
Our RV furnace is still not fixed (we have two electric heaters); but the weather has been steadily warming up ... until today. When the sun went down this afternoon we got the heaters out. Low tonite to be. We have an appointment at the RV repair place Monday morning.
So ..... now we are readjusting our travel plans. I imagine we'll be here through the month of January.
We had already been re-thinking our Alaska plans; thinking about going up the east coast this year and maybe over to the Great Lakes area ..... or up to Nova Scotia. But we'll see how Vera does; and 'play it by ear'.
I hope everyone who reads this is having a great time with the Christmas preparations .... and at the same time remembering Whose birthday we are really celebrating.
Later, Marilyn
So, in the meantime, we've moved on down to Galveston to enjoy Christmas with our friends here. We are parked between Seawall Blvd. and East Beach at a new RV campground called The Sandpiper. Actually, it is the "re-purposed" site of the former Sandpiper Motel ... which was obliterated by Hurricane Ike. We like it very much, and can see the beach (several hundred yards away) and are within walking distance to a large portion of the east end of the Island.
Our RV furnace is still not fixed (we have two electric heaters); but the weather has been steadily warming up ... until today. When the sun went down this afternoon we got the heaters out. Low tonite to be. We have an appointment at the RV repair place Monday morning.
So ..... now we are readjusting our travel plans. I imagine we'll be here through the month of January.
We had already been re-thinking our Alaska plans; thinking about going up the east coast this year and maybe over to the Great Lakes area ..... or up to Nova Scotia. But we'll see how Vera does; and 'play it by ear'.
I hope everyone who reads this is having a great time with the Christmas preparations .... and at the same time remembering Whose birthday we are really celebrating.
Later, Marilyn
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
cool vs. cold
Did I say before that is was supposed to be 'cool' last nite? .... Well, when you have not heat on during the nite, and there is cold air space under your home.... it gets 'cool-er' than is comfortable. And wouldn't you know it .... this morning it was MY turn for dog duty (up first with the dogs, out to do business, in to feed, then out again for more business).
It brought back childhood memories of winter on the farm up in north central Texas. In winter we closed off most of the house and left it unheated, with towels along the bottom of the doors to block the air transfer. The main source of heat was the large fireplace in my grandparents bedroom, which was next to the kitchen. So when bedtime came around, I started dreading those cold sheets in the other bedroom down the hall. This recollection brought to my mind a long forgotten (the original) use of the hot water bottle. To make it more tolerable, my grandfather would take the hot water bottle down the hall and put it in my bed, starting up near the top for a few minutes, then moved it down a little, then left it at the feet area and called me to 'run quick' from where I had been standing in front of the fireplace soaking up heat. I think eventually they put a small bed for me in the room with the fireplace -- don't remember much about that -- only how cold it was running down that hallway and literally jumping into bed.
You should have seen me this morning dancing around on this cold floor with bare feet, until I could get those little electric heaters fired up. Moccasins are on my Christmas wish list.
Later, Marilyn
It brought back childhood memories of winter on the farm up in north central Texas. In winter we closed off most of the house and left it unheated, with towels along the bottom of the doors to block the air transfer. The main source of heat was the large fireplace in my grandparents bedroom, which was next to the kitchen. So when bedtime came around, I started dreading those cold sheets in the other bedroom down the hall. This recollection brought to my mind a long forgotten (the original) use of the hot water bottle. To make it more tolerable, my grandfather would take the hot water bottle down the hall and put it in my bed, starting up near the top for a few minutes, then moved it down a little, then left it at the feet area and called me to 'run quick' from where I had been standing in front of the fireplace soaking up heat. I think eventually they put a small bed for me in the room with the fireplace -- don't remember much about that -- only how cold it was running down that hallway and literally jumping into bed.
You should have seen me this morning dancing around on this cold floor with bare feet, until I could get those little electric heaters fired up. Moccasins are on my Christmas wish list.
Later, Marilyn
Monday, December 5, 2011
workshop
When you live in a small space ... with 3 people and 3 dogs ..... large projects present a working surface shortage. Ah-ha, that's what those recreation buildings are good for. This campground has a really large one with probably eight or so folding tables and chairs set up (plus the usual tv and couch area)..... so we just loaded the car with all the Christmas stuff and went down there ..... spread out over about 5 tables ... and spent several hours wrapping, etc. We met a lot of people passing thru the building, just curious to see what all the mess was about. Tomorrow, hopefully we'll get most of it mailed off.
Then later we went to do the laundry and just carried the finished loads of laundry next door to spread out on those same tables to fold. We've started a new trend for the rec. room.
It is a nice facility, they have organized gatherings several times a week for anyone in the campground. From pancake breakfasts on Saturdays, block parties with bring your own burgers/hot dogs, women's game nite, computer classes, etc.
It is going to be quite cold tonite, and our furnace chose last nite to quit making heat. The repair man came but couldn't get parts today, so we will have another cool nite. It's not really so bad; we do have a couple of little ceramic heaters .... but I don't like to leave them running all nite.
Ms. Santa put up more lights outside on the lawn around our motorhome. In the front we have a wooden cutout of the word "Peace" ... with a nativity scene incorporated into it.... with a spotlight on it. All the comforts of home.
I saw the Chiropractor today and now I'm walking straight again! Makes a big difference when your spine is aligned the way it's supposed to be. Doctors appointments this week .... I hope Vera gets some good information about her back or hip, whichever it is ..... because she is really having severe pain.
Later, Marilyn
Then later we went to do the laundry and just carried the finished loads of laundry next door to spread out on those same tables to fold. We've started a new trend for the rec. room.
It is a nice facility, they have organized gatherings several times a week for anyone in the campground. From pancake breakfasts on Saturdays, block parties with bring your own burgers/hot dogs, women's game nite, computer classes, etc.
It is going to be quite cold tonite, and our furnace chose last nite to quit making heat. The repair man came but couldn't get parts today, so we will have another cool nite. It's not really so bad; we do have a couple of little ceramic heaters .... but I don't like to leave them running all nite.
Ms. Santa put up more lights outside on the lawn around our motorhome. In the front we have a wooden cutout of the word "Peace" ... with a nativity scene incorporated into it.... with a spotlight on it. All the comforts of home.
I saw the Chiropractor today and now I'm walking straight again! Makes a big difference when your spine is aligned the way it's supposed to be. Doctors appointments this week .... I hope Vera gets some good information about her back or hip, whichever it is ..... because she is really having severe pain.
Later, Marilyn
Friday, December 2, 2011
Friends are Family !
Got back into Houston just in time to go to an annual Christmans Women's Banquet at our church. So many friends tell me they read this blog and follow our travels ..... that is just so-o-o heartwarming. First, to know there are people out there supporting us (in all our misadventures); and secondly, just to have so many friends around us. None of us have family close by; and I guess I'll have to admit always being in new places with new faces just doesn't have the same feel ................especially at the holidays ...... which is why we are here right now.
So .... before I get 'gushy', I'll sign off for a few days ..... gotta help Ms. Santa with the list.
Later,
Marilyn
So .... before I get 'gushy', I'll sign off for a few days ..... gotta help Ms. Santa with the list.
Later,
Marilyn
Monday, November 28, 2011
Back to the beginning
We are parked at Marina Village, a camping club located on Lake Livingston, where John and I purchased a membership back in 1976. It is still one of the most beautiful places (to me) that we've been. Maybe it just seems like home or something.
Big tall pine trees right along the shore, with all kinds of amenities (piers, docks, activity building with laundry, chapel in the pines, two swimming pools, hot tubs, club house with snack bar. It even has access to the adjacent subdivision's golf and restaurant facilites. Now ask me how many of those things we use .... just the lake view.
But there are only a few people here right now, maybe a dozen scattered around the entire place, so there is lots of space for the dogs to get excercise off leash, which they love. Bugsy especially LOVES this place because it has a million squirrels.
The town of Trinity is only 3 or 4 miles away .... a nice little town: one or two good restaurants, a grocery ... has a Sonic AND a DQ! But Vera got into a shopping mood, and had to travel probably 50 miles to the nearest mall (an Outlet Mall) down below Huntsville.
Our little home on wheels is really looking like Christmas.... of course in a space so small, it only takes a few decorations to make a big difference. But it does look nice ..... and right now.... Ms. Santa (Vera) is baking Christmas cookies in the convection oven. MMMM-M !!
Later,
Marilyn
Big tall pine trees right along the shore, with all kinds of amenities (piers, docks, activity building with laundry, chapel in the pines, two swimming pools, hot tubs, club house with snack bar. It even has access to the adjacent subdivision's golf and restaurant facilites. Now ask me how many of those things we use .... just the lake view.
But there are only a few people here right now, maybe a dozen scattered around the entire place, so there is lots of space for the dogs to get excercise off leash, which they love. Bugsy especially LOVES this place because it has a million squirrels.
The town of Trinity is only 3 or 4 miles away .... a nice little town: one or two good restaurants, a grocery ... has a Sonic AND a DQ! But Vera got into a shopping mood, and had to travel probably 50 miles to the nearest mall (an Outlet Mall) down below Huntsville.
Our little home on wheels is really looking like Christmas.... of course in a space so small, it only takes a few decorations to make a big difference. But it does look nice ..... and right now.... Ms. Santa (Vera) is baking Christmas cookies in the convection oven. MMMM-M !!
Later,
Marilyn
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Bugsy's perspective
"Hey guys, we've been here before!" - Bugsy.
I do wonder what the dogs think about all this traveling. Bugsy is always interested in the smells and looks out the windshield a lot.
When we got back to Houston the last of October all three dogs immediately recognized the campground, and excitedly pulled us over to the dog park.
Then today we arrived in Orange, TX, at the same campground and same parking site that we stayed in almost exactly one year ago. Bugsy seemed really excited (he wanted out the instant we stopped) and he knew exactly the same walk route that we made when here before.
I think the other two dogs have designated him to be the scout/lookout and he reports to them about our destinations.
We'll be here visiting some of Charlie's friends thru Friday, then move up to Marina Village on Lake Livingston for about a week.
Everyone enjoy your turkey and remember how much we all have to be thankful for.
Marilyn
I do wonder what the dogs think about all this traveling. Bugsy is always interested in the smells and looks out the windshield a lot.
When we got back to Houston the last of October all three dogs immediately recognized the campground, and excitedly pulled us over to the dog park.
Then today we arrived in Orange, TX, at the same campground and same parking site that we stayed in almost exactly one year ago. Bugsy seemed really excited (he wanted out the instant we stopped) and he knew exactly the same walk route that we made when here before.
I think the other two dogs have designated him to be the scout/lookout and he reports to them about our destinations.
We'll be here visiting some of Charlie's friends thru Friday, then move up to Marina Village on Lake Livingston for about a week.
Everyone enjoy your turkey and remember how much we all have to be thankful for.
Marilyn
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
THIS is retirement
It's been one year now since I retired; and we've been busy managing a full time travel itinerary. Now .... all of a sudden, we're stopped with no real plans except to enjoy the holidays. Notice I didn't say "with nothing to do" .... if you know Vera, Christmas is a BIG thing.
But back to the point: this is the first time I have felt the 'lack of a schedule' ... which fits my personal definition of being retired. Kinda nice. Probably this is in part due to there being such a stark contrast to the past month's extreme travels (Rome). Anyway, it is nice .... I am definitely VERY blessed.
So I'm alone here in the motorhome with the dogs this morning .... as everyone else went off to Doctor's appointments. It's raining (and that's a very good thing). We have a nice view out over one of the large regional parks that the campground backs up to; so I'm just fiddling around - enjoying retirement.
I suppose that very soon (as soon as Vera gets to feeling better), we will get launched into the Christmas bustle full time; but for now, this is nice. Well, just so you don't think Vera is slacking on the Christmas preparations .... I spent quite a bit of time yesterday hanging Christmas pictures. I can see nine of them just sitting here at the computer. I know that sounds like a lot .... (but remember it is a small, open space that we live in). Actually, the ironical thing about all these Christmas pictures is that before the Christmas ones went up there were only three in the entire motorhome because "we didn't have any space for pictures".
I think I will go try to get some of our digital pictures out of the camera and onto a blog post for you.
Later,
Marilyn
But back to the point: this is the first time I have felt the 'lack of a schedule' ... which fits my personal definition of being retired. Kinda nice. Probably this is in part due to there being such a stark contrast to the past month's extreme travels (Rome). Anyway, it is nice .... I am definitely VERY blessed.
So I'm alone here in the motorhome with the dogs this morning .... as everyone else went off to Doctor's appointments. It's raining (and that's a very good thing). We have a nice view out over one of the large regional parks that the campground backs up to; so I'm just fiddling around - enjoying retirement.
I suppose that very soon (as soon as Vera gets to feeling better), we will get launched into the Christmas bustle full time; but for now, this is nice. Well, just so you don't think Vera is slacking on the Christmas preparations .... I spent quite a bit of time yesterday hanging Christmas pictures. I can see nine of them just sitting here at the computer. I know that sounds like a lot .... (but remember it is a small, open space that we live in). Actually, the ironical thing about all these Christmas pictures is that before the Christmas ones went up there were only three in the entire motorhome because "we didn't have any space for pictures".
I think I will go try to get some of our digital pictures out of the camera and onto a blog post for you.
Later,
Marilyn
Monday, November 14, 2011
wait, .... holidays?
Familiar and comfortable surroundings .... ah-h-h. After 23 days away, it is nice to be back. But wait ! what happened here? .... it's time for Thanksgiving already.
We have almost gotten our belongings reshuffled and put away. Did 10 loads of laundry.
But the big news is that Vera is down in bed with a bad back. By the time we got back Friday nite her back spasms were so bad she could barely walk, couldn't bend, couldn't do much of anything .... so I took her to the emergency room. Bad news is she can't get an appointment with the Neurologist until Dec. 7th.
Later, Marilyn
We have almost gotten our belongings reshuffled and put away. Did 10 loads of laundry.
But the big news is that Vera is down in bed with a bad back. By the time we got back Friday nite her back spasms were so bad she could barely walk, couldn't bend, couldn't do much of anything .... so I took her to the emergency room. Bad news is she can't get an appointment with the Neurologist until Dec. 7th.
Later, Marilyn
Saturday, November 12, 2011
home sweet home
Back in Houston, in our home on wheels! Had a wonderful time; but the rocking & rolling of the Atlantic crossing on the cruise ship got a little tiresome. Our motorhome rolls very well; and thankfully no rocking.
I have pictures and much to tell ..... but we need to get our bags unpacked and our lives back in order. The thing many people don't realize is our VERY LIMITED space ... for everything. The normal packing chaos of a 3 week trip for 3 people would be something anyway .... but we don't have much space, and at least half of our clothing and belongings at any one time is in the 'basement' compartments underneath the motorhome in plastic storage bins. It really takes teamwork, cooperation and coordination. At times we've even resorted to opening up a suitcase on the picnic table outside. Like I said once before: we keep the campground neighbors entertained.
Today I spent a lot of time treating the motorhome with flea and tick powder before bringing the dogs back into it. The dogs are so-o-o-o glad to be back with us. And yes Darlene, this time I treated Vera too :)
Later, Marilyn
I have pictures and much to tell ..... but we need to get our bags unpacked and our lives back in order. The thing many people don't realize is our VERY LIMITED space ... for everything. The normal packing chaos of a 3 week trip for 3 people would be something anyway .... but we don't have much space, and at least half of our clothing and belongings at any one time is in the 'basement' compartments underneath the motorhome in plastic storage bins. It really takes teamwork, cooperation and coordination. At times we've even resorted to opening up a suitcase on the picnic table outside. Like I said once before: we keep the campground neighbors entertained.
Today I spent a lot of time treating the motorhome with flea and tick powder before bringing the dogs back into it. The dogs are so-o-o-o glad to be back with us. And yes Darlene, this time I treated Vera too :)
Later, Marilyn
Friday, October 28, 2011
Rome !!
Had a whirlwind time of getting out of Houston .... flew to Rome for 3 days: history before my eyes!
Now on the island of Mallorca (Spain) ..... beautiful Mediterranean coastal cities (just like in the postcards). Very incredible .... but the time is flying.
One of our group of six had their pocket picked on the subway in Rome .... classic scenario (just like ALL the tour books tell you to look out for).
The cathedrals are the best things .... unbelievable. They are big; and old!!
Later,
Marilyn
Now on the island of Mallorca (Spain) ..... beautiful Mediterranean coastal cities (just like in the postcards). Very incredible .... but the time is flying.
One of our group of six had their pocket picked on the subway in Rome .... classic scenario (just like ALL the tour books tell you to look out for).
The cathedrals are the best things .... unbelievable. They are big; and old!!
Later,
Marilyn
Saturday, October 15, 2011
sweat ?? !!!
Here we are back in Houston. Now, my grandmother said "refined ladies" don't "sweat" ..... they perspire or "get dewey". Well, let me tell you .... we got about half way back across Texas and I began to get a little dewey ..... and after setting up at our camping spot here in Pearland, I was sweatin!
We had almost forgotten how hot the heat is. Oh well. It is nice to be back 'home'. It is comforting to know where everything is .... I mean: CVS, UPS, grocery, Verizon, Dillards, Petsmart, Firestone, .. Starbucks ...... Marble Slab (all those places that make our worlds go round). In every other city we are forever Googling where to find stuff; so it's nice to be in familiar surroundings.
We stopped for most of a day in my hometown of Graham, TX to visit family friends, visit the cementary, park overnite in the Walmart parking lot ...... and drink a frosty mug of root beer at the K & N drive-in.
And then on to Houston ....
We have 5 days to get ready and packed for our trip to Rome. We are going to board the dogs, park Mama Mia in storage, and fly to Italy, then take a transAtlantic "repositioning" cruise back to Galveston. There are several friends from Galveston who are also going.
So when we arrived at the campsite the scene soon looked like a Chinese Firedrill ..... (or some version of the Beverly Hillbillies) ...... we pulled out all the bins of clothing in the 'basement' storage compartments underneath the motorhome, and began to organize, switch out seasons, pull out suitcases, etc. It was good entertainment for camping neighbors I'm sure.
Too bad Mama Mia can't float; we could do a lot of traveling over there..... but on second thought, I think we are a little big for the European streets and roads. My posts here will continue (don't want to lose any customers), so stay tooned.
Later, Marilyn
We had almost forgotten how hot the heat is. Oh well. It is nice to be back 'home'. It is comforting to know where everything is .... I mean: CVS, UPS, grocery, Verizon, Dillards, Petsmart, Firestone, .. Starbucks ...... Marble Slab (all those places that make our worlds go round). In every other city we are forever Googling where to find stuff; so it's nice to be in familiar surroundings.
We stopped for most of a day in my hometown of Graham, TX to visit family friends, visit the cementary, park overnite in the Walmart parking lot ...... and drink a frosty mug of root beer at the K & N drive-in.
And then on to Houston ....
We have 5 days to get ready and packed for our trip to Rome. We are going to board the dogs, park Mama Mia in storage, and fly to Italy, then take a transAtlantic "repositioning" cruise back to Galveston. There are several friends from Galveston who are also going.
So when we arrived at the campsite the scene soon looked like a Chinese Firedrill ..... (or some version of the Beverly Hillbillies) ...... we pulled out all the bins of clothing in the 'basement' storage compartments underneath the motorhome, and began to organize, switch out seasons, pull out suitcases, etc. It was good entertainment for camping neighbors I'm sure.
Too bad Mama Mia can't float; we could do a lot of traveling over there..... but on second thought, I think we are a little big for the European streets and roads. My posts here will continue (don't want to lose any customers), so stay tooned.
Later, Marilyn
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Albuquerque
We just can't seem to get gone from Albuquerque... had to have the a/c condenser job finished here at Freightliner truck center (the small shop in Gallup didn't have the freon to charge the system). Also spent a day at Camping World for miscellaneous fixes and repairs.
So .... we took the opportunity to SHOP while waiting for the coach :)
Sam's for paper products, Petsmart for Toby's special dogfood, Walmart for bottled water ..... and on and on. Todays excitement was chasing a hot air balloon until he landed, then watching them fold the balloon and put it away. There were eleven balloons in the air when we came out of Denny's this morning, two landed on a nearby golf course, but a third one drifted past the golf course and into a small neighborhood playground .... he landed in a cul-de-sac as neat as could be. I was amazed: he missed a golf course but set it down in a 50' radius circle with houses all around !
The balloon fiesta is officially over but there have been a good number of balloons over town every day.
By the way, that Balloon Field where they launch is the size of 54 football fields ..... (said so in the paper).
We are dry camping for the second straight nite in the Camping World parking lot. There is a security patrol here all nite; and probably about 6 coaches here with the people spending the nite in them .... but about 20 or so sitting here waiting for parts or whatever. We met two ladies who caravan together full time, but they EACH have their own motorhome. They have known each other for 40 years, and now are single empty nesters. They tried traveling together in one motorhome for one year ..... and decided they each needed their own space; so one bought another motorhome and they still travel together. The 3 of us got quite a chuckle out of that. One good thing about our coach being so large, we really do have enough space to stay out of each others hair (mostly) :)
We will head for Houston Thursday or Friday.
Later,
Marilyn
So .... we took the opportunity to SHOP while waiting for the coach :)
Sam's for paper products, Petsmart for Toby's special dogfood, Walmart for bottled water ..... and on and on. Todays excitement was chasing a hot air balloon until he landed, then watching them fold the balloon and put it away. There were eleven balloons in the air when we came out of Denny's this morning, two landed on a nearby golf course, but a third one drifted past the golf course and into a small neighborhood playground .... he landed in a cul-de-sac as neat as could be. I was amazed: he missed a golf course but set it down in a 50' radius circle with houses all around !
The balloon fiesta is officially over but there have been a good number of balloons over town every day.
By the way, that Balloon Field where they launch is the size of 54 football fields ..... (said so in the paper).
We are dry camping for the second straight nite in the Camping World parking lot. There is a security patrol here all nite; and probably about 6 coaches here with the people spending the nite in them .... but about 20 or so sitting here waiting for parts or whatever. We met two ladies who caravan together full time, but they EACH have their own motorhome. They have known each other for 40 years, and now are single empty nesters. They tried traveling together in one motorhome for one year ..... and decided they each needed their own space; so one bought another motorhome and they still travel together. The 3 of us got quite a chuckle out of that. One good thing about our coach being so large, we really do have enough space to stay out of each others hair (mostly) :)
We will head for Houston Thursday or Friday.
Later,
Marilyn
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Mesa Verde
up, up .... and away
Balloon Fiesta !!! you've seen pictures ..... but you have to be on the field with them to really see it.
We're parked just across the freeway from the balloon grounds, but we got up at 4:30 to get over there on the field when the Dawn Patrol went up (there are a half dozen or so go up to check out the winds). The winds were a "little dicey" we were told; so the mass ascension wasn't until 8am, a little after the sun came over the mountain. Don't know how many went up (there were approx. 600 balloons registered this year) ... but it was a LOT ... the sky was full ... 360 degrees around you.
One pilot we talked to said todays wind directions and speeds were quite different at different altitudes. And we could see it .... there were balloons drifting in many directions as they went higher .... and some really made big circles. It was awesome. I heard the average crowd for any one of the events is 125,000 people.
Quite an experience.
Did I mention that this morning at 5am it was 39 degrees? Tomorrow morning we are going to watch from the motorhome. But Sandia mountain, which is just behind us, is covered with a dusting of snow from about a third of the distance up to the top peaks.
We're parked just across the freeway from the balloon grounds, but we got up at 4:30 to get over there on the field when the Dawn Patrol went up (there are a half dozen or so go up to check out the winds). The winds were a "little dicey" we were told; so the mass ascension wasn't until 8am, a little after the sun came over the mountain. Don't know how many went up (there were approx. 600 balloons registered this year) ... but it was a LOT ... the sky was full ... 360 degrees around you.
One pilot we talked to said todays wind directions and speeds were quite different at different altitudes. And we could see it .... there were balloons drifting in many directions as they went higher .... and some really made big circles. It was awesome. I heard the average crowd for any one of the events is 125,000 people.
Quite an experience.
Did I mention that this morning at 5am it was 39 degrees? Tomorrow morning we are going to watch from the motorhome. But Sandia mountain, which is just behind us, is covered with a dusting of snow from about a third of the distance up to the top peaks.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Not so fast
One moment we were whizzing along about half way to our destination of Albuquerque ....... and the next we were stopped dead on the very top of an overpass over Route 66 ..... with a frozen AC compressor and broken fanbelt ....... ah, well ..... some bad with the good.
The worst part was when the engine shut down I could not get completely out of the outside lane of traffic. So we sat there for about 4 hours waiting for the "super tow-truck" and watching in the rear view mirror as two lanes of rush hour traffic tried to squeeze down into one and one-half lanes to get by us...... a little scary to say the least.
Anyway, our current campsite is the gravel parking lot of a small truck repair shop in Gallup, New Mexico.
It is ..... 'interesting'.... but not too bad, considering the camping fee (free). Of course the other side of the story is how much this camping spot will ultimately cost us :)
The area is semi-rural and the owner lives next door with horses, an alpaca, a handful of dogs, and 3 or 4 peacocks who roam the truck lot... providing beautiful color to a somewhat bleak view (especially compared to where we just left from yesterday) !
We truly feel like turtles .... we are snug in our 'shell' wherever we may land. ..... Which is a good thing.
AND, we have the time. We still marvel at the freedom we feel .... no strict schedule .... if we don't get there today..... then we'll get there... when we get there.
The other 'interesting' aspect of this current adventure: they (of course) do not have the parts here, or anywhere near here, or even in this state. So tomorrow we will get in our car and drive to Farmington, NM where parts are to arrive from overnite shipping, and then we will bring them back here (5 hours round trip) for this repair shop to install. Ah ...... as I've said many times now since we started this trip ..... "every experience is an adventure" .... but its all good.
Later,
Marilyn
The worst part was when the engine shut down I could not get completely out of the outside lane of traffic. So we sat there for about 4 hours waiting for the "super tow-truck" and watching in the rear view mirror as two lanes of rush hour traffic tried to squeeze down into one and one-half lanes to get by us...... a little scary to say the least.
Anyway, our current campsite is the gravel parking lot of a small truck repair shop in Gallup, New Mexico.
It is ..... 'interesting'.... but not too bad, considering the camping fee (free). Of course the other side of the story is how much this camping spot will ultimately cost us :)
The area is semi-rural and the owner lives next door with horses, an alpaca, a handful of dogs, and 3 or 4 peacocks who roam the truck lot... providing beautiful color to a somewhat bleak view (especially compared to where we just left from yesterday) !
We truly feel like turtles .... we are snug in our 'shell' wherever we may land. ..... Which is a good thing.
AND, we have the time. We still marvel at the freedom we feel .... no strict schedule .... if we don't get there today..... then we'll get there... when we get there.
The other 'interesting' aspect of this current adventure: they (of course) do not have the parts here, or anywhere near here, or even in this state. So tomorrow we will get in our car and drive to Farmington, NM where parts are to arrive from overnite shipping, and then we will bring them back here (5 hours round trip) for this repair shop to install. Ah ...... as I've said many times now since we started this trip ..... "every experience is an adventure" .... but its all good.
Later,
Marilyn
Monday, October 3, 2011
I love the history
We've been here near Mesa Verde for two weeks now, and I have truly grown enamored with the ruins and the scant knowledge of how the people lived and built these wonderful structures.
The old term was Anasazi; which is no longer used because it has been so long associated with an ancient people who mysteriously disappeared. The newly evolved archeological thinking is that they did not "disappear mysteriously" at all; but moved away to the south (northern New Mexico mostly), and their descendants live here (and there) to this day. The Native Americans proclaim this to be true; and refer to their descendants who lived in these ruins as "Ancestral Puebloans".
Presumably the main reason to have moved away was there is documented two periods of severe drought; one lasting 25 years. Of course they were primarily farmers, growing their crops on the mesa tops, dependent on approx. 17 inches of rain per year plus snow melt. They built a really sophisticated system of water catchment on the upper mesa, although there is no evidence of actually irrigating the crops.
The earliest dwelling structures (from 1 to 650 AD) were 'pit houses' which were dug about half into the ground and then topped with a primitive wood structure, covered with woven matting and then 'plastered' with mud. The entrance was thru a hole in the roof with a ladder thru it.
By 750 they had started building single level dwellings with rock walls and wood/matting roofs.
By 1100 they were building multi-story structures .... but still on the relatively flat mesa tops.
By 1250 the first cliff dwellings appeared.
Many ruins show later period dwellings to have been built on top of the earlier period structures.
One canyon we visited this afternoon had cliff dwellings of various sizes on both sides of the steep (400 plus feet deep canyon walls.
I just love the feeling of watching a dwelling and imagining the activity of the village so long ago.
One of my favorite quotes (which I heard in a film at the Ute Mountain Cultural Center) was one of their current elders saying that the story (as passed down to him from many, many ..... many..... previous generations) was that the reason the original "Ancestral Puebloans" moved away, was that "It Was Time".
Well, it is time .... that we move on south. I really LOVE this area .... and we will return some year or other.
But for now we have a balloon festival to see in Albuquerque.
Later,
Marilyn
The old term was Anasazi; which is no longer used because it has been so long associated with an ancient people who mysteriously disappeared. The newly evolved archeological thinking is that they did not "disappear mysteriously" at all; but moved away to the south (northern New Mexico mostly), and their descendants live here (and there) to this day. The Native Americans proclaim this to be true; and refer to their descendants who lived in these ruins as "Ancestral Puebloans".
Presumably the main reason to have moved away was there is documented two periods of severe drought; one lasting 25 years. Of course they were primarily farmers, growing their crops on the mesa tops, dependent on approx. 17 inches of rain per year plus snow melt. They built a really sophisticated system of water catchment on the upper mesa, although there is no evidence of actually irrigating the crops.
The earliest dwelling structures (from 1 to 650 AD) were 'pit houses' which were dug about half into the ground and then topped with a primitive wood structure, covered with woven matting and then 'plastered' with mud. The entrance was thru a hole in the roof with a ladder thru it.
By 750 they had started building single level dwellings with rock walls and wood/matting roofs.
By 1100 they were building multi-story structures .... but still on the relatively flat mesa tops.
By 1250 the first cliff dwellings appeared.
Many ruins show later period dwellings to have been built on top of the earlier period structures.
One canyon we visited this afternoon had cliff dwellings of various sizes on both sides of the steep (400 plus feet deep canyon walls.
I just love the feeling of watching a dwelling and imagining the activity of the village so long ago.
One of my favorite quotes (which I heard in a film at the Ute Mountain Cultural Center) was one of their current elders saying that the story (as passed down to him from many, many ..... many..... previous generations) was that the reason the original "Ancestral Puebloans" moved away, was that "It Was Time".
Well, it is time .... that we move on south. I really LOVE this area .... and we will return some year or other.
But for now we have a balloon festival to see in Albuquerque.
Later,
Marilyn
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
back at the ranch
The architectural aspect of these structures is of course very fascinating to me.
Before we leave we are going back to this area to hike to some of the overlooks of additional villages.
Later, Marilyn
San Juan Skyway pictures
Ouray, on the way out (& up)
at least this one was paved |
| Iron Mountain -mineral content makes color (approx 11,500 ft) |
Fall has "fell"
While we have been near Mancos, Colorado for five days now, .... Fall has arrived! The trees have changed color, the air is crisper, the nights are colder .... it is invigorating! The people who live here have said there will be snow by Oct. 1st ..... we are scheduled to leave Oct. 1..... hope we get all our sightseeing in.
Yesterday we drove the "Million Dollar Highway" and the entire 236 mile loop which is called the San Juan Skyway (Durango, Cortez, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and back to Durango). It took us twelve and one-half hours at a leisurely pace, but we could have spent more time in many places. We did detour near Trout Lake to see a ghost town, and ended up driving 4 miles up a steep 'backcountry' road (gravel), and just as we reached the ghost town there were boulders in the road that would have required 4 wheel vehicles; so we parked and hiked probably 3/4 mile on up to find a lake that was said to be there..... but we gave out before the lake made an appearance.
I think if we can hike in this altitude as much as we have been able to, then we should really tear it up back at sea level!
We saw the most beautiful sights I have ever seen! ..... haven't I said that before?.... It just gets better.
More in a separate post.
Marilyn
Yesterday we drove the "Million Dollar Highway" and the entire 236 mile loop which is called the San Juan Skyway (Durango, Cortez, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and back to Durango). It took us twelve and one-half hours at a leisurely pace, but we could have spent more time in many places. We did detour near Trout Lake to see a ghost town, and ended up driving 4 miles up a steep 'backcountry' road (gravel), and just as we reached the ghost town there were boulders in the road that would have required 4 wheel vehicles; so we parked and hiked probably 3/4 mile on up to find a lake that was said to be there..... but we gave out before the lake made an appearance.
 |
| Trout Lake |
 |
| Marilyn lags behind |
 |
| no guardrails; one lane |
More in a separate post.
Marilyn
Sunday, September 25, 2011
staying put
We spent a half day at Mesa Verde, explored Durango Historic Downtown ..... and decided we need to spend more time here (in Mancos, Colorado).
The campground we are in is actually a dude ranch (resort) in season but it closed Labor Day. The campsites are spread over the rolling mountainside in the tall Ponderosa pines, with views of mountain ranges all around. Our site is up on a small hill at the top, with a huge horse pasture behind (8 horses who like to play a lot ... it is fun watching them run) and many deer who come into the field to eat with the horses); a golf course down the hill, and many trails to walk the dogs ..... and Beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. So instead of trying to squeeze Grand Canyon in before being back in Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival, we decided to just 'stay put'. Besides, it is relatively cheap, as campgrounds go .. (of course we are in the off season now).
So we made a new list of the things we still want to do around here:
Back to Mesa Verde for some hiking
Drive the San Juan Skyway (including the Million Dollar Highway)
Hovenweep Pueblo
Jeep tour of the Ute Mountain Tribal Park (remote, backcountry roads to more cliff dwellings)
Anasazi Heritage Center
Hike Dove Creek
This afternoon I sat outside and started a watercolor of the San Juan mountains behind us .... this is the life!
Anyone want to come travel with us ? let me know. Want to join us in Albuquerque and travel back to Houston with us?
It's just like anything that a person enjoys .... you always want to share it with friends/ family.
The campground we are in is actually a dude ranch (resort) in season but it closed Labor Day. The campsites are spread over the rolling mountainside in the tall Ponderosa pines, with views of mountain ranges all around. Our site is up on a small hill at the top, with a huge horse pasture behind (8 horses who like to play a lot ... it is fun watching them run) and many deer who come into the field to eat with the horses); a golf course down the hill, and many trails to walk the dogs ..... and Beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. So instead of trying to squeeze Grand Canyon in before being back in Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival, we decided to just 'stay put'. Besides, it is relatively cheap, as campgrounds go .. (of course we are in the off season now).
So we made a new list of the things we still want to do around here:
Back to Mesa Verde for some hiking
Drive the San Juan Skyway (including the Million Dollar Highway)
Hovenweep Pueblo
Jeep tour of the Ute Mountain Tribal Park (remote, backcountry roads to more cliff dwellings)
Anasazi Heritage Center
Hike Dove Creek
This afternoon I sat outside and started a watercolor of the San Juan mountains behind us .... this is the life!
Anyone want to come travel with us ? let me know. Want to join us in Albuquerque and travel back to Houston with us?
It's just like anything that a person enjoys .... you always want to share it with friends/ family.
 |
| San Juan Mountains near Durango, CO |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
we found the Color !!
One of my favorite newspaper columns for many years was Leon Hale. Every spring he and an old friend would get in his pickup truck and head south to meet spring. They would travel down the coast until the landscape started to look green, and then would be able to guage how long until spring would reach Houston.
Well, we have found fall .... and it is in Silverton, Colorado. We are staying in a campground near Durango, at elevation 7500 feet; (both Vera and I have experienced some symptoms of altitude sickness) but today we rode the narrow guage steam train up to Silverton (elevation 9300) and we found the aspens ... well into their transformation to golden mountainsides.
It is really something to behold ! God does a great job !
We are so-o-o-o impressed with this area.... just too beautiful to try to describe. Maybe tomorrow I will post pictures (I used up all my camera battery today).
Anyway, I'm not sure how long it will take fall to get from here to Houston. I know Texas is really suffering. Wish I could just bring a busload down to ya'll.
Later, Marilyn
Well, we have found fall .... and it is in Silverton, Colorado. We are staying in a campground near Durango, at elevation 7500 feet; (both Vera and I have experienced some symptoms of altitude sickness) but today we rode the narrow guage steam train up to Silverton (elevation 9300) and we found the aspens ... well into their transformation to golden mountainsides.
It is really something to behold ! God does a great job !
We are so-o-o-o impressed with this area.... just too beautiful to try to describe. Maybe tomorrow I will post pictures (I used up all my camera battery today).
Anyway, I'm not sure how long it will take fall to get from here to Houston. I know Texas is really suffering. Wish I could just bring a busload down to ya'll.
Later, Marilyn
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Ahh-h-h, Colorado !!
We left the high desert of northern New Mexico, and just slipped over the border (mountain passes) and into the southwest corner of Colorado ------ just exhilarating! We are in Pagosa Springs for two days, to soak in the hot mineral pools and drive some of the mountain overlook roads ... maybe a short hike. I just love this country (too bad they have winter). We are just 60 miles east of Durango, which will be our next stop.
I still haven't gotten the hang of adding photos .... but here are two of the tent rocks back in Cochiti Lake area south of Santa Fe; and three of yesterdays hike in the Rio Grande Gorge south of Taos.
Rio Grande Gorge
Charlie on Rio Grande hike
Rio Grande
tent rocks
tent rocks
Later, Marilyn for the Three Travelers
I still haven't gotten the hang of adding photos .... but here are two of the tent rocks back in Cochiti Lake area south of Santa Fe; and three of yesterdays hike in the Rio Grande Gorge south of Taos.
Rio Grande Gorge
Charlie on Rio Grande hike
Rio Grande
tent rocks
tent rocksLater, Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Friday, September 16, 2011
Taos
We've moved up to Taos, NM; a really nice town.... I say 'town' because after having been in Santa Fe, this seems like a miniature Santa Fee, but much more relaxed and 'warm' to me. Santa Fe had a lot of people, and seemed more sophisticated, more expensive ..... I like Taos better.
The mountains of this area are much more 'friendly' than say, Grand Tetons or Glacier. Those high peaks covered with dense forests and snow capped are beautiful to gaze upon, no doubt about that. These less 'craig-y' more erosion rounded (with magnificent red bluffs in some places), mountains are more inviting to me ..... I have a real desire to climb up into them .... not just gaze upon them. I guess I just relate to them more.
Tomorrow we will do a 2.4 mile hike down in the Rio Grand Gorge .... I anticipate it to be a very beautiful place. The Rio Grand in this region has carved out a 650 foot deep gorge thru the mesas that is very beautiful from what we have seen. We were going to camp down along the river tonite, but discovered there was no internet service for Vera's teaching responsibilities, so we came 16 miles on into Taos. We'll be here a couple of days.
Later, Marilyn
The mountains of this area are much more 'friendly' than say, Grand Tetons or Glacier. Those high peaks covered with dense forests and snow capped are beautiful to gaze upon, no doubt about that. These less 'craig-y' more erosion rounded (with magnificent red bluffs in some places), mountains are more inviting to me ..... I have a real desire to climb up into them .... not just gaze upon them. I guess I just relate to them more.
Tomorrow we will do a 2.4 mile hike down in the Rio Grand Gorge .... I anticipate it to be a very beautiful place. The Rio Grand in this region has carved out a 650 foot deep gorge thru the mesas that is very beautiful from what we have seen. We were going to camp down along the river tonite, but discovered there was no internet service for Vera's teaching responsibilities, so we came 16 miles on into Taos. We'll be here a couple of days.
Later, Marilyn
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
sitting still at Cochiti Lake
Vera is back and we are just enjoying this spot, taking a few day trips. We are 30 minutes south of Santa Fe; and 45 minutes north of Albuquerque. This is just a really lovely Corp of Engineers campground.
Today we went down the road thru the Pueblo de Cochiti and on to Tent Rocks National Monument.
We took a short hike of 1.2 miles BUT there was maybe a couple hundred feet elevation climb. The cone shaped tent rocks are the result of numerous erosion processes in a 1000 foot thick layer of volcanic 'tuff' and pumice. The ash layers are from a nearby volcano of centuries ago; they are very soft (ash) that is capped by a much harder layer of rock that serves to protect the layers below. But over time much has disolved away, leaving these cone shapes of very light colored tuff with one or more boulders balanced on top. The cones are very uniform in shape but range in height from a few feet to almost 100 feet .... all with big rocks balanced on top. When enough erosion occurs to unseat the top rocks, then the whole cone disintegrates into a mound of pebbles and sand.
Tomorrow we are going back into Santa Fe to explore the Plaza.
Later, Marilyn
Today we went down the road thru the Pueblo de Cochiti and on to Tent Rocks National Monument.
We took a short hike of 1.2 miles BUT there was maybe a couple hundred feet elevation climb. The cone shaped tent rocks are the result of numerous erosion processes in a 1000 foot thick layer of volcanic 'tuff' and pumice. The ash layers are from a nearby volcano of centuries ago; they are very soft (ash) that is capped by a much harder layer of rock that serves to protect the layers below. But over time much has disolved away, leaving these cone shapes of very light colored tuff with one or more boulders balanced on top. The cones are very uniform in shape but range in height from a few feet to almost 100 feet .... all with big rocks balanced on top. When enough erosion occurs to unseat the top rocks, then the whole cone disintegrates into a mound of pebbles and sand.
Tomorrow we are going back into Santa Fe to explore the Plaza.
Later, Marilyn
Friday, September 9, 2011
wilderness suburb/ double rainbow
We (Charlie and I) have moved north from Albuquerque, about 20 miles south of Santa Fe. We are in a very nice Corp of Engineers park, on a lake that the Rio Grande River flows thru.
The first morning here I awoke to the sound of silence (very unusual). Very few human sounds, a few birds .... thats it. So I sat outside enjoying this feeling of being in "the wilderness" .... reminding me of my childhood on a rural farm ..... everything so beautiful and peaceful.
Then we decided to take the car exploring: .... lookout points, the dam, nearby Indian Pueblo .... and then about 5 miles from camp we came upon Interstate 25, with a sign "Santa Fe 17 miles". What a disappointment to discover my 'wilderness' was just a suburb.
Late that afternoon there was a rain shower, and when it had passed on into the adjoining mountains, the most beautiful double rainbow appeared! Did you know that the colors are reversed on the second one? I don't think I've ever seen a double. There were three things very unique about it. 1) It was very short/shallow, just along the river and into the lake, you could see both ends. I held my hand out at arms length and the lower band, which wasn't far above the cliffs on the other side of the lake, was the width of one finger. There were six finger widths in the middle, which was a reddish gray color, and then the top band was also one finger width. It looked so close I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. 2) It was absolutely glowing brightly; the yellow expecially looked as if it were illuminated/ light. 3) On the end nearest the lake, which was directly in front of me, you could see the cliffs and foothills on the other side COLORED by the colors of the rainbow. There were distinct bands of each glowing color, thru which you could see rocks and trees of that color !!
It was a God thing.
We are relishing just sitting here doing nothing except gazing at the views. We are surrounded by foothills, and in the distance, blue gray mountain ranges.
While in Albuquerque we went up the Tram to the peak of the Sandia mountains which are on the eastern edge of the city. The peak was 10,600 feet; we traveled over the most gorgeous red rock formations on the way up!
When Vera gets back on Sunday we will head up into the Durango area for a few weeks, then come back to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival.
Later, Marilyn
The first morning here I awoke to the sound of silence (very unusual). Very few human sounds, a few birds .... thats it. So I sat outside enjoying this feeling of being in "the wilderness" .... reminding me of my childhood on a rural farm ..... everything so beautiful and peaceful.
Then we decided to take the car exploring: .... lookout points, the dam, nearby Indian Pueblo .... and then about 5 miles from camp we came upon Interstate 25, with a sign "Santa Fe 17 miles". What a disappointment to discover my 'wilderness' was just a suburb.
Late that afternoon there was a rain shower, and when it had passed on into the adjoining mountains, the most beautiful double rainbow appeared! Did you know that the colors are reversed on the second one? I don't think I've ever seen a double. There were three things very unique about it. 1) It was very short/shallow, just along the river and into the lake, you could see both ends. I held my hand out at arms length and the lower band, which wasn't far above the cliffs on the other side of the lake, was the width of one finger. There were six finger widths in the middle, which was a reddish gray color, and then the top band was also one finger width. It looked so close I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. 2) It was absolutely glowing brightly; the yellow expecially looked as if it were illuminated/ light. 3) On the end nearest the lake, which was directly in front of me, you could see the cliffs and foothills on the other side COLORED by the colors of the rainbow. There were distinct bands of each glowing color, thru which you could see rocks and trees of that color !!
It was a God thing.
We are relishing just sitting here doing nothing except gazing at the views. We are surrounded by foothills, and in the distance, blue gray mountain ranges.
While in Albuquerque we went up the Tram to the peak of the Sandia mountains which are on the eastern edge of the city. The peak was 10,600 feet; we traveled over the most gorgeous red rock formations on the way up!
When Vera gets back on Sunday we will head up into the Durango area for a few weeks, then come back to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival.
Later, Marilyn
Thursday, September 1, 2011
tick free !!!
I want to give a good news report .... we are finally tick free. Now that may not sound like a subject to get excited about, but we have been thru about two months of constant effort and vigilance to rid our dogs and motorhome of the pesky critters. We haven't found a live tick in almost two weeks, and a dead one in at least a week. So, we think we are in control now; but we will continue to have tick checks routinely, because if they get a head start ..... it is misery ! This western part of the country seems to have them just about everywhere, even in green mowed lawns. We know this because we found one clinging to Toby's coat as we brought the dogs inside after being out in green grass and bushes.
Albuquerque is basically an arid land, and isn't supposed to get much rainfall at all ..... but both days we have been here it has rained hard in the afternoons.
More later,
Marilyn
Albuquerque is basically an arid land, and isn't supposed to get much rainfall at all ..... but both days we have been here it has rained hard in the afternoons.
More later,
Marilyn
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
red rock cliffs
We are in Albuquerque, and Vera is getting ready to fly to Miami to catch her cruise. Charlie and I will .... do absolutely nothing .... for a day or two ..... and then we will start exploring. I will try to find a nice campground up in the Sandia mountains. You can see the mountains all along the eastern edge of Albuquerque.
Today as we went out on erands (car wash, dry cleaners for Vera, hair cuts, etc), a huge dust storm came up. I'm talking very strong gusty winds and reduced visibility because there was so much dust in the air (it reminded me of school days in Lubbock, TX); and THEN ... it started to rain !!
Now, actually, I wasn't too shocked by this ..... because back in Lubbock I've seen it start to snow in the middle of a dust storm. no kidding.
Later, Marilyn
Today as we went out on erands (car wash, dry cleaners for Vera, hair cuts, etc), a huge dust storm came up. I'm talking very strong gusty winds and reduced visibility because there was so much dust in the air (it reminded me of school days in Lubbock, TX); and THEN ... it started to rain !!
Now, actually, I wasn't too shocked by this ..... because back in Lubbock I've seen it start to snow in the middle of a dust storm. no kidding.
Later, Marilyn
Monday, August 29, 2011
Arches / Canyonlands
Change of plans: intended to go thru Ouray, Silverton, Durango down to Albuquerque; However, a very large rainstorm, (projected for a couple of days) hung out over our heads and our path southeastward ..... so we backtracked a little and are back in Utah, seeing Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
We've been in Moab a couple of days, and now we will head south again.
The thing about this beautiful country ..... it is BIG .... desolate ..... beautiful .... it just goes on and on. Mostly what we see are the red rock canyons and cliffs, and some of it was a minature Grand Canyon. We drove for thirty something miles to get out on the end of a triangular mesa whose point looks down (2000 feet below) on the confluence of the Green River and the Colorado River. From there the Colorado makes its way southwest and then southeast to the Grand Canyon. We really want to come back here and do some of the water activites: rafting, jet boat tours into the canyons, etc.
The first afternoon we got here the campground office suggested a scenic drive up into the foothills behind the campground .... and so as soon as we got things settled we started out about 7pm. Two major mistakes (which you are warned never to do): we didn't have a map .... and we neglected to ask how long the loop was.
So over an hour later we were still thinking the loop was going to come out on the main road, when we saw a little sign that said Moab 42 miles. And it was getting dark fast. We looked on the other side of the sign and it said Moab 22 miles (in the direction we had just come). Well, obviously it was a no brainer decision: we made a quick turnaround and raced the darkness back to the campground. When I say "raced" it is really a misnomer: there were switchbacks and 's' curves and most of them were marked as 20 mph or even 15mph .... and the road was really narrow and backcountry. Did I mention we only saw about 5 or 6 other cars .... Yeah, I know, not smart! Next day we got some good maps before we started out.
Leaving in the morning, probably will make it to somewhere near Gallup, NM.
Later, Marilyn
We've been in Moab a couple of days, and now we will head south again.
The thing about this beautiful country ..... it is BIG .... desolate ..... beautiful .... it just goes on and on. Mostly what we see are the red rock canyons and cliffs, and some of it was a minature Grand Canyon. We drove for thirty something miles to get out on the end of a triangular mesa whose point looks down (2000 feet below) on the confluence of the Green River and the Colorado River. From there the Colorado makes its way southwest and then southeast to the Grand Canyon. We really want to come back here and do some of the water activites: rafting, jet boat tours into the canyons, etc.
The first afternoon we got here the campground office suggested a scenic drive up into the foothills behind the campground .... and so as soon as we got things settled we started out about 7pm. Two major mistakes (which you are warned never to do): we didn't have a map .... and we neglected to ask how long the loop was.
So over an hour later we were still thinking the loop was going to come out on the main road, when we saw a little sign that said Moab 42 miles. And it was getting dark fast. We looked on the other side of the sign and it said Moab 22 miles (in the direction we had just come). Well, obviously it was a no brainer decision: we made a quick turnaround and raced the darkness back to the campground. When I say "raced" it is really a misnomer: there were switchbacks and 's' curves and most of them were marked as 20 mph or even 15mph .... and the road was really narrow and backcountry. Did I mention we only saw about 5 or 6 other cars .... Yeah, I know, not smart! Next day we got some good maps before we started out.
Leaving in the morning, probably will make it to somewhere near Gallup, NM.
Later, Marilyn
Saturday, August 27, 2011
lots of space
A fellow traveler said today: "what strikes me about this country is there's so much space between places". Very true ..... and all of it beautiful.
We landed today in Grand Junction, Colorado and discovered we can look from our campsite across the valley to the south and see the beginning edges of Colorado National Monument with its gigantic sculpted masterpieces.
To the north the Bookcliffs run back into Utah: white colored eroded cliffs with a flat plateau above.
To the east is The Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. It is called the "10,000 foot high island in the sky". It is covered in pines and aspen, with meadows, over 300 lakes, and just below the rim is Powderhorn Ski Resort for the cold weather fans (not me) :)
We will explore these places tomorrow, then on to Ouray.
Later, Marilyn
We landed today in Grand Junction, Colorado and discovered we can look from our campsite across the valley to the south and see the beginning edges of Colorado National Monument with its gigantic sculpted masterpieces.
To the north the Bookcliffs run back into Utah: white colored eroded cliffs with a flat plateau above.
To the east is The Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. It is called the "10,000 foot high island in the sky". It is covered in pines and aspen, with meadows, over 300 lakes, and just below the rim is Powderhorn Ski Resort for the cold weather fans (not me) :)
We will explore these places tomorrow, then on to Ouray.
Later, Marilyn
Thursday, August 25, 2011
flat curvature
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
We traveled today across the northern Nevada desert toward Salt Lake City. The mountains are very different, quite arid; but the colors are just fantastic.
Just at the border of Utah, we crested some mountains and suddenly the white salt flats stretched before us completely from left to right and as far as is visible. Only two features marked the wide, white expanse: IH 80 going east, and IH 80 coming west. The two tracks were away out to the left of the view, looking toward the east; and the remainder of the entire horizon showed the earth's curvature ! It was a real "WOW". Gives a whole new meaning to "flat" ..... and I thought West Texas was flat !
We are in Wendover, Utah tonite, elevation 4100 feet (the air mattress should sleep good tonite - not too high, not too low).
Later, Marilyn
We traveled today across the northern Nevada desert toward Salt Lake City. The mountains are very different, quite arid; but the colors are just fantastic.
Just at the border of Utah, we crested some mountains and suddenly the white salt flats stretched before us completely from left to right and as far as is visible. Only two features marked the wide, white expanse: IH 80 going east, and IH 80 coming west. The two tracks were away out to the left of the view, looking toward the east; and the remainder of the entire horizon showed the earth's curvature ! It was a real "WOW". Gives a whole new meaning to "flat" ..... and I thought West Texas was flat !
We are in Wendover, Utah tonite, elevation 4100 feet (the air mattress should sleep good tonite - not too high, not too low).
Later, Marilyn
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Virginia City
What a pleasant surprise! Going north from Tahoe to Reno, we did a detour over to Virginia City, which was an 1860's - 1870's mining boomtown; and has been preserved in its original buildings. Of course all the businesses are now tourist oriented, but the buildings are quite interesting. The Saloons all look like they probably did back then, and the bank, which is now something else, still has its original vault that held all that gold and silver. There are two original churches, one a Catholic Cathedral which is really beautiful.
They have tours into one of the defunct mines which was interesting.
The town itself is built on the side of a very steep small mountain/large hill and when you come around the last turn in the road and see it on the hillside, it is quite enchanting. There is almost nothing modern or commercialized (except a couple of gas pumps at the edge of town).
The second thing that was quite a surprise was how absolutely beautiful the desert mountains were on that back road detour. They are actually some of the mountains that surround Reno, and we would never have gone up into them except to go to Virginia City. By the way they do not look like the Bonanza tv series showed them - surprise, surprise.
The trivia for today is about the drinking water in Virginia City: it is piped in (I forgot where from), but it is probably a hundred miles at least (we saw the map). The pipe was layed back in those boomtown days because the ground contains arsenic and water wells are not an option. The map displayed showed all the mining claims from the records of that day, plus the water supply, plus a ventilation shaft used by all the mines which came out the side of the mountain, and cost 4 million dollars to build (4 mil back then).
So, then we got on IH 80 and headed toward Salt Lake, and got as far as Winnemucca for tonite.
Later, Marilyn
They have tours into one of the defunct mines which was interesting.
The town itself is built on the side of a very steep small mountain/large hill and when you come around the last turn in the road and see it on the hillside, it is quite enchanting. There is almost nothing modern or commercialized (except a couple of gas pumps at the edge of town).
The second thing that was quite a surprise was how absolutely beautiful the desert mountains were on that back road detour. They are actually some of the mountains that surround Reno, and we would never have gone up into them except to go to Virginia City. By the way they do not look like the Bonanza tv series showed them - surprise, surprise.
The trivia for today is about the drinking water in Virginia City: it is piped in (I forgot where from), but it is probably a hundred miles at least (we saw the map). The pipe was layed back in those boomtown days because the ground contains arsenic and water wells are not an option. The map displayed showed all the mining claims from the records of that day, plus the water supply, plus a ventilation shaft used by all the mines which came out the side of the mountain, and cost 4 million dollars to build (4 mil back then).
So, then we got on IH 80 and headed toward Salt Lake, and got as far as Winnemucca for tonite.
Later, Marilyn
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Too-o-o BEAUTIFUL !
Lake Tahoe is wondrous! When I got the first glimpse of it I literally gasped. Some parts are so glorious (Emerald Bay) that all I could do was stand there and drink it in. The central eastern shore reminds me of the Southern Oregon Coast. Emerald Bay was formed by a glacier pushing down the canyon and breaking out into the lake crater area.
And then the history of the lake is so interesting. Many murals and enlarged photos from the early 1900's are on display in a lot of public places. You can see it from the early Native American huts on the shore, to the mule trains of workers and supplies that built the roads, to the steam boat that connected the shoreline before the roads, to the early presidents and dignitaries who vacationed there.
I think I rank Tahoe right up close to Glacier Park for pure scenic beauty. We did not make it to Crater Lake this trip (because Marilyn got weary of driving in the mountains), but I hear it is exceptionally beautiful also, and even more blue than Tahoe (it is deeper than Tahoe).
One interesting trivia item about Tahoe: the water volume in the lake if spilled onto an area the size of California, would cover it to a depth of 14 inches.
Tomorrow, on to Winnemucca, Nevada.
Later, Marilyn
And then the history of the lake is so interesting. Many murals and enlarged photos from the early 1900's are on display in a lot of public places. You can see it from the early Native American huts on the shore, to the mule trains of workers and supplies that built the roads, to the steam boat that connected the shoreline before the roads, to the early presidents and dignitaries who vacationed there.
I think I rank Tahoe right up close to Glacier Park for pure scenic beauty. We did not make it to Crater Lake this trip (because Marilyn got weary of driving in the mountains), but I hear it is exceptionally beautiful also, and even more blue than Tahoe (it is deeper than Tahoe).
One interesting trivia item about Tahoe: the water volume in the lake if spilled onto an area the size of California, would cover it to a depth of 14 inches.
Tomorrow, on to Winnemucca, Nevada.
Later, Marilyn
Monday, August 22, 2011
Too-o-o far south
Reno is hot ! I know, just can't satisfy us -- picky, picky. But we have come up with a new slogan: "we don't have to be anywhere we don't want to be" ..... and this is too far south for this time of the year. (We are SO blessed to be able to say that; especially considering how our friends in Texas are suffering so from the heat.)
So-o-o we have decided to re-chose our original projected path farther north: up to Salt Lake City, then over into Colorado. We have about nine days left before we need to be in Albuquerque for Vera to go to another class reunion (this time it's nursing school). Charlie and I hope to find a nice campground up in the mountains to stay about a week while Vera flies off to go on a cruise. (That's a bad habit she's getting into: always flying off to somewhere :)
We were delayed an extra day in Reno because I (Marilyn) got food poisoning some place. Tonite we are in Carson City, and will take the car down around Lake Tahoe tomorrow. Then ..... northward, ho !
Later,
Marilyn
So-o-o we have decided to re-chose our original projected path farther north: up to Salt Lake City, then over into Colorado. We have about nine days left before we need to be in Albuquerque for Vera to go to another class reunion (this time it's nursing school). Charlie and I hope to find a nice campground up in the mountains to stay about a week while Vera flies off to go on a cruise. (That's a bad habit she's getting into: always flying off to somewhere :)
We were delayed an extra day in Reno because I (Marilyn) got food poisoning some place. Tonite we are in Carson City, and will take the car down around Lake Tahoe tomorrow. Then ..... northward, ho !
Later,
Marilyn
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Enough mountain roads
It took us 2 days to travel 300 miles across the bottom of Oregon .... very narrow lanes, very slow, very high mountain passes (lots of them), very nerve-racking ( I should have improved stomach muscle tone because they were tense for hours on end).
The positive side was it was beautiful. But I was so tired of mountain passes that I turned south and dropped down to Reno, Nevada. The "high desert" is very beautiful. Actually I read that Lake Tahoe elevation is above 6,000 feet. We'll go there in the next few days..... meanwhile we've accumulated about two tons of laundry that needs doing, a tire balance /or bubble problem that needs to be inspected, and the transmission is due for servicing. One of those mountain passes we traveled 13 miles in a steady climb.... (that's when I thought to check the service schedule) - duh ! But the engine has been performing exceptionally well.
Since we are farther south than I originally planned, we will eliminate Salt Lake City from our route and head straight for Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches, etc, etc.
Later, Marilyn
The positive side was it was beautiful. But I was so tired of mountain passes that I turned south and dropped down to Reno, Nevada. The "high desert" is very beautiful. Actually I read that Lake Tahoe elevation is above 6,000 feet. We'll go there in the next few days..... meanwhile we've accumulated about two tons of laundry that needs doing, a tire balance /or bubble problem that needs to be inspected, and the transmission is due for servicing. One of those mountain passes we traveled 13 miles in a steady climb.... (that's when I thought to check the service schedule) - duh ! But the engine has been performing exceptionally well.
Since we are farther south than I originally planned, we will eliminate Salt Lake City from our route and head straight for Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches, etc, etc.
Later, Marilyn
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Surf that crashes
Tonite we are in a campground, parked facing the shoreline which is not more than 150 feet away right out our front windshield ! Couldn't be more beautiful. Gives a whole new meaning to the term 'crashing waves'. They really do !..... crash .... that's the only way to describe it. It is quiet for maybe four seconds between waves, then it sounds like a hurricane out our window. Really cool. Can't wait to see the colors in the morning. (Hope for no tsunamis).
We are in Brookings, almost to the bottom of Oregon; and tomorrow we will turn back east. We will save California for our next trip in late winter/spring.
Later,
Marilyn
We are in Brookings, almost to the bottom of Oregon; and tomorrow we will turn back east. We will save California for our next trip in late winter/spring.
Later,
Marilyn
Dune buggy
The Oregon Coastal Dunes Park ecology and geology is so-o-o-o interesting. The dunes are several hundred feet high (as much as 500 feet) and extend up to a mile inland (and stretch for 40 miles along the coast).
Source of the sand is from sediment deposited at the mouth of rivers, then the ocean currents pick it up and move it south until it hits a projecting head of land, then it starts to build up and the wind carries it inland.
There are forests growing in AND on it. There are several phases of forestation but the most interesting is the old forest which still grows from the floor of the valley (under the dunes) and out the top of the sand. We're talking about maybe 100 feet down in the sand; branches have turned down into the sand and become roots, and new green growth is maybe another 50 plus feet above the sand surface.
Then there is the new forest which has grown on top of the sand once the sand has stabilized.
There is much ATV and dune buggy activity as you can imagine, but a good portion is trails thru trees just like any forest trails, only the sand is hundreds of feet above the beach elevation.
We chickened out on the individual ATV rentals, but took a tour in a modified suburban type vehicle .... which was much more exciting and hair raising than if we had driven our own. We got about half an hour of just riding the dunes .... fast..... and steep. I think just because we are three 'old ladies' we got the special roller coaster version.
It was fun ! ..... right up there with whitewater rafting.
Later,
Marilyn
Source of the sand is from sediment deposited at the mouth of rivers, then the ocean currents pick it up and move it south until it hits a projecting head of land, then it starts to build up and the wind carries it inland.
There are forests growing in AND on it. There are several phases of forestation but the most interesting is the old forest which still grows from the floor of the valley (under the dunes) and out the top of the sand. We're talking about maybe 100 feet down in the sand; branches have turned down into the sand and become roots, and new green growth is maybe another 50 plus feet above the sand surface.
Then there is the new forest which has grown on top of the sand once the sand has stabilized.
There is much ATV and dune buggy activity as you can imagine, but a good portion is trails thru trees just like any forest trails, only the sand is hundreds of feet above the beach elevation.
We chickened out on the individual ATV rentals, but took a tour in a modified suburban type vehicle .... which was much more exciting and hair raising than if we had driven our own. We got about half an hour of just riding the dunes .... fast..... and steep. I think just because we are three 'old ladies' we got the special roller coaster version.
It was fun ! ..... right up there with whitewater rafting.
Later,
Marilyn
Friday, August 12, 2011
Oregon Coast; Very spotty wi-fi
Vera has had a difficult time this week with her teaching responsibilities because of very inconsistent internet availability (cell phone also). And grades are due .....
We have traveled liesurely down the Oregon Coast from North to South, are about 2/3 the distance down to the California border. This is a country like no other ! Vastly different from anywhere else .... a different type of view around every corner: 500 feet tall sand dunes, inland lakes on one side of the road, beach on the other, high cliffs with rocks below in the surf, valleys sloping down to wide beaches, lighthouses on points jutting out into the water, .....
Tonite we are in North Bend, near Coos Bay, Oregon. A 40 mile stretch of the coast just north of here is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. As we drove down the coast highway there were many places the dunes have overtaken and covered portions of the forest, many very tall tree tops are sticking out of the top of the very tall dunes. Pretty awesome.
Tomorrow we are going to rent dune buggies to play in the sand.
Later, Marilyn
We have traveled liesurely down the Oregon Coast from North to South, are about 2/3 the distance down to the California border. This is a country like no other ! Vastly different from anywhere else .... a different type of view around every corner: 500 feet tall sand dunes, inland lakes on one side of the road, beach on the other, high cliffs with rocks below in the surf, valleys sloping down to wide beaches, lighthouses on points jutting out into the water, .....
Tonite we are in North Bend, near Coos Bay, Oregon. A 40 mile stretch of the coast just north of here is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. As we drove down the coast highway there were many places the dunes have overtaken and covered portions of the forest, many very tall tree tops are sticking out of the top of the very tall dunes. Pretty awesome.
Tomorrow we are going to rent dune buggies to play in the sand.
Later, Marilyn
Pacific Ocean, Oh Joy ! (Mon.Aug.8)
The Lewis and Clark journals record their jubilation at finally seeing the Pacific: "we have the ocean in view, oh joy".
It is quite remarkable. It is also a little unreal to think we are actually where we are. We have visited all the Lewis/Clark historical places around here (Seaside, OR), so we will move south. The Ocean here seems a lot calmer than I had anticipated .... but then we have been mostly on a bay, or mouth of rivers, etc.
Marilyn
It is quite remarkable. It is also a little unreal to think we are actually where we are. We have visited all the Lewis/Clark historical places around here (Seaside, OR), so we will move south. The Ocean here seems a lot calmer than I had anticipated .... but then we have been mostly on a bay, or mouth of rivers, etc.
Marilyn
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Columbia River Gorge
I am back in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark .... I plan to follow them all the way to the Pacific Coast. We are in Rufus, Oregon tonite, only 300 feet above sea level (had to put air in the Sleep Number Air Mattress; we have to add or take air out depending on the elevation ... one of those things the manufacturer probably doesn't even know .... how many people take their mattresses on long trips anyway?).
Our campsite is on a small hill on the side of this 1000 foot bluff going from the river up to the prairie above. It is Very Windy, but serene.... the only sound is the wind and the tall grasses blowing. And down below the Columbia River sparkling .... snow capped Mount Hood is off to the south.
Tomorrow we will pass thru Portland and camp just north of there in Washington.
Later, Marilyn
Our campsite is on a small hill on the side of this 1000 foot bluff going from the river up to the prairie above. It is Very Windy, but serene.... the only sound is the wind and the tall grasses blowing. And down below the Columbia River sparkling .... snow capped Mount Hood is off to the south.
Tomorrow we will pass thru Portland and camp just north of there in Washington.
Later, Marilyn
Thursday, August 4, 2011
mooses
We have seen a lot of wildlife the last couple of weeks... EXCEPT moose. I don't know why there do not seem to be any moose available for viewing. Maybe they are all on vacation.
But it has become a joke with us.... about where have all the 'mooses' gone. So last night we stopped for dinner at a restaurant called the Rusty Moose, which had two bronze statues of moose at the entrance to the restaurant ..... and we got our pictures made with the moose. So, now I guess we can let it rest.
Great Falls, Montana is a wonderful place. We spent all the time we could at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which is overlooking the River that Lewis and Clark came up. It is a wonderful place and the waterfalls are really something.
Later, Marilyn
But it has become a joke with us.... about where have all the 'mooses' gone. So last night we stopped for dinner at a restaurant called the Rusty Moose, which had two bronze statues of moose at the entrance to the restaurant ..... and we got our pictures made with the moose. So, now I guess we can let it rest.
Great Falls, Montana is a wonderful place. We spent all the time we could at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which is overlooking the River that Lewis and Clark came up. It is a wonderful place and the waterfalls are really something.
Later, Marilyn
Glacier National Park
Glacier is unbelievable. Simply the most awesome place I could ever imagine ..... it even surpasses Alaska for me. Did Not Want to Leave !!
We are now in Spokane, Washington spending a few days doing 'chores': laundry, new electrical cable connection between motorhome and car, dogs bathed and treated for ticks (again), dusting the motorhome and car with tick/flea powder, shopping for some decent hiking boots at REI, motorhome to Freightliner Truck Service Center for new alternator, etc. etc.
Probably will be leaving Saturday for the Columbia River Gorge. We will then head south down the Oregon coast; and save the rest of Washington state for next year when we go to Alaska.
We are now in Spokane, Washington spending a few days doing 'chores': laundry, new electrical cable connection between motorhome and car, dogs bathed and treated for ticks (again), dusting the motorhome and car with tick/flea powder, shopping for some decent hiking boots at REI, motorhome to Freightliner Truck Service Center for new alternator, etc. etc.
Probably will be leaving Saturday for the Columbia River Gorge. We will then head south down the Oregon coast; and save the rest of Washington state for next year when we go to Alaska.
cave, rock, fencepost
Montana is wonderful; it is Lewis & Clark country too .... I am a BIG fan of their story and trail.
Today we are in Great Falls, visiting the Missouri River and falls that L/C took 11 days to portage around. Actually there are 5 falls, most of which have been damned up for electricity, so the actual camping spots and landmarks of the Corp of Discovery are under water. But just to see the rolling prairies with the river winding thru is awesome. Their dairies were so complete that we know the actual dates they passed certain points. It was almost exactly 206 years ago this month that they passed <around> Great Falls.
We went to the see the confluence of the Three Rivers that go into the Missouri .... it was a beautiful plain with meandering streams of water everywhere. Lewis/Clark had to decide which one to follow .... the 33 men with them all voted on a different one, but the two captains made the decision and it was right.
We went to the L/C cavern State Park and went thru the cave .... all four of us. BUT, you don't realize the significance of that phrase "went thru the cave" ..... it was at least 9 or 10 lighthouses !
First we drove almost to the top of a hill which was 6525 feet elevation; then we hiked for 3/4 mile UP the side of the hill for another 300 feet rise in elevation. Then we entered the cavern and hiked 3/4 mile DOWN thru the cavern ..... actually sometimes sliding down 'chutes' .... and sometimes almost crawling thru passages. We can't figure out what possessed us to do it .... but since we survived, we feel absolutely elated that we did !!!!!!!
Back in the parking lot of the visitor center, I ran over a rock (well, actually a boulder), which lodged up under the motorhome and in front of the rear wheels. I had already called for a wrecker, when Charlotte and Charlie flagged down two young guys (one of which was our guide thru the cave). We raised the motorhome up on its jacks and the guys rolled the rock out .... wow !
So by this time it was dark and we were many miles from our campground for the nite. Took a wrong turn (we're talking very narrow barely paved country roads) and couldn't find a place to turn around. Finally decided to back the motorhome into a gravel side road to turn around ... Charlie backed the car down the lane first to give me some light from the cars headlights .... and backed right into a fencepost ! (the car, not the motorhome). So, after much laughter, we got headed right.... but couldn't find our campground, so we parked in a city park parking lot right in the middle of town in Whitehall, Montana (not a very big place). The next morning we just walked across the street for breakfast at the town's main cafe. The town had a series of Lewis and Clark murals on about a dozen of it's commercial buildings. They were really nicely done. So it turned into an unexpected but fun adventure.
Actually all of the events we experience we consider to be fun adventures ... expected or unexpected.
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Today we are in Great Falls, visiting the Missouri River and falls that L/C took 11 days to portage around. Actually there are 5 falls, most of which have been damned up for electricity, so the actual camping spots and landmarks of the Corp of Discovery are under water. But just to see the rolling prairies with the river winding thru is awesome. Their dairies were so complete that we know the actual dates they passed certain points. It was almost exactly 206 years ago this month that they passed <around> Great Falls.
We went to the see the confluence of the Three Rivers that go into the Missouri .... it was a beautiful plain with meandering streams of water everywhere. Lewis/Clark had to decide which one to follow .... the 33 men with them all voted on a different one, but the two captains made the decision and it was right.
We went to the L/C cavern State Park and went thru the cave .... all four of us. BUT, you don't realize the significance of that phrase "went thru the cave" ..... it was at least 9 or 10 lighthouses !
First we drove almost to the top of a hill which was 6525 feet elevation; then we hiked for 3/4 mile UP the side of the hill for another 300 feet rise in elevation. Then we entered the cavern and hiked 3/4 mile DOWN thru the cavern ..... actually sometimes sliding down 'chutes' .... and sometimes almost crawling thru passages. We can't figure out what possessed us to do it .... but since we survived, we feel absolutely elated that we did !!!!!!!
Back in the parking lot of the visitor center, I ran over a rock (well, actually a boulder), which lodged up under the motorhome and in front of the rear wheels. I had already called for a wrecker, when Charlotte and Charlie flagged down two young guys (one of which was our guide thru the cave). We raised the motorhome up on its jacks and the guys rolled the rock out .... wow !
So by this time it was dark and we were many miles from our campground for the nite. Took a wrong turn (we're talking very narrow barely paved country roads) and couldn't find a place to turn around. Finally decided to back the motorhome into a gravel side road to turn around ... Charlie backed the car down the lane first to give me some light from the cars headlights .... and backed right into a fencepost ! (the car, not the motorhome). So, after much laughter, we got headed right.... but couldn't find our campground, so we parked in a city park parking lot right in the middle of town in Whitehall, Montana (not a very big place). The next morning we just walked across the street for breakfast at the town's main cafe. The town had a series of Lewis and Clark murals on about a dozen of it's commercial buildings. They were really nicely done. So it turned into an unexpected but fun adventure.
Actually all of the events we experience we consider to be fun adventures ... expected or unexpected.
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
no phone/internet service ???? !!!!
I'll make this short and expand on our activities later.
We have been in Glacier National Park (THE most beautiful place on earth), for 6 days, with no wireless connection to the outside world.... Wow, it was beautiful !
Did I say it was beautiful ? .... totally unbelievable !
Yesterday we drove up into the eastern Glacier mountains to Many Glacier, took a boat the length of Swift Current Lake, hiked 1/2 mile over a glacial moraine hill, took another boat the then end of Lake Josephine, then hiked for an hour to Lake Grinnell, which is accessible only by trail.
The side story is that second lake is also accessible only by trail .... so how did they get the boat to it ?
Well they hired a crew of college guys to haul/ and or roll it (on styrofoam logs) up the 1/2 mile creek into
the middle lake.
Anyway, today we are on our way to Spokane. Charlotte, Charlies friend will catch a plane there. We are stopped in Kalispell, Montana at a Walgreen's store to get prescriptions refilled and we have internet and phone service.
More later,
Marilyn
We have been in Glacier National Park (THE most beautiful place on earth), for 6 days, with no wireless connection to the outside world.... Wow, it was beautiful !
Did I say it was beautiful ? .... totally unbelievable !
Yesterday we drove up into the eastern Glacier mountains to Many Glacier, took a boat the length of Swift Current Lake, hiked 1/2 mile over a glacial moraine hill, took another boat the then end of Lake Josephine, then hiked for an hour to Lake Grinnell, which is accessible only by trail.
The side story is that second lake is also accessible only by trail .... so how did they get the boat to it ?
Well they hired a crew of college guys to haul/ and or roll it (on styrofoam logs) up the 1/2 mile creek into
the middle lake.
Anyway, today we are on our way to Spokane. Charlotte, Charlies friend will catch a plane there. We are stopped in Kalispell, Montana at a Walgreen's store to get prescriptions refilled and we have internet and phone service.
More later,
Marilyn
Monday, July 25, 2011
Yellowstone to Glacier
Tonite we are in Bozeman, Montana on the way north to Glacier Park. I chickened out on coming by way of Beartooth Pass out of the north entrance of Yellowstone. I was told it has 10 % grades with hairpins ... and I draw the line at 7 % in the motorhome. We came over the Powder River Pass with 10% and hairpin switchbacks (in the motorhome, towing the car) ..... it was fun .... but "been there done that".
Charlie's friend from Mississippi is finally going to join us ... from Bozeman to Spokane.
So-o-o much to see everywhere here ... hard to make decisions which way to go and how long to stay.
Wish I could get the hang of attaching pictures to these blogs .... just can't seem to access the pictures from inside this program without downloading all our pictures into the companion Web program and I just don't want to do that.
Vera continues to play with it ... maybe soon .
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Three & one-half lighthouses
When we were in Florida I was very proud of having climbed to the top of several lighthouses. So, in the absence of lighthouses here in the Rocky Mountains I have associated major hikes up mountainsides with the energy of climbing a lighthouse. Up until this point my hikes have been in the neighborhood of two lighthouse equivalents.
Well, today Charlie and I did a 3 1/2 equivalent ... or maybe even a four. It was called Hidden Falls, which was a waterfall up at the top of a canyon on the back side of Jenny Lake, here in Jackson Hole Valley. It was a true backcountry trail, and for me was really pushing my limits. But we made it and the view was definitely worth it.
Of course I'm not sure if I will be able to walk tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will be leaving Victor, Idaho (which is just 20 minutes over Teton Pass from Jackson, Wyoming) where we have been for I guess about 10 days. We have been doing things here in Teton Park and surrounding area.
We will be moving north 40 or 50 miles to West Yellowstone to stay for about 4 days while we explore Yellowstone Park.
The Teton Valley would be a wonderful place to live in the summer (only). Actually I found out in the local newspaper that people can still ski near the peaks where there is a good amount of snow left. There are several ski ranches that take <mostly young daredevil types> up by horses to the edge of the snow, then they sidestep/climb on up and ski down. Gotta wanta ski real bad if you ask me (or need a good way to waste energy).
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Well, today Charlie and I did a 3 1/2 equivalent ... or maybe even a four. It was called Hidden Falls, which was a waterfall up at the top of a canyon on the back side of Jenny Lake, here in Jackson Hole Valley. It was a true backcountry trail, and for me was really pushing my limits. But we made it and the view was definitely worth it.
Of course I'm not sure if I will be able to walk tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will be leaving Victor, Idaho (which is just 20 minutes over Teton Pass from Jackson, Wyoming) where we have been for I guess about 10 days. We have been doing things here in Teton Park and surrounding area.
We will be moving north 40 or 50 miles to West Yellowstone to stay for about 4 days while we explore Yellowstone Park.
The Teton Valley would be a wonderful place to live in the summer (only). Actually I found out in the local newspaper that people can still ski near the peaks where there is a good amount of snow left. There are several ski ranches that take <mostly young daredevil types> up by horses to the edge of the snow, then they sidestep/climb on up and ski down. Gotta wanta ski real bad if you ask me (or need a good way to waste energy).
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Sunday, July 17, 2011
White headed wisdom
When you look at the pictures you will see a boat full of young people, with three older ladies on the back row, just in front of the guide. Charlie is on the left of the pictures (right side of the raft), and is shown to be rowing mightily .... as she should be. In the middle you can just make out the head of Vera, who is leaning forward to hold on to the safety straps (mightily),,, (she didn't have to row cause she's so short I guess). Anyway, she got the best seat in the house. And then on the right back corner (left side of the raft) .... is the white haired person who, you will notice, is NOT rowing ... because she is holding on tight and couldn't row and hold on at the same time!
Now, some people might be embarrassed at not holding up their end of the group effort ..... HOWEVER, I look at it this way: the white hair means a fair amount of wisdom has been accumulated up to this point in my life; and (irregardless of the decision to actually BE in the raft at all) I quickly decided it was more important to hang on than paddle.
We had a wonderful time!!!
Later, Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tick Control
Tick inspection of the dogs is a daily routine, and at nite it is a 3 person job: one to hold the dog still; one to look for ticks; and the third person to run the crematorium. I have always known the only way to kill a tick is to burn it with fire; so we have a creamation kit at the ready: flashlight, tweezers, a small bowl and box of matches. We think we are winning the battle finally, tomorrow we will bug bomb the motorhome and car again and hope the cycle will be over soon.
White water !
Snake River, Teton Valley, Wyoming:
We survived .... we all three did a 16 mile long river run today, with about 8 miles of it being class 3 whitewater ..... fantastic !!! It was a guided 8 person raft, and it was really fun. Nobody got tumped, which is a good thing since the river water was 53 degrees. They provided wet suits for everyone --- which is another story (seeing us in wet suits was I'm sure a topic of conversation among our fellow travelers - oh, well !) We had to leave the camera behind because it was going to be wet, so fortunately there is no record with which to blackmail anyone.
The full moon over the snow capped peaks was beautiful. Any direction you look you can see the peaks - tallest being 13,700 feet elevation.
Vera is having a problem with her ankle, has a walking boot on it ..... but it's not slowing her down ! However, she has an appointment at the Clinic in Jackson to have an injection into it on Monday.
Everyone else is fine, we are just soaking in the beauty of this place.
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
We survived .... we all three did a 16 mile long river run today, with about 8 miles of it being class 3 whitewater ..... fantastic !!! It was a guided 8 person raft, and it was really fun. Nobody got tumped, which is a good thing since the river water was 53 degrees. They provided wet suits for everyone --- which is another story (seeing us in wet suits was I'm sure a topic of conversation among our fellow travelers - oh, well !) We had to leave the camera behind because it was going to be wet, so fortunately there is no record with which to blackmail anyone.
The full moon over the snow capped peaks was beautiful. Any direction you look you can see the peaks - tallest being 13,700 feet elevation.
Vera is having a problem with her ankle, has a walking boot on it ..... but it's not slowing her down ! However, she has an appointment at the Clinic in Jackson to have an injection into it on Monday.
Everyone else is fine, we are just soaking in the beauty of this place.
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Monday, July 11, 2011
up and down, up and down, up and down
Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons ..... Wow-e-e !! I could never have imagined how beautiful.
We have been over at least 4 mountain passes that are over 9,000 feet. With lakes and rivers everywhere.
No campground in Yellowstone could accomodate our motorhome length, so we came on south toward Jackson Hole and stayed at a private campground. And tonite we are settled in a Victor, Idaho, which is only 20 minutes back over to Jackson. We will be staying here at least a week. Charlie and I plan to float down the snake river (guided), and do a little walking on the "easy" trails.
Vera comes in Wednesday nite.
They really take the bear danger seriously around here. They provide bear proof food storage bins for tent campers .... and at some camps they will not accept tents, pop-up campers or any "soft-sided" camper.
The motto you see everywhere is "a fed bear is a dead bear"..... trying to appeal to people not to unwittingly teach bears to associate food with people, because it will lead to the bear having to be killed. It's a tough situation!
Charlie and I sat outside this evening just soaking in the awesomeness of being completely surrounded by snow covered peaks. Lovely.
Later,
Marilyn
We have been over at least 4 mountain passes that are over 9,000 feet. With lakes and rivers everywhere.
No campground in Yellowstone could accomodate our motorhome length, so we came on south toward Jackson Hole and stayed at a private campground. And tonite we are settled in a Victor, Idaho, which is only 20 minutes back over to Jackson. We will be staying here at least a week. Charlie and I plan to float down the snake river (guided), and do a little walking on the "easy" trails.
Vera comes in Wednesday nite.
They really take the bear danger seriously around here. They provide bear proof food storage bins for tent campers .... and at some camps they will not accept tents, pop-up campers or any "soft-sided" camper.
The motto you see everywhere is "a fed bear is a dead bear"..... trying to appeal to people not to unwittingly teach bears to associate food with people, because it will lead to the bear having to be killed. It's a tough situation!
Charlie and I sat outside this evening just soaking in the awesomeness of being completely surrounded by snow covered peaks. Lovely.
Later,
Marilyn
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Snow covered peaks
Charlie and I just traveled across Wyoming from east to west, tomorrow we will enter Yellowstone. Vera is in Pennsylvania right now at a High School Reunion; she will be rejoining us in Jackson Hole.
We had a horrific hail storm last night in Sundance, Wyoming. Ping pong size hail cracked the plastic skylight vent cover in the bathroom. I really was worried about the tent campers in the campground; but this morning all seemed to be ok, with all their bedding and belonging spread out on the grass to dry.
Today we traveled over the Big Horn Mountain Range (approx. 9,600 feet elev.). Whoo-ee, we were actually ABOVE a lot of the snow capped peaks. Then came the downhill side ..... 15 mph switchbacks ... VERY beautiful AND fun (although a little tense since this was my first really big mountains).
Actually it was just as well that Vera wasn't with us because she prefers the mountain roads to have bigger guardrails. :)
But I tell you what, I am so-o-o-o impressed with the diesel engine in this motorhome ! The engine brake really does a wonderful job; holds the rig on the downhills to whatever you set it to .... makes me so glad we chose it. I very rarely have to use the service brake .... even on the 15 mph switchbacks!
Tonite we are in Greybull, Wyoming. The name greybull is a reference back to the white buffalo which was sacred to the Indians. This is very definitely western "cowboy" country; even the high schools have rodeo competition teams. Tomorrow we will travel thru Cody.
More later,
Marilyn, for the TWO travelers
We had a horrific hail storm last night in Sundance, Wyoming. Ping pong size hail cracked the plastic skylight vent cover in the bathroom. I really was worried about the tent campers in the campground; but this morning all seemed to be ok, with all their bedding and belonging spread out on the grass to dry.
Today we traveled over the Big Horn Mountain Range (approx. 9,600 feet elev.). Whoo-ee, we were actually ABOVE a lot of the snow capped peaks. Then came the downhill side ..... 15 mph switchbacks ... VERY beautiful AND fun (although a little tense since this was my first really big mountains).
Actually it was just as well that Vera wasn't with us because she prefers the mountain roads to have bigger guardrails. :)
But I tell you what, I am so-o-o-o impressed with the diesel engine in this motorhome ! The engine brake really does a wonderful job; holds the rig on the downhills to whatever you set it to .... makes me so glad we chose it. I very rarely have to use the service brake .... even on the 15 mph switchbacks!
Tonite we are in Greybull, Wyoming. The name greybull is a reference back to the white buffalo which was sacred to the Indians. This is very definitely western "cowboy" country; even the high schools have rodeo competition teams. Tomorrow we will travel thru Cody.
More later,
Marilyn, for the TWO travelers
the house is moving ... again - Toby
The dogs are amazing; they have the routine down, and of course are smelling the "roses" along the way. I think each has their own role in the travel pack:
Bugsy is the main scout. He likes to look down the road where we are going ... Vera even bought him his own folding chair which he sits or lies in right beside the passenger chair. When we are in the car, he almost always has his nose out the window. I can imagine him reporting to the others whether we've been there before, what kind of animals live there, and of course when they need to wake up and bark at something.
Toby is in charge of keeping everyone accounted for. He never wants to walk very far away from the motorhome during potty breaks while we are traveling; and he keeps track of everyone's whereabouts. (He's a mamas boy .. never to far from me).
Boo is in charge of social activities. She often wakes Toby up to get him to play rope tug or ball. If he is not really interested, she will try pushing the ball into his mouth. And of course, she has to keep all our laps warm from time to time.
People we encounter comment that Boo is probably the "boss" .... but actually Bugsy is grand ole man; (Boo just wants to be boss).
Later,
Marilyn
Bugsy is the main scout. He likes to look down the road where we are going ... Vera even bought him his own folding chair which he sits or lies in right beside the passenger chair. When we are in the car, he almost always has his nose out the window. I can imagine him reporting to the others whether we've been there before, what kind of animals live there, and of course when they need to wake up and bark at something.
Toby is in charge of keeping everyone accounted for. He never wants to walk very far away from the motorhome during potty breaks while we are traveling; and he keeps track of everyone's whereabouts. (He's a mamas boy .. never to far from me).
Boo is in charge of social activities. She often wakes Toby up to get him to play rope tug or ball. If he is not really interested, she will try pushing the ball into his mouth. And of course, she has to keep all our laps warm from time to time.
People we encounter comment that Boo is probably the "boss" .... but actually Bugsy is grand ole man; (Boo just wants to be boss).
Later,
Marilyn
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Badlands and Needles
Right in the middle of the southern half of South Dakota is a region (very large) which the Indians called "land, bad". Ironically, at the northern edge of this area is where the historical sod homesteaders flocked in the 1890's. The homesteaders area is rolling prairies, not real lush .... just like in "The Little House on the Prairie". Actually, Laura Ingall Wilders younger sister Carrie and her family homesteaded about 40 miles north of the "badlands".
The badlands is the most fantastic, unique, interesting place we have encountered thus far ..... very beautiful in a very stark, austere way. The plains have eroded away (millions of years) and left canyons, and earthen shapes in very "earthy" colors (caused by minerals). The tops often remain flat with the very tough prairie sod holding on for dear life. You can drive thru them up close and personal ..... very interesting.
"The Needles" is about 100 miles to the west, in the middle of the Black Hills. They are massive, vertically shapes spires, of granite, that millions of years ago were pushed straight up thru softer land. They hardened, and over time the surrounding earth eroded away leaving these unusual shapes. You can tell this entire area of hills is formed with these granite "up croppings" .... but this one area has so many more visible. The Black Hills are very lush, forested, very beautiful ..... a little like the Ozarks, only maybe taller hills.
The entire Black Hills are wonderful ! We've been here over a week, and hate to leave .... but Yellowstone beckons.
Vera is thinking of flying out of Rapid City to go to her high school reunion in Pennsylvania ... We'd pick her up in Jackson, Wyoming.
One of Charlie's friends from Mississippi is flying to Jackson to spend a week or so with us ......... so see, all you friends out there ..... you should let us know where you want to join us and we'll welcome you. Our next destination after Yellowstone/Teton will be the Oregon Coast.
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
The badlands is the most fantastic, unique, interesting place we have encountered thus far ..... very beautiful in a very stark, austere way. The plains have eroded away (millions of years) and left canyons, and earthen shapes in very "earthy" colors (caused by minerals). The tops often remain flat with the very tough prairie sod holding on for dear life. You can drive thru them up close and personal ..... very interesting.
"The Needles" is about 100 miles to the west, in the middle of the Black Hills. They are massive, vertically shapes spires, of granite, that millions of years ago were pushed straight up thru softer land. They hardened, and over time the surrounding earth eroded away leaving these unusual shapes. You can tell this entire area of hills is formed with these granite "up croppings" .... but this one area has so many more visible. The Black Hills are very lush, forested, very beautiful ..... a little like the Ozarks, only maybe taller hills.
The entire Black Hills are wonderful ! We've been here over a week, and hate to leave .... but Yellowstone beckons.
Vera is thinking of flying out of Rapid City to go to her high school reunion in Pennsylvania ... We'd pick her up in Jackson, Wyoming.
One of Charlie's friends from Mississippi is flying to Jackson to spend a week or so with us ......... so see, all you friends out there ..... you should let us know where you want to join us and we'll welcome you. Our next destination after Yellowstone/Teton will be the Oregon Coast.
Later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Monday, July 4, 2011
TICKS !!! Yikes!
We have discovered we have a tick problem with the dogs, which is rapidly expanding. We have tick inspections several times a day (with resulting "bonfire" cremations). Tomorrow will be totally dedicated to the full treatment of all dogs and bedding, and the whole "house" being fumigated. Man, what a mess !
We will have to be much more vigilant and brush the dogs (and ourselves) after they have been out for their walks.
We are loving this country (Black Hills) !
The Indian/ white man history here provides some terribly conflicting and sad emotions. I guess if you lived here and depended on tourism for your livelihood .... well, enough said.
Mount Rushmore is awesome, although not as large as I anticipated it to be. Crazy Horse Monument although nowhere near complete, is the most impressive thing I have ever seen. It is humongous ... it uses the whole mountain.
Later,
Marilyn
We will have to be much more vigilant and brush the dogs (and ourselves) after they have been out for their walks.
We are loving this country (Black Hills) !
The Indian/ white man history here provides some terribly conflicting and sad emotions. I guess if you lived here and depended on tourism for your livelihood .... well, enough said.
Mount Rushmore is awesome, although not as large as I anticipated it to be. Crazy Horse Monument although nowhere near complete, is the most impressive thing I have ever seen. It is humongous ... it uses the whole mountain.
Later,
Marilyn
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Black Hills of Wyoming
We are in Custer, Wyoming .... a small mountain "tourist" town in the middle of the Black Hills .... and only a few miles from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Hourse Monument.
We only arrived yesterday, and signed in for a full week... there are many sights and historical places to see. We found a really small, but really nice campground, with really nice and friendly people.
Our campground has French Creek running behind it, and a mountain rising straight up right behind us. We can walk into the little town (500 population - probably only in the summer); and we were immediately invited to a potluck BBQ in the town park (sponsored by a local church every week)... and the campground we are in has a potluck venison BBQ every Friday nite.
Also, all the town churches have a combined church service on the courthouse square this Sunday, which we are looking forward to. Right now we are headed out to the square for "free live entertainment".
More later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
We only arrived yesterday, and signed in for a full week... there are many sights and historical places to see. We found a really small, but really nice campground, with really nice and friendly people.
Our campground has French Creek running behind it, and a mountain rising straight up right behind us. We can walk into the little town (500 population - probably only in the summer); and we were immediately invited to a potluck BBQ in the town park (sponsored by a local church every week)... and the campground we are in has a potluck venison BBQ every Friday nite.
Also, all the town churches have a combined church service on the courthouse square this Sunday, which we are looking forward to. Right now we are headed out to the square for "free live entertainment".
More later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Fort Laramie, the crossroad
Fort Laramie National Historic Site (different from the city of Laramie further south and west) was a VERY Significant location in the expansion of the American West. I have been totally intrigued by the history of this place.
All three of the major trails (Oregon ,California, Mormon) that the first emigrants took to "the west", came past Fort Laramie .... estimated 500,000 people, by wagon and horse (and in the case of the Mormons many with hand carts).
The Pony Express used the same trail; although I was surprised to learn it only operated a couple of years (1860-1861). The railroad and then the telegraph took over its function.
We saw the wagon wheel ruts in the limestone rocks in several places, some as deep as four feet! I am in awe of the strength and perseverance of the people, AND the animals that sacrificed for them.
Fort Laramie later was important for the US army and for the freight wagons that supplied the west.
The rolling plains are beautiful! ..... WINDY, but beautiful.
Reminds me of West Texas, but greener. Of course right now is not a fair comparison because of the Texas drought. But Wyoming is not the semi-arid land that west Texas is.
Later, Marilyn
All three of the major trails (Oregon ,California, Mormon) that the first emigrants took to "the west", came past Fort Laramie .... estimated 500,000 people, by wagon and horse (and in the case of the Mormons many with hand carts).
The Pony Express used the same trail; although I was surprised to learn it only operated a couple of years (1860-1861). The railroad and then the telegraph took over its function.
We saw the wagon wheel ruts in the limestone rocks in several places, some as deep as four feet! I am in awe of the strength and perseverance of the people, AND the animals that sacrificed for them.
Fort Laramie later was important for the US army and for the freight wagons that supplied the west.
The rolling plains are beautiful! ..... WINDY, but beautiful.
Reminds me of West Texas, but greener. Of course right now is not a fair comparison because of the Texas drought. But Wyoming is not the semi-arid land that west Texas is.
Later, Marilyn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)